A few years ago I shared a blog piece focusing on a unique invention (to say the least) created by one Dr. Elena Bodner, who took home the Ig Nobel Prize for 2009. For the uninitiated and unknowing the Ig Nobel Prize(s) are intended to "celebrate the unusual, honor the imaginative and spur people's interest in science, medicine, and technology." One would have to agree that Ms Bodnar's invention, which won thepublic health prize for creating a dual bra that could be converted (if necessary obviously) into two gas masks falls into the unique category.
The reason for sharing this information is that there appears to be a renewed interest in this story judging by my stats. Not that I'm complaining or anything but it makes me shake my head in wonderment which pieces suddenly emerge at the top of the heap. In case you didn't catch the story, here are the coordinates and if you feel like commenting, even better. http://myviewscount.blogspot.ca/2009/10/bra-cups-runneth-over-as-gas-mask.html
N.B. Just a note that this story is still drawing readers as of Fri. May 25. You people never cease to amaze!
Another piece that seems to be of interest to people is how to conduct oneself in public in case one is in the company of royalty. This was a follow up to another piece where I pondered as to why I never got my invitation to the royal wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. This got me thinking about if I had received an invitation, what are the rules and regulations where royalty is concerned. I mean, how does one act and what type of conversation is acceptable? When it comes to the "how-to's" of manners and etiquette, Debrett's is the source to consult. The topic of anything pertaining to royalty is definitely of interest to people and always good to share, as is consulting Debretts. Will make a point of seeking both out..
Obviously, they were popular pieces with blog readers, too, so in case you ever get invited to a royal...anything, read this: http://myviewscount.blogspot.ca/2011/04/royal-behavior-what-are-rules.html
Although interest is definitely waning, Wookie the missing cat story focusing on a cat that went missing in December 2010, and its owner, who was threatened with a fine for putting up posters in his neighborhood is still of interest to a few people. This piece has staying power and is still being read by bloggers. By the way if you live in the vicinity of Bedford, England, keep an eye out for Wookie. Owner Mike Harding would want to know.
http://myviewscount.blogspot.ca/2011/01/posting-missing-cat-notice-no-no-in.html
Although I've written many pieces focusing on a plethora of subjects, interesting how some have more staying power than others. Just thought I'd share.
Showing posts with label missing cat. Show all posts
Showing posts with label missing cat. Show all posts
Monday, May 21, 2012
Monday, November 28, 2011
Wookie the cat tale still has legs
It's been almost a year now that Wookie the cat has been missing. Going out on a limb here since nobody has written any updates, one presumes that there have been no sightings.
In the way of background info., Wookie's disappearance caused a local uproar in Bedford, England, when his owner Mike Harding was threatened with a legal fine for posting posters of his puss, in the hope that somebody - anybody - had spotted his beloved feline.
So here we are another Christmas almost upon us and still no news updates concerning the cat's fate. What is interesting, though, is that this blog story still has legs so to speak. In the year that the tale was told here, for whatever reason, there is still interest judging by the hits. We're not talking hundreds of hits but even so, the story always climbs up to the top of the pile. Also included in these numbers are spammers most likely but it's still personally noteworthy that people around the globe drop by to read the story.
Pure speculation, perhaps it's a seasonal thing in that people - okay me - wonder whether Wookie is "out there" somewhere, having to depend on an occasional mice meal or on the kindness of others, as people plan their festive menu. Perhaps he is forced to find shelter living under garden shacks. Then again and putting in a positive light, maybe some kind stranger took him in and he lives out his life as a pampered cat. Thing is - nobody knows.
Perhaps if Mike Harding is reading this, he would or could provide an update, if any. Meanwhile, perhaps sympathetic cat lovers (or even likers) feel moved enough to donate to their local animal shelter in Wookie's name. Or just donate, anyway. They can always use the money.
Meanwhile, verifiable updates on Wookie are welcome and Wookie if you're reading this: come home for Christmas!
In the way of background info., Wookie's disappearance caused a local uproar in Bedford, England, when his owner Mike Harding was threatened with a legal fine for posting posters of his puss, in the hope that somebody - anybody - had spotted his beloved feline.
So here we are another Christmas almost upon us and still no news updates concerning the cat's fate. What is interesting, though, is that this blog story still has legs so to speak. In the year that the tale was told here, for whatever reason, there is still interest judging by the hits. We're not talking hundreds of hits but even so, the story always climbs up to the top of the pile. Also included in these numbers are spammers most likely but it's still personally noteworthy that people around the globe drop by to read the story.
