Balloon Juice - We All Need A Little Kindness Archives

Here I Am Again, With Another Positive Message

by TaMara| June 13, 20258:35 pm| 46 Comments

This post is in: 2025 Activism, Something To Think About, We All Need A Little Kindness

Let’s start out right here: if you’re not interested in a positive take on current affairs or interested in hopefulness instead of hopelessness, move right along. This is only going to piss you off.

But I have to get through the day. And I know there are some folks here struggling to find a way to get through the day, too. I feel like I can at least do something to help with that.

Here are two videos I watched today that I found helpful, especially since I have been both angry and heartbroken hearing all the lies about California, particularly LA. A city where I have lived, worked and played off and on over the past thirty years. A vibrant city, a lot in part due to its beautiful immigrant population.

If you’re not familiar with Hank Green, he and his brother are worth learning about. The end of the video, when he casually adds the fact they funded the hospital center in SierraLeone, should at least pique your interest in what he and his brother do in addition to their day jobs.

I really like this video, because yesterday Hank was having my day, when everything felt hopeless and I actually had to quit watching that video halfway through, because I was already depressed and stressed. I went and walked the dogs, listening to music instead. And remembered there are A LOT of good people out there.

Hank seemed to have a similar experience:

Jun 13, 2025

I’ve got three or four strategies in this video, depending on how you count. But overall, I probably need to shift my brain out of a mentality where I think about whether I’m winning or losing, and shift toward simply asking whether I am acting in ways that are in concert with my goals.

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The second video is the one Hank refers to in his video. I was curious, and I wasn’t disappointed. Jamelle Bouie’s thoughts:

Jun 10, 2025 CHARLOTTESVILLE

Lots of conversation about whether the Los Angeles protests will help or hurt President Trump’s political standing. Here’s my case that they are more likely to hurt him than help him, and that his response — and his decision to escalate to using the military — represents weakness rather than strength. Of course, we’ll ultimately see what happens. I hope I’m right. Also, for those of you care, I’m wearing a ballcap from my alma mater, the University of Virginia, an Italian linen sportcoat from J. Crew, a blue oxford from Proper Cloth and a emblematic tie from Polo Ralph Lauren, bought second-hand.

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Finally, just for fun – the top 10 dogs this week:

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If you are feeling overwhelmed, find one thing you can do, no matter how simple, even if it’s just being kind to someone you know is vulnerable, every day. Those acts make a difference. And don’t forget to do something nice for yourself, too.

Stay safe this weekend!

This is a positive vibes thread. Including sharing how you get to hope when you feel hopeless.

Here I Am Again, With Another Positive MessagePost + Comments (46)

Much Needed Respite

by TaMara| November 3, 202411:51 am| 97 Comments

This post is in: Make The World A Better Place, Nature & Respite, We All Need A Little Kindness, I Will Cut You If You Muddy This Thread

Just a few kindness items and pet pictures to give us a break. Everyone could use some breathing room.

May 23, 2020 #NowThis #TonyHawk #News

Tony Hawk pulled off the sweetest skateboard exchange with a young fan, thanks to this FedEx driver.

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I follow this guy on FB, every photo is adorable. and the videos of the fox and other larger critters visiting at night just start my day off on the right note.

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A coffee shop doing more than serving coffee:

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Aug 15, 2024 Daniel Klehm spent years in prison before reaching great heights in the corporate restaurant world.

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Now for some fun fur baby photos:

HumboldtBlue sends me photos of Noodles, which is fun, since we are both managing a couple of Tuxedo younguns.

I was out running errands today and I brought Noodles with me because one stop was the pet store and just down the road is the spay and neuter place I adopted him from. So I went there first and dropped Noodles off, and the staff went crazy for him.

This was Noodles this morning in the Japanese maple. We got in three walks before the heavy rain began.

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Noodles is wearing a harness, and HumboldtBlue is leash-training him, which inspired me. I’ve been working with both Willow and Reggie. So far, they both tolerate the harness easily, we did a few days before I left and now I feel like we are starting over before I add the leash. But I think I’ll try them outside this week.

Here is Reggie looking super handsome in his harness

And now it’s “Where is my treat? I was promised treats if I put this stupid thing on.”

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Willow, looking stunning, as always. Being away has the benefit that when I return, the cats, once they are over their snit, hang with me more, until they realize I’m not going away again, and then they return to their normal routine of mostly ignoring me.

Sully, who has no interest in the outdoors, does not get a harness – I’d have to order at least a size larger for him, while Willow and Reggie share one. He is 18 lbs of pure House Panther.

