Be on the lookout for... drumroll, please.
Season 3 of "Real Time" is just around the corner! Bill returns to the roundtable with Robin Williams, Delaware Senator Joe Biden and Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson. Join us for the HBO premiere on February 18 at 11:00pm.
Can you imagine??? Robin Williams duking it out with that ferret, Thompson? Hell, just Robin Williams live and uncut... I think I'll find a way to stay up tomorrow night!
Overheard by a comedian: "You know, it bothers me when people discuss the health and lifestyle of men and tell me, 'Well, married men live longer than single men.' I guess I could accept this analogy. It's kind of like saying indoor cats live longer than outdoor cats. Sure, but an indoor cat is nothing more than a fur ball with a broken spirit looking out into a world he'll never experience."
Overheard on "Blue Collar Comedy Tour":
Bill: The other night, I got pulled over by an officer. He asked me if I'd been drinkin'. I said, "No sir, why? Is there a fat chick in the backseat?"
Also overheard:
"My sister got her navel pierced. During our family reunion, she came over and showed me the ring. I said, "Hey, you got ya a hitch. I guess now we can pull you away from the buffet".
From Jon Stewart's interview with Eric Idle on "The Daily Show"
Jon: So you've written a book and you have a hit Broadway play. What are you going to do next."
Eric: "I'm going to start a rap band."
Jon: "Really. How interesting."
Eric: "Yeah, I'm going to call myself 'Muff-Daddy."
Just some funnies to get me through a depressing day at work.
Thursday, February 17, 2005
Thursday, February 10, 2005
Alternatives to Preventing Pregnancy
This really should be filed under the, "You must be shitting me" column. I would have thought only in Alabama, but I still underestimate the ever-maturing state of Georgia. The sad thing is, it took the death of this bitch's eighth child to get the State to do something. And just because she's never been charged with abuse doesn't mean she isn't guilty of it. Read between the lines. Why else would her oldest run away from home?
Also, do the math: She's 34 and on her eighth kid?? No wonder she suffered from depression. If I have been pregnant almost a quarter of my life, I would beg you to fry my ass.
In today's AJC:
Mother chooses sterilization over murder trial
By BETH WARREN
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 02/10/05
An Atlanta mother who pleaded guilty to killing her newborn child has agreed to a medical sterilization procedure to avoid prison.
The plea deal Tuesday halted the murder trial of Carisa Ashe, 34, who has seven other children, after she consented to undergo a tubal ligation, in which the fallopian tubes are cut and tied to prevent pregnancy.
Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard, whose office suggested the plea deal, said he agreed to reduce the murder charge to voluntary manslaughter because Ashe suffered from postpartum depression when she shook to death her 5-week-old daughter, Destiny, on Dec. 16, 1998.
The premature infant had been hospitalized for weeks and was killed two days after going home to her mother. Ashe told police the child simply stopped breathing.
Ashe, who has no prior criminal history or complaints of abuse, could have been sentenced to 20 years in prison on pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter — defined as a killing committed with a sudden, violent irresistible passion after the assailant has been provoked.
Instead, Superior Court Judge Rowland Barnes ordered Ashe to serve five years on probation and to have the tubal ligation within three months. If she doesn't comply, prosecutors can try her on the initial murder charge.
The judge questioned Ashe to make sure she was voluntarily agreeing to the procedure.
"It was her choice to go forward," said Jan Hankins, director of the Fulton County conflict defender's office, which represented the mother.
Two of Ashe's children are living with her mother, while four are in state custody, Howard said. Her oldest child ran away from home, he said.
Jack Martin, legislative committee chairman of the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, said agreeing to tubal ligation is a creative way to avoid jail time. But, he said, "it should be rare and cautiously done."
"We're always concerned when an unusual condition is the price to stay out of jail because of the fear it isn't truly voluntary," Martin said.
Prosecutor Ash Joshi said asking Ashe to have her tubes tied was similar to allowing child molesters to choose chemical castration. He said the U.S. Supreme Court has upheld such punishment as constitutional, as long as the defendants consented.
