Wildlife Wednesday: The Dodo Bird

Where did the Dodo get its name?  When visitors to the island of Mauritius, off the coast of Africa, first saw the bird they thought its friendly approach meant the bird was dumb. 

The Dodo is gray in color and may have been a relative of the pigeon family. It had a large, hooked beak and white feathers attached to its tail. This wingless bird had no enemies on the island and was safe living on the ground. In 1581, when dogs and pigs were brought onto the island, things changed. Man introduced other new species and started hunting the dodo bird. Eventually, the dodo became extinct. Although the exact date isn't certain, people believe these birds were last seen around 1681.

The exact appearance of the dodo is in question. They existed before cameras. We can only rely upon anecdotal accounts and the sketches of amateur naturalists. For a long time, there were no complete skeletons, and the closest thing historians had was the leg and head of one individual. All other skeletons were composites, made from the bones of many birds. In June 2007 that changed. Explorers discovered a cave with a complete dodo skeleton inside. Although we now have a better idea of the bird's physical structure, its coloring, plumage and girth are still in doubt.

Paintings of the Dodo show a stout bird. However, these paintings may be more fanciful than exact as the fashion in the 17th century was to exaggerate animals, making them plumper and more colorful than they were. Live dodos in captivity were remarked to be "greedy" animals. Perhaps the specimens brought back to Europe and painted were fatter than their wild counterparts because of improper diet and lack of exercise. Regardless of artistic interpretation, the dodo was impressive, standing 3 feet tall and weighing about 50 lbs. It possessed a large head and a heavy, hooked beak. Its wings were stubby, and its legs thick. A plume of white feathers decorated its rump. Nothing is reported of the dodo's mating habits, behaviors or life expectancy.

Facts:
 
-Dodo birds are related to pigeons. How strange that a bird so well known for its extinction should be related to a bird so well known for its over population.

- A dodo rampant is on the Mauritius Coat of Arms.

- It is believed that the loss of the dodo directly caused the near extinction of the tambalacocque, or dodo tree. The dodo tree's seeds would only germinate after passing through the digestive system of the dodo. Further experimentation showed that the seeds did germinate without the birds abrading them, but only rarely. To help with this trees survival, botanists now pass the seeds through the digestive track of turkeys.

- The word "dodo" is slang for "a dull-witted, slow-reacting person." For a while, people believed the bird's demise came about because of its own stupidity. It approached people with clubs. But remember, the dodo had no natural enemies and was not displaying stupidity, but curiosity.

- In Lewis Carroll's book, Alice in Wonderland, the Dodo is a solemn and wise bird.

Sources:

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dodo

Wikipedia.com

http://www.classicallibrary.org/carroll/alice/3.htm

The Bachelor Recap

 This week our first date goes to Leslie.  Sean takes her to the Guinness World Records museum where he tells Leslie his father has broken the world record for driving around the continental US faster than anyone else.  Sean decides he wants to break a record and Leslie and Sean break the record for the worlds longest on-screen kiss.

After the record breaking day, the two head to the rooftop for an intimate date. 
Soon after, Leslie proclaims she's "falling in love" with Sean, and they make out under the beam of a spotlight on massive rooftop while confetti intimately falls on them.

The only ones not invited on the next day's group date are Ashlee, Sarah and Selma. The rest get to head to the beach, where they find out they will have to team up and play volleyball for a chance to win a group date with Sean.  As the girls bumble through point after point, it comes down to the final serve. Desiree tells us how nervous she is. The camera steps back. Desiree, armed and ready, crushes an overhand serve over the net. The other team whiffs unceremoniously. Game over. Thrilling.

Back on the beach, Desiree lacks no confidence, bragging heavy about her volleyball exploits, and, wow, Sean loves her confidence, dropping what's becoming his signature phrase: "I love that." Tensions are running high between Des and Amanda, who has screwed up her face into kind of a disgusted arrogance that's really quite impressive. The girl has no facial filter in relation to her mood.  When she gets Sean, she tells him, "you know everything you're looking for in a wife?" and points to herself, and he loves that too. Did I mention she's not lacking in confidence either?

Des, however, does not approve, bitching to Kacie B. about "questionable" Amanda's two-faced-ness. "I don't know if she's here for Sean... She's just kind of dark and just kind of creepy," she says. As Des ponders what the scary, gothic fit model Amanda is really here for (my money is on the hors d'oeuvres), it's Kacie B.'s turn with Sean, and, you know what? She's going to be a little selfish, she tells us.