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Finally, yes, the ducks do notice when I’m away, seem glad I returned, and then go about their lives. Cats with feathers.

Ducks at dawn’s light

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Here is where I spent my last week..grateful for the quiet before this week’s storm.

I promised you the punch line to my dog attack – turns out that we were attacked by a cranky, old, TOOTHLESS JRT. He refused to back down, which made it critical for me to restrain Scout – but that means the nasty bite on my hand is from Scout. I am lucky with her bite strength she didn’t break my hand. It is super bruised though.

The owner and I had a bit of a chuckle later that day when she came over to check on us. We couldn’t figure out why the JRT would break out of the house and come for a dog as big as Scout. It does explain why, even after I saw that JRT practically hanging from Scout’s neck, she had no bite marks.

I’m hoping to get her out for a walk soon, so she can have a good experience, but it may be a few days before I’ll be sure I can physically handle her if she is edgy. Wait for my hand to heal. Day at a time.

This is a respite thread. NO POLITICS! But share your good news or happy video links, etc.

Everyone BREATHE. We have got each other to hang with during these weird times.

Much Needed RespitePost + Comments (97)

UPDATED Open Thread: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

by TaMara| July 19, 202412:46 pm| 843 Comments

This post is in: Open Threads, Politics, We All Need A Little Kindness

UPDATE:

“I look forward to getting back on the campaign trail next week to continue exposing the threat of Donald Trump’s Project 2025 agenda while making the case for my own record and the vision that I have for America: one where we save our democracy, protect our rights and freedoms, and create opportunity for everyone. “The stakes are high, and the choice is clear. Together, we will win.”

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AOC’s live video was talked about last night and I had a chance to listen to it this morning. I want to post it, but with the caveat that President Biden’s campaign chair came out this morning saying that he is staying in the race. So if there was any wavering (and I don’t believe for a second there was, it was all media driven by unnamed source whisper campaigns) that question has been answered. So now is the time to come together and work our asses off to make sure there is unity.

It that means you call your representatives (I’ll be calling Bennett, Hickenlooper, and Neguse’s offices today) and demanding they come out in full support of Biden, it means talking your friends and family off the ledges, and it means we really, really need to move on from the in fighting here.

Here’s AOC:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@aoc)

(here is a direct link if the embed doesn’t work for you and here is a twitter link if Insta doesn’t work for you. There is no youtube link yet)

And now we have a YouTube link:

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Here is Jen O’Malley:

Biden campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon reaffirms that Biden is staying in the race:

“We know that we’ve slipped a bit from the debate and we know that the president has to prove to the American people exactly what he believes. That he’s in this to win this. He can do this.” pic.twitter.com/5BJTgKB06O

— The Recount (@therecount) July 19, 2024

Today might be a good day to contribute $81 to the Biden campaign if you can/desire.

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Also, the PIE FILTER is a blessing. Here’s how to use it:

There is a cherry pie at the top of the comments. Click on it and it opens up a list of all the commenters in the post. Click on the one you want to pie. They will stay pied until you uncheck – across all posts.

Try and find some common ground in this open thread and don’t let the trolls hijack it. Ignore them, move on and talk with folks who want an honest discussion. Be kind.

It’s time to be energized, excited, and unite behind an excellent president.

UPDATED Open Thread: Alexandria Ocasio-CortezPost + Comments (843)

Respite Thread: The Kids Are All Right

by TaMara| July 3, 20242:00 pm| 59 Comments

This post is in: Make The World A Better Place, We All Need A Little Kindness, This Is A Doom & Gloom Free-Zone

Thought we could use some respite as we go into the holiday weekend.

I’ll be going to this show. It’s not far from my house and I’m hoping the dogs will be okay for the twenty minutes or so I’m gone. They generally aren’t upset by fireworks, but I like to be around to distract them just in case.

Jul 2, 2024

With hot and dry weather, fire restrictions are going into place in many places in the state. Drones are becomes a more and more popular alternative to fireworks.

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I loved this dress so much. She said it took her three days to make. There is a matching bag and shrug. Stunning.

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Sarah Akinbuwa remembers the days when she was bullied over her love of crocheting, a hobby she picked up with her circle of schoolmates as a 12-year-old in Nigeria.

Now living in Somerville and devoted to the craft, the 18-year-old is winning acclaim for one of her latest creations: a bright pink, floor-length prom dress adorned with roses, complete with a matching shrug and handbag. Her behind-the-scenes look at the design process has garnered more than 26 million views on TikTok, raising her profile and affirming her faith in her abilities.

Akinbuwa, who spends hours crocheting daily, is grateful she did not let those hurtful remarks stop her.