Prosecutors say this is the first criminal case in Georgia that they know of in which a woman has agreed to undergo sterilization to avoid prison.
"If it's happened before, I've never heard of it," said David Fowler, deputy director of the Prosecuting Attorneys Council of Georgia.
"As long as she did this with her eyes wide open, I see nothing wrong with it legally," he added.
Three months ago, a Louisiana woman charged with murdering her newborn child agreed to a reduced plea that involved tubal ligation.
The prosecutor in that case, District Attorney Walter May, said he agreed to the plea because of conflicting medical testimony on whether the child was stillborn or murdered. The 33-year-old mother had three other children and told her attorney she didn't plan on having more, May said.
"Given similar facts, I would consider doing it again," the Louisiana district attorney said. "I can have some confidence this particular defendant will not have the ability to commit this particular crime again."
Also, do the math: She's 34 and on her eighth kid?? No wonder she suffered from depression. If I have been pregnant almost a quarter of my life, I would beg you to fry my ass.
In today's AJC:
Mother chooses sterilization over murder trial
By BETH WARREN
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 02/10/05
An Atlanta mother who pleaded guilty to killing her newborn child has agreed to a medical sterilization procedure to avoid prison.
The plea deal Tuesday halted the murder trial of Carisa Ashe, 34, who has seven other children, after she consented to undergo a tubal ligation, in which the fallopian tubes are cut and tied to prevent pregnancy.
Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard, whose office suggested the plea deal, said he agreed to reduce the murder charge to voluntary manslaughter because Ashe suffered from postpartum depression when she shook to death her 5-week-old daughter, Destiny, on Dec. 16, 1998.
The premature infant had been hospitalized for weeks and was killed two days after going home to her mother. Ashe told police the child simply stopped breathing.
Ashe, who has no prior criminal history or complaints of abuse, could have been sentenced to 20 years in prison on pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter — defined as a killing committed with a sudden, violent irresistible passion after the assailant has been provoked.
Instead, Superior Court Judge Rowland Barnes ordered Ashe to serve five years on probation and to have the tubal ligation within three months. If she doesn't comply, prosecutors can try her on the initial murder charge.
The judge questioned Ashe to make sure she was voluntarily agreeing to the procedure.
"It was her choice to go forward," said Jan Hankins, director of the Fulton County conflict defender's office, which represented the mother.
Two of Ashe's children are living with her mother, while four are in state custody, Howard said. Her oldest child ran away from home, he said.
Jack Martin, legislative committee chairman of the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, said agreeing to tubal ligation is a creative way to avoid jail time. But, he said, "it should be rare and cautiously done."
"We're always concerned when an unusual condition is the price to stay out of jail because of the fear it isn't truly voluntary," Martin said.
Prosecutor Ash Joshi said asking Ashe to have her tubes tied was similar to allowing child molesters to choose chemical castration. He said the U.S. Supreme Court has upheld such punishment as constitutional, as long as the defendants consented.
Prosecutors say this is the first criminal case in Georgia that they know of in which a woman has agreed to undergo sterilization to avoid prison.
"If it's happened before, I've never heard of it," said David Fowler, deputy director of the Prosecuting Attorneys Council of Georgia.
"As long as she did this with her eyes wide open, I see nothing wrong with it legally," he added.
Three months ago, a Louisiana woman charged with murdering her newborn child agreed to a reduced plea that involved tubal ligation.
The prosecutor in that case, District Attorney Walter May, said he agreed to the plea because of conflicting medical testimony on whether the child was stillborn or murdered. The 33-year-old mother had three other children and told her attorney she didn't plan on having more, May said.
"Given similar facts, I would consider doing it again," the Louisiana district attorney said. "I can have some confidence this particular defendant will not have the ability to commit this particular crime again."
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
In the News...
#1
For starters, something light. Check out the design for the new building to house the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. As someone who works in the design/construction field, I'm impressed, but I certainly wouldn't want to be the one to build it.
