Animals

Medieval entertainment

Jugglers exhibiting monkeys and bears. Good times. 13th century image.

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Make your own Christmas postcard (instructions)

So, you decided to make your own Christmas card? Congratulations! There are 5 simple steps:

1. Place kitten inside Christmas tree.

2. Take a cute photo.

3. Remove the kitten.

4. Severely punish the kitten for getting inside the Christmas tree.

5. Repeat if necessary.

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A small animal? A hat? Both?

November 29, 2012

Just so you know, the temperature outside is around 30. Hardly necessitates extra warm headdress.

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The Return of the Prodigal Son: Disney Remake?

November 20, 2012

One of Rembrandt’s finest works is strangely mirrored/mocked in this odd encounter of two unlikely hugging animals. I can totally see a Disney adaptation of the gospel parable.

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One of nine lives

October 8, 2012

Cat: Do as you’re told. Mother knows best. Kitten: But, Ma, Can’t I lead at least one of my own lives? Life Magazine, 1927

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Hares and Rabbits Act of 1880 and its Little Victims

July 6, 2012

“Hares and Rabbits may be killed and taken by any of the ordinary methods except dynamite or the catapult, from April 1 to Feb.29, at any hour between sunrise and sunset convenient to the occupier, or, where there is a “concurrent right”, to the owner.” The Ground Game Act of 1880 that was passed by [...]

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Sheep’s liver

April 29, 2012

Haruspicy was a big deal in many ancient societies. Just how serious these people were about divination through careful examination of animal entrails? Take a look at this object. This is an Etruscan bronze model of a sheep’s liver. You can just imagine it being passed around in a classroom at an ancient college of [...]

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Magnificent tusks

March 5, 2012

The biggest consignment of ivory ever dispatched from Zanzibar. There were altogether 355 magnificent tusks, weighing 22,307lb. (1905)

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Looking for the odds

February 27, 2012

“Looking for the odds.” I just have to assume that tigers generally present a danger for elephants. But I could be wrong.

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Small talk at the zoo (1897). Carson from Downton Abbey?

February 13, 2012

He: We always go somewhere in the woods during the summer. She: We always go near the water. It agrees so much better with our family. Is it me or does the elephant resemble Carson, the butler from Downton Abbey?

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