Urban-based birds 'learn to rap'

Birds living in cities are performing a type of "avian rap" while their rural counterparts are sticking to more traditional sounds, a study shows.

Dutch researchers found that urban species of birds sing short, fast songs rather than the slower melodies of countryside birds.

City birds also sing at a higher pitch and will try out different song types.

Experts said city birds have adapted to counter background noise and increase their chances of finding a mate.

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Something to remember this season

He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward him for what he has done. - Proverbs 19:17

anticipation

I am not usually one to get into the spirit of the season. I don't get all anxious about Christmas coming, preparations, etc. I don't get the itch to go buy lots of presents. Something, though, has been deeper this Advent season. I have anticipated Christmas more simply because of the image I have in my mind of our family being together. There is nothing I want more than to sit on the living room floor with my daughters and talk to them, play with them and tell them how much I love them.

There is nothing better to me than to be able to sit with Natalia and simply share a moment. It is such a blessing to have this hope, that everything will be perfect for awhile.

I am beginning to have little bit of the same feeling as I read the prophecies in Isaiah about the coming Messiah. Everything will be perfect when He comes. Evertything would be that way all the time if I didn't keep running Him off.

Taco Town

OK, maybe this doesn't have anything to do with urban ministry, but for the followers of the SNL religion, it may have some theological significance.