Apparently, Kacie B.'s definition of selfish means "narking about other people's problems in a way that makes you look really bad," which is sort of weird, because that's not what I thought selfish meant at all. "I don't think he'll tolerate drama," she says, before unloading a bunch of tedious bullshit drama on Sean, who is extremely confused as to why she's saying something to him. "More importantly, why are you involving yourself?" Always with the irony, Kacie replies, "I'm not a drama person... I just can't be myself," and with that, she has fallen complelety head over heels onto her own sword and is now just kind of really letting it gut her. "I want you to act like Kacie, not like this crazy person I'm seeing," Sean tells her. Yikes.

Lindsay actually steals the rose, much to the chagrin of Des and Amanda. She has a nice little talk with Sean at the beginning of the date that was so forgettable, I felt like Amanda's face when Lindsay received the rose. Nice girl, though.

Just before the next day's date, Tierra steps her game up and "falls" down the stairs, prompting an ambulance appearance and some time with Sean. Ashlee is NOT pleased.

When they get the date going, they go to Six Flags, where the amusement park has been shut down so that Sean and Ashlee can join Brianna and Emily, two teens with a serious mitochondrial disease, for a day of fun, because Sean enjoys charity work.

When they get alone time, Ashlee unspools a very intense story about being abused in a foster home and subsequently adopted by her parents that brings Sean to tears. Her optimism and perseverance moves Sean, and she nabs a deserved rose.

On the last night, Sean wants to reassure Sarah, so he has the show bring her dog to the house in its own limousine, obviously. It's pretty cutthroat from there, as Tierra starts the night with Sean, then Desiree steals him, and Tierra steals him back, infuriating the other girls, who one-by-one steal Sean away from one another while Des sits on a bench assuming he's going to come back. Ashlee, who already has a rose but apparently gives no fucks, cuts off Kacie B. trying to redeem herself. The games have certainly begun, and the long faces are showing it. As they gather to say goodnight, Sean describes the night as "incredible." That's certainly one way to describe it, Sean; there are some lethal strangulation-in-your-sleep vibes going on in that room right now.

At the next night's ceremony, with rose in hand, Sean asks Kacie B. to leave the room, and her fate has been sealed. Sean has failed to develop romantic feelings for Kacie as she gloriously self-destructed in front of his very eyes (but NOT in a dramatic way, because she is NOT a drama person.) He sends her home. "Last time I left here with no regrets," says Kacie B., "And this time... there are regrets."

He picks Tierra first, and then continues down the line. The last three standing are Desiree, Kristy and Taryn, among which he obviously picks Des. Kristy and Taryn are sent packing.  Until next week!

Therapy Thursday: Chromotherapy

Chromotherapy, also known as color therapy, colorology or cromatherapy, is a complementary medicine method. It is said that a therapist trained in chromotherapy can use light in the form of color to balance "energy" wherever a person's body be lacking, whether on physical, emotional, spiritual, or mental levels.

It has been known for years that color plays a big role in setting up a particular mood or state of mind. Color does affect one's feelings, moods, and emotions.

Colors are certain wavelengths of electro-magnetic energy seen through our eyes. The color we see is the part of the visible spectrum that is reflected back by a certain object.

We know that when all colors join the result is white light. Therefore working with White Light brings about completeness, oneness, and union of all complementary parts.

Colors affect us in different ways:

• Color is one of the languages of the soul, just look at inspired or meditative paintings.
• They influence our mood and emotions.
• They have their impact on our sense of well-being or un-easiness.
• Using and avoiding certain colors is a way of self-expression; it sheds light on our personality.
• Colors affect our way of perception (light colors make a space look big, a high ceiling looks less high when painted in a dark color, etc.)
• Colors have a symbolic meaning which is immediately recognized by our sub consciousness. It must be said that not all colors mean the same to all persons and all cultures.
• They influence the flow and amount of energy in our bodies.
• Colors tell something about biological attraction and sexual availability.

Before examining color and its healing implications, we must address a very important concept: that of cause and effect. True healing comes about when the cause of the condition or illness is addressed and transformed. If healing goes no further than a mere relief or masking of the symptoms, then, eventually, that which brought about the need for healing, in the first place, will resurface and manifest itself within the body in one form or another.

Body is an outward expression of that which is taking place within the mind, the soul (subconscious), and the spirit (super conscious) of the individual. Thus, any healing technique which deals only with the physical body and the energy field of the individual tends to accomplish one thing: it jump starts the individual, so to speak, and gives him or her added boost of energy. That energy boost then allows that person's own internal healing mechanism to become mobilized into greater activity.

Keeping this in mind, let us look at how color can help jump-start the tired or diseased body. Color healing, known as Chromotherapy, can be implemented in a number of ways. The ancients built great halls of color healing, where individuals entered and were bathed in light that was filtered through various colored glass panels or windows.

