I'm not sure how Bob Martin knows that albinism exists on the same genetic
locus as cinnaminism, unless it turns out that cinnamin is a type of
albinism.  That would make sense, but I missed the beginning of the
conversation.  I would like to know how this was determined.  Was it a
Mendelian type of discovery?  Cinnamin + cinnamin should then produce 25%
albinos, 50% cinnamins, and 25% sables (chocolates, whatever).  Is this
true?  Or have they somehow mapped the chromosomes and discovered this?  I
apologize again for not paying attention to the beginning of this
discussion.  This confuses me because albinism is a trait that appears in
all animals and thus seems like it would predominate over any
species-specific coloration genes.  It occurs in humans of all genetic
groups, basically covering up the hereditary pigmentation.  I had always
been under the impression that it was a single gene that controlled it.
 
As to the predominance of albinism in ferrets (and rats and rabbits...) that
is easily explained.  It was carefully selected and propagated in all these
species by human breeders.
 
Sebastian busted out again last night.  He has spent the entire nearly two
years of his life systematically escaping from every barriered room we put
him in.  Last night we were lounging in our bedroom before bed time when we
heard a tell-tale scurry.  Suddenly, Sebastian was bouncing all over the
room, dancing, dooking, partying down.  Time for a new barrier.  These
episodes are always predicated by a motivating incident.  In this case, we
had brought him out to visit with the dog, then put him away.  He decided he
no longer wanted to be confined.  *sigh* <g>
 
Biking...I had a crazy idea that sounded like fun.  I would like to teach my
dog to bike with me.  It may be months before she can do it, but would it be
outrageous to strap a two-ferret pack on her back?  I imagine something like
bicycle panniers that would hang down on either side of her with one cozy
ferret each.  This might be a little too hot in hot weather, but Nala is a
big strong dog and could easily trot along with two woozles.  Getting her
used to it, I don't know...
 
Has anyone else done anything like this?
 
-Catherine
[Posted in FML issue 1910]