A BUTTERSTICK OF JUSTICE

I missed a few months ago the news that a baby panda was born at the National Zoo in D.C. Since the pandas are "on loan" from China, the spawn is technically theirs, and so they get to name him. And according to the Chinese rules -- really, they have rules about this? -- pandas aren't offically named until their 100-day, er, birthday. I guess this is because then they can find something about the panda that speaks to them and proffers a fitting handle. But then Tish told Mary and I today that pandas have a high mortality rate and so they probably don't name them for that long in case they die. Don't want to mourn a named panda, that's for sure....

So the Chinese suggested five names: "Hua Sheng," "Tai Shan," "Qiang Qiang," "Sheng Hua," and "Long Shan."

Translated:

Hua Sheng = "China Washington"
Sheng Hua = "Washington China"
Tai Shan = "Peaceful Mountain"
Qiang Qiang = "Strong, Powerful"
Long Shan = "Dragon Mountain"

Why the hell would they suggest China Washington or Washington China? That's hilarious. And Dragon Mountain? What the fuck is that?

A popular alternative quickly appeared: "Butterstick," which means, simply, "Butterstick." It refers to his size at birth.

This whole thing strikes me as just-enough odd. Obviously pandas are endangered, and that provides for the weird Chinese rules regarding them -- like how big a deal it was when Nixon got the first one when we reopened relations with Beijing -- and they're so freakin cute. So, needless to say, I find this whole thing amusing.

But what I find hilarious is the blog movement for Butterstick to be nominated to the Supreme Court.

As for now, you can watch the NannyCam of Butterstick at the National Zoo. Happy voyuerism....