Catwomen?

Notice the bond between cats and women? I mean, seriously.  Do you see a lot of cats drawn to women and women drawn to cats? 

There is obviously a symbiotic relationship there somewhere.

A fairly recent study, published by Discovery News, was a research led by Kurt Kotrschal of the Konrad Lorenz Research Station and the University of Vienna.

They sampled 41 cats and their owners, videotaped them over lengthy four-part periods and analysed the interactions between  the owners and their cats.  According to the top-line results of the study, women especially seem to bond more strongly with their feline friends.

Whilst this may not come as a surprise to most cat-aficionado women, the study's key insights include a significant finding that has now been statistically and empirically  proven; that cats and owners strongly influenced each other in terms of behavior.  

To my reckless mind, I call it "imprinting".  Without really trying, cats control their owners behaviours and vice versa.  If you are a cat owner like I am, you will see a lot of yourself rubbing off on your kitty and on a reciprocal basis, your cat's moods tend to influence your mood too.

Imagine if you have a perennially hungry cat like I do. Visualize it, you're both nibbling endlessly.  Ain't it cool?

The whole relationship is based on reciprocity ... you offer affection and support and your cat will generously return it.

The research also found that women tend to be more affectionate and demonstrative of their feelings to their cats versus their male counterparts. And this brings me to my point.  There is something insanely complex about the cat's nature that perhaps only women can understand, as women are insanely complex creatures themselves.

Dogs are generally "people-pleasers", which does not speak the same for cats.  They can throw you completely off if they don't like you.  And if you step further into the boundaries of their "dislike", they claw!  Where do you think the term "Cat-fight" come from?  Women can be very "catty" when they fight.

History tells us that Men have always found the women's psyche to be extremely difficult to comprehend.  Wouldn't it make a lot of sense for men to observe cats and perhaps even own one to know how to please a woman?

If they seriously want to get a clue on what goes on in our complex minds, they should buy a cat.

I also found it quite interesting that men who are drawn to cats or are cat owners, tend to know how to return the affection and attention so many women crave for.  Look, I am not saying you should only go out with men who have cats as pets.   I just said I found this to be an interesting observation.  And I could be proven empirically wrong.

All I know is that my cat loves to have her hair touched and stroked.  She loves to be loved.  And there are days she refuses to have any of that.  Just leave her be.  She knows what she needs and when she needs it and how.  She really reminds me of someone I know.

Oh did I tell you yet that Anne Hathaway will be the new Catwoman?  I have always loved Michelle Pfeiffer in this role, but I think Hathaway will totally rock it!  Just saying.

Hathaway as Catwoman

  

Why Look Stupid When You Can Take Alcohol Like A Pro?

It really gets me when I go out with my friends, and the one who seems to boast the most about being able to drink like a fish, end up in different states of drunken-"mess".  Do you notice that the guy who says he has the loudest "bang" in the gang almost always ends up to be the guy who whimpers?  Yes, he is pretty much like the guy who keeps pushing the line and likely to end, "Bottoms up!"

I need my Momma!

I had the "pleasure" of working for a food and beverage company, and part of the beverages are your bar staples.  The business was simple, we made and sold or distributed different types of bottled alcohol - hell, if I'm not mistaken, we monopolized the world market of scotch whiskey, clear vodka, gin, tequila, liqueur, etc..  I would be lying if I will say these were not the best three years of my life.  The first month of work in that foggy, dreary land, required a full-month of Orientation to understand the evils of Alcoholism, Drunk Driving, and the lot.  I treasured the information that I acquired and let me share a bit of that here -- on taking alcohol.  

First off, if you're not 18 years old, go play with your pets or toys,  and get out of this post!

Okay now, moving on.

Whatever is your preferred drink of choice, or poison, if you are the typical "event" or the party and occasional drinker, you must be aware that on the first few rounds when the alcohol gets into your system; your body (as in your physiology) is unable to immediately detect that the substance you induced into your system is alcohol.  
Why? Your body initially reacts to alcohol like it would generally react to large doses or intake of sweets, for instance, ice cream, cakes, candies and chocolates.  If you have ever done a dessert binge in a huge buffet, you would know how this feels.  The natural human alarm system is dulled by the sugar overload.  In case a few of you are unaware, (am sure the chemical nerds will back me on this one); alcohol and sugar are directly related to carbohydrates.  And what you actually enjoy in your favorite drink is sugar alcohol.  Same reason it is able to camouflage itself in your system.  This should explain some of the erratic behaviors we see when people who drink in parties can't seem to stop after a few rounds.  They feel everything is under control.

