While scanning the cable channels today , I happened upon the Animal Planet “Cat-A-Thon.” So far I have learned that Roxie, the female Japanese bobtail and Jean Claude, the male black Bombay, are about to become “seniors.” Don’t tell Roxie that as she thinks she’s still a swinging teenager. Animal Planet just ran one of my all-time favorite “Must Love Cats,” episodes, Dusty: The Klepto Kitty. The segment features a cat who has stolen hundreds of items – shoes, hats, bras, panties and sunglasses from her neighbors. (Dusty is referenced in my March 11, 2011 blog, “Roxie Hid My Shoes”)
Category Archives: animals
Female Empowerment
There is a lot of controversy in the American political arena about women, our bodies, our health. Some say that those trying to implement restrictions are merely trying to change the debate to subjugate women and reduce our societal roles. They have declared war on women and womenhood. Women are life-givers, caretakers and these days, leaders, champions and anything we dern well please. As women our anatomy is unique to our personhood. It sometimes dictates our moods and our habits but it is not a hindrance to our ability to lead, to encourage and to thrive. Still there are those would like to turn the clock back, reducing or restricting our reproductive rights. They sent up trial balloons on the airwaves and in certain state legislatures. Women, wise as we are, are fighting back and speaking up. We are joined by enlightened men who are standing up for our rights as well. Yes, it is a mistake to underestimate the power of the female. Even in the cat world that is true. Roxie, the female Japanese bobtail, is fierce, often refusing to share the feeder with Jean Claude, the much larger male black Bombay. Regularly little Roxie beats Jean Claude at play – she kicks his butt frankly. Still she relies on him to protect her interests and to bring her comfort. There is balance and unity and sometimes peace.
Animal Friendships
There was recently a Time Magazine story on animal friendships. It detailed the intimate and friendly relationships of bears, monkeys and other animals. There is no doubt to me that Roxie, the Japanese bobtail cat and Jean Claude, the black Bombay cat share a great love. Despite their bickering, fur snatching and overturning of objects in the heat of battle, they are truly enamoured of each other. They provide each other comfort, protection and inspiration. Besides when it’s all said and done, Roxie, though half Jean Claude’s size, can and often does kick Jean Claude’s tin-can. She is a queen. Now a brief dedication to another Queen – departed from this world too soon. Whitney Houston’s music lives on.‘.
Self-Ownership
I recently finished reading “Propoganda” a book by Edward Bernays. Bernays, a nephew of Sigmond Freud, was the founder of modern day public relations. According to Wikipedia he had an extraordinairy career. Bernays was a keen observer and exploiter of human behavior. He was an engima…launching campaigns to encourage Americans to smoke cigarettes and in later life helping to found The American Lung Association. In so many ways his predecessors. Recently my mentor, Ofield Dukes, a man of quiet strength and powerful purpose passed away. Ofield too was in public relations. It has made me very sad but it also caused me to think about how we as individuals so often sucumb to others way of thinking and doing things. Go-along to get along. We lose in the long run. Ofield, despite his great achievements was a man of humility. He was also a man, who owned his own public relations firm for more than 40 years. He also was the owner of himself. He was not afraid to share or care for others.
The Search for Coyotes
I like Las Vegas and when there I play the “Coyotes,” a fun game that iminates a low slow whistle when hit. During a recent business trip I spent some time looking for the Coyotes game and a few hotels. Tired and literally spent from a number of things I settled for “Wolf Run,” and promptly won a couple of hundred dollars in the process. The next day I spotted one “Coyote” game machine. I played. I lost. In Vegas they say when you break even you’ve won. I guess I won. A win-win situation for me and the Coyotes.
Cats & All That ™ 