A beautiful and important thing

There will be more posts about dogs and spiders...y'all even have spider PORN to look forward to, woo-hoo!...but I'm sharing this bit of politics because I find it hopeful and inspiring in its size, the cooperation and above all its lack of violence. Go you, Oakland. Let's hope it stays that way.

Wish I could have been there; it would have been a great dog walk...

So, have dramatic photos of Occupy Oakland march being peacefully successful---and huge! and shockingly, a positive, uplifting story about cops, protesters and free speech.

Spider porn!

Ok, I promised you all spider porn, and I would never dream of failing to deliver upon such a promise.

I'm pleased to announce that our first attempt to breed Chilean rose tarantulas has been a success! There are still many stages and months between now and a group of healthy, viable spiderlings, but mating did occur, and the male, who is apparently as competent as he is beautiful, even survived! It was fascinating.

( More detail, with photos )