Tonight, on a very dumb, but popular, 'you shoot it, we show it' tv show
called RealTV, (Original, huh?!!) they had a 10 second blip sent in from
England showing a stoat running around someones backyard.  You really
couldn't see it very well, but..it DID have a very hairy black tail.  The
announcer said that the stoat was the summer variant of the ermine, which is
white.
 
Now..as for obscure ferret references...I am currently reading a fantasy
novel by Alan Dean Foster called SPELLSINGER.  In this novel, which takes
place in an alternate reality, most animals are sentient.  The ferret is
mention a number of times..unfortunately, being portrayed as a sneak or
shady character.  Fun story though..and there is a sequel or two.
 
Lastly, not really ferret based but ferret related.  (HEH!) Sunday night on
PBS's NATURE, the otters of Yellowstone National Park were featured.  Of
course, they are related to the ferret, belonging to the mustelid family.
(Bob, I hope I am correct in the spelling and in the 'family') Gotta tell
you, they shore were cute!  And boy did they play!  If anyone saw it, you
will appreciate my glee in reporting how these otters played in the snow!
They actually 'sledded' along..even on the flat.  They would stick their
butts in the air and start pushing with their hind legs to build up speed,
then drop down and 'sled' the snow.  It was hilarious!  NATURE is always
repeated on another night, so keep an eye open in your area if you missed
it.  Well worth taping or watching.
 
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, FML!  Wish I were in Florida!
 
MC (Joe, The rude one)
[Posted in FML issue 2193]