Energy (spiritual) healers often supplement their healing work with color healing. As they lay their hands on the patient, they mentally direct specific color rays into the patient's aura and body. Oftentimes, the color used is inspired by the super conscious.

In healing colors act as balancers: we administer the color(s) someone needs more of, or we give the opposite of the color someone has too much of.

A preference for certain colors can point at two things:

• self-expression (you choose the colors which match your personality; for instance green for a lover of harmony and nature)
• completion (you choose the colors you need more of; for instance an active, passionate person chooses blue colors to cool down his nature).

An aversion against certain colors gives information as well. Possible explanations are given in the chart.

Red

Healing properties: Brings warmth, energy and stimulation, therefore good for energy, fatigue, colds, chilly and passive people. Red energizes heart and blood circulation, it builds up the blood and heightens a low blood pressure. Energizes all organs and the senses hearing, smell, taste, vision and touch. Increases sexual desire and activity. Stimulates ovulation and menstruation. Never treat cancer with red, because this color will stimulate cell growth!
Red links with and stimulates the root chakra, at the base of the spine, causing the adrenal glands to release adrenalin. This results in greater strength. Red causes hemoglobin to multiply, thus increasing energy and raising body temperature. It is excellent for anemia and blood-related conditions. It loosens, opens up clogs, releases stiffness and constrictions. It is excellent for areas that have become stiffened or constricted.
Esoteric/magical: Deities of love, passion, sexuality and war (to stimulate a healthy portion of assertiveness). Great energy, courage, will-power, determination, speed, assertiveness, aggression, masculinity, independence, physical strength, sports, competition, conflicts, health, sexual attraction and potency, love and passion, fertility.
Preference for red: Red is associated with passionate love, sex, great energy, impulse, action and stimulation, assertiveness and aggression, courage, strength and power, adventure, danger, warnings, revolt and revolution. Temperamental and ambitious people with a need for personal freedom.

Aversion to red: A person who has an aversion to red may be over-active, too impulsive, hot-tempered, aggressive and egocentric, or have difficulties with people with such characteristics. It can also symbolize deeply hidden fears and rejection of his own assertiveness.

Orange

Healing properties: Orange is warm, cheering, and non-constricting. Orange has a freeing action upon the body and mind, relieving repressions. Orange shows new possibilities and other options in life. Stimulates creative thinking and enthusiasm, and helps assimilate new ideas. It is also helpful in dealing with excess sexual expression.
Orange stimulates the lungs, the respiration and the digestion. Increases the activity of the thyroid. Reliefs muscle cramps and spasms. Increases the amount of mother milk.
Finally, orange links very strongly with the sacral chakra.
Esoteric/magical: Deities of good luck and fortune. Attraction, charm, kindness, encouragement, stimulation, optimism, success, abundance, prosperity, feast and celebration, energy, achieving business-goals, investments, success in legal matters.
Preference for orange: Orange represents the warmth of the fire. It brings even more energy than yellow, celebration and great abundance, comfort, enjoyment of the senses. Warm, sociable, dynamic and independent people who dedicate themselves to whatever they do.

Aversion to orange: A person who has an aversion to orange may have suppressed sexual feelings or other difficulties with sensual enjoyment of life. The attitude can also be over-sensual, indulgent, or too materialistic.

Yellow

Healing properties: Yellow helps strengthen the nerves and the mind. It helps awaken mental inspiration and stimulates higher mentality. Thus, it is an excellent color for nervous or nerve-related conditions or ailments. It also energizes the muscles. Dark yellow soothes pains in the nerves (shooting pains)
Yellow can be used for conditions of the stomach, liver, and intestines. Speeds up the digestion and assimilation, and the stool.
It helps the pores of the skin and aids scarred tissue in healing itself.
Yellow links with and stimulates the solar plexus, or psychic center. It can be used for psychic burnout or other psychic-related conditions or ailments. Activates and cheers up depressed and melancholic people. Gives lust for life.
Esoteric/magical: Elemental air. Deities for trade, travel, knowledge and magic. Life-force, vitality, change, progress, contact, communication, trade, commerce, to persuade with confidence, joy, cheerfulness, learning, knowledge, mental clarity, concentration, memorizing, tests, speaking and writing, traveling, affirmation, visualization.
Preference for yellow: The color of the sun, life-force, vividity, vitality and energy. The color of cheerfulness, curiosity, alternation, flexibility, progress, amusement, contact through traveling and communication, learning and practical knowledge. A feeling for writing and speaking.