#2
The Israelis and Palestinians have declared a cease-fire. Good for them. I'm sure it will last - not (especially if Condi is involved), but good for them for now. I'm waiting for Bush to jump in and take credit. Yeah, that's right, Dickhead - the peace process in the Middle East has nothing to do with Arafat kicking the bucket.
#3
Speaking of Condi, looks like the WarMonger is setting her sights on Iran. Of course, being the second nuclear power in the Asses-of-Evil, I guess that was a no brainer. I suppose we should all prepare for the true apocolypse... you know, when Bush gets stupid enough to attack that loon, Kim Jong Il. Chances are, though, the War on Iran will take four year minimum and maybe the Democrats can come up with someone breathing that is smarter than Bush. Actually, I wonder who will fight the war on Iran? I mean, aren't the Americans running a bit thin when it comes to their military personnel overseas?
#4
I should have been in Rio yesterday. Screw New Orleans - been there, done that and it ain't all that. But those Brazilians?? Please, next year...
#5
Bush sent his budget to Congress. Take away money from education, the environment, and farmers. Give money to Pentagon, but don't mention war money (right now at about 144 Billion dollars) or the money to save Social Security. Good news, though. CNN polls say two-thirds of Americans think the rich should pay to save SS. Well, what a novice idea.
For starters, something light. Check out the design for the new building to house the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. As someone who works in the design/construction field, I'm impressed, but I certainly wouldn't want to be the one to build it.
#2
The Israelis and Palestinians have declared a cease-fire. Good for them. I'm sure it will last - not (especially if Condi is involved), but good for them for now. I'm waiting for Bush to jump in and take credit. Yeah, that's right, Dickhead - the peace process in the Middle East has nothing to do with Arafat kicking the bucket.
#3
Speaking of Condi, looks like the WarMonger is setting her sights on Iran. Of course, being the second nuclear power in the Asses-of-Evil, I guess that was a no brainer. I suppose we should all prepare for the true apocolypse... you know, when Bush gets stupid enough to attack that loon, Kim Jong Il. Chances are, though, the War on Iran will take four year minimum and maybe the Democrats can come up with someone breathing that is smarter than Bush. Actually, I wonder who will fight the war on Iran? I mean, aren't the Americans running a bit thin when it comes to their military personnel overseas?
#4
I should have been in Rio yesterday. Screw New Orleans - been there, done that and it ain't all that. But those Brazilians?? Please, next year...
#5
Bush sent his budget to Congress. Take away money from education, the environment, and farmers. Give money to Pentagon, but don't mention war money (right now at about 144 Billion dollars) or the money to save Social Security. Good news, though. CNN polls say two-thirds of Americans think the rich should pay to save SS. Well, what a novice idea.
Monday, February 07, 2005
Big Day in Atlanta Culture
Yessir-eee, doggie. Big, I mean huge day in the Cultural MegaCenter called "Hotlanta". No, I'm not talking the Olympics again, nor the Peach Bowl, not the SEC Championship not even the NASCAR 500.
It's the American Kennel Club Dog Show!!!
Rah, rah, rah.
I mean, I really hate these things. People who don't have anything better to do than spend their days, dressing their dogs up to... well, look like people. I mean, is this even a dog?
No, boys and girls. That's a gerbil.
THIS IS A DAWWWWGGGGG...
And what would he be saying??? How about, "Hmmm, that little gerbil over there would make a lovely kibble snack."
It's the American Kennel Club Dog Show!!!
Rah, rah, rah.
I mean, I really hate these things. People who don't have anything better to do than spend their days, dressing their dogs up to... well, look like people. I mean, is this even a dog?
No, boys and girls. That's a gerbil.
THIS IS A DAWWWWGGGGG...
And what would he be saying??? How about, "Hmmm, that little gerbil over there would make a lovely kibble snack."
