Animals force people to re-evaluate concepts of intelligence

"The featured article in March’s issue of National Geographic grabbed my attention recently. The article, “Inside Animal Minds,” was an in-depth exploration of animal intelligence in species ranging from octopi to dolphins, with a domesticated pet or two in between. I don’t think I need to tell animal lovers that animals have their own unique brand of intelligence, but the scientific community is still coming to grips with the issue." Read more here.


I love my sister...

Hawt Diggety, another season of DMB begins!!!

I love it... So I'll be seeing Dave & Tim Reynolds with The Dalai Lama in Seattle on April 11, then here in ATL on July 7, and... for year 3 in a row... Dave for 3 consecutive days of concerts at the Gorge!!!

I just cannot begin to explain the magic of the three days spent camping and grooving with Dave in the middle of freaking nowhere in Washington. Waking to the sound of cows mooing, brisk air, early hot showers (before the line) and breakfast burritos to dull the edge of the previous day's hangover... Trying to find a square of shade for you and your frosty beverage in the mid-day heat, jamming with Dave & the band high above the gorgeous Columbia River Gorge... Riding in and out from the evening concerts on the bus (do NOT stay at the campground at the Gorge, people... Wild Horse is the way to go)... Eating apples that have fallen to the ground in a seemingly abandoned orchard... Having brunch at Cave B Inn, hoping to catch a glimpse of Dave or the band...

Times when you remember - life is so good.

I ((heart)) Vampire Weekend... They will be at The Earl this weekend, but shi*, of course I just found them yesterday and there are no tickets available for the concert this weekend.

A great quote

"There are no simple congruities in life or history. It is possible to soften the incongruities of life endlessly but all such strategies cannot finally overcome the fragmentary nature of human existence. The final wisdom of life requires, not the annulment of incongruity, but the achievement of serenity within and above it.

Nothing that is worth doing can be achieved completely in our lifetime; therefore we must be saved by HOPE.

Nothing which is true or beautiful or good makes complete sense in any immediate context of history; therefore, we must be saved by FAITH.

Nothing we do, however virtuous, can be accomplished alone; therefore, we must be saved by LOVE.

No virtuous act is quite as virtuous from the standpoint of others as it is from our standpoint. Therefore, we must be saved by the final form of love, which is FORGIVENESS."

Reinhold Niebuhr, from The Children of Light and The Children of Darkness.