Below is an easy, step-by-step video on how to untangle earphones from MP3 players and other devices.
I wanted to post this last night, but was too tired. This morning I find out it's one of those new viral videos, even getting featured on G4's Attack of the Show. Even the YouTube video jumped up almost 40,000 hits since I saw it and wanted to post.
In this promotional piece from the once super-secret Ninja Kitty Academy, we can see Initiate Shadow Smoke using the Fah Ling Claw maneuver as she navigates the grueling obstacle course.
Today's Penny Doubled Daily Cumulative Amount for 122 days is:
Here, in another promotional piece from the once super-secret Ninja Kitty Academy, we see Initiates Tabby Wraith and Striped Thunder in the classic Yu Noh Go pose often employed by Ninja Kitty guards. Though their perch seems precarious, these fatal felines can stay like this, unmoving except for the ear rotation marking sounds, for hours upon end. Yet they are perfectly balanced to leap upon unwelcome intruders in a blink of an eye.
Today's Penny Doubled Daily Cumulative Amount for 121 days is:
More promotional material from the once super-secret Ninja Kitty Academy. This time it is a picture by the famous monochromatic photographer, Ansel Catams.
This haunting shot features Ghost Tiger demonstrating his uncanny ability to disguise himself, using the Me Amhi Ding technique. Ghost Tiger has chosen to disguise himself as a mouse in order to infiltrate the infamouse Deez Nee Cartel.
His skills are simply astounding. Even knowing this Ninja Kitty is a faux mouse, it would take a master of perception to penetrate this perfect disguise. And, to complete the illusion, Ghost Tiger is totally fluent in Rodentalian, as well as Caninese, Fowlish, and seventeen other languages and dialects.
Today's Penny Doubled Daily Cumulative Amount for 119 days is:
To be a well-rounded, deadly Ninja Kitty, you must have extensive training in all types of weapons. Here, in a painting by the famous painter (and secret member of the Ninja Kitty Academy) Pablo Picatso, you can see two Ninja Kittys practicing a from of combat called Nah Cho Dae; a mix of sword and unarmed combat where the fur really flys.
Today's Penny Doubled Daily Cumulative Amount for 118 days is:
Another promotional picture from the formerly super-secret Ninja Kitty Academy. Here we see new recruit Fluffy Death practicing the all-important stealth skills vital to any Ninja Kiity's arsenal. You may have to look closely, as Fluffy Death is nigh invisible behind that leafy brush.
The Super-Secret Ninja Kitty Academy may not be so super-secret much longer. My Roost spies have delivered a prototype promotional image that the NKA appears to be readying for release.
They seem to be showcasing their star Katrate pupil, Tux Kwan Do, as he uses a devastating finishing move against a member from their rival dojo, Pugilistic Pooch Prep (mostly Boxers enrolled there).
Today's Penny Doubled Daily Cumulative Amount for 113 days is:
My Roost spies have uncovered a super-secret ninja kitty training facility in the U.S. This surveillance video was obtained only with great danger and great cost.
The sheer horror of watching the unfeeling humans forcing the kittens into this life-or-death, winner-takes-all combat is almost unbearable to watch. Even when one of the ninja kitties (Codename: Tigerlilly) tries to escape, she is ruthlessly snatched and tossed back into the bloody fray.
You can see, in the upper left corner of the video, the meanest, toughest, most vile ninja kitty of them all: Black Lotus. While his other co-ninja kitties fight tooth and claw, he stays apart from the vicious melee, awaiting his chance to pounce on the tired and weakened winner of the ongoing brawl, thus emerging the victor through guile and unfettered strength! See how he casually licks his paw in quiet contemplation of the carnage he is about to unleash? How he feigns clumsiness and incompetence by falling ponderously on his side? Soon, his claws will strike, his teeth will shred, and his enemies shall fall like sheaves of fresh catnip to the mighty reaper that is Black Lotus!
While Black Lotus bides his time, you can plainly see how the human taskmasters taunt one of the ninja kitty trainees (Codename: Ghost Pouncer) with sharp jabs to the tummy and head, followed by an excruciating crushing of his fore paw in a taloned, vice-like grip. He is then given the Mark of Dishonor along his leg and head as a badge of shame for not fighting with more viciousness.
The video ends just as Tigerlilly makes a move against Black Lotus, whose mastery of the kitty ninja arts is so strong he merely blinks and sends his erstwhile foe violently tumbling out of the battle arena.
WARNING: The above video is so cute you might have to go watch a violently gory horror movie to counter-balance the sheer adorablocity of the kittenish ramblege. (I know those aren't real words, but they fit the video's cuteonomic level.)
Today's Penny Doubled Daily Cumulative Amount for 112 days is:
Double post today! This news just couldn't wait. Woot!!