Sunday, February 06, 2005
Better than the BOO-BEE
So, all the hype over the SuperBowl and its shame of last year's half time, now I have to choke down the SuperClean Pre-game (and I'm sure, half time) shows.
Let's see, if I'm a neo-Conservative, hypocritical bible-thumper, I'd say, "What's the best way to overcome the "embarrassment of last year?" Answer: Lots and Lots and Lots of PRO WAR stuff. Don't get me wrong, folks.
I'm all for the "troops".
Yeah, those 20% shylarks ganglanders (who can't get enough of "San Andreas - Grand Theft Auto") and those 80% scared-shitless (who can't make a living in this dogeat economy who think the only way to get by is to fight a bogus war that the US started.)
What bothers me is that this country opts for promoting the violence of war by shaming those who served in legitmate times of warfare in lieu of showing some bee-atch and her TIT. Who's the Tit? Those of us who watch this crap.
They say we have to "clean up" TV because of what Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake did at the Half-time show last year. Why can't they clean up what Bush has done during his entire show the past four years?
Ironic hypocracy is not a contridiction in terms. It really has become the norm, it really has become the iconic standard of American mainstream media (at least for half of them).
Excuse me, but the game has just started and I need to go watch 300 pound gorillas in tight pants rip the heads off the fuckers on the other team (of course, I'm one of those TOTALLY against violence in prime time media.) However, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy is on and they're "converting a Brit". Who would miss that especially considering this house would be showing both football and fags at the same time???? Oh My, You Charlatan, you!
Me.
PS On the record: - Philly will take this one (sorry, Lovely Pats - you won me boatloads your first year, but the crystal ball speaks.)
Let's see, if I'm a neo-Conservative, hypocritical bible-thumper, I'd say, "What's the best way to overcome the "embarrassment of last year?" Answer: Lots and Lots and Lots of PRO WAR stuff. Don't get me wrong, folks.
I'm all for the "troops".
Yeah, those 20% shylarks ganglanders (who can't get enough of "San Andreas - Grand Theft Auto") and those 80% scared-shitless (who can't make a living in this dogeat economy who think the only way to get by is to fight a bogus war that the US started.)
What bothers me is that this country opts for promoting the violence of war by shaming those who served in legitmate times of warfare in lieu of showing some bee-atch and her TIT. Who's the Tit? Those of us who watch this crap.
They say we have to "clean up" TV because of what Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake did at the Half-time show last year. Why can't they clean up what Bush has done during his entire show the past four years?
Ironic hypocracy is not a contridiction in terms. It really has become the norm, it really has become the iconic standard of American mainstream media (at least for half of them).
Excuse me, but the game has just started and I need to go watch 300 pound gorillas in tight pants rip the heads off the fuckers on the other team (of course, I'm one of those TOTALLY against violence in prime time media.) However, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy is on and they're "converting a Brit". Who would miss that especially considering this house would be showing both football and fags at the same time???? Oh My, You Charlatan, you!
Me.
PS On the record: - Philly will take this one (sorry, Lovely Pats - you won me boatloads your first year, but the crystal ball speaks.)
Friday, February 04, 2005
News to Make You Say....
... yeh right:
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said a U.S. attack on Iran “is simply not on the agenda,” despite the United States’ continued criticism of Iran’s human rights record and potential nuclear weapons.
And what was it she was saying in March of 2003 about Iraq and their nuclear weapons? Notice the direct, bi-polar schism of rhetorical dialect (i.e., "flip-floppin' to you Bushies out there). Must have something to do with her promotion from National Defense Secretary to Secretary of State. Hmmmm, how much ChapStick do you think the White House gave her before she moved into the new office space?
Smoke another one, Condi.
News to Make You Say...
... you must be shitting me:
Thursday night (Laura Bush) added another cause when the president announced she'd be leading an initiative to fight gang violence.
