People Who Hate Cats Meet Kittens

Music For Cats

Fergus the Dog vs the Rabbit Turds

I just thought this was hilarious and decided to share. Clearly this dog named Fergus deserves his own youtube channel.







Not to be outdone, see also: Cats, the Movie Trailer.



Evidently the guy making these videos is bored with his pets and has decided any pet videos he makes need to be seriously jazzed up.

Because it is 2015

"Because it is 2015." - Justin Trudeau, after swearing in as Canada's 23rd Prime Minister.

The question was asking why Justin Trudeau chose to have a cabinet of ministers that was equal men and women.

And Justin gave the reporter, in my opinion, a kick ass answer.

It is well past time women had equal representation in politics. This should have happened 50 years ago and it took until now to make it a reality.

Ever since then however I have heard men (and only men) complaining about how women don't deserve those cabinet post because they lack merit or experience or competence. I have heard it so many times, mostly on Facebook, that is annoying me to the point of frustration.

So here is the thing, those 15 women do actually deserve the jobs they've been given.

#1. Jane Philpott - Minister of Health

Why is she qualified? Philpott has been a family doctor at the Markham Stouffville Hospital since 1988. She also served as the hospitals’ chief of the Department of Family Medicine, and is an associate professor at the University of Toronto’s Department of Family and Community Medicine. Note - She is the first actual doctor to hold the post of Minister of Health. Who better than a doctor to be in charge of Canada's health care? An accountant? A lawyer? A businessman?

#2. Jody Wilson-Raybould - Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

Why is she qualified? Wilson-Raybould is a former crown prosecutor, and adviser at the B.C. Treaty Commission and First Nations chief. She will be in charge of the inquiry into murdered and missing indigenous women, and is herself indigenous. Who better for the job than an indigenous lawyer?

#3. Carolyn Bennett - Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs

Why is she qualified? Served as Minister of State for Public Health under Prime Minister Paul Martin. So she has already been a minister before.

#4. Judy Foote - Minister of Public Services and Procurement

Why is she qualified? Former deputy house leader and former party whip. Served as a provincial MHA for 11 years, holding numerous ministerial roles. This is not her first rodeo.

#5. Chrystia Freeland - Minister of International Trade

Why is she qualified? Asides from being an economics journalist for the Financial Times and well-traveled, Freeland also speaks five languages: English, French, Ukrainian, Russian and Italian. Being a polyglot economics journalist is very handy for international trade.

#6. Marie-Claude Bibeau - Minister of International Development and La Francophonie

Why is she qualified? Tourism based businesswoman from Quebec and an executive director of a Quebec museum, so she knows issues of Quebec culture and also works well for bringing tourism dollars into Canada. Please note she is not in charge of international trade, see #7 above.

#7. Mélanie Joly - Minister of Canadian Heritage

Why is she qualified? She is a lawyer, communications partner, mayoral candidate. Not her first rodeo in politics either.

And so on and so forth. You can read the biographies for all 30 new ministers at
http://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/justin-trudeau-s-new-liberal-cabinet-full-list-and-bios-1.2642140


My point is, the people who are complaining about that these women lack experience or the proper backgrounds for the jobs they will be doing, well, they're just being sexist.

Pure and simple sexism.

They might try and hide it and claim that they love women, that they support equal rights for women, but then turn around and claim that these women don't deserve the job because they somehow lack merit.

As if men should automatically get the job just because they have testicles and maybe some merit.

Rather here is what I think what happened...

Trudeau asked his party members what cabinet jobs they would want, anyone who wanted a cabinet post put their names on the list of available posts, and then Trudeau sat down, looked at their qualifications and built a team based on their skills, experience and other merits... And for whatever reason, they ended up being 50 / 50 or roughly 50 / 50.

And for whatever jobs that were the most concerning, he picked people who he felt had lots of experience and the right background.

Take for example the two following minorities:

Navdeep Bains - Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

Why is he qualified? Former financial and accounting analyst for years at Ford Motor Company. Economics and innovation. Also it is not his first rodeo either, he was first elected MP in 2004.

Harjit Singh Sajjan - Minister of National Defence

Why is he qualified? Former police detective and soldier. He is a highly decorated lieutenant-colonel who served three tours in Afghanistan and one in Bosnia.

Now here is why these two guys are important. They are also both Sikh. Visible minorities. Did Trudeau choose them because they are visible minorities? Or did he choose them because the one is an experienced MP who understands economics and technology, and quite possibly might be Finance Minister two decades from now, and the other is a highly decorated lieutenant-colonel who clearly knows what he is doing.

