Slo-mo Cat Fight by Brucie and the Cat Chorus

My parents have this cat, named Brucie. He is supposed to be named after Bruce Springsteen, but we end up calling him Brucie, or Brucetopher.

(I don't know how this happens, so don't ask. We also had a bunny, named Willie II after the first Willie that my Grandma cooked for dinner, to dad's chagrin . . . we also called it Obi-Wan-Ka-Bunny for a while, but when we realized it was female we settled down to calling it Buns, or just The Rabbit. Due to her untimely and unorthodox death, we sometimes refer to her now as the Headless Rabbit).

Anyways, Brucie is a massive neutered cat with a very long white coat with uneven black-and-tan tabby splotches. I don't want to imagine how big he would have gotten if we hadn't raised him from a 4 week old feral kitten . . . with mother's milk for another month, he might have reached gargantuan proportions. I think it is a good thing we got him neutered, or we would probably have a whole run of massive hairy distinctive looking and even weirder sounding cats in the area.

It's not that Brucie isn't attractive, because he's pretty cool. He has an aristocratic shaped head, a very lengthy lean body, and dense soft fur. This makes him fun to hang around with, unless you are wearing black (unless he tried to go up the chimney again, and you're wearing white). His meow, however, is just plain weird. Like a lot of big cats, he doesn't really 'meow' per se . . . he makes a whole range of other assorted noises instead. He has this high chirp when he wants food, a low threatening 'vrum-vrum-vrum' like a motercycle when he gets pissed . . . it gets faster and louder the pissier he gets . . . and a new noise, which I heard last week.

I was in bed about to fall asleep, when I heard this weird yowling noise like a cat-fight in slow motion. For a short while I wondered if a cat was injured, then I realized that there was definitely two cat voices, doing a really strange cat chorus. I went outside in my robe to look, and lo and behold, Brucie is herding a dark feline interloper off the road in front of our house. He was emitting this slow drawn out wail, and making the other furball back up off his territory. Apparently Brucie's territory extends far past our property line, because Brucie kept this up, with the other cat defensively yowling in a contrasting key, well past the driveway of the place next door. The other cat finally turned tail and ran.

The next night a different cat made the unfortunate trasgression of actually stepping on our lawn. A full on catfight was in the works when I looked out the window, to see two white-with-black-splotches cats duking it out in the ditch. I thought I was imagining things, until I realized that only one cat had Brucie's big black splotch on the top of the head. Brucie also has a splotch on his muzzle, making it look like he has a white Zorro mask across his face.

I originally called Bruce 'Gringo Zorro', but Mom refused to stand on the porch yelling that, so he got renamed. They did the same thing to his runt sister . . . Curious 'Faceplant' Georgette was supplanted for the iffy name of 'Shania'. More about her and her Command Meow later.

Jean's adventures at the gym

So, I have nothing of import to say, but I do have some random stuff that was pretty funny.

I was over at Jean's place (Jean is a friend, sort of like an extra grandma) and we got onto the topic of gyms. She said that she went with a friend to workout at the CCC gym, and had quite the experience. I'll note here that Jean is quite active, definitely not doddering, and over 75 years old.

Jean's friend had a workout trainer and the whole deal, but Jean was trying to play it low key on her first try at a gym. She tried a reclining bike, but it bothered her new knee. She then went on to an upright stationary bike, and was doing just fine, going on at a nice clip . . . until the exercise ball escaped from the guy doing mat exercises across from her.

The ball shot under the front wheel of Jean's bike, which promptly reared up like a bronco. Naturally Jean reared up with it, but to the admiration of the room, managed to hold on. When they got the ball away from the bike and Jean got her feet back on solid ground, she decided that going to the gym wasn't really her thing.

See my Articles Blog

Because my tour guide job at the mill will be done for the season at the end of this week, I tossed a whole bunch of articles up on www.luarticles.blogspot.com . I still have another ten articles waiting to be posted as drafts as well, so it should have at least as much new material as this blog.