Aversion to yellow: A person who has aversion to yellow may be emotionally disappointed and bitter. May have tendency to rationalize feelings, or to avoid the depth of life by often changing relationships, many superficial relationships and/or constant changing activities.

Green

Healing properties: Green is the color of Nature and the earth. It is balance and harmony in essence and possesses a soothing influence upon both mind and body. It is neither relaxing nor astringent in its impact. Green can be used for just about any condition in need of healing.
Green rings psychological and emotional harmony and balance.
Green links with and stimulates the heart chakra. Green affects blood pressure and all conditions of the heart. It has both an energizing effect and a moderating or soothing effect.
It cures hormonal imbalances. Stimulates growth hormone and rejuvenation. Cleans and purifies from germs, bacteria and rotting material. Harmonizes the digestion, stomach, liver, gall. Has a healing effect on kidneys. Increases immunity. Builds up muscles, bones and tissues. Stimulates inner peace. Strengthens the nervous system.
Esoteric/magical: Elemental earth (dark green) and elemental water (blue-green). Nature, fertility, growth, rejuvenation, recovering, healing, harvest and abundance, prosperity, harmony, balance, peace, hope, mother earth, home, herbal magic, plants and animals, counteract greed and jealousy.
Preference for green: Green brings peace, rest, hope, comfort and nurturing, calmness and harmony. Interest in nature, plants, fellowmen, children and animals, health and healing, natural and plain life. Longing for a safe home and family-life. A dislike of conflicts.

Aversion to green: A person who has an aversion to green may be more interested in independence and self-development than in a warm family-life. May prefer to keep a certain distance in (sexual) relationships.

Blue

Healing properties: Blue is cooling, electric, astringent. Dr. Edwin Babbitt, in his classic, "The Principles of Light and Color," states that "The Blue Ray is one of the greatest antiseptics in the world." Cools down inflammations (don't forget rheumatic inflammations), fever, high blood pressure, stops bleedings, reliefs the bursting headaches, calms strong emotions like anger, aggression or hysteria. Brings tranquility. Anti-itching. Anti-irritation (for instance redness of the skin), anti-stress. Soothes suffering.
Blue can be used for any type of ailments associated with speech, communication, or the throat. Excellent for laryngitis or inflammation of the larynx.
Blue links with and stimulates the throat chakra. The throat chakra is often referenced as the "power center" and "the greatest center in the body" because it is the primary center of expression and communication, through speech.
Esoteric/magical: Elemental water and elemental air. Deities of the sea, truth and wisdom. Peace and tranquility, calmness, truth, wisdom, justice, counsel, guidance, understanding, patience, loyalty and honor, sincerity, devotion, healing, femininity, prophetic dreams, protection during sleep, astral projection.
Preference for blue: Cool and soothing, dreamy and magical. Peace and rest. For people who keep a certain distance, but give calm and practical help; they are faithful and loyal, have a sense for order, logic and rational thinking. Flying in day- dreaming, ideals or nostalgia when felt miss-understood. Dark blue is more severe and can be melancholic. Blue is also the color of truth.
Aversion to blue: A person, who has an aversion to blue, may be much disciplined, strong career worker, with an aversion of commentary or restriction. He may have charted out a clear direction for his life and wants to follow that lacelike

Indigo

Healing properties: Indigo is a great purifier of the bloodstream and also benefits mental problems. It is a freeing and purifying agent.
Indigo combines the deep blue of devotion with a trace of stabilizing and objective red. Indigo is cooling, electric, and astringent.

Indigo links with and stimulates the brow chakra (third eye) and controls the pineal gland. It governs both physical and spiritual perception. It can be of great assistance in dealing with ailments of the eyes and ears.

White

Healing properties: White is the perfect color; for it is all colors, in perfect balance and harmony. It is the color of the awakened Spirit; the light of perfection; the light of the Cosmic Consciousness, the Divine Light.
Just about everyone has heard of surrounding people with the "White Light of Healing and Protection." White light raises the vibration of one's consciousness and the body, bringing harmony in all aspects of one's life. Directing white into to a part of the body that needs healing is one of the fastest ways to bring about healing.
Esoteric/magical: Purification and cleaning on all levels, contact with higher self and spiritual helpers, (inner) peace, aura-healing, truth seeking, consecration, spiritual enlightenment, protection against negativity by raising your vibration, breaking curses, exorcism, meditation, divination, inspiration, clairvoyance, invoking spirits White can be a replacement for any other color your magic requires.
Preference for white: White points at innocence, purity, virginity, cleanliness, freshness, simplicity, nothingness, oneness and completion, truth. In certain cultures white is the color of death and mourning.

