In 1984 a bioacoustic researcher was studying whale songs on the west coast. She heard news that four baby elephants were born at the Oregon Zoo, and went to see them. While there she sensed a vibration near the elephant cages. It turned out the animals were using low-frequency sounds to send messages back and forth across the zoo grounds. [More]
The epic silence of Iron Dad
Just think what Iron Dad could do. He would know exactly what to say to kids in every situation, no matter how hard. Goofball snafus would be replaced with laser-beam humor. His storytelling would never cease to amaze. Young audiences would be cheered by the knowledge that his wisdom could banish any bogeyman. [Read More]
Puttzing into summer tomfoolery
“The [Cannon Beach] Puttz is a way to have some fun as a community before the craziness of summer begins,” says Evie Alburas, a fellow board member of the Tolovana Arts Colony. “It helps us enjoy being silly. Every year I’m flabbergasted by the unorthodox things that hole creators come up with — like a big scary fishlike creature holding a Barbie in its mouth, or a ramp that shoots balls up in the air that you have to catch in baskets on your head.” [Read More]
Charles de Lint sings about Animal People
“There’s only one thing you’ve got to remember.
Everything in this world is a brother or sister.”
In addition to being a world-class author, Charles de Lint is a heartfelt folk musician. Here he offers up a message about Animal People, beings who are also featured in his mythic fiction.
Unshod
If only man did not tether us
we would fly widdershins,
kick up clods at the sun,
make clouds of turf swirl round our heels.
Instead we pace and crib to get high
in the sterile gold stalls of Olympus.
Here the social feed smells mean
and riders mimic predators.
Animal people will love “Someplace to be Flying” by Charles de Lint
De Lint’s storytelling draws mastfully from both folklore and scientific truth. When I worked as a field biologist, fresh out of college, my mentors informed me that ornithologists who study the crow family quickly learn that the birds are also studying them. These creatures are among the most intelligent of all animals, having demonstrated self-awareness in mirror tests, tool-making abilities, and a total brain-to-body mass that is close to that of humans.
Dig those well-rounded points
Here’s a cool clip from a 1971 animated film based on a musical fable by Harry Nilsson. The central character in the story — a sweet boy name Oblio — is cast out of his village because he is different. All of the other villagers have pointed heads, but Oblio’s noggin is round. His attempts to hide this fact by wearing a pointed hat don’t change his social circumstances.
Here’s to a thriving hive
I found this video during a quick internet fly-over. Some instinct moved me to bring it home and share it, not just with select friends and family — in standard online fashion — but for the betterment of a whole community website.
Where the Sidewalk Endsby Shel Silverstein
Yes we’ll walk with a walk that is measured and slow,
And we’ll go where the chalk-white arrows go,
For the children, they mark, and the children, they know
The place where the sidewalk ends.
Grieving for the Green
On the morning of the first Earth Day a seven-year-old boy seached for salamanders in a creek. He didn’t know adults were launching a new holiday to encourage care for creation. His heart and mind were filled with amazement at the critters who lived under the damp mossy rocks. After lunch he climbed one of his favorite trees.
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