During the school year I will have more free time, so I will post more regularly!

What are the pros and cons of using antibacterial soap/hand sanitizer?

Germs are capable of genetically mutating into tougher strains if repeatedly exposed to, but not killed by antibiotic drugs and antibacterial agents, such as the biocides triclosan and triclocarban found in many antibacterial products. Wide-ranging use of biocides can even increase bacterial cross-resistance, which means the building of resistance against the antibiotics used for human and veterinary medication. Thus, the effectiveness of antibiotics can decrease.

Antibacterial substances can also irritate the skin or cause allergy. Another option to biocide-containing antibacterial soap is alcohol-based hand rinses, which prevent the spreading of microbes without the threat of encouraging cross-resistance. Though the alcohol will kill the bacteria, its effectiveness is relatively short lived since you are introducing yourself to new germs as soon as you touch non-sterile objects.

Active agents in antibacterial soaps like triclosan do remain on the skin in small numbers after washing, and reduce the number of bacteria on the hands for a certain amount of time. Viruses (the cause of flu, colds, and AIDS among other things) usually remain untouched by antibacterial products.

Recommendations: Antibacterial products are not recommended for casual household use unless caring for the sick or very young, and in general are not necessary for many jobs.

Antibacterial soap in no way replaces good hygiene or personal protective equipment, and must be used properly to be effective. Washing your hands the right way at the right time with any soap is more important than the product you use. Biocide containing antibacterial soap use is a personal choice. Other options include alcohol-based disinfectants and regular soap, used effectively.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, the best method for getting rid of germs and preventing contamination is to wash your hands frequently with regular soap and warm water for at least 15 seconds. The B.C. Foodsafe course actually recommends 30 seconds, with due attention paid to the backs of the hands and wrists, and a scrub brush for the fingernails.

Alcohol based disinfectants are also a good way to reduce the spread of microbes, without encouraging bacterial mutation. Beware that very frequent hand washing, especially with cleansers that contain alcohol or gritty scrubbing material (like Fast Orange) can cause skin irritation that damages the skin’s natural protective ability.

What You Should Know About Drowning (before you learn it firsthand)

Most drownings occur 10 feet or less from safety, and roughly 60 percent of the time another person is both witnessing and in a position to rescue the victim. Unfortunately, would-be rescuers are not aware of the classic signs of drowning.

These signs are:
1. Head back.
2. Mouth open, establishing an airway - but not vocalizing.
3. Arms doing an involuntary, above the water, breast stroke.
4. Head bobbing up and down, above then below the surface.

Drowning occurs rapidly and soundlessly, averaging 20 seconds in small children and up to a minute in adults. To the uninitiated a drowning person's surface struggle may appear to be playing, clowning or splashing accompanied by lack of requests for help. Simply observing and reacting to the signs of drowning by basic, shore-based throwing or reaching rescues may cancel a needless tragedy.

From Nautical Know How, at http://www.boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/060199tip2.htm

A drowning can be very unexpected, and nobody, no matter how well they swim, is safe. When some trauma happens, such as unexpectedly stepping off an underwater shelf, the surprise itself can cause a drowning response. A person could involuntarily gasp, and take in a gulp of water – and never get their breath back. Very cold water is especially hazardous, and can incapacitate even a strong swimmer with the body’s panic response.

BC & Yukon Drowning Report Summary

Adults 35 - 49 years old are the most likely to drown and 80% of all drownings continue to be male victims. In 1999, males accounted for 90% of all boating deaths, and all victims who drowned while powerboating were male. 90% of victims not wearing lifejackets were male, and men accounted for 73% of all alcohol-related drownings.

Over 61% of victims drowned in the company of others and almost half were with other adults. One third of all fatalities also drowned less than 2 metres from safety.

