I have been aware of this ad for a while now, but forgot to post about it for some dumb reason.
While we're required to suffer through SAVED BY ZERO and The BEST BEST BESTEST Toyotathon Ever ads for Toyota, and the "that's pretty frickin' coo" dodge truck ad, our friends down under have got it quite different with this spot:
I know the auto industry is hurtin' here, and even Toyota is posting losses, but certainly some creativity wouldn't hurt in their American market! Jeez, this ad has absolutely nothing to do with cars (or people for that matter...or sense) but damned if it doesn't make me wanna go buy a Toyota right now.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Friday, December 26, 2008
Feral Cats
I ran across this article in the Chicago Tribune recently, that revealed there are 400,000 feral cats roaming the streets of our fair city. This is a large number; but certainly no greater than the number of "feral rats" roaming our city streets, either.
Problem is, according to the article, is that people are running into problems being able to afford their pets and often let them go into the streets. These feral cats are/were domesticated at one point, people, and should be taken in by those who can afford or want a new pet.
They have a similar problem in japan, although this is usually attributed to people getting kittens, and only keeping them until they're done being cute then letting them go. These cats are everywhere in Japan, although the ones in Chicago are being viewed as pests simply because they're getting into trash, pooping everywhere, etc. What people don't realize is that this 'pest' is a man-made problem and certainly it is not the cat's fault that it's doing what it needs to do to survive.
Problem is, according to the article, is that people are running into problems being able to afford their pets and often let them go into the streets. These feral cats are/were domesticated at one point, people, and should be taken in by those who can afford or want a new pet.
They have a similar problem in japan, although this is usually attributed to people getting kittens, and only keeping them until they're done being cute then letting them go. These cats are everywhere in Japan, although the ones in Chicago are being viewed as pests simply because they're getting into trash, pooping everywhere, etc. What people don't realize is that this 'pest' is a man-made problem and certainly it is not the cat's fault that it's doing what it needs to do to survive.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Holiday Cats: What To Get Your Beloved Feline?
I know I've struggled in finding that perfect gift for people in the past, so it's no mystery that I would also struggle to find a perfect gift for my cats. Don't they deserve something too? I think so.
I think, however, that struggle is over. Introducing, the heated crinkle tunnel:
Doesn't that look fun?
I think, however, that struggle is over. Introducing, the heated crinkle tunnel:
Doesn't that look fun?
Monday, December 22, 2008
Still need a holiday gift idea??
Christmas is just hours away and Hanukkah has already started! what the hell are you gonna do?? good thing you're reading this blog because i have the perfect idea:
Cat Holiday Greeting Cards!
Perfect for every cat lover on your list.
Cat Holiday Greeting Cards!
Perfect for every cat lover on your list.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Cold In Chicago
It's -5° in Chicago today, and with a whipping wind, the windchill is well below -20°. So, let's all warm up in this pre-Christmas weekend by talking about sleeping cats.
Of course, cats sleep the majority of the day, and much of the night being crepuscular creatures. This is likely attributed to a cat saving most of their energy for dawn and dusk hours (prime hunting time, historically; prime 'run around the house and drive colin insane at 6 am' time currently).
With all that sleeping to do - some 16+ hrs a day - cats sure can find unique places to hunker down.
Typically, I've found that my cats sleeping places are on some kind of rotation. For a solid 3 weeks, Tux and Turtle could always be found sleeping on the rarely-used couch in the office. Most nights, Tux is at the foot of my bed while Turtle is on the couch in the living room (although last night they shared a spot on my bed). Often, if I leave a drawer open, Tux will settle amongst my clothes inside the drawer.
When I lived in LA, Turtle would meow and whine until the closet door was opened for her, where she spent 90% of the day sleeping. When I moved out, absolutely everything in the closet was coated in a thick layer of cat hair.
Now, I would like to share with you a link: Cat Sleeping Positions. Enjoy and stay warm.
Of course, cats sleep the majority of the day, and much of the night being crepuscular creatures. This is likely attributed to a cat saving most of their energy for dawn and dusk hours (prime hunting time, historically; prime 'run around the house and drive colin insane at 6 am' time currently).
With all that sleeping to do - some 16+ hrs a day - cats sure can find unique places to hunker down.