Whaaaa? Laura Bush fights GANG violence? OK, I see it happening
VERSUS 
Now considering I'm not much of a betting-hag, I'll only put a couple of G's down on this one - hmmmm, me thinks... Yeah, if it comes down to a fist-to-fist, I'll take Chico. Come on down to my 'hood, Laura, you stupid-ass, unemployed kindergarten teacher. I'll introduce you to a gang called, "Us Niggers Who Love Violence" and then let you watch the bloodshed as they try to take out their Latino counterparts, "La Gran Familia". Have at it, you ass-whoppin' mama. I love this site since it clearly indicates your qualifications for being a good mum http://www.bettybowers.com/jenna.html
News to Make You Say...
...Stay the Fuck Out of MY Business
Abortion foes target use of pill
Druggists may refuse to dispense
By CARLOS CAMPOS
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 02/04/05
Newly empowered Republicans in the Georgia Legislature are setting their sights on another anti-abortion measure.
Under a bill filed Thursday by freshman Sen. Jim Whitehead (R-Evans), pharmacists who oppose abortion on "moral or religious" grounds and who refuse to dispense emergency contraceptive drugs would be immune from lawsuits or disciplinary action by employers.
I mean this really, really, chaps my large ass... I'm so glad the goddamn Georgia legislature has it's priorities straight. First, you make a woman have a baby even though neither toothless, unemployed teenage parent-to-be is smart enough to use contraception. Second, you take all the money out of the educational system to ensure this kid will grow up to be an ignorant, angry, indigent bastard who ultimately grows up to be... (see picture of Chico above for clues.)
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said a U.S. attack on Iran “is simply not on the agenda,” despite the United States’ continued criticism of Iran’s human rights record and potential nuclear weapons.
And what was it she was saying in March of 2003 about Iraq and their nuclear weapons? Notice the direct, bi-polar schism of rhetorical dialect (i.e., "flip-floppin' to you Bushies out there). Must have something to do with her promotion from National Defense Secretary to Secretary of State. Hmmmm, how much ChapStick do you think the White House gave her before she moved into the new office space?
Smoke another one, Condi.
News to Make You Say...
... you must be shitting me:
Thursday night (Laura Bush) added another cause when the president announced she'd be leading an initiative to fight gang violence.
Whaaaa? Laura Bush fights GANG violence? OK, I see it happening
VERSUS
Now considering I'm not much of a betting-hag, I'll only put a couple of G's down on this one - hmmmm, me thinks... Yeah, if it comes down to a fist-to-fist, I'll take Chico. Come on down to my 'hood, Laura, you stupid-ass, unemployed kindergarten teacher. I'll introduce you to a gang called, "Us Niggers Who Love Violence" and then let you watch the bloodshed as they try to take out their Latino counterparts, "La Gran Familia". Have at it, you ass-whoppin' mama. I love this site since it clearly indicates your qualifications for being a good mum http://www.bettybowers.com/jenna.html
News to Make You Say...
...Stay the Fuck Out of MY Business
Abortion foes target use of pill
Druggists may refuse to dispense
By CARLOS CAMPOS
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 02/04/05
Newly empowered Republicans in the Georgia Legislature are setting their sights on another anti-abortion measure.
Under a bill filed Thursday by freshman Sen. Jim Whitehead (R-Evans), pharmacists who oppose abortion on "moral or religious" grounds and who refuse to dispense emergency contraceptive drugs would be immune from lawsuits or disciplinary action by employers.
I mean this really, really, chaps my large ass... I'm so glad the goddamn Georgia legislature has it's priorities straight. First, you make a woman have a baby even though neither toothless, unemployed teenage parent-to-be is smart enough to use contraception. Second, you take all the money out of the educational system to ensure this kid will grow up to be an ignorant, angry, indigent bastard who ultimately grows up to be... (see picture of Chico above for clues.)
During the Days of War and Disaster...
...comes this refreshing little ditty from today's AJC
Triplets at the zoo and more to come?
Tom Sabulis - Staff
Friday, February 4, 2005
Rare newborn monkey triplets, a young gorilla stud who's going to town, and a critically ill elephant: Even for an institution familiar with the circle of life (birth, procreation, death), Zoo Atlanta is having a fairly intense time these days.
