Gail Collins Doesn't Know Otters From Elephants
"Have you ever seen all the House Republicans in one place? It's like a herd of rabid otters." So says Gail Collins in today's op-ed about the challenges president Obama faces following last night's state of the union address. Gail Collins writes so nicely. But she doesn't seem to know a lot about animals. There's no such thing as a "herd" of otters!
Any nerd knows a group of otters is called a "romp" or a "bevy" or a "lodge" or a "family" or a "raft." I wouldn't be surprised if some troubled, liberal arts-educated junior editor at the op-ed desk gets mauled by the otters' cousin, the ferret, over this.
A group of ferrets, incidental internet research tells us, is called a "business" or a "cast." Yes sir, a "business of ferrets." After this past year, one might have a thought a "business" referred to a pack of vampire squids. Anyway, because any absolutely any excuse to watch video of otters is good enough, check out the one above. At the end, the rabid Republican romp take on the president, who is played by a crocodile. It's very exciting.
It's also rather rare for an otter to contract rabies.
I'd have selected "bloat" of hippopotamuses.
Jesus, that's hard to type. "Horde" of gerbils. Works.
"Coven" of vampires.
Group of ravens = 'an unkindness'
And group of crows = "a murder." Birds get the best ones, no?
A business of ferrets! The excessive concern that you have for ferrets is something you should examine with a therapist!
FUZZY OTTER BELLIES.
There is a bank in Kewanee, IL that has a multistory otter enclosure. The owner really likes otters! There were only two living in it when I saw them, so I suppose it doesn't qualify as a bevy, but worth a stopover, if you should ever find yourself in the area.
A stopover of otters?
"The business of ferrets is business."
And all the other mustelids she could have used: weasels or skunks would be obvious, if cliche. Wolverines are pretty nasty, which I assume she means. Perhaps she was trying to make Republicans seem comic, which they are not, but everyone loves otters.
I agree. Otters are way too lovable.
I vote stoat.
A gerrymander of stoats.
A caucus of capybaras
A subcommittee of pangolins
After the speech, they all had a "group-rub."
So are these the otters where 'Republican Coats' come from?
Seriously. I used to work with otters, and they are awesome. I am deeply offended on their behalf.
Also, because any excuse is good enough to link to this, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epUk3T2Kfno. Watch on mute if people voiceover-obsessing over the otter adorableness is going to ruin it.
Is that John Cleese doing the voiceover on the video, Dave? I half-expect some giant cartoon foot to descend and smush the crocodile…
Parliament of Owls is my next band's name.
Heard of otters? Of course I've heard of otters!