Typically, I've found that my cats sleeping places are on some kind of rotation. For a solid 3 weeks, Tux and Turtle could always be found sleeping on the rarely-used couch in the office. Most nights, Tux is at the foot of my bed while Turtle is on the couch in the living room (although last night they shared a spot on my bed). Often, if I leave a drawer open, Tux will settle amongst my clothes inside the drawer.
When I lived in LA, Turtle would meow and whine until the closet door was opened for her, where she spent 90% of the day sleeping. When I moved out, absolutely everything in the closet was coated in a thick layer of cat hair.
Now, I would like to share with you a link: Cat Sleeping Positions. Enjoy and stay warm.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
3 Legged Wonder
Came across this article recently:
3-Legged Cat Not Short On Elusiveness
Apparently, some (crazy cat) lady in Cincinnati has a 3-legged cat that likes to run away from her. She already has 6 cats in total, but "Hope" just wont stay put. The cat ran away from the crazy cat lady and is running amok throughout the neighborhood. Gee, I wonder why they can't catch it...maybe because they're using freaking dogs to find it. Give me a break, of course the cat is gonna run away from that.
Apparently they even hired a PET DETECTIVE to help out. The cat really just wants to be left alone, I'd say.
The article, which is a cross between extremely patronizing and just really horribly read had one shining moment:
"I thought I saw the glint of her eyes," he said. "But it was the shine off a beer can."
3-Legged Cat Not Short On Elusiveness
Apparently, some (crazy cat) lady in Cincinnati has a 3-legged cat that likes to run away from her. She already has 6 cats in total, but "Hope" just wont stay put. The cat ran away from the crazy cat lady and is running amok throughout the neighborhood. Gee, I wonder why they can't catch it...maybe because they're using freaking dogs to find it. Give me a break, of course the cat is gonna run away from that.
Apparently they even hired a PET DETECTIVE to help out. The cat really just wants to be left alone, I'd say.
The article, which is a cross between extremely patronizing and just really horribly read had one shining moment:
"I thought I saw the glint of her eyes," he said. "But it was the shine off a beer can."
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Discriminate Me
The black cat's lore is that it brings bad luck. Not sure where that legend is rooted, but like most superstitions, it's based on utter lies, fear, and ignorance. Fortunately, this attitude is being diluted in today's culture, meaning that black colored cats - and - dogs are not as often left out in the cold when it comes to adoption. This article, shown to me by my sister, discusses the decline in cat and dog discrimination based on color, which while not nearly as important or relevant as say, discrimination based on a PERSON'S COLOR, perhaps the decline in cat-scrimination can mean that there's a decline in person-scrimination.
I'm not so ignorant to suggest that they are directly related, but I do believe the psychological and socio-cultural stigmas attached to "dark things" has either intentionally or inadvertently lead to a culture of racism and discrimination that has been a fixture in this country since its inception and all over the world since ... ever. I can only hope that the majority of people out there do not feel this way, about any "different" colored person, animal, or thing.
I also realize how simple it is for someone in my shoes to decry racism and ask that everyone get along, since I haven't ever been discriminated against based on the color of my skin. However, I think i speak for everyone when people - and pets - just wanna be loved.
I'm not so ignorant to suggest that they are directly related, but I do believe the psychological and socio-cultural stigmas attached to "dark things" has either intentionally or inadvertently lead to a culture of racism and discrimination that has been a fixture in this country since its inception and all over the world since ... ever. I can only hope that the majority of people out there do not feel this way, about any "different" colored person, animal, or thing.
I also realize how simple it is for someone in my shoes to decry racism and ask that everyone get along, since I haven't ever been discriminated against based on the color of my skin. However, I think i speak for everyone when people - and pets - just wanna be loved.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Veggie Cats
My friend Bexx, who is also a total feline freak, is vegan, and so is her cat(s). I don't have any problem with people being vegan, because it's arguable that we were built to eat meat. However, cats are clearly predatory animals and need meat to survive and be healthy (that said, there is way too much "other stuff" in modern off-the-shelf cat food- like wheat - and if i wasn't such a vegetarian lameo, i'd prepare fresh meat for the cats).
Despite this, broccoli is a vegetable that I've given to tux before and he seems to enjoy it enough to garner more than just a curious sniff - he will eat it out of my hand. He doesn't RAVE over it like he does with nori seaweed, but he enjoys it enough to eat it if its in his bowl.
