Astonishingly beautiful real-time visualization of wind in the US. Have you seen it? If not, you really need to click through and see this baby in action.
(Thanks to the lovely Posey Gruener for the heads-up.)
Mika (Full Title: Mika Mikerson the 3rd)
Appearance: C
She was an extremely pretty and lithe tabby cat when I first brought her home, but her appearance has greatly depreciated over the past few years. Her ears and eyes are no longer too big for her eyes, and she has acquired a large stomach that must be kept full at all times to avoid the complaints that are loudly and frequently made.
Sociability: C
Around other people: F
When others are around she is loud and aggressive. She runs to the door to meow at whoever dares enter her domain, and stands in the narrow hallway so as to delay their intrusion into the house. With most guests she will rudely stare at them and meow if they dare come near her. Scratches are a possibility. Also: if you sit below her, she may swipe a paw out on your head in an attempt to bring it closer so she can smell it.
In Private (A):
When others aren’t around she is extremely social and loving. She will jump in your lap, and stare deeply into your eyes while she purrs loudly. Trying to convince others that this side of her exists is nearly impossible.
Usefulness: C
Most of the time she sits around like a useless lump, and she has no interest in learning to use the toilet like a civilized creature. Instead she bolts for the litter box as soon as it has been cleaned - making more work for me.
To her credit, she has realized that the above concerns reflect poorly upon her and so she has mastered the trick of hypnotizing me with her purrs when I lie down to sleep. Now, if I don’t have her nearby, it takes far longer to go to sleep than it would otherwise, and I have to place her on the bed at bedtime for optimal effect.
She seems to be very concerned that I am forgetful and she helps to rectify this as she herds me to her food bowl every morning and evening. Surprisingly, with her bulk, she is an effective mouser and does not tolerate loose rodents in the vicinity.
Typically she greets me at the door as soon as I come home, thus alleviating any immediate desire I have to get a dog.
Overall: There are definite areas of improvement, but is surprisingly good at the things she does do. C+
Huggability: B
Her fur is silky smooth, especially the white bits under her chin, and there are few things more comforting than having her in your lap, snuggled up to you while she purrs. She is great for cuddling during the night, but danger exists as she tends to stretch her arms/claws out into whatever is nearby. Due to this I’ve woken up with scratches on my face multiple times.
Overall Grade: C