Aversion to white: A person who has an aversion to white color is foremost or solely interested in 'realistic' and tangible things, not in illusions or things that are beyond seeing or understanding. Knows and accepts the own imperfection and does not wish to achieve perfection

Violet / Purple

Healing properties: These are colors of transformation. They heal melancholy, hysteria, delusions and alcohol addiction and bring spiritual insights and renewal. These colors slow down an over-active heart; stimulate the spleen and the white blood cells (immunity). Bring sleep. Soothe mental and emotional stress. Decrease sexual activity. Decrease sensitivity to pain. They help in detoxification.
Leonardo da Vinci proclaimed that you can increase the power of meditation ten-fold by meditating under the gentle rays of Violet, as found in Church windows.
Esoteric/magical: Elemental spirit. Divination and prophecy. Angels. Psychic abilities, divination, counter-acting negativity/black magic, reversing curses, psychic healing, psychic power, inspiration, meditation, spirituality, spiritual power, astral projection, third eye, compassion, counter-acting depression.
Preference for violet/purple: Colors for meditation, contemplation, mysticism, spirituality and religion power. A longing to ascend and dissolve polarities (purple consists of the active red and passive blue), to improve the world. Reservation, mystery and dignity. Soft, sensitive people with often paranormal abilities.

Aversion to violet / purple: A person who has an aversion for violet / purple may have very serious attitude towards life; and may find it difficult to give dreams, fantasies, vague fears or memories a place in it. May have tendency to rejection everything he regards as unnatural or unrealistic.

Pink

Healing properties: Heals grief and sadness. Restores youthfulness. Brings you in contact with your feelings.
Esoteric/magical: Softness and tenderness, romance, caring, nurturing, for children, youth, peace, friendship, femininity, emotional love, emotional healing.
Preference for pink: Regarded as a feminine color. Pink symbolizes softness, sweetness, innocence, youthfulness and tenderness. Soft and kind people.

Aversion to pink: A person who has an aversion to pink may have a challenge with expressing soft, tender, female side.

Magenta

Healing properties: Strengthens contact with your life purpose. Stimulates adrenaline and heart activity.
Esoteric/magical: Scorpio-energy. Magnetism, to attract or speed up things, extra power, when immediate action and great spiritual power are needed, life purpose, life path.
Preference for magenta: Much energy and activity focused on achieving power and self-realization. Strong but controlled passions and emotions. Daring, ready to fight, willing to give everything for a goal. Can drive things too far and have fixed ideas.

Aversion to magenta: A person who has an aversion to magenta may feel overwhelmed by people with strong convictions or heavy emotions like jealousy; also may have difficulties with exposing deep emotions.

Turquoise

Healing properties: Increases intuition and sensitivity. Works disinfecting and antiseptic. Tones the general system. Builds the skin. Relaxes sensations of stress.
Esoteric/magical: Alterations, intellectual and intuitive insights, technique, inventions, originality, renewal, brotherhood, humanism.
Preference for turquoise: Just like the wide turquoise sea you don't want to feel restricted and you don't immediately bring to the surface what goes on in you; emotions can remain hidden. A color for non-triviality, renewal, innovation and inventions, progressive techniques, alternative ways of living together, humanity.

Aversion to turquoise: A person who has an aversion to turquoise may be looking for solidity and security in society, especially in marriage. Also, may be reluctant to think originally or to walk new paths.

Brown

Esoteric/magical: Elemental earth. The planet-spirit Saturn. Stability, grounding, conservation, protection of household, family and pets, healing animals, finding lost objects, material constructions (buildings etc.), material increase, to make relationships solid, to increase decisiveness and concentration, attracting help in financial crisis.
Preference for brown: An earthly color for practical people with a preference for natural, tribal and primitive things, solidity and simplicity. Brown can be warm and cozy but also depressing. Family-life persons, stable people, loyal friends. against normal, boring, trivial life; may not feel connected with his roots (home-land, family, etc); may experience instability in health and attitude.

Aversion to brown: A person who has an aversion to brown may feel an aversion

Grey

Esoteric/magical: Neutralizing negative influences, erasing or cancelling situations, causing stalemates
Preference for grey: Very neutral and indifferent, non-expressive. It can be deliberate, but also lifeless, fixed, depressed and apathy. Reserved, cool people; unwilling to expose them or to have obligations. Grey can be refined and tactful.

Aversion to grey: A person who has an aversion to grey may prefers to be straight to the point, no time for political and tactical attitudes. Demands clarity, a knowing where one stands.

