Dear Nana G,

Hi Nana!
Thanks for writing to me. Well, that Willjamin is quite the daredevil, isn't he? Either that or he's just plain stupid. Since he is family, i will just assume this latest episode was simply a tragic accident. (I just don't understand those outdoor cats sometimes!) Let's see... how many lives did he use in this latest incident?
Well... Using the simple Felix formula (named, of course, after Dr. Felix Hairball, renowed cat scientist) we can calculate that thunderstorm = .3 lives, or "l," times one rabid cat bite (.5l) times 2 1/2 days of negative food and water (.257l) magnified by 3 times to account for heat and humidity as well as the negative psychological effects of treetop confinement equals approximately 2.357 lives. I hope that helps! And I do hope Willjamin has not been permanetly damaged by the incident. I can't wait for you to come see me! I am just getting more handsome by the day. I am up to 2 baths and 1 self-groom per day. Also, my mama brushes me at least once a day....


love,

Mugs

Dear Curious George,

Well, you asked what was the best thing before sliced bread. Clever question. I'm so glad you asked! Actually, the best thing before sliced bread was the printing press, invented in 1440 by Johannes Gutenburg, a stonecutter/goldsmith from Germany. Gutenburg developed an extremely durable metal alloy that would hold up to many uses; therefore, facilitating the development of moveable type. The moveable type printing press was used by Gutenburg to print 50 highly decorative Bibles, one of which is on display at the Library of Congress in my very own hometown of Washington DC. Gutenburg's printing press technology was eventually borrowed by many other printers and used to make books more prolific and affordable, which, in turn, aided in increasing the dreadfully low literacy rate of Europe, which led to the Renaissance, which led to the Enlightenment,the Reformation and the settlement of the new world. So, basically, we owe the successful progress/development of technology and philosophy of the modern world to the movable type printing press invented by Johannes Gutenburg. Not quite as tasty as sliced bread, but slighty more valuable to modern society : )


Mugs

Dear Concerned,

I really do understand the dilemma with your owners. My mama and papa did not understand at first how important it was that I have a primo spot on MY bed. Well, after a while I had them trained and I think you could do the same thing too. One trick is to get to the bed first. Get to your spot first, dig your claws into the mattress and keep your center of gravity low. That way if they try to move you, you won't budge. Then they will have to sleep around you. It takes a few nights, but eventually they will catch on and leave you alone. Now, if you don't get there first, the best trick is to walk up to your mama or papa's face (usually the man is easier to charm than the woman), purr loudly and lick their face. It may seem gross at first to lick a human's face, but it isn't too bad, actually. They will generally say something silly like, "awww...isn't that sweet! You're so cute!" etc... Then they will scoop you up and give you the primo spot on your bed. Trust me, man. You'll have it made. Since my parents are already well-trained, I typically just walk on top of them, jump around and meow for the fun of it now. : ) Hope this helped!


Buen Suerte!

MUGS

Dear Concerned

Dear Concerned,
Thank you for your question about global warming. This has been a "hot" debate around the country lately (pun intended. hehehe...). As far as cats are concerned, I would advise reminding your people that central AC is a MUST for our delicate kitty skin. I say, let the polar ice caps melt and the forest burn down, but as long as the AC is there protecting me from perspiration and matted hair, I'm one happy feline.

Peace and Love,

Mugs

Dear Irritated,

Dear Irritated,
While I would never advocate shooting anyone, I do understand the frustrations with irritating co-workers. When I was still a show-cat, I encountered many a selfish, rude feline. They never had any real friends to share important events with (like 2 blue ribbons...can I get a whoop, whoop!) and they could never just let go and have fun with everyone else. So I say the crazy co-worker is the one who will end up with the raw deal. When he/she really needs a friend, no one will be there to help. On the other hand, when you are the one in need, you will always be able to count on your true friends to lift you up when the going gets tough. Hang in there! Oh, and if i were you i would stay away from deadly weapons and sharp object for a while, k?

Mugs

You know, the most common question I get from people and other animals is, "Why the blog, Mugs?" Well, I'll tell you why: A) My people leave me at home a lot and have tons of extra time on my hands and B) I like helping. I mean, even though I have a high IQ and mad problem solving skills, I realize some other pets/people do not and may need advice from those of us who do. This is my way of giving back, you know?

Anyway, after my third nap of the day, I started thinking. Looks and smarts can only get me so far. I need to make a name for myself by doing something positive, so I polled a few dogs and cats on my floor and the consensus was that I should get with the times and start a blog. I don't get out much, on account of my severe allergies, so I do spend a lot of time reading and surfing the internet. So, here it is! My first blog post. Granted I had some help from my mom in getting my headshots on the post, but I started this pretty much on my own.

So... People, canines, felines; lend me your ear! Actually, lend me your questions and I'll lend you advice. Great advice. Yaaaawwn! Well, its time for some, uuuummm...contemplation. Catch ya later!

-Mugsy a.k.a. "Mugs"