Six Things, Volume 30
Dogs | Books | Maps | Riflebirds | Owls | Important Farm Stuff
Thing 1 – Dogs
Dog lovers will be all too familiar with the peculiar irresistibility of the tilted head. Even the strongest-willed are powerless to resist the pleading ‘why no food for me, why?’ look – throw in the head tilt and all is lost.
Like many people I’d always assumed they did it as an unsubtle but annoyingly effective form of manipulation. But it turns out there might just be a reason for it, as explored in this article: they’re trying to understand and process what we say. It’s not so much ‘why is life so unfair, specifically to me?’ as ‘what are you blithering on about this time and why do you keep saying “yes you are, you are a good boy” in that ridiculous tone of voice?’
This knowledge should do nothing to lessen your resolve in the face of the ruthless onslaught of the dog’s most fearsome weapon. I’m not falling for it. I know it’s a trap. No, I won’t. No. No. No. Nopety-noo–oh go on then, just one.
Thing 2 – Books
You have of course always wanted to know which are the highest rated books by local authors in each country.
Here you go. (Click on pic for detail)
Thing 3 – Maps
Every so often you see one of these curious/spurious maps.
Kind of fun but also kind of nonsense, as Alasdair Rae – aka The Map Guy – pointed out.
He had some fun with the idea, and I now declare the genre closed to submissions.
Thing 4 – Riflebird
Male executes ridiculous mating display. Female is singularly unimpressed.
A timeless tale.
Thing 5 – Owls
I was alerted to this fun version of aural pelmanism by Jennifer Ackerman’s latest book, What An Owl Knows (thoroughly recommended, by the way).
Simply find the matching calls of the Little Owl. Easy.
Thing 6 – Important Farm Stuff
I have rarely seen anything as wholesome as this short film.
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I love how the child driving the wagon is careful to go through every puddle he can reach.
This also explains why cats DON'T head tilt; they have absolutely no interest in anything we say.