Black

Esoteric/magical: Elemental earth. Deities of the underworld. Repel/banish evil and negativity, protection, banishing, binding, breaking free from bad habits/addictions, deep meditation, opens up deep unconscious levels.
Preference for black: Symbolizes seriousness, darkness, depression, death, mourning, mystery, secrecy, occultism, a standing apart from or revolting against triviality, provocation, underground, underworld, things that have to remain hidden, nothingness as the great source of all creation, the need to keep your energy with you. Black is a color for extremes, everything and nothing. People who foremost trust themselves.

Aversion to black: A person who has an aversion to black may have fear for the unknown, or fear for the abuse of power. Desires to become free from all kinds of dependency, blockages, and hindrances; to throw off shackles.

Gold

Esoteric/magical: Absolute authority, (self confidence, creativity, perfection, solar energies, male energy, financial riches, investments, luxury, winning, worldly magical power, overcoming bad habits/addictions

Silver

Esoteric/magical: Female energy, cycles, rebirth, reincarnation, healing of hormonal imbalances, emotional stability, remove or neutralize negativity, intuition, dreams, psychic abilities and psychic workings.

Copper/Bronze

Esoteric/magical: Love and passion, for positive relationships in love, friendship and business, career promotions, negotiations.

The point to remember concerning color therapy -is that complete healing generally comes about through some type of internal transformation. Heal the mind and the body will, surely, follow suit.

Wildlife Wednesday: The Fox

Photo credit: http://www.wildlifeonline.me.uk/red_fox.html#evolution

Photo credit: http://www.wildlifeonline.me.uk/red_fox.html#evolution

Photo credit: http://www.wildlifeonline.me.uk/red_fox.html#evolution

Photo credit: http://www.wildlifeonline.me.uk/red_fox.html#evolution

Foxes belong to the dog family, which includes wolves, coyotes, grey foxes, raccoon dogs and their relatives.  All members of this family are incredibly adaptable animals, and this makes them successful colonizers in many areas of the world practically in all habitats available and often in close proximity to humans. Foxes are ranked as the smallest of all canines. However, they have some characteristics different from other canines.

First, the fox doesn’t bark like other canines. They also don’t live in packs as they prefer to be out there on their own. The fox is nocturnal which means they are primarily active at night. When you see one moving around during the day it is a sign that something is seriously amiss.

They may be sick, desperately trying to find food, or moving to escape from threats in their natural environment. One of the biggest threats to the fox is the fact that humans continue to move into the same territory. While hunting them for the fur was once a huge issue, there isn’t the same demand for such fur coats in society any longer.

Photo credit: http://www.wildlifeonline.me.uk/red_fox.html#evolution

The fox is considered to be a medium sized animal and the actual size can vary depending on the species. They can quickly take over an area if they are allowed to populate at will. This is why the hunting of the fox is often allowed with controls in place. There are certain times of the year when they can be hunted. Otherwise many of them would die from starvation.

These animals feature a reddish and brownish coloring to them. They also have areas of white on the body. They are small canines with long noses and long, pointed ears. They have excellent hearing and smelling that allows them to avoid danger and to find sources of food.

They consume a variety of food including animals such as rabbits, beetles and worms, and berries or fruit that grow seasonally in their environment. They are also known to consume food that people leave out or to dig through garbage cans. They body of a fox is built to give them speed for catching their prey.

They are found in a variety of environments including on the plains, in the mountains, in cold terrain, and even in the desert. There are very few places out there where the fox isn’t able to survive. They don’t have the best reputation with humans due to common folklore where they are associated with evil.

Photo credit: http://www.wildlifeonline.me.uk/red_fox.html#evolution

Humans seem to be the biggest threat to these animals and their ultimate survival. Overall, they have nothing to worry about at this time. Yet numbers are much less than they were just a few decades ago. There are several species that have been almost wiped out from certain areas though. That is why you will find conservation efforts in place for them.

A great deal of research has been conducted about the fox. That is why some of them have been successfully relocated to Australia. They are thriving in that environment just as predicted. They also do very well in captivity so that they can be further studied. The fox is a fascinating animal that we still have lots to learn about.

A serious problem for the fox is that they are susceptible to a variety of different diseases in the wild. Even though they don’t live in packs, the do pass along these types of problems very rapidly. In fact, large numbers of fox have died at times due to it. Yet their ability to do well with change has always allowed them to rebound in numbers.

http://www.bing.com/search?q=fox+animal&qs=n&form=QBRE&pq=fox+animal&sc=8-7&sp=-1&sk=

Random Facts about the Fox

The fox is said to be one of the most intelligent animals in the world.

The scientific name for this animal is Vulpes Vulpes.