Consider that:
> On Monday, one of its golden lion tamarins --- a critically endangered, squirrel-sized monkey --- gave birth to triplets, a rarity in the world of these marmosets native to Brazil.
Zoo officials are using the event to illustrate the unusual social structure among the world's smallest primates, one in which the father helps the mother take care of infants almost from the moment of birth.
> Taz, a 15-year-old gorilla, recently mated with all four females in the family of legendary zoo mascot Willie B.
Taz's most famous partner, Kudzoo, is the beloved silverback's oldest offspring. It will take a few more weeks before pregnancy testing is complete, but zoo leaders expect that Willie B. soon will become a grandfather for the first time, albeit posthumously. (He died at age 41 in February 2000.)
Taz's performance, researchers say, demonstrates that young lowland gorillas raised in a "bachelor" environment --- a group of male gorillas that never mate --- still can be moved in with females when they reach sexual maturity and lead a successful reproductive life.
Taz has taken to his procreative duties with gusto since joining the females in November: One day last month, he copulated 20 times.
"It's a very exciting time in the gorilla world," said Tara Stoinski, the zoo's manager of conservation partnerships. "This is the first time [at Zoo Atlanta] we've had a situation with animals that are all brand-new to the breeding scene. Taz has not bred before, nor have three of the four females."
Aside from Kudzoo, age 10, Taz's females include two other Willie B. offspring --- Sukari, 6, and Lulu, 5. His other partner is Kuchi, 20.
The zoo has been seeking a new male gorilla breeder since the death of Willie B. One possible successor, Caesar, a mature silverback on loan from the Los Angeles Zoo, was supposed to fill that role after moving to Zoo Atlanta in 2003. But he died suddenly last May.
> One of the zoo's three elephants, Starlett, is suffering from leptospirosis, an infection of the liver that has caused her to develop skin lesions and lose about 1,000 pounds over the past year. (She now weighs approximately 6,400 pounds.)
It is the most serious elephant illness the zoo has encountered, senior veterinarian Rita McManamon said. The three elephants, all female and 21 to 22 years old, arrived at Zoo Atlanta in 1986.
Starlett's disease can be fatal, but zoo officials believe the African elephant is recovering. "She's not out of the woods yet," zoo President and CEO Dennis Kelly said.
Starlett is being treated with antibiotics, and her appetite has returned. In a typical day, elephants consume about 56,000 calories. Her diet is being supplemented with corn oil mixed with her feed.
"They like the taste of corn oil," McManamon said. "I think they'd suck it up if they could."
Her illness has reduced the amount of time Starlett can be seen by zoo visitors --- she now eats separately from the other elephants (Zambezi and Victoria) so her diet can be monitored --- but she's still visible to the public at bath time, usually in the morning.
A team of experts from the University of Georgia --- including veterinary nutritionists and dermatologists --- has been collaborating on Starlett's treatment. Branson Ritchie, an animal clinician, has developed a new cleansing skin treatment useful for battling infections in human burn patients.
"We're using that to wash Starlett's skin," Kelly said. "It's cutting-edge stuff, the best medicine we have."
What's not so scientifically cutting-edge is the method Zoo Atlanta is using to test its gorillas for pregnancy. Since no gorilla pregnancy test exists, vets are using human tests, which monitor urine samples, that they buy at a local drugstore.
Right now, that process is adding to the zoo's wait.
"Those pregnancy tests are not designed for gorillas," McManamon said, "and it may take a couple [of] months before you will actually see a positive [result]. The hormone the test is looking for is a human hormone. There is some similarity between that human hormone and the gorilla equivalent of that hormone, but it doesn't always cross-react perfectly."
There is one other holdup.
"It's not easy," she said, "to get a gorilla to pee on demand."
Triplets at the zoo and more to come?