Now I haven't personally heard anyone complaining about Bains or Sajjan and saying that they are not qualified for their jobs, and even if I did, I would assume whoever is complaining is clearly a racist.

However if they were women, I bet people would be complaining about it, saying things like "Just because she is a lieutenant-colonel doesnn't mean she is qualified to be Minister of National Defence."

And other bullshit like that.

If anything it is some of the men who may not be qualified.

Like this guy:

Jim Carr - Minister of Natural Resources

Musician, journalist, Founding CEO of Business Council of Manitoba, and has been in politics since 1988. Of the first three, only business is tied to Natural Resources - and he apparently got a post as a Minister simply because he is an experienced politician. Not his first rodeo.

At which point you have to ask, what makes a person qualified for Natural Resources anyway? Being CEO of a gold mining corporation? Doesn't that really limit our options for who can hold these posts?

Canada elected 184 Liberals in October. Minus himself, Trudeau has to pick 30 people out of 183 to fill 30 cabinet postings, and he has to pick the people who are best suited for the job with only 183 people to choose from.

Chances are likely there are several people who are not qualified for the jobs they have been given. And we are not talking about the women here, but people in general.

For decades we have been giving the top jobs in Canada to unqualified men, because someone had to fulfill the role. Clearly the country did not collapse because we also have a system in place to correct any problems when people are not qualified. It is called a cabinet shuffle.

In my experience cabinet shuffles seem to happen routinely, every 6 to 9 months apart. Some people retire, some get demoted back to the benches, some people get promoted to a more prestigious ministry, and some get promoted to becoming a minister.

So how about we see what happens during Trudeau's first cabinet shuffle and see how the "game of musical chairs" plays out.

Ignoring retirements due to old age, I bet the women will fare just as well as the men do.

In the mean time please think on this phrase:

"You wouldn't be asking this question if she was a man."

How to Train your Cat to walk on a Leash

 Anyone who knows me also knows I love cats.

The article below used to be posted on a website I liked, but they have since removed it. Fortunately Google had a cache copy of it and I decided to keep it and share it with others.

For anyone who loves cats, this article is for you!

Teaching your cat to walk on a harness and leash is a great way to let your cat enjoy the outdoors while ensuring his safety. Outdoor excursions can reduce obesity and boredom-related behavior problems that many under-exercised indoor cats develop. Leash training also comes in handy during trips to the vet and other necessary travel. Before you get started, be sure your cat is up to date on his vaccinations.

How to Train Your Cat to Wear a Harness and Walk on a Leash

Most cats can be trained to walk on a harness and leash. Kittens are naturally more accepting of this new experience, but older cats can be trained with patience. Proceed in small steps, rewarding each bit of progress. Start harness training indoors so that your cat’s comfortable with it before you venture outside.

• Purchase a harness designed for cats. The leash attachment should be located on the back of the harness, not at the neck. Try Premier’s Gentle Leader® Come with Me Kitty™ Harness & Bungee Leash, which is easy to use and adjust.
• Leave the harness and leash near your cat’s food or favorite sleeping spot for several days. He’ll get used to the sight of it and associate it with feelings of contentment.
• In addition (or instead of Step 2), hold the harness and let your cat sniff it. Offer him treats as he does this. Then lay the harness against your cat’s neck and offer him a treat. As he’s sniffing the treat, remove the harness and let him eat the treat.
• Meanwhile—if your cat doesn’t much like being held and restrained—get your cat used to the handling you’ll have to do to put on his harness. (Just skip this step if your cat already accepts or enjoys being held.) With his favorite snack or toy close by, hold him firmly but gently for a few seconds. Softly praise him while you hold him, then show him a treat and release him to eat it. Repeat this exercise often for several days, always following your handling with treats, and gradually holding him a few seconds longer each time. Practice gently handling your cat’s legs and feet, too, and rewarding him for accepting that.
• Next, drape the harness over your cat’s shoulders and down his chest between his front legs. Introduce the new feel of the straps while your cat is sniffing or eating his treat, and remove the harness immediately. Work until you can snap the harness on him over his neck and shoulder area and between his front legs, continuing to distract him with treats.
• Put the harness on your cat, but don’t attach the leash yet. Immediately distract him with tasty treats. Adjust the fit of the harness. You should be able to slip two fingers (but not three or four) between the harness and your cat’s body. Leave the harness on for just a couple minutes, removing it before your cat’s interest in his rewards starts to decrease. Repeat this training daily for several days. If your cat stays relaxed, gradually increase the time the harness is on. If he ever gets upset, distract him with treats and then remove the harness. Try again later with a better reward and take the harness off sooner, before your cat has a chance to get upset.
• Now it’s time to attach the leash. Place your cat in a room with few things that might snag a leash. Put the harness on your cat and attach the leash, letting it drag on the ground behind him. Distract him with treats or play. Repeat this step for several days. Always supervise so that the leash doesn’t get caught on something and scare him.
• When your cat seems relaxed and comfortable while dragging the leash, hold it gently (not pulling against him) while he walks around the house. Let him go wherever he wants to, and keep the leash loose as you follow him around. As he roams, praise him often and periodically reward him with tasty treats. Practice this step for a few days.
• You might be satisfied to conclude harness training here and proceed outdoors. But you can also practice directing where your cat walks on leash indoors a bit (rather than just following him) before you go outside, since you’ll need to direct him once you’re outside. Here’s how you can encourage your cat to walk along with you:
  • Using a sweet, soft voice, encourage your cat to follow you.
  • Drop him a treat, and while he eats it, walk away to the end of the leash. When he catches up to you, praise and reward him with another treat. Repeat this over and over.
  • Apply gentle, persistent pressure on the leash if your cat tries to go in another direction. Be sure not to jerk or pop the leash. Just wait patiently. When your cat finally takes a couple of steps toward you, he’ll be rewarded by relief from the tension on the leash, and you can again reward him with a treat.
• Now it’s time to take the show on the road. Most cats who haven’t been outdoors are nervous and easily startled outside. So start in a quiet, sheltered spot and just sit with your cat on the leash. He’ll start exploring as he adjusts. Just as you did indoors, start by following behind your cat as he checks things out, and travel further with your new walking buddy when he’s relaxed and ready to move on.