There are 37 species of foxes, but only 12 belong to the genus "vulpes" or "true foxes". 

The best known of them are: Red Fox, Arctic Fox, Kit Fox, Fennec Fox, and the Gray Fox.

Foxes are members of the canine family and the smallest type of them. However, they hunt alone instead of in packs like other types of canines do.

A baby fox is called a kite. They are both deaf and blind when they are born. They will stay in a den with their mother for about a month for protection.

They are nocturnal creatures which means they are active at night time.

They are believed to be among the most adaptable animals in the world. They can do very well with changes in the food sources and their surroundings.

A fox can run at a speed of about 23 miles per hour for short periods of time.

In the wild foxes can live for about 10 years. In captivity that life cycle can be as long as 20 years. The fox is found everywhere in the Northern Hemisphere as well as in areas of Australia.

The fox doesn't communicate by barking as other canines do. Instead, it relies almost solely upon non verbal communication. This includes the posture of the body, tail waging, and facial expressions. Some of their verbal communications include yelps and  what sounds like human screams.

The fox has such a powerful sense of smell that it can even find food under the ground. This is how they find food sources in the winter time. It is also why they have been known to dig up dead animals such as family pets.

There are more fox habitats in cities than any other location. They are able to heavily populate a given area in no time at all. This is why the authorized hunting of them is allowed at various times in certain areas.

Large numbers of the fox populations in the wild have been depleted due to different types of disease. They are able to spread it very quickly and most of the time the animals will die if they have been exposed to such a problem.

The fox is classified as an omnivore. This means it will basically eat anything it needs to in order to survive.

Large numbers of fox die annually due to being hit by vehicles. The fact that these animals are active at night and that the roads are built through their habitat causes this to occur.

There are many connections to the fox in popular culture. It has ties to older ceremonies and traditions in various cultures. You will also find references in books, poems, and movies.

The fox kills other animals for survival and nothing more. There is a myth that they are known to kill just for the thrill of it. They are known to kill more food than they need though. Then they will bury it or hide it to consume later on when they are hungry.

The fox doesn't attack or kill humans. They can become infected with rabies which makes them very aggressive.

It is not true that the fox will attempt to breed with dogs when they live in close proximity to humans.

Approximately 20% of the young fox will die before they are one month old. When that occurs, the other young will consume it as a meal.

Sources: 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fox

http://animal.discovery.com/mammals/fox/

http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/red-fox/

The Bachelor Recap: 50 Shades of Crazy!

Last night was the first episode of the bachelor 2013.  As the show started we were immediately reminded of why we all love Sean so much, as we were taken on an emotional ride down memory lane, seeing the super confident Sean not receive the final rose from Emily during last season and having to take the walk of shame, sniff, sniff, snot, snot.

I don't know about anyone else but I fell in love with Sean all over again and just wanted to give him a big ole hug. However, he got his fair share of hugs as the ladies arrived and even had one of the ladies try to slip him a little tongue. Yuck, lady!

Arie visited to give his jilted pal some tips on how to find love this season -- while also offering up what may have been the most uncomfortable moment of the evening: kissing lessons. Yeah, Arie, let the ladies show Sean what makes for a good kiss!

Time to meet the ladies:

K elly used her cruise ship entertaining skills when she sang Sean a little country song right off the bat. Ashley, a Fifty Shades of Grey fan, pulled a silver tie out of her cleavage and said, "Maybe you could teach me how to use this later?" Yes, that happened. And yes, it was awkward.

But not as awkward as when Robyn tried to make her entrance by doing backflips in her gown, and then fell down. So embarrassing, but hey, you gotta give the girl some credit for trying. And then we meet Tierra, who showed Sean that she has an incomplete heart tattoo on her ring finger, and hopes that he will be the one to complete it.

After a long silence which even got us feeling uncomfortable, Lowe said he'd be right back. Wait, what?! What's happening?

"So tonight I'm going to break the rules a little bit," Sean told her. "You just have this sweet, exciting—I don't know how to describe it—but you just have such a good energy, and I'd like for you to stick around a little bit longer, so, with that being said, Tierra, do you accept this rose?"

What?! She already scored a rose! Let the catty claws come out.

Dianna 30, is a divorced salon owner with two children. Is Sean ready for a microwave family? There was no conversation about divorce or her already having children during the initial meet and greet. Do you save this valuable information for after you receive a rose? I think not. It could be a deal breaker and I'd rather have my deal broken sooner than later. Tsk, tsk, tsk single mommy -- no secrets!

