A cicada-killer wasp, that is. I have identified the species as Sphecius speciosus. I’m working on another post with more pictures of these leviathans but wanted to share this one in the meantime.
Monthly Archives: June 2006
Open thread
Grand Rounds 2.37 is quite extensive this time around. Go see the best from the medical blogosphere. If you don’t normally read through the whole thing, go ahead and search for the entry on the benefits of naps as an example of some of the interesting news you can find in this carnival.
Speaking of medical blogosphere, you know how much I love reading Dr. Charles. Once again he has put together a fantastic and heartfelt expression of the kinds of experiences he sees in medicine. This time, he writes a very emotive piece based on empathy with a patient in poor condition. I highly recommend you go read Sailing. It’s beautiful and touching.
Take a look at this bug (click on it for a larger view). Like Eric, I have no idea what it is, but it is quite impressive and a bit intimidating with what appears to be a harpoon stinger and Imperial Japanese markings. Cool.
I just want to say I really like the new Old Navy commercials. They’re hip, sexy, fun. Disgusted by their original marketing campaign that reeked of campiness, constantly inundating me with vulgar displays of stupidity and lameness, I applaud whoever fired the last marketing manager and found someone with good ideas and the capacity to understand target markets. I now find my toe tappin’ and my interest not intentionally diverted when their commercials air.
And finally, a classic example of reprioritization. Republican Senator David Vitter from New Orleans said, “I don’t believe there’s any issue that’s more important than [stopping gay marriage].” All you have to do is look at these pictures to understand why the Senator from New Orleans is completely out of touch.
Random Thought
Sometimes I worry about being a success in a mediocre world.
— Lily Tomlin
Jon Stewart clobbers Bill Bennett
Bennett gets skewered on gay marriage by Stewart. It’s a good thrashing of this hate-based agenda. Watch the whole thing; you’ll enjoy it.
[via Gay Orbit]
Perhaps now we can address more important matters
Senate blocks same-sex marriage ban. The Republicans set aside the entire week to discuss the amendment. It’s only Wednesday. Any chance they now will focus their efforts on the people’s business rather than pandering to hateful segments within our society? Unlikely.