Additional Tips

• Your cat won’t constantly pester you to go out if you take him only at a certain time each day. Try setting a regular walking schedule.
• Always put the harness on away from the door and carry your cat outside. Never let him walk out on his own, or he might try to dash out between walks without his harness on.
• Never harness your cat when he’s crying or pestering you. Ignore him until he’s quiet. Then you can reward his good behavior with a walk.
• Do not tie your cat’s leash to something outside and leave him, even if you plan to be gone for only a minute or two. Your cat might get tangled in the leash and hurt himself, and he won’t be able to escape if a dog or other animal approaches. In fact, it’s best to avoid leaving your cat outdoors unattended altogether, whether he’s on a leash or not.

Cat Misdirection

Funny Kitty

Anybody But Stephen Harper

I usually try to avoid talking about politics on here, but today is the federal election day in Canada. It is the day Canadians get to decide whether we want to re-elect Stephen Harper (who has already been in power for 10 years) or whether it is time to kick his ass to the curb for all the horrible things he has done.

#1. Do you remember the swine flu epidemic? Well the image below demonstrates Stephen Harper's "love" for his fellow Canadians.

#2. In the last ten years Stephen Harper has run 6 deficits and boosted the Canadian national debt by $140 billion. That is a 20% increase of the Canadian national debt. Canada's population is only $35.16 million... so do the math, that is $3981.80 per person. The average Canadian will have to pay that off over time in taxes. And what does Stephen Harper have to show for squandering $140 billion?

236,200 more people are now unemployed compared to when Harper took office.

Well for starters Stephen Harper is now considered to be the worst economic leader in 70 years. The numbers on multiple economic factors show that Stephen Harper is either the worst or 2nd worst in a variety of economic factors. So basically Stephen Harper has botched the economy.

Whoever replaces Harper is going to have to fix a lot of the problems Harper created.

#3. The Rich Got Richer while the Middle Class got Poorer. One of the economic factors described above is the issue of the middle class in Canada. Harper lowered taxes for the rich - aka Reagonomics, the concept that if you lower taxes on the rich it will "trickle down" to the lower classes. Reagonomics has since been proven to only make the rich richer and everyone else poorer. Stephen Harper proved it during the last 10 years as prime minister.

Poverty in Canada is also up, making Stephen Harper one of very few PMs in the last 70 years to preside over record poverty rates.

Here's a little tip I picked up recently from a real estate website that talked about politics in Canada:

If you are rich and buy property by paying for the full amount in cash, then you should vote Conservative. The Conservatives will lower taxes on you, while ignoring the poor and middle class.

If you are middle class and buy property using a mortgage, then you should vote Liberal. The Liberals will lower taxes on the middle class, raise taxes on the rich, and increase spending to decrease poverty / improve the economy.

If you are poor and either renting or living in your parent's basement, then you should vote NDP. The NDP will increase taxes on the rich and the middle class, and they will dramatically increase spending to decrease poverty in Canada.

Basically they pointed out that Canada's three main political parties are all about class warfare and bickering over who should pay more taxes, and how much money should be spent trying to reduce poverty/boost the economy.