Tom Sabulis - Staff
Friday, February 4, 2005
Rare newborn monkey triplets, a young gorilla stud who's going to town, and a critically ill elephant: Even for an institution familiar with the circle of life (birth, procreation, death), Zoo Atlanta is having a fairly intense time these days.
Consider that:
> On Monday, one of its golden lion tamarins --- a critically endangered, squirrel-sized monkey --- gave birth to triplets, a rarity in the world of these marmosets native to Brazil.
Zoo officials are using the event to illustrate the unusual social structure among the world's smallest primates, one in which the father helps the mother take care of infants almost from the moment of birth.
> Taz, a 15-year-old gorilla, recently mated with all four females in the family of legendary zoo mascot Willie B.
Taz's most famous partner, Kudzoo, is the beloved silverback's oldest offspring. It will take a few more weeks before pregnancy testing is complete, but zoo leaders expect that Willie B. soon will become a grandfather for the first time, albeit posthumously. (He died at age 41 in February 2000.)
Taz's performance, researchers say, demonstrates that young lowland gorillas raised in a "bachelor" environment --- a group of male gorillas that never mate --- still can be moved in with females when they reach sexual maturity and lead a successful reproductive life.
Taz has taken to his procreative duties with gusto since joining the females in November: One day last month, he copulated 20 times.
"It's a very exciting time in the gorilla world," said Tara Stoinski, the zoo's manager of conservation partnerships. "This is the first time [at Zoo Atlanta] we've had a situation with animals that are all brand-new to the breeding scene. Taz has not bred before, nor have three of the four females."
Aside from Kudzoo, age 10, Taz's females include two other Willie B. offspring --- Sukari, 6, and Lulu, 5. His other partner is Kuchi, 20.
The zoo has been seeking a new male gorilla breeder since the death of Willie B. One possible successor, Caesar, a mature silverback on loan from the Los Angeles Zoo, was supposed to fill that role after moving to Zoo Atlanta in 2003. But he died suddenly last May.
> One of the zoo's three elephants, Starlett, is suffering from leptospirosis, an infection of the liver that has caused her to develop skin lesions and lose about 1,000 pounds over the past year. (She now weighs approximately 6,400 pounds.)
It is the most serious elephant illness the zoo has encountered, senior veterinarian Rita McManamon said. The three elephants, all female and 21 to 22 years old, arrived at Zoo Atlanta in 1986.
Starlett's disease can be fatal, but zoo officials believe the African elephant is recovering. "She's not out of the woods yet," zoo President and CEO Dennis Kelly said.
Starlett is being treated with antibiotics, and her appetite has returned. In a typical day, elephants consume about 56,000 calories. Her diet is being supplemented with corn oil mixed with her feed.
"They like the taste of corn oil," McManamon said. "I think they'd suck it up if they could."
Her illness has reduced the amount of time Starlett can be seen by zoo visitors --- she now eats separately from the other elephants (Zambezi and Victoria) so her diet can be monitored --- but she's still visible to the public at bath time, usually in the morning.
A team of experts from the University of Georgia --- including veterinary nutritionists and dermatologists --- has been collaborating on Starlett's treatment. Branson Ritchie, an animal clinician, has developed a new cleansing skin treatment useful for battling infections in human burn patients.
"We're using that to wash Starlett's skin," Kelly said. "It's cutting-edge stuff, the best medicine we have."
What's not so scientifically cutting-edge is the method Zoo Atlanta is using to test its gorillas for pregnancy. Since no gorilla pregnancy test exists, vets are using human tests, which monitor urine samples, that they buy at a local drugstore.
Right now, that process is adding to the zoo's wait.
"Those pregnancy tests are not designed for gorillas," McManamon said, "and it may take a couple [of] months before you will actually see a positive [result]. The hormone the test is looking for is a human hormone. There is some similarity between that human hormone and the gorilla equivalent of that hormone, but it doesn't always cross-react perfectly."
There is one other holdup.
"It's not easy," she said, "to get a gorilla to pee on demand."
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