Guys and Cats

Today, I want to address an issue that has caused years of controversy in nations around the world: guys owning cats. Is it OK for a guy to own one or more felines? Does this somehow bring into question his masculinity? Is it even legal?

Obviously, if you're like me and married into cat ownership, then the issue has already been resolved for you, but you might be a single guy who can't decide if you should get a cat. If you've been sitting on the fence (metaphorically, of course, since I can't figure out how you'd do that literally without intense pain and the risk of injury), then I'll give you some food for thought.

• Cats are not only predators but also possibly the perfect killing machines. Dogs, on the other hand, are primarily scavengers. This isn't meant as a slam against dogs, but if you happen to have a mouse or some other pest in your house, a cat has a pretty good likelihood of taking care of the problem, while a dog is going to make you deal with it.
• You have to work to earn a cat's loyalty and affection. It's a relationship among equals. Cats can definitely be affectionate, but they don't often throw themselves at you the way that many dogs will. You and your cat are constantly working to earn each other's respect.
• Did you see "Meet the Parents" and/or "Meet the Fockers"? In those movies, Robert De Niro's character owned a cat. Are you going to tell Robert De Niro he's not a real man? I wouldn't.
• And possibly the most important reason of all, according to this New York Times article about guys owning cats, chicks dig guys with cats.

And if you need any more reasons to get one of these fluffy chick magnets/killing machines, then check out the video below, made by a couple of engineers who love them some felines.

RIP, Don LaFontaine and Jerry Reed

For those who may not have heard, the entertainment world lost two greats today: Don LaFontaine and Jerry Reed.

You may not know Don LaFontaine's name, but you certainly know his voice. LaFontaine has done voiceovers for over 5,000 movie trailers, as well as numerous television productions, in the last five decades. The man is a legend.

CNN has a story about his death, and MSNBC is running an Associated Press story.

MSNBC is also reporting the death of country music legend Jerry Reed. Along with being a singer-songwriter, Reed also acted, most notably appearing in the "Smokey and the Bandit" movies.

I think the most fitting tribute to Don LaFontaine's and Jerry Reed's work is to post some examples of what they were good at.

First, a "Good Morning America" interview with LaFontaine:



And his excellent "5 Guys in a Limo" skit:



And here is a video of Jerry Reed performing "Wabash Cannonball":



And one of him performing "Amos Moses":



Two greats who will certainly be missed.

Completely Pointless Videos: "The Wizard of Oz"--The Florida Adventures

I know, I know, you're wondering if I'm ever going to post anything besides these videos from now on. Yes, but since I have to do some laundry, another video will have to do for now. This one, a skit from Mad TV, chronicles Dorothy's move to the Sunshine State and her penchant for attracting some really bad weather.

Enjoy!

Completely Pointless Videos: John Madden, Dungeon Master

Welcome to another installment of "Completely Pointless Videos". In today's episode, imagine John Madden as a D&D dungeon master.

And now I'll shut up and let you watch the video.

Completely Pointless Videos: Easy on the Steering Wheel, Buddy!

I don't know if this is real or staged, but it sure is fun to watch. In today's installment of "Completely Pointless Videos", a series I'm sure will be appearing pretty often, we learn that it might not be a great idea to use your car's steering wheel as a drum.

Thanks to Steven for sending me this video.