[Vhfcn-l] Monday musings

[Gary Thewlis]

The 21st century: Deleting history is more important than making it.
Unknown

 

Everyone is entitled to be stupid, but some abuse the privilege.

Unknown

 

With or without religion, you would have good people doing good things and
evil people doing evil things. But for good people to do evil things, that
takes religion.

Steven Weinberg

 

The best time to plan a book is while you're doing the dishes.

Agatha Christie

 

To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first, and call whatever you hit the
target

Ashleigh Brilliant

 

My neighbor’s diary says that I have boundary issues.

Unknown

 

Old-fashioned anti-immigrant prejudice always brings out some old-fashioned
racists. 

Molly Ivins

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

11 Facts About Sphynx Cats

 

With their angular faces, big ears, and smooth bodies, Sphynx cats are
living (and purring) proof that there’s more to a kitty than its fur coat.
Here are a few facts about the fleshy feline.

 

1. Sphynx cats originated in Canada.

 

You’d think a cat whose ancestors come from the North Country would be
equipped with a warm coat. But the modern-day Canadian Sphynx—the hairless
breed we know in North America—has been defying expectations since the
mid-1960s, when an Ontario cat gave birth to a hairless kitten, the result
of a natural genetic mutation. Then, in the mid-1970s, two separate sets of
hairless kittens were born to owners in Toronto and Minnesota. Thanks to
various breeding efforts, their lineages resulted in the affectionate animal
we love today.

 

Don’t think, though, that the Canadian Sphynx is the only hairless cat out
there. Similar breeds exist, and look-alike felines have been reported in
countries across the world. For instance, the Sphynx has a hairless
doppelgänger—the Donskoy—that’s actually a separate breed from Russia. While
they look nearly identical, the Sphynx’s lack of long hair is thanks to a
recessive gene, whereas the Donskoy’s hairlessness is the result of a
dominant gene.

 

2. Sphynx cats aren’t actually bald.

 

At first glance, the Sphynx might look less like a feline and more like a
naked mole rat. If you pet one, however, you’ll discover they’re not
actually hairless. Sphynx cats are covered with a fine layer of downy fuzz.
While they’re not plush to the touch, their coats feel akin to suede.

 

3. Sphynx cats have different patterns and colors.

 

Although Sphynxes are “naked” cats, their skin pigment can vary in color and
pattern. From tortoiseshells to tabbies, you’re bound to find a Sphynx
version of many longer-haired cats.

 

4. Sphynx cats aren’t hypoallergenic.

 

If you’re a cat lover who’s allergic to your favorite animal, don't shell
out the big bucks for a Sphynx kitten. Despite rumors to the contrary, the
breed isn’t actually hypoallergenic. Sphynxes still produce Fel d 1, the
allergenic protein in cat saliva and skin secretions that causes your eyes
to grow itchy and red.

 

5. Sphynx cats are warmer than most other felines.

 

Four degrees warmer, in fact.

 

6. Sphynx cats need a weekly bath.

 

Think Sphynx kitties are super-clean because they don’t have fur? Think
again. While your cat’s coat might not be a magnet for dust particles,
pollen, and other substances, its skin still produces oil. For most cats,
oil helps keep their fur sleek. But with Sphynx cats, it can form a greasy
film over their bodies—meaning their owners must give them weekly baths.

 

The same goes for the ears: Since there aren’t any hairs to block dirt or
dead skin cells from accumulating inside the cavities, owners have to
regularly wipe them down with a washcloth or cotton ball to keep ears clear.

 

7. Sphynx cats have sensitive skin.

 

Don’t slather sunscreen on your Sphynx every time it sits in a sunbeam—but
do keep in mind that because it’s not covered in a dense coat, a Sphynx’s
skin is more sensitive. (And yes, they can get sunburnt.) They can get
overheated or cold and, though they can go outside, they should be mostly
indoor cats.

 

8. Sphynx cats are popular.

 

While pet owners in America love furry cats like Ragdolls, Exotic
Shorthairs, Persians, and Maine Coons, Sphynxes are currently ranked the
10th most popular feline breed in the country, according to the Cat
Fanciers’ Association registration statistics from 2021.

 

9. Sphynx cats are friendly.

 

While they share a name with the Great Sphinx of Giza, Sphynx cats don't
have such a stoic statue. They’re sociable, loving, and playful animals—so
much, in fact, that a 2012 study in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior
ranked Sphynxes as the most affectionate cat breed.

 

Why are Sphynx cats so friendly? Experts have a few theories: It could be
because they rely on humans to keep warm; because friendlier cats might be
selected for breeding; or because breeders tend to leave Sphynx kittens with
their mothers for longer periods of time.

 

10. Sphynx cats eat a lot.

 

Thanks to their fast metabolisms, Sphynx cats need more food than the
average feline.

 

11. The Sphynx cats that played Mr. Bigglesworth in Austin Powers had punny
names.

 

The main Mr. Bigglesworth in Austin Powers, Ted Nudegent, was specially
trained for the films, sitting still for up to 45 minutes at a time while
actors screamed and Mike Myers petted him. "It helped that he had been a
show cat and was used to having lots of people around," animal trainer Tammy
Maples told The Daily News. "And also that he just loved Mike Myers. Mike
always took time to talk to Ted. It wasn't just 'sit down, roll cameras.'"
And when the filmmakers needed a Bigglesworth kitten for The Spy Who Shagged
Me, they used Mel Gibskin. Later, as a grown cat, Mel served as Ted's
double.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

What was the longest flight ever made by aviation pioneer Wilbur Wright?

A: 77 miles. He made the flight in 1908 (five years after Kitty Hawk) from
Camp d'Auvours, France, setting a world record and winning the Michelin
Prize of 20,000 francs.

 

What did the first vending machines in the United States dispense?

A: Chewing gum.  The machines were installed on New York City train
platforms in 1888.

 

In 1937, the grocery business was revolutionized by Sylvan Goldman's simple
invention. What was it?

A: The shopping cart.

 

What was "the best thing", patented in 1954?

A:  Sliced bread

 

Edison’s first practical invention was what?

A: Tick a Tape for stock market

 

What was the name of the Major General who invented the exploding artillery
shell?

A:  Henry Shrapnel

 

In 1951, which two car companies introduced power steering?

A:  Buick - Chrysler