Scientists have finally cracked the secret behind a true perpetual motion generator. Two simple items in a single composite create the dynamic required to provide the perpetual motion.
The equation for it is fairly simple: f(x)=k/x. This formula creates and acetonograph which shows that as the composite approaches the ground it will decelerate until it overcomes the force of gravity at which point it will float and all downward kinetic motion will be transferred into a spinning movement.
Well, okay, it sounds complicated when you read it, but watch this video clip below to see it working in action:
I sustained a a mild concussion today when a vehicle barrier drop bar (a metal or PVC tube gate bar thinggie) hit me just above my left temple. I have a raging headache, a large raised bruise, and little tolerance for for real thinking, at the moment.
I'm taking the next day or two off from blogging to give my poor, bruised and abused brain some rest. I'll be back Monday or Tuesday at the latest. Well, unless I feel better before then, or get really, really bored and sneak on to post something.
So until then, here is a cute picture to tide you over:
You remember RapCat? The fast food feline with the controversial clothes?
Well, it's been a month and I know how short the Information Nation's memory is, so you can jog your memory about the caterwauling kitty at my previous article.
Done? Good.
I bet you want to see RapCat's music video debut. You know you wanna ...
Today's Penny Doubled Daily Cumulative Amount for 78 days is:
Decided to have a contest to see who can make the funniest caption for it. The winner will receive a prize of photo-manipulation caricature of themselves, or other person they want. Winner must provide the original digital photo. contest ends Friday, March 2nd, Noon EST.
I'll start off with a few (that won't count):
"OMG, that is the last time I eat at that Chinese restaurant!"
"Ma'am, we've found the clog in your toilet ... and your missing cat."
"I dunno why my humans complain about this job. Who needs scrub brushes?"
Today's Penny Doubled Daily Cumulative Amount for 58 days is:
Long before Checkers had RapCat, there was Kayle the cat.
Kayla's human, Steve Ibsen, created a video of Kayla dancing to his original music and lyrics back in 2004. The video cat-apulted Kayla to minor Internet stardom for a short while. The tune is cat-chy, so do not be surprised to find yourself humming it days from now.
Here are the lyrics to the song, if you could not understand the cat-erwauling:
CAT, I'm a kitty cat, and I dance dance dance, and I Dance Dance Dance [So on so on...] PERRRRRAVACOTIVE POSING! PERRRRRAVACOTIVE POSING! CAT, I'm a kitty cat, and I meow meow meow, and I meow meow meow [so on so on...] I say sexy things to myself when I'm... Daaaancing! I say sexy things to myself when I'm... Daaaancing! PERRRRRAVACOTIVE POSING! PERRRRRAVACOTIVE POSING! bat-im a picky pat- and I boop be boop babba boop boop boop CAT, I'm a kitty cat, and I dance dance dance, and I Dance Dance Dance
Today's Penny Doubled Daily Cumulative Amount for 56 days is:
No, this has absolutely nothing to do with the RapCat take-out bag controversy. I swear it doesn't! It's coincidence. Serendipitous, yes, but purely coincidence.
"Cat's in the Kettle" by Bob Rivers is a parody of "Cat's in the Cradle" by Harry Chapin. Cat Stevens had nothing to do with the original, nor does Weird Al have anything to do with the parody. Ignore unenlightened parodists to trying to convince you otherwise.
I don't know who the creator of the Flash animation is, but he's got my thanks, too!
Okay, my awful alliteration abuse aside, these are the kinds of headlines surrounding a animal rights flap taking place in my area.
Tampa-based Checkers Drive-In Restaurants recently re-released a commercial starring a rapping feline named, of course, RapCat.
When it was first released last Fall, it was an "overnight success", according to a Checker's spokesman. I loved the commercial when I first saw it, both for the Right-side vs. Left-side aspect, as well as RapCat. I still love it, and walk around singing the RapCat song after I see the commercial again ... and sometimes just because. People, and my own cats, give me odd looks when I do. I don't know why. ^.^;;
Watch the commercial for yourself and decide if RapCat is stupid or genius. Either way, I bet you get the meow rap song stuck in your head. ~.^
The commercial spawned dozens of letters and emails to Checkers requesting RapCap merchandise.
Now, RapCat has his own official website at http://www.rap-cat.com/ where you can get RapCat merchandise (coming soon), download RapCat themed goodies, read RapCat's bio, and watch RapCat's Music Video World Premiere on March 5th!
Checkers even has carry-out bags emblazoned with RapCat's jersey design. Instructions on the bag tell fans how they can dress their own cat like RapCat:
1) Cut out the holes 2) Put YOUR cat in the bag 3) Submit the best pics/vids of your cat keepin' it real ...