#4. Stephen Harper is actively promoting racism against Muslims in Canada. All the talk about "old stock Canadians", "barbaric cultural practices", and niqabs has just fueled racism on Canada's right wing. He is basically trying to feed into the hate some Canadians feel and then use that to get more votes from people who normally vote for the National Socialist Party. And oddly enough, to try and get more Jewish votes. Wow. Nazis and Jews both voting for the same party. That is really weird.

Take niqabs for example. 20 years ago niqabs wasn't even an issue in Canada. Nobody cared. But suddenly Stephen Harper has turned niqabs into a symbol of Muslim immigrants coming to Canada, and used that symbol to fuel hatred which has resulted in Muslim women being attacked on the streets across Canada.

Examples

Pregnant Muslim woman attacked in Montreal.

Toronto Muslim woman attacked for wearing a niqab.

Ottawa police urge Muslim women to report attacks after several incidents.

I should also note that promoting racism and spreading hate literature is a crime in Canada. Stephen Harper should actually be arrested for openly doing what the National Socialist Party does behind closed doors.

#5. Last but not least, Stephen Harper also did the following:

Shut down women's shelters across Canada.
Built more prisons while fear-mongering about crime in a country with a ridiculously low crime rate.
Invaded the privacy of Canadians.
Took away the right to privacy in the name of finding terrorists (more Canadians die from shark attacks each year than from terrorist attacks).
Removed vast amounts of publicly owned land from environmental protections so oil companies can drill there.
Gave the oil industry in Alberta a free ride while ignoring the rest of Canada's economy.
Completely ignored the plight of missing / murdered indigenous women.
Completely ignored the issue of clean drinking water in Canada's poorest communities.
Gutted laws that protected Canada's fish stocks,  because apparently free food and clean water is less important than oil.
Gutted the CBC's funding in an effort to control what they were saying about him.
Scrapped funding for arts and the film industry in Canada, industries that actually bring more money into Canada.

Basically pick any topic, and Stephen Harper did something bad during the last 10 years.

Want to learn more about things Harper did? Visit the website Shit Harper Did.

Awesome Panda Dodging Lasers

This panda is too awesome not to share.

Cat Kicking Itself

Sorry, but this was too funny not to share it. This cat's front end doesn't seem to know what the back end is doing. Almost like its leg is possessed.

Writing Tips: Making Judicious Choices

Writing fiction is a creative endeavor that involves making numerous choices, often requiring careful consideration and discernment. These choices shape the story, characters, and overall reading experience. Here are some writing tips concerning the types of judicious choices that writers must make:

1. Plot Choices:

   • Select a compelling and engaging plot that captures readers' interest from the beginning.
   • Determine the pacing of the story, balancing moments of tension and calm to maintain reader engagement.
   • Make strategic decisions about plot twists and surprises to keep the story intriguing and unpredictable.
   • Choose when and how to reveal important information to create suspense and maintain reader curiosity.

2. Character Choices:

   • Develop well-rounded and relatable characters that readers can connect with emotionally.
   • Make deliberate choices about character motivations and goals to drive the story forward.
   • Decide on character relationships and dynamics, considering how they interact and influence one another.
   • Ensure character growth and development by making choices that challenge and transform them throughout the narrative.

3. Setting Choices:

   • Select vivid and evocative settings that enhance the mood and atmosphere of the story.
   • Determine the time period and cultural context that best serve the narrative and its themes.
   • Make judicious choices about the level of detail in setting descriptions, focusing on what is most relevant to the story and characters.

4. Dialogue Choices:

   • Craft authentic and distinct dialogue that reflects each character's voice, personality, and background.
   • Choose dialogue that advances the plot, reveals character traits, and develops relationships.
   • Consider pacing and rhythm in dialogue, balancing exposition, action, and moments of reflection.

5. Theme Choices:

   • Identify the central themes and messages of the story, making choices that reinforce and explore these themes.
   • Decide how to incorporate and develop sub-themes that add depth and complexity to the narrative.
   • Make deliberate choices about symbolism and imagery to enhance thematic resonance.

6. Language Choices:

   • Select the appropriate tone and style of language that aligns with the genre, atmosphere, and characters.
   • Make careful word choices to evoke the desired emotions, imagery, and sensory experiences.
   • Utilize figurative language and literary devices judiciously to enhance the narrative without overwhelming it.

7. Structure Choices:

   • Determine the most effective narrative structure for the story, such as linear, non-linear, or multiple perspectives.
   • Make choices regarding chapter or section breaks to create momentum and anticipation.
   • Consider how the structure supports the pacing, reveals information, and maximizes impact.