Boating-related deaths account for one third of all drownings every year, a majority being those in powerboats. Nearly half of all boating deaths occurred after the boat capsized or was swamped. Of boaters who drowned, 68% were not wearing lifejackets, 16% were impaired and almost half were in water conditions that were too difficult to handle.

Solutions:
Take precautions.
Throw Something that Floats -React quickly by throwing a lifejacket, cooler or anything that floats. Aim for the victim's hands. Throwing is the safest and best method to use first.

Use a Long Object to Reach Out - Try reaching out to someone in trouble, with a pole or a branch, while keeping yourself low (kneeling or lying down). Pull the victim to safety.

Boaters: Follow This Simple 3 Step Plan

Wear the gear and look like a boater. Even good swimmers wear their lifejackets. Your life is worth the jacket.

Don't Drink and Boat. Drinking alcohol before or during boating can spoil the rest of your day. Driving on water is not the same as driving on land; water, glare and waves create a much more difficult "roadway" and alcohol only amplifies the problem. Responsible boaters know when and where to drink.

Only boat in waters that you can handle and check the weather report before you launch. Mother Nature can often surprise even the most seasoned boater. When weather turns bad, head for shore.

By the Lifesaving Society, BC& Yukon branch, http://www.lifesaving.bc.ca

How to protect yourself from skin cancer.

Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in Canada. UV radiation from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer, though artificial UV sources like sunlamps and tanning booths are also cancer-causing.

Although anyone can get skin cancer, the risk is greatest for people who have:
· fair or freckled skin
· had sunburn during childhood
· lots of moles, particularly a mole called dysplastic nevus
· family history of melanoma
· used tanning beds
· severe skin damage, including burns
· a history of immune disorders, skin keratoses, or previous skin disorder treatment
· had exposure to certain substances, including arsenic and petroleum

Though changes in the skin are not sure signs of cancer, it is important to see a doctor if any symptom lasts longer than 2 weeks. Don’t wait for the area to hurt — skin cancers seldom cause pain. 95% of skin cancers can be cured if they are discovered and brought to a doctor’s attention before they have a chance to spread. Check your skin regularly.

Signs of malignant melanoma: (the most dangerous skin cancer, that can spread to other organs and be fatal)

See your doctor immediately if…
· An existing mole or dark patch is getting larger or a new one is growing.
· A mole has a ragged outline (ordinary moles are smooth and regular).
· A mole has a mixture of different shades of brown and black (ordinary moles may be dark brown but are all one shade).

The following signs do not necessarily mean that you have a melanoma, but you should still look out for them. If your mole or dark patch does not return to normal within two weeks, don’t ignore it – see your doctor.
· An inflamed mole, or one with a reddish edge.
· A mole that starts to bleed, ooze or crust.
· A change in sensation of a mole, like a mild itch.
· A mole that is bigger than all your other moles.

Signs of non-melanoma skin cancer: (slow-growing cancers that seldom spread to other parts of the body)
· A new growth or sore that does not heal within four weeks.
· A spot or sore that continues to itch, hurt, crust, scab or bleed.
· Persistent skin ulcers that are not explained by other causes.

How do I avoid skin cancer?
Even sunscreen does not offer total protection from the sun’s rays, and using it is only one way to reduce your risk of skin cancer. UV rays are the strongest at noon, so seek out the shade between 10AM and 3PM whenever possible.

How do I use sunscreen properly?
· Try to apply it 15-30 minutes before going out in the sun.
· Apply to clean, dry skin and rub in lightly.
· Use generous amounts (golf ball-size quantities for small children).
· Re-apply every two hours or more frequently if washed, rubbed or sweated off.
· Put on before make-up, moisturiser, and insect repellent.

National Institute on Aging http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/agepages/skin.htm
Nursing Standard Magazine, http://www.nursing-standard.co.uk/archives/residentpdfs/patientcards/6skincare.pdf

PARTY ON THE 9TH!

My new roommate Ruth and I are having a housewarming party on September the 9th at 9:00, the first friday after UVic starts up for fall.

