And Tango Makes Three
We went to the library today to get some books for the kids to read. I picked up a few books on penguins. Story books and references to finish up filling in the static content for this site were my main objectives. I was pleasantly surprised to find And Tango Makes Three was available. I added that one to my stack without hesitation as I have been wanting to read it after hearing all of the hubbub about it. I read it this afternoon and I liked it. The theme of this book is definitely centered around families.
Despite what those crazy school officials think, I think Tango opens up the discussion of how families can be different and non-traditional. The tale of Tango sends a message that children can be raised properly in non-traditional homes. Of course it does depend on the specific situation, but the general consensus should be that a mother/father/child relationship does not have to be the end-all solution to giving proper love to a child. Just remember My Two Dads & Three Men and a Baby. If you’ve jumped to the conclusion that this book actually promotes homosexuality, you’ve either missed the point or haven’t even read the book. Two flippers up, if I had them.
“In this true, straightforwardly (so to speak) delivered tale, two male chinstrap penguins at New York City’s Central Park Zoo bond, build a nest and — — thanks to a helping hand from an observant zookeeper — — hatch and raise a penguin chick…Readers may find its them of acceptance even more convincing for being delivered in such a matter of fact, non — preachy way.”
— Kirkus Reviews, starred review
6.5 foot penguin stolen
Apparently, this supermarket in the UK has had a six and a half foot toy penguin resembling Mumble of Happy Feet fame. 
It was snatched on Saturday but no one seemed to notice until the following Monday. Excuse me, but how do you not notice that an almost 7 foot toy is not there? Even so, I’m sure the act of stealing such a big and awkward object couldn’t have been done quickly. I’d imagine that would take a lot effort.
Since the closed circuit footage looks like the crime was done by teenagers, I’m sure it was done on the spur of the moment as a prank. And I’m sure they will be caught. Hopefully the toy wasn’t defaced so the school it was being donated to will still get to enjoy it.
“The footage shows three girls enter the shop and head towards the sandwiches when two break off and grab Mumble’s hand and start to drag it away. They appear to have some kind of debate over whether to take it or not while still in the foyer before running off. They dragged it all the way across the car park before loading it into a van with three males.”
– Tim Larner, Security Guard
Save the Egg
In the Antarctic winter, Emperor Penguin fathers protect their eggs on land for two months while mothers go to the sea to feed. Can you keep your egg safe and warm long enough for your chick to hatch?
This is a fun game from National Geographic based on March of the Penguins. All you need to do is move the mouse cursor to keep your egg warm while walking the penguin around while avoiding obstacles such as other penguins, predators, and terrain. Even if the penguin shouldn’t be moving around that much, it’s still an entertaining game. My high score so far is finishing all 20 levels with 6170 points.
‘Groucho Marx’ ready to put on some Barry White
A Fiordland Crested penguin named Munroe is getting ready to put some smooth moves on Chalky and Milford, two female Fiordland penguins, at the Toranga Zoo in Sydney, Australia. Munroe was found on a beach 50 miles north of Sydney which is about 1,240 miles from his natural habitat off southern New Zealand. After recovering from this long trek, Munroe will be introduced to the females soon to breed. Being the only male, you could imagine how excited he is.
“The girls have been on their own for quite some time now. He hasn’t seen them yet but he’s heard them. He’s quite excited, he keeps trying to escape to get to them.”
– Danielle McGill, Taronga Zoo spokeswoman
Video Link: MSN Video
Penguin Geek 