8. Editing and Revision Choices:

   • Review and revise the manuscript with a critical eye, making choices to enhance clarity, coherence, and flow.
   • Cut unnecessary scenes, dialogue, or descriptions that do not contribute to the story's development.
   • Seek feedback from trusted readers or editors and make choices based on constructive criticism.

Remember, the art of writing fiction is an iterative process that involves making and revising choices. Each choice contributes to the overall vision of the story, its themes, and the reader's experience. By exercising discernment and thoughtfulness, writers can create captivating and meaningful narratives.

10 Essential Writing Tips for Beginners

Writing is a powerful tool for communication, creativity, and self-expression. Whether you aspire to become a professional writer or simply want to improve your skills, it's essential to start with a strong foundation. These ten essential writing tips for beginners will provide you with guidance and techniques to enhance your writing journey. Let's dive in!

1. Read Widely: Reading is the foundation of good writing. Read books, articles, blogs, and anything else that sparks your interest. This exposure to different writing styles, genres, and perspectives will expand your vocabulary, enhance your understanding of grammar, and inspire new ideas.

2. Write Regularly: Consistency is key. Make writing a habit by setting aside dedicated time each day or week to practice. Embrace the blank page and write freely, without judgment. Over time, your writing skills will improve, and ideas will flow more effortlessly.

3. Start with an Outline: Before diving into a piece, create a rough outline. This helps organize your thoughts, establish a clear structure, and maintain a logical flow. It serves as a roadmap, preventing you from getting lost or overwhelmed during the writing process.

4. Focus on Clarity: Good writing is clear and concise. Strive to express your ideas in a straightforward manner, using simple and precise language. Avoid unnecessary jargon or complicated phrases that might confuse your readers. Remember, clarity is key to effective communication.

5. Edit and Revise: Writing is a process that goes beyond the first draft. Once you complete a piece, take the time to edit and revise it. Check for grammar and spelling errors, improve sentence structure, and refine your ideas. Editing allows you to polish your work and ensure it reaches its full potential.

6. Embrace Feedback: Don't be afraid to seek feedback from others. Join writing groups, share your work with trusted friends or mentors, and be open to constructive criticism. Feedback provides valuable insights, helping you identify areas for improvement and grow as a writer.

7. Develop Your Voice: Finding your unique writing voice is an ongoing journey. Experiment with different styles, tones, and perspectives to discover what resonates with you. Your voice is what sets you apart from other writers, so embrace your individuality and let it shine through your words.

8. Show, Don't Tell: Instead of simply stating information, aim to create vivid imagery and engage your readers' senses. Show them the scene, the emotions, and the actions through descriptive language and well-crafted dialogue. Let your readers experience the story, rather than telling them about it.

9. Emphasize Revisions: Great writing is often the result of multiple revisions. Don't settle for mediocrity in your work. Challenge yourself to revisit your pieces, even after you think they're finished. Look for ways to make your writing stronger, clearer, and more impactful with each revision.

10. Embrace Failure and Persevere: Writing is a journey filled with both successes and setbacks. Don't be discouraged by rejection or initial failures. Learn from them, grow, and persevere. Every writer faces obstacles, but those who keep pushing forward ultimately succeed.

Becoming a skilled writer takes time, practice, and dedication. By following these ten essential writing tips for beginners, you'll develop a solid foundation to build upon. Remember, the most important thing is to keep writing and never stop honing your craft. 

Happy writing!

The William Tell Overture on a Harmonica at Carnegie Hall

The William Tell Overture on a Harmonica at Carnegie Hall

The musician is Buddy Greene who grew up in Macon, Georgia. Buddy Greene is a singer, songwriter, guitar player and harmonica player. Most of his recordings are gospel music, but he best known for being a harmonica legend.

Some of Greene's music is influenced by country / bluegrass music.

He co-wrote the Christmas song "Mary, Did You Know?" with Mark Lowry.

I came across Buddy Greene because I was looking for examples of the William Tell Overture. Below are more examples of the William Tell Overture (also known as the Lone Ranger theme song) played on different instruments.

The William Tell Overture played by the Scott Brothers Duo.



The William Tell Overture played by a Trombone Quartet



The William Tell Overture played by a Flutist



The William Tell Overture mixed with Drums



The William Tell Overture on the Saxophone - Raymond Baird, 1936

Windy Day Kitten

Windy Day Kitten

Fresh Off The Boat

My girlfriend has got me hooked on the TV show "Fresh Off The Boat". It stars the actor who played Kim Jong Un in the film "The Interview"


Fresh Off The Boat Trailer



The Interview

Pianist with Lion

Pianist with Lion