Monthly Archives: July 2011

It seems like no matter where you try to draw the line between animals and people, the animals keep sneaking a paw (or hoof) over. They make tools. They have sex for fun. They commit murder. And, says neuroscientist David Linden, they also like to get high:

Animals in the wild will also voluntarily and repeatedly consume psychoactive plants and fungi. Birds, elephants, and monkeys have all been reported to enthusiastically seek out fruits and berries that have fallen to the ground and undergone natural fermentation to produce alcohol. In Gabon, which lies in the western equatorial region of Africa, boars, elephants, porcupines, and gorillas have all been reported to consume the intoxicating, hallucinogenic iboga plant (Tabernanthe iboga). There is even some evidence that young elephants learn to eat iboga from observing the actions of their elders in the social group. In the highlands of Ethiopia, goats cut the middleman out of the Starbucks business model by munching wild coffee berries and catching a caffeine buzz.

The Compass of Pleasure: Bob Dylan and Siberian Reindeer Agree: Everybody Must Get Stoned (David Linden)

via/pic

Donncha O’Callaghan with UNICEF Ireland’s Melanie Verwoerd

He does like his grooming that lad.

Calling all muggles. UNICEF Ireland will be transforming Hamleys in Dundrum into a witches and wizards fancy dress wonderland on Saturday 16th July from 3-5pm for a special invite only event.Dustin the Turkey will lead the fun and will be joined by guests on the day.  As part of the festivities there will be wizardry lessons, a sorcerer’s banquet of ghoulish food prepared by Frangos, face painting, a magician, cup cake decorating, colouring competition as well as prizes, fun and games galore. There are prizes for the best dressed non muggle and every child who attends will get a free goodie bag.

Tickets: Unicef.ie

Thanks Eoin

ISRAELI foreign ministry officials have dismissed as “baseless” claims by organisers of the Gaza-bound flotilla that Israel was responsible for damage to the Irish ship MV Saoirse [lower pic], docked in Turkey.

Roni Bar-On, a member of Israel’s Knesset parliament from the opposition Kadima party, welcomed the latest setback to the effort to breach Israel’s maritime blockade on Gaza, terming it “the hand of God”. Earlier this week, activists also blamed Israel for sabotage to the Greek-Swedish ship Juliano , which was docked in Greece.

Some 300 international activists, including Irish citizens, are due to set sail in the coming days from Mediterranean ports in up to nine vessels from the United States, Canada, France, Italy, Sweden and Greece.

Israel Denies Damaging Irish Ship Bound For Gaza Flotilla (Irish Times)

Previously: Live From The Damaged MV Saoirse