The SI Universe has thrown its hat into the ring in helping to raise money for Japan.  

Over the next few weeks, fans will be able to bid on everything from original artwork, action figures, t-shirts, DVDs, CDs, comics, books, and other unique items donated by some of the creative talent behind Secret Identities.   100% of proceeds will go towards GlobalGiving’s Japan Earthquake and Tsunami relief fund. 

Check eBay seller ID “siuniverseforjapan” daily for the latest items.

The first several packages on the auction block are:

1)  A copy of Secret Identities + a bookplate signed by the editors + a sweet Voltron sketch by art director, Jerry Ma – You may find the auction here.

2) A “Better Luck Tomorrow” DVD signed by the ENTIRE CAST (extremely rare – one of the few with Jason Tobin’s) + signed CD Soundtrack + signed 11” x 17” theatrical poster + BLT button pin + BLT promotional sticker + BLT promotional postcard.  If you’re a fan of the film or know of one – bid today to grab this rare bundled package of BLT goodies for a great cause!  You may find the auction here.

3) A signed DVD of Mike Kang’s “The Motel”.  You may find the auction here.

 *Warning – this is probably not the best animal film for kids to watch unless you’re looking to educate them in lynch mob mentality.

My video camera caught these 2 male mallards chasing each other at the San Diego Zoo a few weeks ago.

Now, I don’t know what the other duck did to piss off the Alpha male but he got taught a lesson by the boss and his pals

The whole thing reminded me of Jane Goodall’s findings about Chimpanzees.  That although they are usually seen as gentle creatures, she discovered that they were also capable of being incredibly vicious and brutal — sometimes hunting or even eating smaller monkeys.  Females killing the offspring of other females in their troop to maintain their dominance, sometimes going as far as cannibalism.  It was fascinating yet disturbing to watch at the same time. 

Now before I get any flack — I know enough about animals to know that you just don’t interfere with nature.

Had I thrown rocks at the ducks to break up the fight, it might have come attack me, nearby patrons or children.  Unfortunately, it’s just one of those situations letting nature run its course – sometimes the Snow Leopard runs down the rabbit. 

And who’s to say the other duck didn’t have it coming?

In further research, I discovered that the mallard will sometimes isolate a female duck of a different species, peck at her until she weakens and then the males will take turns copulating with the female. 

Dubbed ‘Attempted Rape Flight’, male mallards will also occasionally chase other male ducks in the same way. In a documented case, a male mallard copulated with another male he was chasing after said male had been killed upon flying into a glass window.

Sounds a lot like convicted felons in prison to me.  

Ya learn something new everyday.

Inspired by the moniker of Harry Shum, Jr.’s character — Mike “Other Asian” Chang from “GLEE“, the creators of the new online magazine The Other Asians interviewed me a few weeks ago.  

They asked some fun and good questions but I am most impressed with the foresight I had in wearing a green shirt weeks before the article rolled out in time for St. Patty’s Day (not).

Thanks so much Benny, Melly & Julie! You can read the feature here.