Apparently he's not the only one - check out this cute little guy going bonkers over broccoli!
Despite this, broccoli is a vegetable that I've given to tux before and he seems to enjoy it enough to garner more than just a curious sniff - he will eat it out of my hand. He doesn't RAVE over it like he does with nori seaweed, but he enjoys it enough to eat it if its in his bowl.
Apparently he's not the only one - check out this cute little guy going bonkers over broccoli!
Cats on the rampage
I don't know what's going on these days but seems like the cat population is out of control. We've got the tiger on the loose in Indiana, the thief cat, the moshing cats... what's next??
Well, it is the holidays, so of course it's entirely approps to post about Santa and Christmas related things (Santa CLAWS anyone??)... but again, this heartwarming tale of a kitty and Santa turns into bloodshed as the kitty apparently felt threatened by sitting on Santa's lap, and bit him.
Santa did NOT have to get rabies shots, which is strange, considering that the cat that tried to eat him was a cross between a bobcat and a house cat.
Now I encourage people to get their cats out in public, at least in bursts. I mean, Brett used to take Pearl on walks around the block. But don't take your freakin' wild animal mix to a Santa event...come on.
Well, it is the holidays, so of course it's entirely approps to post about Santa and Christmas related things (Santa CLAWS anyone??)... but again, this heartwarming tale of a kitty and Santa turns into bloodshed as the kitty apparently felt threatened by sitting on Santa's lap, and bit him.
Santa did NOT have to get rabies shots, which is strange, considering that the cat that tried to eat him was a cross between a bobcat and a house cat.
Now I encourage people to get their cats out in public, at least in bursts. I mean, Brett used to take Pearl on walks around the block. But don't take your freakin' wild animal mix to a Santa event...come on.
CATS F'IN MOSHING
Anyone who knows me knows 3 truths:
So clearly, there's nothing MORE i would love EVER than CATS MOSHING.
WHAT, you say? Impossible. Cats can't mosh.
Oh, but you're wrong. they can. and they do:
i want the source video so i can make my own with a better mosh part.
thanks Stvr.
- I love cats.
- I love moshparts.
- I can't think of another thing.
So clearly, there's nothing MORE i would love EVER than CATS MOSHING.
WHAT, you say? Impossible. Cats can't mosh.
Oh, but you're wrong. they can. and they do:
i want the source video so i can make my own with a better mosh part.
thanks Stvr.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Criminal Cats
The cat is often portrayed as a criminal in movies and books ("American Tale," the "Maus" graphic novel series, "Cats & Dogs," etc.), which may be an unfair assessment of the family on the whole. However, one could see how they would get this reputation - they are very sneaky and often loaners; some consider them unloyal or having a cold personality, or in general bad luck. Certainly, this generalization cannot be applied to all cats, just like we cannot make sweeping generalizations about or discriminate ethnic groups of humans.
Unfortunately, there is always the example upon which stereotypes are made. In this case, I'm speaking about the Cat Burglar.. Again, this term was coined to describe a burglar who is "especially skilled at stealthy or undetected entry of a premises." But now, we're talking about an actual cat who has taken it upon himself to go around the neighborhood stealing cat toys, presumably from other cats. This kind of cat-on-cat crime is casting a dark mark on the cat's reputation and all the advances the cat has made in the past years.
I highly suggest you read the article and see to it that cats like Frankie do not live in your neighborhood. Thanks to my dedicated researcher for this tip.
In a related note, there has been notable discrimination against black cats and dogs. but that post is to follow.
Unfortunately, there is always the example upon which stereotypes are made. In this case, I'm speaking about the Cat Burglar.. Again, this term was coined to describe a burglar who is "especially skilled at stealthy or undetected entry of a premises." But now, we're talking about an actual cat who has taken it upon himself to go around the neighborhood stealing cat toys, presumably from other cats. This kind of cat-on-cat crime is casting a dark mark on the cat's reputation and all the advances the cat has made in the past years.
I highly suggest you read the article and see to it that cats like Frankie do not live in your neighborhood. Thanks to my dedicated researcher for this tip.
