Read a Banned Book!

I've also been wearing my banned books bracelet for the past two weeks. It's actually sparked several conversations. Coco (my little pal) asked me what it meant. She had never heard of banning books and was really confused at the prospect--we had a good chat about censorship and freedoms and past governments that ruled on what people could and could not do. Big subjects for a kid to tackle--I was really proud of her indignation! The guy who took my kitchen order at Ikea really liked the bracelet too--while waiting for the computer to input the order we chatted about our favorite books. Here's the bracelet:

Go order one today (there's also a kids version) and make a stand!

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Dude, I am Soooo Drunk

So what did you do yesterday?

This is the closest I've ever gotten to a ring-tailed lemur. I've never had one touch me! (I can add this one to the list with Coquerel's sifaka and Diademed sifaka!) I held out my hand and this little guy came and tugged on my fingers. It's so damn neat to sit and watch them up close--they're like my cat and me all in one animal. Long fingers, but they're really paws not hands. They walk upright and stroll around on all fours. Look at the little fingernail on his thumb...wow.

If you visit the primate center at Duke University on your own (and I really think you should--they are AMAZING!) you won't get this close to the animals. You'll go on a wonderful tour and see many animals from a safe distance. You'll learn a lot and hopefully come away with a better understanding of some of the problems these beautiful creatures (and their country) face. However if you decide to become a little more involved and give more of your time (sometimes we even get to rake monkey poop!) you might decide to join us for Lemurcon one of these years. Come down for some up close learning experiences and observations. Hear lectures on new research by some ground breaking scientists and have a chance to ask as many questions and to learn as much as you can about these fascinating animals. Give me a shout sometime if you want to come along--I'll point you in the right direction!

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New Orleans

Give to the Red Cross if you can. Habitat for Humanity could also use funds--they're planning a home building blitz. But I didn't need to tell you that, did I? The whole country is reeling in shock. How the hell could this happen?

And as my brother, Kevin, said: When they build it back again, we should all consider it our patriotic duty to head down for Mardi Gras. Bring it on.

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