Why turtles?

1. Why not?
2. See the "How did the blog get named?" blurb in the right-hand column.
3. North America has often been referred to as "Turtle Island" by several Native American cultures. Terry Pratchett's Discworld is supported by four elephants standing on the back of a turtle named Great A'Tuin.
4. The 1960s band The Turtles wrote and recorded the songs "So Happy Together" and "Elenore," which includes the line "You're my pride and joy, et cetera." They then went on---bravely--- to rhyme "et cetera" with "better." Gotta love it.
5. I have discovered that it's fairly easy to move small turtles across a road (so as to avoid their being crushed or otherwise traumatized) by scooping them up on a clipboard. I have done it a few times by using the clip part to protect my fingers, whether or not that is truly necessary, and by using the rest of the board to carry the turtle. When I have done so, I have felt a little better about myself and the world.
6. In many Asian cultures, turtles figure heavily in the creation and maintenance of the world. Ancient civilizations include many stories of turtle shells being used to create musical instruments. It is to be hoped that the turtles were done with the shells when they were appropriated.
7. "Turtle" is one of those words that only needs to appear a few times before it starts to look ridiculous. Turtle, turtle, turtle, turtle, turtle, turtle, turtle. See what I mean?

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