Happy giddy stage

The next stage, and when it hits you, is highly relative.  Additionally, it is largely based on your overall physiological make-up.  However, the critical tell-tale signs are pretty much the same across the universe.  When you notice that you are getting a bit flushed, that warm sensation that starts from the chest, neck, up to the face and cheeks; some people also feel their ears tingle with heat; you may also feel a little bit light-headed, giddy; everything around you appears to be like your favorite happy place when you were a child; you may likewise start grinning too much; appear to be a little too happy; laughing loudly at a totally rotten joke and the laughing itself tickles you; you feel a natural "high" like a rush of adrenalin - now this is the level of alcohol intake that triggers your body's NATURAL ALARM system.  Immediately, your brain dispatches your blood soldiers, releases the siren and sends in the paratroopers; your brain is trying to tell you (if you're still there), this message: INTRUDER ALERT!  INTRUDER ALERT!  

This is the point of reckoning.  Your body now recognizes the culprit, it's alcohol, and this is the best time to "manage it".

As a general rule, you can either manage your alcohol or let it completely manage you.  There are no gray areas here.  And even if there are, in your case, don't push your luck.

Hanging Cases

I take the path of managing, that's how I learned to drink with panache' like a professional.  I have taken the path of humiliation twice, and I told myself, the third time it happens, I would never, ever be able to forgive myself again.
How to Manage?
When you start feeling this wooziness, the first thing to do, is to stop drinking. 
But the party's not over yet, you argue.  Okay, I understand.  If you can't stop, then drink cold water.  Please, not caffeine.  Caffeine will only add confusion to your already disoriented physiology. Just plain H20.  Cold water.  The best diuretic in the world. 

Ahhh... home!

 I don't mean this water. (see picture on right)
If you are not a water person, and your bottled water of choice is Evian, you are likely to pay the same amount as your next round; you can try this instead ---
Walk around a bit, or better yet, dance! Sweat out the toxins.  Laugh out loud.  Keep moving, don't dwell on the giddiness.  This will help clear your head, and in a few minutes, you will get your second wind.
Some guys I know, extend their peak cycle by invoking Captain Hook. But I will not even go there.  That is just so repulsive!

Manage the alcohol.
It should never be stronger than you.  Occasional drinking with your buddies can really be a lot of fun and actually "humiliation"- free.  
And just because you can manage your drinking sprees, you are entitled to abuse the substance.  I am not asking you to ascribe to that either.
 
Last and most important point, if you plan to drink on an event, please don't drive. Have a designated driver.  A buddy/mate that will gladly take you back home in one piece. You will never know if the life you will be saving is yours.

Those aren't my car keys ... teehee

SOMETHING DIFFERENT, A FRIENDSHIP AWARD

It is the season of Awards.  The Grammy, the Golden Globe, the Oscars and if you haven't been online for a week, you still wouldn't miss the proliferation of awards moving around the Blogger's virtual community.


Above the din, however, I received something that is way different (this is not to discount all the other awards).  Jezebel gave me a Friendship Award.  A friendship award requires very simple terms, give it out to a Blog friend that has been helpful to you in some way.  It could have been a word of encouragement, a virtual hug, inspiration on totally "blah"  days, a technical help when you get your cables and wires mixed up, or anything that may have stood out and is seen as an act done by true friends.


Albeit similarly there are rules to abide and a pass-around Award Poster, I have decided to do this my own way (since I think this is a little bit of a personal choice), but I will follow certain steps that I think are attendant to recognizing a friend.


First off, I would like to thank my giver:  
Dear Jezebel - My heartfelt thanks and whilst we may be miles apart, I am absolutely thrilled that our paths have crossed.  Thank you immensely.


Secondly, let me tell you three (3) things about Jezebel.

• Besides being able to play a variety of musical instruments, this lady loves to sing.  Proof is, she is in a band.
• She loves green veggies - broccoli, spinach, peas and can practically survive her entire lifetime feeding only on beef jerky (not bad!) and Taco Bell.
• And she is bisexual.  Now this one is pretty intimate so if you want deets, go talk to her yourself, okay?

