Breeding Update: Sheds All Around

The past week or so has been light on courting for the snakes. Both animals have been in shed until tonight. I found it interesting that both snakes shed on the same night and that it is the first rain we've had in a while. Hopefully they like each other's fancy new skin and resume heavy courting in the next few days.

Carolina Bound

Every state has its problems, but we're especially glad this month that we don't live in Maryland, where Governor Martin O'Malley has been undertaking something close to a tax-increase-a-day tour.

This was a quote from a Wall Street Journal article this week talking about O'Malley's planned tax increase. While at first he tried to hide the tax hikes behind a 3 cent cut in property tax and reductions in income tax for lower and middle income homes. It seems now the reality of these new taxes is too much to hide. I did the math for my wife and I and we would be saving about $7 per month with these reductions. Compare this with the planned 20% increase in sales tax and the broadening of the tax to cover services and that $7 is out the window real quick. And don't forget this is before the 9 cent increase in gas tax that is also planned. My wife and I are also in for a special treat as we are both starting a home based business. Under the governor's tax plan we will be facing an additional 26% increase in taxes on those businesses. For me that is a huge disadvantage as I will be competing in a national market operating under a higher tax than most of my competitors. Maybe it's time to look out of state for the next home and a friendlier place to start and operate a small business. Besides, I do have real issue with this tax increase outside of the financial strain it will cause my family. Maybe I will post my views on that later. Right now I have to go start packing...

Nyctibatrachus minimus

Scientists at Delhi University have discovered a new species of frog. Nyctibatrachus minimus is fully grown at only 10mm making this the smallest land vertebrate in India. This is one of a few species the team has found in the Western Ghats over the past several years.

Link