“Look at me now,” she wishes she could say to the people who teased her for having a “grandma hobby” and a dream to be a fashion designer. “I’m very happy I did not let it get to me.”

When one of her best friends invited her to be his date at the Somerville High School prom in May, Akinbuwa, who graduated last year, immediately saw an opportunity to showcase her talents.

With a model in mind — a strapless gown designed by Valentino Haute Couture that one of her favorite actresses, Zendaya, wore to the 2023 SAG Awards — Akinbuwa headed to Michaels, an arts and crafts store she frequents, and bought $60 worth of yarn.

Sarah Akinbuwa. SARAH AKINBUWA
“I knew I was going to go viral when I started making it,” she said. “Making your prom dress is very unique.”

She only had a few days before the event to crochet the dress, a needlework craft that involved not just using her crochet hook and strands of pink yarn, but a good deal of patience. But she never doubted that she would be able to complete the project in time.

Over just three tireless days, she produced a dress that has caught the eye of millions, including Law Roach, a prominent fashion stylist who has long worked with Zendaya. He left a comment on one of her Instagram posts that made Akinbuwa cry in happiness.

“He said it was so cute,” said Akinbuwa, a big admirer of his work. “No one can bring me down anymore.” Read more here

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And this is just Dad and Daughter Goals:

Jun 10, 2024

You may have seen this video of Jevin Smith picking up his daughter Jayna from high school for the last time. It shows the bond they built through a classic parent-child experience: embarrassment.

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Murphy the Eagle has a new foster!

May 2, 2024

Murphy, the famous eagle from the World Bird Sanctuary in Valley Park, Missouri, is fostering an eaglet for the second time. The bald eagle’s story first went viral in 2023 after he built a nest and tried to hatch a rock. Soon after trying to hatch the rock, the then 31-year-old eagle was given a foster eaglet who had fallen out of its nest. In Spring of 2024, Murphy was given another eaglet who came to the sanctuary under similar circumstances

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Normally I’m like, don’t feed wildlife, but if a moose showed up at my picnic table I’d be like, “Hi, I’m Annie. How may I serve you today?” https://t.co/swUoLfsVtM

— AnnieDeMoranville-Audiobooks Now Available! (@AnnDeMoranville) July 1, 2024

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I’m wondering what kind of treats I need to leave out for it to show up at my door:

Jul 2, 2024

A Lakewood official said visitors and park rangers have reported seeing a Patagonian mara at Bear Creek Lake Park.

This photo makes Reggie look Great Dane-sized, but I assure you, he is not. he’s barely tipping the scale at 4.5 lbs. But I love his little jackrabbit legs. He does love to snooze with his dogs. Trixie does not mind.

I have a stupid and lingering summer cold, so I’m grumpy and tired. But still planning on have some 4th of July fun. What is everyone else doing? Respite open thread

Respite Thread: The Kids Are All RightPost + Comments (59)

A Little Respite: Another New Balloon-Juice Kitten Arrival

by TaMara| June 28, 20242:00 pm| 54 Comments

This post is in: Cat Blogging, Make The World A Better Place, Nature & Respite, Pet Blogging, We All Need A Little Kindness

HumboldtBlue teased in a couple of posts that he had a meet-cute set up with a tuxedo kitten. She was adorable, but as is the way with the cat distribution system, that is not the kitten he came home with because he was chosen and he could not refuse. Meet by Noodles. And what a match it is. From HumboldtBlue:

Well, what a wonderful 24 hours it’s been. Noodles is a little 3-pound whirlwind of energy and non-stop movement right up until the moment it’s time for a nap, and then he just folds himself up on my chest with a series of chirps, peeps and little meows and dozes off. We’ve had a ton of fun chasing the feather and the ball on the stick, and he’s all kitten, with plenty of bristling hair and hunchback side jumps while I continually laugh at his little bow-legged back legs as he scampers across the floor.

I went to the clinic expecting to meet Cosmo, the little girl, and I did, but they also brought in Noodles (they were calling him Holland but after what the Oranje [Dutch men’s national soccer team] did in the Euros that name was never gonna stick) and from the first moment he was on my leg, scampering around and behind me while Cosmo pretty much ignored me. It became clear pretty quickly he and I were gonna be pals. I spent 40 minutes with him and then signed the foster-to-adoption paperwork (he gets neutered in two weeks) and then we got in the car and headed home. Not before a stop at the local vet to pick up some toys and food supplies, and when we got to the apartment he settled in immediately.