They issued an advisory on Monday asking people not to put their cats into the bags. Their fear is that a cat or cat owner will be hurt stuffing a cat into one of the bags. The department also stated in a news release that if someone does force a cat into a bag, they could be charged with animal cruelty. A First Offense comes with a stiff $300 fine and arrest.
What?
I mean, okay, it's probably not the nicest thing you could do to your cat, but I don't think it is cruelty. Not any worse than the pet apparel you can find in most pet stores. How about those ridiculous costumes for animals? Are those cruel? (Well, actually, yeah they are cruel to the people who have to look at the poor animal in its stupid outfit).
Let's take it a step further ...
Is it cruel to force men to wear constricting neck ties to work? How about women forced to wear hot pantyhose or feet twisting heels? What about our put-upon children whom we dress in school uniforms and march them off into the halls of conformity? (Note: I like school uniforms, keeps my budget down. hehe)
The Hillborough County Animal Services Animal Ordinance describes animal cruelty as:
Unnecessarily overloading, overdriving, tormenting, depriving of necessary sustenance, shelter, or medical care, or unnecessarily mutilating, or killing any ANIMAL or causing the same to be done, or carrying in or upon any VEHICLE, or otherwise, any ANIMAL in a cruel or inhumane manner.
Intentionally committing an act to any ANIMAL which results in the cruel death, or excessive or repeated infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering, or causes the same to be done.
Poisoning a DOG, CAT, FERRET, PET PIG, or other pet ANIMAL.
I suppose some may consider placing a cat into a paper outfit tormenting, or even infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering. I don't see how it's painful unless you violently wrestle the cat in. The bag would likely be ripped to shreds if the cat really, really didn't want in. It'd be more painful to you if your cat has all its claws. Sharp, needle point claws.
I get shredded by my cat because I clip his claws. He hates it. With a passion. I force him to do it for his safety, and ours. This involves me physically restraining him. He hates that even more. Is that abuse. Am I being cruel to my cat? Does it hurt him? No.
Putting your cat into a paper bag outfit is not torment, it's just stupid. Funny, perhaps. Maybe even cute. But stupid.
Checkers even includes a warning on the bag stating, "Not all cats will be down with wearing this bag. Do not harm or endanger any cats."
Yeah, it's probably meant more for legal protection than actually warning that some (ha! most) cats won't like it, or to avoid hurting them in the process. Still, anyone who tries this will find out very fast if their cat will submit to the indignation of it or not. I say not.
You may remember my previous blog entry about tape and cats? We showed how cat fur acts like a sensory organ, making the cat try to "get away" from the pressure of the tape (or clothing, or paper sacks). Most cats simply do not like it. The same applies with the RapCat bag outfit.
Sure, you will get an amusement factor from it, and it won't actually harm the animal, but you may stress it some. And it probably won't be happy with you for a while. And, I don't see how it's cruelty any more than a leash, collar, or other cat apparel.
See how this cat, named Tufts, reacts when put in the RapCat bag:
Tufts doesn't particularly care for her new wardrobe, but she is not overly stressed. As shown with cellophane tape, Tufts seems more concerned from getting away from the strange pressure sensation than actually upset. She appears to go check her food bowl; not a sign of a distressed cat. Her tail swishes in annoyance, but it is not down or curled under with anger or distress. She even seems to be purring at one point. Of course, an argument can be made that cats are known to purr when in extreme distress ... usually when seriously injured, however.
A local station, Fox13, posted a news story on the whole RapCap and bag thing while I was writing and researching this article. I could have saved myself some time. *sigh* Watch their news video for more info.
Seems to me they are playing it slanted towards sensationalism. I'll post updates on this as I learn them.
It's lunchtime now ... I'm going to Checkers. ~.^
Today's Penny Doubled Daily Cumulative Amount for 51 days is:
A pet care company has created a new way to wash your pets. Basically, it is a large, free standing washing machine. Sort of like an enclosed mini shower. Well, just watch this video someone took and you'll see.
(If the video above does not show or load, click HERE to view it at Youtube.)
I don't know whether to laugh my ass off or feel bad for the poor cat. The choice of background music is perfect, though. ^.^;;
PetSpa, the creators of this pet washer cum torture chamber, has been assiduously trying to get this video disabled from being embedded off YouTube and other video hosters. I suppose they do not want the damning video spread all over the Internet ... too late. It's all over the place, and I'm only one of thousands who have spotlighted this video on a blog or other website.
PetSpa claims this method reduces stress on the pet. The claim for less stress on the animal comes from the fact the animal is not restrained or physically held down by someone. Also, the water jets provide a "hydro-massage" that relaxes your pet.