Pure speculation, perhaps it's a seasonal thing in that people - okay me - wonder whether Wookie is "out there" somewhere, having to depend on an occasional mice meal or on the kindness of others, as people plan their festive menu. Perhaps he is forced to find shelter living under garden shacks. Then again and putting in a positive light, maybe some kind stranger took him in and he lives out his life as a pampered cat. Thing is - nobody knows.
Perhaps if Mike Harding is reading this, he would or could provide an update, if any. Meanwhile, perhaps sympathetic cat lovers (or even likers) feel moved enough to donate to their local animal shelter in Wookie's name. Or just donate, anyway. They can always use the money.
Meanwhile, verifiable updates on Wookie are welcome and Wookie if you're reading this: come home for Christmas!
Tuesday, January 04, 2011
Posting missing cat notice a no-no in Bedford
Cat owners living in Bedford, England, better watch out where they post their "lost cat" notices if their kitty goes missing. Unfortunately, Mike Harding, owner of 7 year old Wookie, who has been missing for 6 weeks, found out the hard way having been threatened with a fine of £1,000 ($1,559 U.S. dollars) for putting up lost posters of his beloved feline on trees and street lampposts. Wookie - love that name - went missing since late November and in an attempt and hope that someone has spotted the cat, Harding posted A4-sizes posters. Upon spotting the posters, the local borough council told Harding that he was committing the dastardly offence of flyposting (this does not mean posting house flies everywhere - Wikipedia defines it here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flyposting) and to remove the posters in 48 hours or face a fine.
Oh the abomination of posting a missing cat poster!
The issue in as far as the council see it, is that the posters were nailed to trees, causing them harm. Why - did the trees complain? Furthermore, (the council) environmental team spotted more than twenty of Harding's lost cat posters, some of which were nailed to eight trees.
Ohmygawd - eight whole trees!
Understandably, an alternative to attaching posters to trees is desirable but perhaps he should be forgiven since he is obviously missing Wookie in a big way. According to a borough council member, nailing a tree pierces the bark, which in turn could allow fungal spores to break down the trees defences, leading to secondary infections. Thing is - this is a cat lover who is desperate to find his cat!
The council communicated in writing to Harding on December 22, warning him to remove said posters by 0900 on December 24. Talk about not having Christmas spirit! The desperate cat owner took them down but it was when he nailed some on telegraph poles and a couple of trees that he received a written warning. In response, Harding ran around on Christmas eve removing posters, finishing the job at 3 a.m.
"I received a call from Bedford Borough Council, which initially I thought was a prank call, asking for my address because they wanted to send me some information. I was expecting information leaflets, but instead they sent a letter warning me that I would be prosecuted if the posters weren't removed."
The council said flyposting was illegal and added it was satisfied the matter had been resolved. Maybe for the council but not for Harding, who still hasn't seen a whisker of Wookie.
Click on this link to see a photo of Wookie in case anyone sees him and his sad owner:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1343679/Pet-owner-blasts-council-lack-compassion-threatens-1-000-fine-lost-cat-poster.html
Oh the abomination of posting a missing cat poster!
The issue in as far as the council see it, is that the posters were nailed to trees, causing them harm. Why - did the trees complain? Furthermore, (the council) environmental team spotted more than twenty of Harding's lost cat posters, some of which were nailed to eight trees.
Ohmygawd - eight whole trees!
Understandably, an alternative to attaching posters to trees is desirable but perhaps he should be forgiven since he is obviously missing Wookie in a big way. According to a borough council member, nailing a tree pierces the bark, which in turn could allow fungal spores to break down the trees defences, leading to secondary infections. Thing is - this is a cat lover who is desperate to find his cat!
The council communicated in writing to Harding on December 22, warning him to remove said posters by 0900 on December 24. Talk about not having Christmas spirit! The desperate cat owner took them down but it was when he nailed some on telegraph poles and a couple of trees that he received a written warning. In response, Harding ran around on Christmas eve removing posters, finishing the job at 3 a.m.
"I received a call from Bedford Borough Council, which initially I thought was a prank call, asking for my address because they wanted to send me some information. I was expecting information leaflets, but instead they sent a letter warning me that I would be prosecuted if the posters weren't removed."
The council said flyposting was illegal and added it was satisfied the matter had been resolved. Maybe for the council but not for Harding, who still hasn't seen a whisker of Wookie.
Click on this link to see a photo of Wookie in case anyone sees him and his sad owner:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1343679/Pet-owner-blasts-council-lack-compassion-threatens-1-000-fine-lost-cat-poster.html
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