He was litter box trained and used mine without trouble after I showed him where it was. He spent an hour exploring every nook and cranny of the apartment he could, squeaking and peeping and just having a blast while I exhorted him on, all the while grinning like a fool at how &%$#@#@ adorable he is and just how cute a little furry three-pound2222222222222222222wq (that was him standing on the keyboard) kitten can be. He just crashed after an hour or so of play, so I am down to one-handed typing again, but so far he couldn’t be more perfect. We are just two swinging bachelors chilling in the bachelor pad and this is the start of a wonderful friendship. I can’t stop grinning at him.

[[[TaMara here: We even get some adorable video!]]]

Aaahhh, kittens. They are so cute so you don’t disown them when they wake you up at 4 am because they think that’s the best time for pets, or dump over the kitty oat grass and dig out all the dirt, spreading it all over the kitchen. Not that I’m speaking from experience or anything.

Speaking of cute friends, this happened here a month ago, if you haven’t already seen it:

Tell me that Elk isn’t playing with those kids. He/she is clearly tossing that ball back to his new friends. And the boys behave appropriately – they keep their distance and when they toss the ball back, they toss it away from their elk friend, so as not to spook.

Speaking of nature – there are two different bears running around within the city limits. I feel like I’m on the wrong side of town for a visit, but my house is near a major waterway, which is usually how they navigate busy locations.

This is a respite open thread.

A Little Respite: Another New Balloon-Juice Kitten ArrivalPost + Comments (54)

Friday Good Vibes

by TaMara| June 21, 20242:45 pm| 76 Comments

This post is in: Make The World A Better Place, We All Need A Little Kindness

It’s been a rough week, so when I sat down to unwind, I chose some feel-good documentaries. I thought I would recommend three that I really enjoyed.

I stumbled on this when I picked up a month of Prime (I see it’s also available on YouTube TV). It’s a few years old, but I had no idea about these brilliant musicians and I added quite a few songs to my summer playlist with a new understanding of the magic behind their beautiful sounds.

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Finally had time to sit down and watch Butterfly in the Sky (Netflix) and man, bring the tissues if people doing what they love and loving what they are doing makes you teary. I was much too old for Reading Rainbow when it aired, but my brothers were still of an age to watch it. You don’t need to have been a fan to enjoy this documentary.

These are amazing creatives – most with teaching in their backgrounds – who wanted to change the world for children. And boy did they. I absolutely recommend this one.

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Outstanding will both break your heart and restore your faith. These are some of the bravest folks who just want to make us laugh. I had watched the comedy special (I want to say two years ago – time has been sooo weird since the pandemic) when it came out and it’s a good watch, too. Stand Out: An LGBTQ+ Celebration

I couldn’t find a trailer for it, but the YouTube channel Netflix is a Joke has several cuts from the show. Watch here.

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I feel like I should give you a Reggie update. We had our first official vet visit with my vet last week. He’s doing great, we won’t know the extent of his Manx syndrome until he’s fully grown, but she did give me some things to watch out for. Mostly if he’s having any back pain. He had acupuncture with his foster mom when he still couldn’t walk, and it seemed to help, so the vet suggested we continue that therapy.

Scout is going in for an acupuncture/chiropractic session next week (she tweaked her neck when she lunged on her halti a while back – the LAST time she wore it, btw – and it continues to bother her occasionally) and I’m going to talk with that vet about her recommendations for Reggie. She mostly does only these therapies full-time now, so I’m hoping she’s had some experience with Manx syndrome herself.

Friday Good Vibes — Yes, he jumped up onto the washing machine (which is a top loading HE w/o an agitator, super efficient). Nothing wrong with his motor skills, for sure.

Good Vibes Friday 1 — This is why Little Man gets put in a room at dinnertime

Funny story – Scout actually had an appointment for a session at my vet office and I got a call yesterday saying that vet wasn’t comfortable working on a dog that big. I tried not to be offended for Scout, but they recommended another vet, who just happened to be who I used for Bixby’s treatments. I was going to call her originally, but since my vet office had chiropractic on site, seemed easier to just stick with them. Teach me to be efficient. LOL

Good Vibes Friday 2 — This is my cervical pillow, but it works well for her – 10 minutes a day

To close out, Alex Trebek stamps went on sale today at the USPS

Friday Good Vibes 1 — CLUE: This Naturalized U.S. Citizen Is Now Honored With a Forever Stamp. CORRECT RESPONSE: Who Is Alex Trebek?