Yeah, that cat looks calm and serene to me. No stress there. Nope. He is just doing ... err ... cat aerobics. Yeah, that's it. Cat aerobics. Now he'll be clean AND exercised!
PetSpa also claims their product will "reduce risks on pets and staff". I suppose this is again due to the lack of restraining of the pets. The cabin (as they call it) is pretty big, and it does have nice airflow. Just big enough for them to flail around in confused terror. The last time I went spastic and flailed around in an enclosed space, I didn't hurt myself ... much. And, I worry for the safety of any exposed flesh on the person who has to get the animal out. You could just open the door and let them bolt out, I guess, but if you're using this in a grooming shop I doubt you want the animal running loose in the store.
Kidding aside, all accounts I've read of this device state the pets do get exceptionally cleaner, and no real harm comes to them. (They might be emotionally traumatized, however). Too, nervous animals may become used to the process with repeated washings over time. Dogs also seem to be much less fazed by the device than cats. PetSpa states you can wash other small pets in it, but they are not named and no reports mentioned testing with non cats or dogs.
I bet wasching a gerbil or hamster in that thing would be entertaining. I wouldn't try it on a bird, I think. You could wash your kids in it, though. Here's proof direct from the PetSpa website:
I've not found pricing on the PetSpa website, but there is a ton of information there, and even videos you can watch. Not as entertaining as the one above, though.
At least the kids seem to be better. This could be a Bad Thing™. Before they were happy to stay in their rooms, cocooned in warm, fuzzy blankets, and playing with their Nintendo DSs and watching DVDs. Now they feel better, they have energy. They have become manic little beasts of shrillness and annoyance.
I think I'll go sneeze on them. =/
So, because I know the trials and tribulations of my nasal passages, digestive tract, and orifices (which have things exiting at varying velocities and of liquid states) are not very entertaining (and more than a little stomach churning), I present to you a video of cute and cuddley cats frolicking and gamboling with cute and cuddley kitty hijinx.
Actually ... >_> ... I'm posting this more as a way to get back at catdom. My cat, Tut, jumped on my desk, blocked my computer screen, stepped on my keyboard, and nuzzled my my mouse hand making me die in Guild Wars last night. (What? you think I'll take the blame for my in-game death? Pshaw!).
I think cats use their fur like a sensory organ. I'm not just meaning their whiskers, but I think the normal fur acts very similar. (Cat whiskers are used to sense vibrations, helping a cat "see" in darkness, as well as being a communication tool for moodscite).
If you place something on a cat's fur, it reacts very oddly; trying to move away from the faux constant pressure. It doesn't matter where on the cat this constant pressure is applied, the cat will move its body away from the feeling.
Don't believe me? I'll prove it to you.
We'll need a cat and a catalyst to induce the sensation of constant, applied pressure. Tape works best. It is sticky and can easily be made to whatever length you need to put on the cat.
Cellophane tapes are the least sticky, easily coming off the cat without taking more than loose fur, yet will stay on the cat. Masking tape is okay, but can pull attached fur out when removed. (Think yanking a band-aid off a hairy part of your body). Duct Tape is just evil, and you deserve any perforations and bloodletting the cat will surely inflict upon you should you use it.
Get a good strip of tape (you are using cellophane, right?) and measure out a piece to place along the cat's side. Coax the unsuspecting kitty over and carefully put the tape on its side. you don't need to press down hard, but enough so it sticks. Now let the cat go and watch.
Once you stop laughing your ass off, retrieve the kitty and gently remove the tape. Assuming you can get to the cat who is likely under a bed by now. If you feel lucky, and a little bit mean, you could try this on other parts of the cat for different effects. Your cat may never forgive you, so use moderation and lots of kitty treats and love after if you try this.
And NEVER put tape on a cat's face or front whiskers. the cat could injure itself trying to get away from the tape, and you might pull out some whiskers removing the tape. Pulling out a good whisker is like someone pulling your fingernail out to a cat.
Actually, you should probably never put tape on your cat, or any other cat, just to be safe. Therefore, in order to promote peace and harmony between you and your cat, i offer a vicarious look into what it might look like if you really did torture, I mean, play ... play with your cat using tape.
Now you know why it is damn difficult to get a cat to wear kitty clothing of any kind. Not only does it look totally stupid to dress an animal up, but it will likely freak them out, too. Plus, the cat may later send Tigger over to your house to punch you in the face.
Seriously, if you decide to try this with your cat, please, please, please, use cellophane tape and don't overdue it. You will really stress the cat out and it may not be very friendly with you later.
The Roost is updated daily, usually by 3pm EST. Sometimes I miss a day (or two). Sometimes ther are multiple daily updates! Read, enjoy, leave me a comment. Please!! I'm lonely. ~.^
Labels:
Animals,
Cats,
Gadgets and Gizmos,
Video
