I've been putting off updating life in the pigeon coop not because of a lack of news, but because I have wanted to avoid downer news. However it turns out that things are not as sad as I had feared.

Weeks ago when Ludvig laid a couple eggs, a coworker who breeds pigeons suggested I replace the eggs with the eggs of some white and red pigeons he raises. I agreed. I swapped out Soren & Marie's eggs. The parents cared for the eggs as their own.

The eggs hatched. Things looked normal. But then I noticed the parents fighting. One would claim the nest and not want to trade places with the other parent. Typically the parents take turns on the nest. I couldn't manage to prevent the fights. A few days later I found one of the hatchlings dead, not doubt trampled during a parental tiff.

All this fighting might have something to do with the male having two hens. Sadly one little bird has died because of his adopted parent's jealousies.

As the surviving chick matured, I noticed something seemed wrong with his right leg. It stuck out oddly. This didn't worry me too much. A pigeon can do well with just one good leg. A few days later it was becoming clear that the other leg was not working as it should. The claw looked awkwardly clutched, the leg stiff and weak.

Now I was really worried. Could he survive with two bad legs? Could he be happy like this? I had severe doubts. He was struggling just to pivot about - counterclockwise only at that. Forward motion was beyond him.

My husband named him Claudius and insisted he would survive. And he has. His parents have stopped fighting and have taken good care of their little Claudius. He has not learned to fly (yet) but he can use his crippled legs and a little flapping to move along the ground. Very recently he has been eating on his own. I think he will be flying eventually. I can watch him for hours learning to make due with what he has.

He's adorable.

Posted by Nica @ 12:37 AM PST [Link]

I haven't actually tried this, but it seems pretty cool. eMachineShop has a pretty neat idea. You download their free CAD software. Use the software to design a piece in plastic, wood, metal, or whatever else they offer. Send off the CAD file via the internet. A few days later you get your piece. Neat!

Posted by Nica @ 01:17 AM PST [Link]

Maybe it's just because I never actually watch these shows, but it seems to me that most reality TV is more fun in concept than practice. So here's my concept for a show which is pretty good, as long as it's not really implemented.

Presenting "Lack of Short Term Memory House" It's Momento except funnier, and more cruel.

Contestant A: Remind me to check the microwave in 20 minutes.
Contestant B: I can't because I have no short term memory.
Contestant A: You can't do what?
Contestant B: Make new memories.
Contestant A: Why are you telling me this now?
Contestant B: I don't know.
Contestant A: Is that your potato cooking in the microwave?
Contestant B: Hmmm...I think so. Remind me it's mine when it's done.
Contestant A: But I don't have any short term memory, so I can't help you.
Contestant B: Really! Neither do I! That's weird we're here together. What were you going to help me with?

etc

Posted by Nica @ 11:46 PM PST [Link]

Gay marriages are all the rage right now. People are raging for and against it all. I'm actually surprised that so many people are getting so excited over it on both sides. Personally, I think the age of gay marriages is very near, but it really isn't a huge deal.

I'm surprised that there isn't more attention given to polygamous marriages. It seems to me that should be legalized as well. Consider the long history of having multiple wives. Unlike gay marriage, there is enormous historical precedent to polygamy. Occasionally people will respond to this by saying, "Yes, but not in traditional western culture." Fine. Same could be said of gay marriage. In truth the Mormons are very much a western cultural phenomena with links to polygamy. Also, America is more than just western culture these days.

Posted by Nica @ 01:54 AM PST [Link]

I'm already getting tired of all that fake get-up-and-go-usa attitude from the Presidential elections.

I like the idea of the "Spooky Party". If I were running as the Spooky candidate, I would try to get everyone so pessimistic that they would be really pleased that things during my administration actually go OK. I would certainly have a sombre style that GWB lacks.

Yes, yes! I can imagine it now. Ted Copple is interviewing me.

TC: Nica, if you are elected what would Americans have to look forward to?

N: It will be the same as it has been for eons: the pain of birth, the struggle of life, the release of death.

TC: So you offer nothing?

N: I hope I can offer some comfort for the beings of this nation. Perhaps, in times of particulars intense misery, I can offer the people a kind word, and remind the citizens that though their sadness is great, those before have survived.

TC: How would you provide security for the nation?

N: I would incessantly remind all those in this nation to be wary of all things around them. Our civilization is now reliant on technology which cannot be properly tested. We comfort ourselves with friends and family, all of whom may disappoint us with deceit. New diseases are developing throughout the globe bring new modes of death and suffering.

TC: Your opponents consider you morbid, and maybe insane.

N: If insanity is recognizing that disease, tragedy, and death are inevitable, then I am insane. Life itself seems morbid through my eyes.

TC: Why should anyone vote for you?

N: I will not promise paradise and other such fictions. I will mentally prepared all of our nations for the inherent discomfort of existence.

Hmmm...I would have to dress properly for this sort of campaign.

Posted by Nica @ 08:08 PM PST [Link]

More eggs hatching! This time is a little different. I switched Soren/Ludvig's eggs with some eggs given to me by some co-workers. They didn't seem to notice the switch, though they were a little upset with my hands when I was reaching under Soren. The eggs were from a pair of white tumblers.

They hatched today, but something has me worried. The Soren wasn't letting his mate, Ludvig, on the nest. They were literally fighting over the kids. I eventually took Soren out of the cage, gave him a bath, and tried to settle him down. Baths have settled me down before, so maybe it worked with him. I did seem to be calmed. Anyway things seem to be better now. No fighting for hours. Ludvig is on the nest. Very odd behavior. I can't think of how the eggs switch could have caused this, but somehow I feel like maybe this is due to me tampering with things.

Posted by Nica @ 12:06 AM PST [Link]