I’m not sure what you would actually need this for, but it seems like it would be fun to own. And for only $6.80 at Amazon, why wouldn’t you want a tube full of pandas?

I have yet to buy my pumpkins for this year, but once I saw this template I decided that I’m definitely getting a few tomorrow!

Thanks to HP and the WWF you can download this adorable panda pattern to help you carve an eco-conscious jack-o-lantern. Head on over to this HP page and scroll all the way to the bottom. From there you can download the template or learn more about the WWF.

Happy carving!

I’m going to be an Aunt for the first time soon and I’ve been cruising the toy aisles in anticipation. Yesterday I came across the cutest panda toys, both of them FurReal. I have a hard time walking through the toy aisles without wanting to buy things for myself, and this little panda baby definitely tested my willpower; I really wanted him for myself!

The smaller of the two is this little ‘newborn’ panda baby available from Amazon for $16.99. When you rub the cub’s tummy it makes these adorable panda baby noises and wriggles around. It’s pretty small, I’d say around 8 or 9 inches. But, it packs a lot of cuteness into those 9 inches.

There’s also a larger version of the panda cub. He actually hugs you when you hug him, makes little panda baby sounds and plays peek-a-boo! He’s a cutie, too, but more expensive at $34.99 from Amazon.

You can kind of get an idea of how big he is from the little girl on the front of the box. He’s definitely a lot larger than the first one.

I’m a vegetarian, and I try my best to only eat organically. However, organic food is usually more expensive and harder to find, which is why I love Whole Foods. If you haven’t been to Whole Foods, I highly recommend checking it out. They have an abundance of yummy, good for you and good for the environment foods. They also have my newest love, Zen Soy products.

Zen Soy products are my two passions, pandas and organic food, combined! They donate 5% of their profits to international wildlife organizations that help sustain the Giant Panda population, and their mascot is Su Lin, San Diego Zoo‘s two year old panda. So, not only are you consuming something healthy and organic, you’re doing something healthy for the environment and pandas. How kick-ass is that?! Not to mention their products actually taste really good, too!

I know it probably sounds like I’m getting paid to endorse them, but I’m not; I just really love their products and their company philosophy. But, don’t take my word for it, try it yourself! You can find a location that sells Zen Soy products by checking out their product locater.

Apparently the Schönbrunn Zoo didn’t like the name Vienna Sausage, so they’re taking votes on new names for the little guy. Unfotunately, the English version of the site doesn’t have the option to vote, but luckily we can still vote on the original site.

Here is the rundown of the names and their meanings:

• “Hua Shan”: From Hua Shan, one of five Chinese holy mountains.

• “Zhu Wa”: Bamboo Boy. In Chinese the words for bamboo and pig are pronounced similarly. 2007 is the Year of the Pig according to the Chinese calendar, and he’s quite the chubby boy.

• “Fu Long”: Lucky and happy dragon. The dragon is a symbol of luck and good prospect.

• “Mei Yue”: Beautiful Music

I just cast my vote for Zhu Wa, I just love the way it incorporates the year of the pig. Apparently I’m in the minority. Fu Long is currently in the lead with just over 47% of the vote. Second place, so far, is Mei Yue with a little over 28% of the votes. My favorite has only received 14%, with the remaining 11% of the vote going to Hua Shan.

Something else to factor into your vote is the fact that they’re not a 100% sure Kruemel is a boy. He could turn out to be a she!

However, much like Tai Shan was dubbed Butterstick, the Europeans have come up with a nickname for their newest little panda: Kruemel. Which, when translated from German, means ‘little crumb’. Most likely, that’s what most visitors will continue to call him. I think it’s a sweet name for a sweet panda.Now, get over there and vote for your favorite!

This eco-friendly game is made from bamboo and is a bit reminiscent of Jenga, but with a panda twist.

Players take turns piling blocks of bamboo on the cute little balancing panda. If the pile of ‘boo topples, the player is out. It sounds like fun to me! Only $16.00 at Modern Tots.

China has chosen Wang Wang, a two year old male, and Funi, a one year old female, as the newest panda ambassadors. The Adelaide Zoo in South Australia is expecting to receive the pandas as soon as the facility that will house them is completed. Hopefully if everything goes as planned, they will arrive in 2009.

Source 1, 2

I’m a geek; I admit it freely. I also admit freely that I love geeks, dorks, and nerds. Smart boys are the best, so there’s no question as to why I love this shirt.

A panda, with glasses and a bow tie?! Love it!

The side has a little excerpt that reads:

Panda Bear; noun. A large black and white mammal that is endangered because they ain’t got no game.

Awww. Poor panda. Available from Amazon for $22.00.

Wall decals are the latest trend to hit the home decor scene. I’ve seen many variations ranging from very geometric prints to more childlike versions with popular TV characters. However, the best I’ve seen are panda related, of course!

I think any of these sets would brighten up a room. I’m thinking of getting one to cheer up my dull bathroom. The best part? They peel off easily without leaving any damage; perfect for renters or the indecisive!

This design is so subtle it’s easy to miss that there’s a panda hiding in there. $45.00 from Blik. If you enjoy matching your wardrobe to your walls, you can also get the shirt that inspired the decal at Threadless for only 15 bucks!

Because, obviously, people love this design, there’s even a song inspired by the print. Apparently the hiding panda in the print is our little Su Lin!

Though not explicitly pandas, almost everyone associates bamboo with the little balls of fur. This decal is available from Urban Outfitters for $58, which seems a bit steep. However, they are reusable and will probably last forever so I guess it’s a deal, right? Deal or no deal, I’m adding it to my wish list.

I’m sure I’ve mentioned it before, but I adore the Tare Panda. These decals are definitely reminiscent of that style. These would look great in a kids play area, or even their bedroom. I know if I woke up to three playful little pandas my days would definitely start with a smile. Available from Mod Cloth for only $19.99! Now that’s a deal.

* Did anyone else notice that the little cub only has three toes, but the paw prints have four, and real pandas have five?

Music by Bob Nanna

According to China.org.cn, Mei Sheng, the first panda cub born through natural breeding at the San Diego Zoo and in the US, will arrive home to Wolong on Halloween. Of course he’ll be missed immensely, but now he gets to go home to China and continue the conservation mission by making more panda babies! And, what’s better than more panda babies? Nothing.

China has carefully planned Mei Sheng’s return and made many elaborate preparations to welcome him. The China Panda Research and Conservation Center have organized Mei Sheng’s debut in China, including an enthusiastic and grand welcoming ceremony as part of his homecoming.

Mei Sheng is scheduled to arrive by plane to Shanghai on the evening of October 30. He will be airlifted to the Chengdu Shuangliu Airport at noon on October 31. Finally, he will arrive at the China Panda Research and Conservation Center in the afternoon, attend his welcoming ceremony and then he’ll be put into a segregated inspection area. Mei Sheng will be kept in quarantine for a month; afterwards he’ll begin his new life.

Have a safe trip Mei Sheng!

Source: 1, 2, 3