Los Angeles Zoo Summer Slumber - 26-27 JUL 2008

We took some friends and spent the night at the Los Angeles Zoo.

We had activities and learned how to identify animals from their skulls. We learned to measure the skull and multiple by five to estimate the body length. Based on the location of the eyes we learn it was a predator if they are located forward and a prey if located to the sides. Based on the type of teeth, we learn it eats meats if they are pointy and sharp or it eats plants if they are flat like molars. 

We learn to identify hearing nodes in the skull that indicated a keen sense of sound. And the placement of the spine can indicate if it has two legs when the spin goes straight down, four legs if at an angle and no legs (or swimmer) if the spin goes straight out. (Tinky Winky tried to point out that no spin could mean it's a Teletubby, Beanie Baby or one of those critters found in gift shops.) Armed with all this new knowledge we tried to identify five skulls. Our first one was easy, as it still had it’s archeology markings on the bottom, identifying it as a dolphin.

Then there was a bird that looked like a hawk but we missed the large eye sockets that should have told us it has good eye sight and might be an Owl. The Beaver skull was very unique with it’s large flat sharp font teeth. But the hippo skull threw us off because we didn’t know that hippos have ivory tusks as well as teeth. 

And lastly we identified a predator as a member of the cat family but had no idea it was a lion as the head looked so small without the muscle and fur. 

After dark we got a private night tour of some of the animals but mostly found many (over a dozen) skunks. They are the zoo maintenance crew as they eat all the dropped popcorn, cotton candy and food stuff left by the visitors.
The next day they brought in some ambassadors for us to touch. 
We also got to visit a few animals in the morning before they went to sleep through the hot day.
It was a wonderful adventure!

Aquarium Critters - 24 JUL 2008

We went to the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific for an evening surf party.
Tinky Winky tried to take a shark ride but only got a wet behind.
To add insult to injury...this was their dryer:
Playing with the Puffin was lots of fun.
And then before leaving, there was the trip to visit like minded critters in the gift shop.

Choir Party - 20 JUL 2008

We attended the Choir Kokomo Pool Party.
Tinky Winky stayed away from the pool, as playing in water is not a concept known in Teletubbyland…however, TW did enjoy visiting with tall, dark and handsome Lewis.
A June bug landed on Judy and I said, “Hold still, I want to get a shot.” But Judy reacted like a game of hot potato, jumping and screaming. Then the June bug landed on Jeannie, who was such a sport...she held perfectly still, giving me time to get several shots.
Jeannie said, “It felt hot.” We decided wearing a live scarab on you third eye, must generate heat.
It was unusual to see a June bug in mid-day as they are nocturnal. Did you know the June bug is full of edible fats and proteins? It can be a rich source of food, an appetite stimulating medicine when prepared correctly.

Biker Show - 12 JUL 2008

The Los Angeles Calendar Motorcycle Show was at the Queen Mary this weekend. This is where you spend money to walk around in the heat looking at things to buy for your motorcycle.

Tinky Winky is still enamored with store display critters. But I would not let TW play with this doll fearing a repeat of what happen the last time rough charters were encountered. (See blog entry Feb 26th.) Cycle art themes are skulls, guns and babes…yet some of the art work was really pretty in a Goth sort way.
A few non-motorcycle items were on display such as this car that always drives forward with a steering wheel on both ends and a hot tub in the middle.

There was some fun entertainment for the $25 admission price. We saw a dance group call The Purrfect Angels. On their website they are defined as “a stunning group of dancers, singers, fire twirlers, aerial artists and acrobats."
And there was the all girl AC/DC tribute band, Whole Lotta Rosies.

People watching was also entertaining…I think the lady on the right strayed too far from the Queen Mary.
One can see something new every day if you just observe…this was the first time I ever saw a Dolly Parton endowed mannequin.