Third, pass this off to people you believe touched your life in the Blog Kingdom, and you consider as a true friend.  Give them a poster to show off that you chose them.  

Note:  The original rule says Pass to 7 people, and if you get an award 7 times from 7 people, you have to contact 7ladybugz@gmail.com because you get something special.  So I guess I am not getting that.

I chose to design my own Friendship Award poster and personalize it.  To begin with, since this is my Friendship Award, I want to give them something that will remind them of me.  Now as the rule goes, you may choose to adopt my mechanics or re-invent the whole thing.  This is a free world.  But I would suggest you keep the spirit of friendship moving around.  It  is worth your time.  And if I chose you, may I request my friends to post this poster on your Blog or your Awards Page.

1. Just Me 99 - Just My Stories.  JM99 and I are old souls.  And I truly believe even in previous lifetimes, we have been good friends.
2. Legacy 2000 - I have only been Blogging actively for a little more than a month.  "Legs", I owe you big time for your vote of support for newbies like me.  You helped me through my first week of grappling at edges of strings in the Coffee Shop.  And whilst it may be strange to you, your work inspires me.
3. Capricious Retch - it took me awhile to put together Anthony Geist and you.  Thank you for being one of my first followers.  Thank you for being a friend.
4. Kimberly Marie - You have helped me and a lot more.  You're an angel.  Thank you for always lending out a hand.
5. Biohazard - You suggested I go back to painting and even post my work.  I did. I tuned this passion out of my life for awhile, but now that I am starting again, I have never felt better.  Thank you.
6. DirtyCowGirl - Because you rock.  And had it been another lifetime, you would have been the sister I never had.

Please accept this award because it means a lot to me and I hope it does to you too.

If you feel like passing on the original 7ladybugz Friendship Award design, here it is:

A Stylish Blogger Award? Awww Shucks!

Please check out my latest Post on My Stylish Blogger Awards

Thank you very much!  Just click on the Link below.  Yippeekaye!

Stylish Blogger Awards

Feeding Or Feasting On Celebrity Gossips

2 March 2011


I don't even want to waste philosophical arguments on these bits of news.

Who gives a shit?

Pop Candies TV caught the young stars as they appeared to be leaving the party, saying goodbyes and taking pictures and then Justin Bieber quickly pecked Selena on the lip! Fans are beginning to speculate that it's nothing more than a publicity stunt. Do you think Selena Gomez is really digging Justin Bieber, who turned 17-years old today.

It just scares me what's being fed to celebrity-hang up humans on Planet Earth.  There seems to be a relentless stream of what can be written up, photographed, discussed and twitted.

Bail?  Why not serve time?

Christina Aguilera has been arrested,  just a few weeks into her dark period. The 30-year-old singer was busted with her boyfriend early this morning in Los Angeles. TMZ reports 25-year-old Matthew Rutler was taken in for driving under the influence and held on $30,000 bail; he was later released on $5,000, according to the AP. Aguilera was booked for public intoxication, which a source tells TMZ meant she was "extremely intoxicated" and "unable to take care of herself." The star was released from custody as soon as she "was able to navigate and think on her own" (she was fingerprinted and placed in a cell) and will not be prosecuted for the misdemeanor, L.A. County Sheriff's spokesman Steve Whitmore told the AP.

There are times it makes me sorry that technology has enabled these information to be accessible in a nanosecond.  


Everyone seems to be lapping up everything Charlie Sheen - and he launches himself cheekily on Twitter with this virgin twit.  And to think I really liked this guy.

Charlie Sheen joined the twitterverse today ... and for his first trick, dude posted a photo of himself along with his other favorite things ... a hot chick, chocolate milk ... and something naked. 

And we knock ourselves out with questions like why the hell are kids more rude these days?  Or whatever happened to good old family values?  Why is the world full of hate?

New Arab World?

Are we giving the world and the youth enough choice?  Or are we leading them all, with us, to damnation?  I am not trying to sound morally upright.  I am  just as confused as the next Jane or Joe.


I don't really have answers, I am just tired of watching these crap on the news everyday.  All the irrelevant noise and clutter saying nothing.