This is a good vibes open thread

Friday Good VibesPost + Comments (76)

A Little Saturday Good News: Flamingoes, Bunnies and Fat Cats

by TaMara| May 4, 202410:39 am| 56 Comments

This post is in: Make The World A Better Place, We All Need A Little Kindness

I know I don’t do these often enough anymore, but I thought we could all use some respite for the weekend. Here are good people doing good things…

Flight attendant Amber May’s quick thinking saved six rare Chilean flamingo eggs after their incubator broke on the plane. David Muir has more on what happened to those eggs, and the special visit a few weeks later.

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I love this entire project and the woman who runs it.

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Foster fail alert!

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This one is a little more personal. The week Zander died, my friend, who volunteers at a bunny rescue, told me they got in TWELVE babies. Seven had a mom and the other five were dumped. These are all domestic bunnies, and people just don’t know what they are getting into, especially around Easter when they want that cute bunny.

The care is ridiculous, as I have learned from watching my friend with her bunnies, so they get dumped often. They find bunnies in boxes in parking lots, wandering through parks, out in the street. Dumped bunnies usually die as they cannot fend for themselves.

I did offer to help foster the babies, who were a week old – even though I found out after spending a day at the rescue that I am horribly allergic to bunnies and/or Timothy hay (their food/bedding). My friend declined my offer because as she said, “you’ve been through enough and the survival rate is low for these guys.” Through heroic efforts by the volunteers, nine of the bunnies survived and are thriving.

They are raising money here for their spay and neuter – donations are doubled in May – at this link.

Also, if you’re in the area and ever thought about bunnies, Rocky Mountain House Rabbits is a great resource for adoption and information. These folks really know their stuff. Unfortunately you will not find me there volunteering because I like to be able to breathe. But they are soooo adorable.

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And of course, here are my cuties:

A Little Saturday Good News: Flamingoes, Bunnies and Fat Cats 3 — Scout meets Reggie

This was the second time I lost Reggie – no need to worry, he just needed a nap on his favorite (MY!) blanket and Jasper was keeping watch.

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A little moment of zen. A couple of owls just chatting. My friends have a pair of Great Horned owls who live on their property and every year introduce them to the younguns’ – they bring them to the second floor deck to perch on the railing. This looks into their office and the birds often watch them work. While their dog was still alive, they would perch in the tree and watch them play fetch with him, like some avian tennis match, their heads on a swivel.

This is a good news open thread.

ETA: I can’t believe I forgot about Dulé Hill’s PBS Series, just chocked full of good people doing good things. I’ve added up top.

A Little Saturday Good News: Flamingoes, Bunnies and Fat CatsPost + Comments (56)

sab on Thursday Night Open Thread (Jul 10, 2025 @ 9:47pm)

Booger on Thursday Night Open Thread (Jul 10, 2025 @ 9:43pm)

Rob J. on Open Thread: Potentially Good News (for Democrats) Out of Texas (Jul 10, 2025 @ 9:43pm)

Argiope on Thursday Night Open Thread (Jul 10, 2025 @ 9:37pm)

Jay on Thursday Night Open Thread (Jul 10, 2025 @ 9:32pm)

Stop using mental illness to avoid talking about armed white supremacy.

“Alexa, change the president.”

Since we are repeating ourselves, let me just say fuck that.

This must be what justice looks like, not vengeful, just peaceful exuberance.

Peak wingnut was a lie.

You come for women, you’re gonna get your ass kicked.

“In the future, this lab will be a museum. do not touch it.”

They traffic in fear. it is their only currency. if we are fearful, they are winning.

Following reporting rules is only for the little people, apparently.

Today’s gop: why go just far enough when too far is right there?

Whatever happens next week, the fight doesn’t end.

They want us to be overwhelmed and exhausted. Focus. Resist. Oppose.

It may be funny to you motherfucker, but it’s not funny to me.

Someone should tell Republicans that violence is the last refuge of the incompetent, or possibly the first.

Not so fun when the rabbit gets the gun, is it?

He wakes up lying, and he lies all day.

Seems like a complicated subject, have you tried yelling at it?

“I was told there would be no fact checking.”

We are aware of all internet traditions.

One lie, alone, tears the fabric of reality.

When I decide to be condescending, you won’t have to dream up a fantasy about it.

The fight for our country is always worth it. ~Kamala Harris

Trumpflation is an intolerable hardship for every American, and it’s Trump’s fault.

GOP baffled that ‘we don’t care if you die’ is not a winning slogan.

Here I Am Again, With Another Positive Message

Much Needed Respite

UPDATED Open Thread: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Respite Thread: The Kids Are All Right

A Little Respite: Another New Balloon-Juice Kitten Arrival

Friday Good Vibes

A Little Saturday Good News: Flamingoes, Bunnies and Fat Cats