The Suze asks: There was a story on the news this morning about a boy who convinced his city council to remove an anti-hedgehog ordinance so that he would legally be allowed to keep one as a pet.  Isn't this a terrible idea? Are there any such things as domesticated hedgehogs? Where do you even get one?

The boy in the story behind the Suze's question wanted to get a pet hedgehog after playing Sonic the Hedgehog.  He successfully sued to have an anti-hedgehog ordinance in his town struck down.  I can relate to this boy, as I had a similar experience in my youth when I was denied my request for a pet Metroid.  But it turns out that, while they are exotic (and incredibly pointy), it is not as rare to keep hedgehogs as pets as we may have originally thought.

The International Hedgehog Association attempts to persuade you to join the world of hedgehog ownership with some of the following "fun" facts:

• Hedgehogs do not give off any appreciable odor (as opposed to those smelly, smelly guinea pigs we used to have)
• They can be easily litter trained

• They can live from 4-7 years
• No immunization shots
• They are sometimes referred to as hedgies

There is no reference on the page to hedgehogs being particular fast runners, which I have no doubt will come as a disappointment to the boy in the news.

Hedgehogs can be purchased from breeders, or you could adopt one from a rescue organization.  They are also sometimes found in pet stores.  Maybe we can get one in time for the Milwaukee Hedgehog Rendezvous 2009!  And yes, the result of my research is that I want a pet hedgehog.  Look at his little face!!!

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The Suze asks: Is there a difference between a nook and a cranny? And if not, then why do we use both words together?

A quick internet search reveals that there is no significant difference in the official definitions:

Nook: A small corner, alcove, or recess, especially one in a large room.
Cranny: A small opening, as in a wall or rock face; a crevice.

The phrase "nook and cranny" originates, as does pretty much everything in modern English, with the Norman invasion of England in 1066.   When the invadees and the invaders communicated with each other, they often would use both the French and English words for whatever they were trying to say.   Nook and cranny both mean corner, but nook is from medievel English and cranny is from medieval French.  Hence, "nook and cranny."

As for why this particular phrase has stuck around since then? I blame english muffins.