Snow day for panda!

In my house, "snow" is one of those four-letter words that get you a dirty look. Sure, snow can be pretty. But get a lot of the stuff, even a few inches in a short period of time, and it's no longer fun. Schools and highways close. Driving can be hazardous. And all that shoveling can put a major crick in your back, even cause a heart attack.

That said, not everyone hates snow as much as I or the people who live in and around Buffalo, New York, do right now. Skiers love the fluffy white stuff, as do kids, and... pandas.

Just check out this adorable security footage of Da Mao, the Toronto Zoo's Giant Panda, who apparently loooves the snow. Da Mao has even come up with a new winter sport, according to the Toronto Zoo, "bear-bogganing."



I do not know the official Chinese translation of Da Mao, but I'm pretty sure it means "lover of snow."

At least SOMEONE is enjoying all the snow

Me, I'm not a fan of epic snow storms. Been there, done that.

Then again, I am not a giant panda....

The Toronto Zoo's male giant panda, Da Mao, whose name means "Big Mao," sure does look like he is having fun out there, rolling around in the snow.

Then again, he doesn't have to shovel it later.

Or worry about ice dams. Or the roof leaking.

Can you handle the cute?

I've had a crappy month -- and a migraine since some time early this morning. (I am a human barometer. If you want to know when a big storm is coming, just ask me.) So cute videos are about all I can handle today. That and getting my washing machine repaired. (You know how they say that laughter is the best medicine? Well cuteness -- and Rizatriptan Benzoate -- are a close second.)

First up, predicting which team -- the Baltimore Ravens or the San Francisco 49ers -- will win Super Bowl XLVII, using adorable golden retriever puppies!



I don't know what the Late Night with Jimmy Fallon crew put in those bowls, but I think the Puppy Predictor was rigged. (We are rooting for the San Francisco 49ers.)

Next, "Baby Panda Diagnosed with Acute Cuteness," courtesy of the San Diego Zoo. (Apparently Advanced Tickling is now a required course at veterinary school.)



I can't believe Xiao Liwu is six months old! Panda cubs, they grow up so fast.

And I'm not sure this last video, "Jedi Kitten with the Force," falls under "cute" or "disturbing," but I decided to include it anyway.


May the cute with you!

I will now panda to your baser emotions!

To panda (definition): to act like an adorable baby panda; especially to provide gratification to others -- as in, I will now panda to your need for cuteness by showing you this video of Xiao Liwu* (meaning “little gift”), the San Diego Zoo's 3.5-month-old incredibly adorable panda cub, who was just officially named! 

Here he is getting his 100-day checkup! (Who's a cute little panda cub? Who's a cute little panda cub? Xiao Liwu is!**)



To see an unbearably cute video compilation of Xiao Liwu getting his various baby panda exams, click here.

*Per the San Diego Zoo, Xiao Liwu is pronounced sshyaoww (falling then rising tone) lee (falling then rising tone) woo (falling tone).

**Hey, would you rather I blogged about the Petraeus love triangle (or pentagon) -- or the fiscal cliff? 

What's black and white and cute all over?

Presenting Yun Zi (pronounced "youn zhay" -- and meaning "Son of Cloud"), the San Diego Zoo's latest Giant Panda cub:



All together now: Awwww.

During a recent physical, Yun Zi, the fifth Giant Panda cub born to proud mama Bai Yun, weighed in at 12.5 pounds and measured just over two feet. When full grown, "little" Yun Zi will weigh over 300 pounds, which is about 285 pounds (and a heckuva lot of bamboo) more than I can handle. Still... very cute.

Need more panda cuteness? Check this out.

Because who doesn't love a good animal video featuring adorable panda cubs or talking cats?

(What? You'd rather I blog about the latest jobless numbers, the Phillies making it into the World Series - AGAIN, how hot GLEE was last night, or Sarah Palin's upcoming book tour and appearance on Oprah? I thought so. But do correct me if I am wrong.)

First up: CUTEST. PANDA. VIDEO. EVER. Aka the San Diego Zoo's 11-week-old panda gets a check up. All together now: AAAAAAW.

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Next up, watch the fur fly as two cats engage in a domestic dispute.