Come earlier if you want to hang around, and tell me if you need directions or a place to stay over. I'll email out my new phone number once I get one . . . Telus might be on strike for ever, and I might have to break down and get a cell!

See you soon!

Mom finally said it . . .

So, after eating lunch with my grandpa, my parents and I took a stroll around downtown Duncan. There are some nice stores there, including the excellent toy store called "the Red Balloon". We started poking around the store, and my mom was checking out some fabric doll slash chew toy when she suddenly says "Look! this would be great for a first doll . . . you had better HURRY UP AND HAVE ME SOME GRANDKIDS".

Needless to say my head whipped around. After a couple of blinks, I said "Mom, you know that if I told you next year that I would be having a kid, you would immediately tell me that you would NOT be interested in a huge ammount of free babysitting. Right?"

I mean, right? She sort of smiled and went a bit pink. I don't know how much she thought through her comment . . . and I do know that she probably would do more babysitting than she should, if I were to pop out a few toothless, helpless parasites. I would say that having a brother almost 8 years my junior is a great form of birth control. I am well aware that babies are only pink and nice smelling about 50% of their waking time. They get this great furious red colour for several unfortunate reasons, all of which I can well remember.

Dad was right there, and didn't say anything. If you have met him, you would know how odd that was. I wish I had checked out his expression to see if he was horrified. . . or thinking about how fun it would be to give a two year old some really rude and inventive vocabulary, lots of sugar, then send it back to wherever it came from. His younger brother is now a grandpa, but I didn't consider that he might be a tiny bit jealous . . .

WRITING BADLY with NO SHAME

I have decided that I need to get a typewriter. I really have to do mroe of that writing badly with no shame stuff. Most of my best work is impulsive anyways . . . Mostly because my usual modus operandi is to overthing things and stall. I don't know why I can't just leave it be and move on, then come back to it much later.

I meant to write impulsive stuff on my blog, but somehow I got out of that too . . . well, I will have to get back to it . . . I don't have enough time to dwell on stuff these days! If I am going to spend time on something, it should be one of the three novels that I have started, that are mouldering under my bed . . . Arrrgghhhh.

Jazz in Cow Bay, eh?

So, there is this cute little jazz place in Cowichan Bay now . . . Jenn took me out there on Friday, and it was pretty cool. We talked to the bass player for a while, but Jenn was too chicken to get his number . . . and I had her all kitted out in my tight jean dress too! And I do mean tight . . . Jenn is totally in shape this summer, and it still took her like three min to wiggle into that dress . . . more if you count the failed attempt to do up the top three buttons!

Anyways, the jazz place (the Mellowside) is cool, and I got to get my favourite UDDER GUYS ICE CREAM, (long may it live and soon may it open a place near UVic). The Mellowside had a typewriter too . . . and I took the opportunity to write a bunch of bad poetry on it (mainly screwball lymerics), and other weird stuff. Something about it and the live music made it totally spew out of my head. I think the whole thing about there being no backspace button really does it for me. With a computer, I have so many opportunities to prevaricate, and it really doesn't do me any favours. I need something that forces me to be decisive. It allows me to write BADLY with NO SHAME.

Roomie Shuffle! Found a new one, no trouble. Found two, actually . . .

Emma and Brett, my summer subletter, got along so well they are moving in together . . . upstairs in the same building! Well, that's fine with me, actually . . . I was hoping to live with Keltie in January anyways, and I love my place (for the cheap price, that is!). And Emma and I can still hang out without any effort expenditure!

So my soon-to-be roommate's name is Ruth, and she will live with me probably for 4 months. She has a friend who needs a roommate in January, so it works fine both ways. She's another UVic student, and seems very open and fun. I

f possible I want to have a housewarming party on the first or second weekend of September . . . Emma, Rebecca, and Rachel are so close by, and so are some friends of Ruths as well as her bf, so we can have a nice little shindig without even trying to hard! Right, you people tell me when you are available!