Goin' to the Zoo-Zoo-Zoo, How About You-You-You?

On Saturday, my mom took five of us six kids (one of my brothers has mono) and B. to the zoo and we had a fabulous time, even though it was packed with people.

Can you spot me?

The real gorillas were easily 5x bigger.

This bird kept crawling closer to my sister's face and weirdly trying to lick/ eat her arm

The three little kids - the zoo brings family together!

The gang! (minus Mom)

My good friend from college Bess noted last week how, in NYC, there is a call by PETA to retire horses from their jobs in traffic, be it police or carriages. I think this is silly- as long as the horses are treated well and with respect, they do not need to be "put to pasture." Shouldn't they have some sort of purpose in their animal lives too? 

The Catechism of the Catholic Church says:

Animals are God's creatures. He surrounds them with his providential care. By their mere existence they bless him and give him glory. Thus men owe them kindness. We should recall the gentleness with which saints like St. Francis of Assisi or St. Philip Neri treated animals. God entrusted animals to the stewardship of those whom he created in his own image. Hence it is legitimate to use animals for food and clothing. They may be domesticated to help man in his work and leisure. Medical and scientific experimentation on animals is a morally acceptable practice if it remains within reasonable limits and contributes to caring for or saving human lives (2416-2417).

Happy Tuesday! Here are a few more good reads:
NRO -- "Adele vs. Taxes"
NYT -- "Exemptions Were Key to Vote on Gay Marriage"
Mises Institute -- "The Lovely and Productive World of Thomas"
San Jose Examiner -- "Porn Stars Are Abused and are Human Trafficking Victims"
Why I'm Catholic Conversion Stories -- "Mormon Convert: Thomas Smith"
First Things -- "Illusions of Equality"

Also, the Bright Maidens topic for next Tuesday is TATTOOS. I hope y'all participate! Be sure to post it on our FB wall and on Twitter (hashtag - #BrightMaidens).