A group of scientists from several institutions are collaborating to "co-create" a language with dolphins that humans can interpret with the help of an underwater "translation" machine.
Some academics claim that the words "pet" and "owner" are insulting to animals, and might even affect how they're treated. So from now on, please start using the term "companion animal," instead of the p-word, when referring to Binky/Mr. Winkles/whatever the fuck embarrassing name you gave the poor creature. You're not Andy Capp, after all—you're a "human carer."
Are you one of the millions of people worldwide who count a dog, cat, ferret, or any manner of other non-human, eating-and-pooping creatures among your family members? If so, take note: You may want to reconsider the term "pet" when referring to them. An editorial in the Journal of Animal Ethics says that term, along with words like "critters" and "beasts," is derogatory language that can give your four-legged loved ones an inferiority complex.
Are you a leper? It may be because of the nine-banded armadillo, and not because you are a sinful blasphemer, as previously believed: Based on new evidence, scientists think that the armadillo carries and can spread leprosy to human populations. DNA tests have matched the leprosy strains of some U.S. patients with those of armadillos—among the only animals that carry the bacteria—and though the majority of cases in the U.S. are contracted in countries with higher instances of the disease, these tests indicate that some American patients contracted leprosy through armadillo exposure. Now: It's unlikely the diseases is transmitted through armadillo-human sex—though it's gross your mind went there immediately—as leprosy isn't sexually transmitted between humans, but Dr. Warwick Britton of the University of Sydney in Australia says that he "would not cuddle armadillos," which strikes us as both an admirable personal confession on the part of Dr. Britton, as well as advice we should all consider following. [AP]
We hasten this morning to bring you the very latest on the Penn Frat Party Camel Abuse Controversy. What's that? You haven't been following the uproar at the Ivy League that erupted after the Zeta Psi fraternity went to a petting zoo and rented a camel for its "Spring Fling" party? And how some people objected to the way that the camel was surrounded by drunken Greeks and petted to within an inch of its life?
Starbucks has attracted its fair share of negative attention over the years. Here's another bit of bad news for detractors to feast on. Last week, a group of friends was socializing outside a Starbucks near Richmond, BC when they noticed a rat enjoying the coffee chain's delicious syrup dispensers. Naturally, they filmed the action. And now you're nauseous. [BCLocal via Eater]
Tennessee state Rep. Joanne Favors, Democrat of Chattanooga, did not enjoy encountering a "huge dog" in the plaza of the state Capitol earlier this week. Here she is shortly after her episode, just unloading on the floor of the House. Who brought this beast to the Capitol? Now her blood pressure's through the roof, thank you very much:
We know. We know! Cutesy internet baby animal bullshit is just the worst. Worse even than email signatures with inspirational quotes! What are we, your aunt? And yet we are helpless in the face of this baby penguin being tickled. You watch it, and tell us that you wouldn't have posted it, too.
A cop in Mesquite, Texas, decided to pepper spray a baby squirrel at a middle school while horrified children and teachers looked on. He keeps on going even though they plead with him to stop. Now that the cop has been caught on film, let's hope PETA or some other animal rights group comes calling. Just when you thought kids having cell phones in schools was a bad idea! [via NYM]
A dog trying to cross the highway is hit by a car and hurt badly, unable to move. Moments later, another dog comes rushing to his rescue and leads him to safety. It is said that the injured dog did not actually survive.
Question: Is there anything grosser than a worm-strewn sidewalk after an afternoon downpour in the suburbs? When every concrete surface is slathered with waterlogged nightcrawlers, lying in heaps like flesh-colored boogers?
This rabbit is very brave he is trying to get freaky with a dog and even though it goes against nature he is not giving up.
When Irwin the handicapped kangaroo looked at his owner Christine with those big brown eyes, they knew it was fate. Not only is he adorable, but as a therapy pet, he's teaching everyone how to love life again.
Getting a board game is often a cruel joke when you're an only child. That is unless you can teach your dog to play with you.
