What’s Odd In Oddities?
When scientists discover something new, they get to name it. Fruit fly geneticists traditionally have chosen funny names as jokes. “Cheap Date” has a gene that makes it very sensitive to alcohol. “Out Cold” has a gene that causes it to lose coordination when the temperature drops. “I’m Not Dead Yet” has a gene that enables it to live longer than usual. Because humans have some of the same genes as fruit flies, these names can cause embarrassing problems and thus some names are being changed. For example, the name “Lunatic Fringe” has been changed to “LFNG O-fucosylpeptide 3-beta-N-acetylglucosaminytransferase” – no nickname given.
PETA is the acronymic name for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and PETA wants to prevent fish from being “victims of many major threats to their welfare and ways of life”. In non-PETA language that means they want to prevent fish from being eaten. To accomplish that the animal rights organization proposes that fish be called “sea kittens”. The hope is that people’s affection for cute, cuddly kittens will be transferred to fish and people won’t want to eat them. Although PETA’s sea kitty Web site has only 4,544 signatures on its name-change petition, sea kittens does seem to be an appropriate name for young catfish.
The Georgia Aquarium – with 80,000 fish and other sea creatures and 8 million gallons of water – is the world’s largest aquarium. Although the poor economy has caused a decrease in out-of-state visitors, there’s been an increase in visitors who live within 100 miles. To keep those visitors coming back the aquarium has introduced a new program – Sunday night yoga classes in front of the beluga whale tank. The slow, smooth movements of the 3 whales supposedly inspire the slow movements of yoga. At $20 per class for aquarium members and $35 for nonmembers, it still qualifies as a whale of a deal.
Three inductees qualified for the 2008 National Toy Hall of Fame. Criteria for induction include being widely recognized; fostering learning, creativity or discovery through play; and enduring in popularity for generations. The 2008 inductees were the skateboard, the Baby Doll and – the stick. The museum’s curators said the stick was a special addition because of its all-purpose, recreational qualities that can be powered by a child’s imagination without rules or instructions. Of course, in 2008 the stick has 2 other important criteria. It’s 100% natural and 100% affordable.
Knight Pierce Hirst has written for television, newspapers and greeting cards.Now she writes a 400-word blog three times a week. KNIGHT WATCH, a second look at what makes life interesting, takes only seconds to read at http://knightwatch.typepad.com
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