Descartes tells us that monkeys could talk if they wanted to, but they have decided to keep silent so that humans will not force them to work. The Bushmen of South Africa believe that there was a time when all animals could talk. Hochigan hated animals; one day it disappeared, taking the gift of speech with it.

-Jorge Luis Borges

The Vigorous North is a blog by a Portland(original flavor) resident about the intersections of nature and human development. It’s good stuff, and it led me to this awesome Google Maps mashup showing live ship locations. So now I can check and see what’s in harbor without walking up to the bridge!

Nature’s trying, consarn it! It may not be green, and it may squelch under your feet, but the wind doesn’t bite so much, and the birds and squirrels are giving outdoor living a try.