Seasonal breeder

Seasonal breeders are animal species that successfully mate only during certain times of the year. These times of year allow for the births at a time optimal for the survival of the young in terms of factors such as ambient temperature, food and water availability, and even changes in the predation behaviors of other species. Related sexual interest and behaviors are expressed and accepted only during this period. Female seasonal breeders will have one or more estrus cycles only when she is "in season" or fertile and receptive to mating. At other times of the year, they will be anestrus. Unlike reproductive cyclicity, seasonality is described in both males and females. Male seasonal breeders may exhibit changes in testosterone levels, testes weight, and fertility depending on the time of year.

Seasonal breeders are distinct from opportunistic breeders, which mate whenever the conditions of their environment become favorable, and continuous breeders like humans that mate year-round.

The Breeders

The Breeders are an American alternative rock band formed in 1990 by Kim Deal of the Pixies and Tanya Donelly of Throwing Muses. The band has experienced a number of lineup changes; Kim Deal has been the band's sole continual member. Their first album, Pod (1990), though not commercially successful, received wide critical acclaim. The Breeders' most successful album, Last Splash (1993), is best known for the hit single "Cannonball".

History

Formation

The Breeders' history began when Kim Deal, then bassist of the Pixies, began writing new material while the Pixies were touring Surfer Rosa in Europe with Throwing Muses. As neither band had plans in the immediate future, Deal discussed possible side projects with Throwing Muses guitarist Tanya Donelly. They recruited Carrie Bradley, violinist and vocalist in Boston band Ed's Redeeming Qualities, and recorded a short demo tape. Tracks on the demo tape included early versions of "Lime House", "Doe" and "Only in 3's".

With the help of three different drummers; David Narcizo, Mickey Bones, Carl Haarer and bassist Ray Halliday, Kim and Tanya completed their demo tape and subsequently played one show at The Rathskeller in Boston. They were not called the Breeders at this point, but were billed as "Boston Girl Super-Group". The band sent the tape to the English independent record label 4AD because both the Pixies and Throwing Muses were signed to the label. Upon hearing the tape, 4AD head Ivo Watts-Russell remarked "This is absolutely magical, beautiful stuff."

Breeders (film)

Breeders is a 1986 horror-science fiction film directed by Tim Kincaid, and stars Teresa Farley, Lance Lewman, and Frances Raines. A remake was released in 1997.

Plot

When five Manhattan women are accosted under mysterious circumstances, the police think they have got a twisted serial rapist on their hands. But as Detective Dale Androtti (Lance Lewman) and Dr. Gamble Pace (Teresa Farley) soon discover, the reality is much worse. Tracing the source of the attacks underground, they find an unstoppable alien presence that has infested an abandoned subway system and begun to reproduce itself by impregnating human women.

Cast

Reception

Critical reception for the film has been negative. TV Guide panned the film, criticizing the film's acting, dialogue, and effects.

Release

The film was given a limited release theatrically in the United States by Empire Pictures in May 1986. It was subsequently released on VHS by Wizard Video.