November 2002
CACE 2003 Web site now available
Posted by Jeff_Novotny on Sun 3 Nov 2002 - 19:15The Canadian Anthro & Cartooning Expo (CACE) returns again next year in a new time slot (May 30 to June 1, 2003) and a new hotel, but don't worry ... we're still keeping the friendly atmosphere and the comfortable vibe! Also returning will be our great selection of workshops, classes and panels, the focus on the creative aspects of the fandom, the Art Show and Dealers Room, and our popular Friday Night Chocolate Social, amongst other attractions.
Simpsons Halloween Special Includes Furry Nod
Posted by Trickster on Sun 3 Nov 2002 - 20:57This evening's Simpsons Halloween Special (the thirteenth and final edition) featured as its final tale of horror a take-off on the Island of Dr. Moreau, called "The Island of Dr. Hibbert". In a reverse twist on the original plot by H. G. Wells, instead of animals turning into people it featured the extended Simpsons cast turning into animals.
Plot highlights: Homer has a romantic encounter with his wife after she turns bestial, and then at the conclusion of the tale he tries to convince the tribe of townie therianthropes to convert back to human, with an impassioned speech. "But all you do is eat! and sleep! And mate! And roll around in your own filth! And mate! And... Umm... Where do I sign up?" Homer joins the pack (as a walrus hominid, aptly), and they all live happily ever after.
Further Confusion Hotel Update
Posted by Frysco on Tue 5 Nov 2002 - 14:47Further Confusion's hotel room block ran out of rooms for the 22nd, 26th, and 27th of January last week. Many thanks, it looks like we are expecting a big crowd this year. We have expanded the block once more giving us an additional 40 rooms on each of the nights where we were low.
Rare farm breeds make modest come back
Posted by GeneBreshears on Tue 5 Nov 2002 - 14:52The Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports that many hobby farmers in western states are forming a network to preserve endangered livestock -- breeds which have fallen out of favor for one reason or another. The article includes pictures of several rare Jacob Sheep, once much prized for its multi-colored wool
Midwest Furfest Hotel Update!
Posted by Duncan da Husky on Wed 6 Nov 2002 - 13:13Great news for those of us who tend to put things off until the last minute! Midwest Furfest's hotel, the Hyatt Regency Woodfield in Schaumburg, IL, has agreed to accept reservations at the con rate past the October 31st deadline for as long as there are rooms left in our block. The downside is that there really aren't a whole lot of rooms left, so get them while you can!
Call the hotel to make your reservations at (847) 605-1234, or toll free (800) 233-1234. If you have any questions, please send an
email to hotel@furfest.org.
See you in a little under three weeks!
Are you going to Midwest FurFest?
Posted by Anon on Thu 7 Nov 2002 - 21:24A stolen slice of Pi?
Posted by Anon on Fri 8 Nov 2002 - 13:20While (re)writing the review of _Life of Pi_ that I promised the kind readers of Flayrah, I was suprised to come across this news story. Martel's story of a hindu boy trapped on a lifeboat with a tiger has been acused of blatently lifting from Brazilian Moacyr Scliar's _Max And the Cats_ which is about... Er... A jewish boy trapped on a lifeboat with a panther.
Martel's reply, "why put up with a brilliant premise ruined by a lesser writer?".
Viagra May Help Protect Endangered Wildlife
Posted by Trickster on Fri 8 Nov 2002 - 13:20Some correlational data suggest that exotic animals endangered by the lethal harvest of profitable folk aphrodesiacs may be getting a lucky break due to the success of Pfizer's Viagra. Hunting of a few key species (including Canadian harp seals) used in treating impotence has dropped considerably over the past decade, though this link is still questionable.
The full story by CNN appears here.
Attack of the Killer Squirrel
Posted by Trickster on Fri 8 Nov 2002 - 13:21CNN reports here that a squirrel is violently attacking children and adults in the British town of Knutsford (yes, that is the actual name of the city). Many parents are keeping their children indoors as a safety precaution.
The most recent attack was a bite-grapple from the squirrel on a toddler's forehead. The child lost quite a bit of blood and the bite required immediate hospital attention.
"Vampire Squirrel" attacks residents, is shot
Posted by Darac on Fri 8 Nov 2002 - 13:22Yesterday (7th November), the Sun reported that a "vampire squirrel" had been terrorising the residents of Knutsford, Cheshire.
The "ghastly grey fiend" attacked six people before fleeing to the safety of a fence. "You don't expect that from a squirrel," said one victim, whose ankle was "lacerated".
However, Today's edition updates the story. The squirrel has been shot dead while attacking the grandfather of one of his victims.
A Furry Article from Canada
Posted by Anon on Sun 10 Nov 2002 - 13:12A student at the University of Toronto recently interviewed several local furries. The article which she wrote from those interviews was published in UofT's student newspaper, The Varsity. It can be found here
Please note that you might have to subscribe to The Varsity to view the article; their "unsubscribe" feature seems to work correctly.