The stunning Sarah, 26 years old, is absolutely gorgeous and was born with one arm. This imperfect beauty was the recipient of what she called "a perfect rose -- no thorns." It will be interesting to see how long she sticks around (hopefully for genuine emotion and not to drag us along for a sympathy ride). She may very well be one of the most attractive ladies in the bunch and wants to be treated like the rest of the gals. We'll see.

Ashley P. is 28 and Fifty Shades of CRAZY! Said she has no idea why she's still single. Try these on for size, Ash: You talk to your cat, your initial hope was that Sean would meet you, rip your clothes of and spank you, you showed up and pulled a necktie out of your boobs and offered it up to be bound and gagged, you got drunk awaiting the rose ceremony and did a little stripper dance. Those could be just a few reasons you're still single. Some guys dig all of that, but perhaps not one who "loves Jesus" in his Twitter profile. We'll ask Sean to pray for your crazy lil' soul!

Leslie, 25, Lesley trots up to Sean carrying a football in the coolest Heisman pose she can muster in a tight fitting electric blue frock. She convinces him to position himself as the center while she stands behind him calling random plays. As he's bent over the ball, waiting for any indication that Lesley is ready for him to hike; he soon realizes that she's just there to admire the view. Well played, Lesley. This girl will go far.

If Kristy, a 25-year-old model says "The best from the Midwest" one more time, I'm voting her off the island.

Then there's Ashlee, 32, a professional OCD organizer. Adopted. 6 Foster homes. Cried within 5 minutes of the show. Oh, Ashlee.

Jackie, 25, stepped out of the limo, put on lipstick to ummmm, "put her mark" on Sean and planted a big red one on his cheek. Just as I reached to wipe my TV screen to get that off his cheek, out steps Selma, 29, with a Kleenex! Wipe, wipe, wipe. Thanks, Selma.

Leslie, 29, said "Holy Toledo" and called Sean "Mr. McSteamy." What are we, 12?

Daniella, Ms. touchy feely, with her "I'll see you inside," in her sex kitten voice -- I don't have her sticking around long.

Kelly from Tennessee, wrote a song about "us," and played it. Ummmm, "American Idol" auditions are on another channel.

Katie is barefoot yoga instructor. That's it. Namaste.

Tarryn seems to be the only chick that didn't have a disturbing reality TV show stalker crush on Sean. She never watched the show and was interested in getting to know him as he got to know her without any prior knowledge. We like Tarryn.

Here's Robyn again (remember sticky note, teaching-myself-Spanish Robyn?). She also knows how to do a back flip, sort of kind of. She steps out of the limo in a full length gown, gets into position and hits a single back flip, perfectly, goes in for back flip number two and FLOPS!!! What on Earth made you step out of a limo in a gown and flip? Backhand flip, FLOP, wiped out on the cobblestone driveway. Flop.

And Lacey, "most people call me Lace, I cut a heart out of a cheesy piece of lace and would like for you to keep it in your pocket all night and think of me." Yawn.

Paige, 25, is one of two women with interesting ideas about traveling. She said she would have walked from Minnesota to California to meet him. From the crazed look in her eyes, I believe her.

Amanda the fitness model gained some points with Sean with her "awkward moment." She offered up the opportunity to get the awkward silent moment out of the way and stood there silently with Sean and did a pretty good job of breaking the ice. Bravo, Amanda.

Bizarre transportation lady number two: Kerianne drove 2,777 miles to be with Sean. I'm guessing no one told her about airplanes.

We meet Brooke, Diana, Ashley H., "Hi Ken, I'm you're Barbie" Lauren and Lindsey. Lindsey. Lindsey. Lindsey. She showed up in a wedding gown and tried to throw her tongue down his throat. I'm guessing Lindsey has not a friend in the world, as someone should have told her that showing up dressed for your wedding with a dude you've never met just may creep him out a bit.

That wraps up the 25 ladies all single, super available and willing to give Sean everything for a chance to be Mrs. Lowe -- and then there were 26?

Kacie's back. Yeah that Kacie. Ben's show Kacie; even Kacie wants a chance to be with Sean. This is going to be a very interesting season. Interesting indeed. Kacie?

Sean heated things up a bit, giving Des the "first impression" rose, then shook things up a heck of lot more as he proceeded to give out 11 more "first impression" roses -- 12 women with roses before the rose ceremony!

Insecurities were heightened, cat claws were out, drama was brewing and seven more were awarded roses during the ceremony. Amanda. Leslie H. Kacie, yes Kacie. Christie. Daniella. Tarryn and even wedding dress clad Lindsey (perhaps she's on to something). Next first date, I'm showing up in a wedding gown.

Who went home:

Paige from "Bachelor Pad," the country singer and Ashley H.