In a related note, there has been notable discrimination against black cats and dogs. but that post is to follow.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Mittens For Kittens
As winter steamrolls its way into Chicago, we've had a lot of cold, sometimes snowy days here. I don't really keep my house THAT warm, because I'm a cheapskate, and frankly the last thing a bachelor living alone in a house with two cats needs is a warm house...let's face it, having a cold house is a good reminder of the pathetic nature of my life; all i need is all the lightbulbs to burn out as well and I'm certifiably wretched. I'm not sure what that's supposed to mean, but whatever.
I've noticed lately, though, that Tux and Turtle have tended to wrap their tails around their bodies and on top of their front paws when sitting, kind of like a scarf or mittens for their paws. It's really cute. I'll update this post with a photo if I ever get out of bed.
updated: photo!
I've noticed lately, though, that Tux and Turtle have tended to wrap their tails around their bodies and on top of their front paws when sitting, kind of like a scarf or mittens for their paws. It's really cute. I'll update this post with a photo if I ever get out of bed.
updated: photo!
Friday, December 5, 2008
Cats In Movies
My favorite movies about cats, or with cats in them are:
The Cat Returns, a Studio Ghibli film that features a cat that wears a suit and walks on his hind legs. The girl in the movie like saves a cat and they go into a weird cat land where only cats exist
An American Tail, where "Fival" is convinced there are "no cats in america and the streets are paved with cheese." Oh how wrong you were, my young Mousekewitz.
Milo & Otis. I vaguely remember casually mentioning wanting to see this to my grandpa when i was spending a summer in PA going to Bible Camp or some shit and he whisked me and my sister to the movie theater stat so we could see it.
that's all i can think of. but i really wanna see THIS ONE.
The Cat Returns, a Studio Ghibli film that features a cat that wears a suit and walks on his hind legs. The girl in the movie like saves a cat and they go into a weird cat land where only cats exist
An American Tail, where "Fival" is convinced there are "no cats in america and the streets are paved with cheese." Oh how wrong you were, my young Mousekewitz.
Milo & Otis. I vaguely remember casually mentioning wanting to see this to my grandpa when i was spending a summer in PA going to Bible Camp or some shit and he whisked me and my sister to the movie theater stat so we could see it.
that's all i can think of. but i really wanna see THIS ONE.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Bird Cat
We've all heard of the cat bird, which is really just a bird that sounds like a cat.
But did you know there is a bird cat??
Apparently no one forwarded this young fellow the memo that cats and birds are sworn enemies. In fact, he appears to be embracing his bird-friend to the point of wanting to live in his cage with him.
The bird seems painfully aware of the situation, and while enjoying it for now, probably is wary that the cat will soon wise up.
But did you know there is a bird cat??
Apparently no one forwarded this young fellow the memo that cats and birds are sworn enemies. In fact, he appears to be embracing his bird-friend to the point of wanting to live in his cage with him.
The bird seems painfully aware of the situation, and while enjoying it for now, probably is wary that the cat will soon wise up.
quick update
I have a backlog of 3-4 posts that i'll get to as soon as I have a free moment.
In the meantime, enjoy this Spag Cat followup:
In the meantime, enjoy this Spag Cat followup:
Monday, December 1, 2008
Pasta Spaghetti Cat
This is probably a pretty popular internet phenomenon by now, but being that I am somewhat socially retarded (both in real life and on the internet), I'm going to share with you the Spaghetti Cat.
Apparently, the Morning Show w/ Mike And Juliette (whatever the hell that is) was interviewing some depressing looking people when out of no where the screen cut to a picture of a cute little kitty eating spaghetti.
I'm not really sure how this happened, although this link says it was a "bleep photo", which I assume is something they put on the screen during the 5 second tape delay when someone swears, shows a boob, or barfs during a live show.
I don't think that he should be relegated as a "bleep" image, but perhaps as a new "rick rolled" type situation, where the cat shows up on the 6 o'clock news, or during the superbowl. here's hoping the producers at major networks are all cat fans!
Apparently, the Morning Show w/ Mike And Juliette (whatever the hell that is) was interviewing some depressing looking people when out of no where the screen cut to a picture of a cute little kitty eating spaghetti.
I'm not really sure how this happened, although this link says it was a "bleep photo", which I assume is something they put on the screen during the 5 second tape delay when someone swears, shows a boob, or barfs during a live show.
I don't think that he should be relegated as a "bleep" image, but perhaps as a new "rick rolled" type situation, where the cat shows up on the 6 o'clock news, or during the superbowl. here's hoping the producers at major networks are all cat fans!
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