The aquatic (sometimes marine) carnivorous mammals known as otters form part of the large and diverse family Mustelidae, which also includes weasels, polecats, badgers, and others. With 13 species in 7 genera, otters have an almost worldwide distribution.

English-speakers may use the collective noun romp to refer to a group of otters (a Google search as of 29 May 2006 lists 63 occurrences of the phrase "romp of otters", but the OED does not appear to record this usage).

Physical characteristics

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Otters have a dense layer (1,000 hairs/mm², 650,000 hairs per sq. in) of very soft underfur which, protected by their outer layer of long guard hairs, keeps them dry under water and traps a layer of air to keep them warm.

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NYT > Music

A Comic’s Second Life, Despite a Deadly Overdose
Thu, 04 Sep 2008 03:09:33 -0000
Mitch Hedberg’s final album, “Do You Believe in Gosh?,” offers a chance to hear a comedian whom fans have been missing for more than three years.
A Freewheeling Chanteuse You Can’t Pin Down
Thu, 04 Sep 2008 02:17:19 -0000
Barb Jungr is a 54-year-old blonde with a raucous laugh whose new show, which opens Thursday night at the Metropolitan Room, explores the music of Nina Simone.
Music Review | Underoath: The Road to Salvation Has Stretches of Sorrow
Thu, 04 Sep 2008 03:13:43 -0000
Underoath, which played Irving Plaza on Tuesday, often finds itself torn between strife and stability.

NPR Topics: Music

Gabriel Kahane: Leader Of Indie Lieder
Thu, 04 Sep 2008 17:05:00 -0400
The singer and composer blends wry personal stories with often-complex brass and string arrangements, and mixes it up with both classical musicians and indie rockers. He performs live from his forthcoming self-titled album.
The Gaslight Anthem: Revisiting Sounds Of '59
Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:44:00 -0400
The Gaslight Anthem's new album, The '59 Sound, is filled with narratives that recall and refer directly to Bruce Springsteen's early works. Music reviewer Tom Moon says that it's one of the year's great surprises.
A3: From 'The Sopranos' To Joy Division
Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:49:00 -0400
The band formerly known as Alabama 3 strips down its roots-meets-dance sound with just two acoustic guitars and voices. The trio plays and talks about its Sopranos success song and plays a country death ballad version of Joy Division's "Love Will Tear Us Apart."

Ultimate-Guitar.Com [News]

Widespread Panic Sets Fall, New Year's Dates
Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:20:35 -0000
After finishing a string of Canadian dates Widespread Panic is hitting the road again in the fall.
Steven Tyler Talks About Upcoming Music
Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:11:48 -0000
Aerosmith is expected to hit the studio at the end of the month to start working on a new studio album.
Slipknot Debuts At Number One After Historic Recount
Thu, 04 Sep 2008 09:07:21 -0000
Slipknot has topped the Billboard 200 with their new album, All Hope Is Gone.

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