These freestanding educational cutouts were given to my friend Jason, a chicken owner/writer/professor (not necessarily in that order), for his recent birthday. They are part of a much larger collection of farm animals from the newly opened NYC branch of Kabinett & Kammer — a crazy, fantastic heavenly bonanza of a place. Filled to the brim with everything that should be in a modern-day curiosity cabinet… and so much more.

I went for a walk this morning along the Brooklyn Bridge waterfront. The city has been working at a steady pace to create some public green space from the previously inaccessible concrete piers. I love a decrepit urban landscape as much as the next person, but to hear the sounds of all the birds this morning, in the barely leafing trees, made me appreciate the transformation. And while the finches above are playing a decidedly different and less melodious tune, I thought, why not. Video is courtesy of French artist, Céleste Boursier-Mougenot. It’s a little like watching a Sonic Youth concert, especially the part where the finch has a stick between the strings.

I don’t think there is any stranger picture of dog and ducks. That’s the late Eugene (a homely, but much beloved, muscovy duck) lurking in the background. For the sake of scale, it’s important to note that Pete the pug is still in his youth here. My friends Kevin and Kay are his guardians. This is their photo. And it has not been tinkered with in any way.

Another terrific blog discovery yesterday: WEETSTRAW!! Animals are actually strange to draw because their anatomy makes less sense than one would expect. So for a fledgling attempt, this method may indeed work.

I thought this might be an effective (albeit temporary) palliative for some of the recurrent pain that accompanied today’s reading of the news. Notice, no baby elephants.