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You are here: Home / Pet Blogging / Cat Blogging / Just Got To Watch This Happen Live

Just Got To Watch This Happen Live

by John Cole|  August 17, 201312:38 am| 82 Comments

This post is in: Cat Blogging

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Praise FSM, someone found the most expensive cat toy in the house:

ohheywhatisthis

He noticed it goes up, too:

ohheyitkeepsgoing up

He went all the way to the top to the two other pieces, but I didn’t get good pics since every picture I have ever taken of my animals looks like the shit you see on those conspiracy theory shows with fuzzy pictures of Bigfoot, but here he is close to top:

Ilikethisuphere

And now he has just settled in looking down on his kingdom, as he should:

youneedmeIwillbehere

That pose and attitude totally remind me of Tunch.

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Previous Post: « It’s 11 pm, So You Know What That Means
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Reader Interactions

82Comments

  1. 1.

    newdealfarmgrrrlll

    August 17, 2013 at 12:44 am

    YAY! Steve is very regal, surveying his domain from on high.

  2. 2.

    Amir Khalid

    August 17, 2013 at 12:46 am

    We have lift-off!

  3. 3.

    Mary G

    August 17, 2013 at 12:48 am

    We have liftoff!

    New milestone here as well: Braver cat came into the same room as Higgs Boson’s Mate for the first time. Of course, I was overdue with the treats, so something drastic had to be done.

  4. 4.

    The Snarxist Formerly Known as Kryptik

    August 17, 2013 at 12:56 am

    Huzzah! The investment finally pays off!

  5. 5.

    Jerzy Russian

    August 17, 2013 at 12:58 am

    @Mary G:

    Of course, I was overdue with the treats, so something drastic had to be done.

    Who were the treats for, the cat or the human?

  6. 6.

    SIA

    August 17, 2013 at 12:58 am

    Halle-fucking-luja!!!

  7. 7.

    newdealfarmgrrrlll

    August 17, 2013 at 12:58 am

    ooops, embarrassing … Darn mobile device said something to the effect of comment failed, check your reply and try again. Which resulted in a near duplicate comment. My apologies!

  8. 8.

    SIA

    August 17, 2013 at 1:02 am

    @newdealfarmgrrrlll: It always does that to me when posting on my phone. WORD PRESS IS A LIAR!

  9. 9.

    LT

    August 17, 2013 at 1:02 am

    Awesome.

    And is that thing a lot smaller than it looked before or is that cat huge?

  10. 10.

    Villago Delenda Est

    August 17, 2013 at 1:03 am

    OK, I hate to throw water on this parade, but Steve will most likely never climb the thing again. It’s been checked out, he will move on to newer, fresher curiosities.

  11. 11.

    Mary G

    August 17, 2013 at 1:06 am

    @Jerzy Russian: Cat, of course. The rescue human does all the cooking and can get his own treats.

  12. 12.

    Yatsuno

    August 17, 2013 at 1:12 am

    Boss Stevedore Hemingway ascends his Iron Throne to look down upon all his subjects. They can now bask in the glory of his magnificence.

    And the wingnuts keep on producing greatest hits.

  13. 13.

    NotMax

    August 17, 2013 at 1:12 am

    @Mary G

    Every time I read those words – “rescue human” – my mind envisions a trip to the doctor’s office for the you-know-what procedure.

    This is not to pooh-pooh what you’ve done; just needed to get it out of my system.

  14. 14.

    BillinGlendaleCA

    August 17, 2013 at 1:14 am

    So, Steve has used the god damned cat tree.

    the shit you see on those conspiracy theory shows

    In other news, the CIA acknowledged that Area 51 is real and was/is used to test advanced aircraft. There are no space aliens(like we believe them now).

  15. 15.

    Joshua Norton

    August 17, 2013 at 1:15 am

    You should have an end-of-day post by Steve and call it “My Day”, (shades of Eleanor Roosevelt). It’s like I swing by here now to live vicariously thru Steve stories since I can’t have a cat of my own.

  16. 16.

    BillinGlendaleCA

    August 17, 2013 at 1:16 am

    @Yatsuno: They want Rush to moderate, but he said he’s “too famous” to do so.

    Are you still traveling to SeaTac?

  17. 17.

    PopeRatzy

    August 17, 2013 at 1:22 am

    Seriously Cole, get a grip. All these people puddling jeans hoping to suck up and be the one with the cutest comment that makes the estimable John Cole respond to them. Yes, we all know you love your pets, we all do. But do try to post something that is marginally of interest that is not about you and your personal demons or your insipid pets.You actually were an interesting writer at one time, maybe you should see what your wrote in the past and what you felt when you were writing those posts and work towards being that author again.

  18. 18.

    Mnemosyne

    August 17, 2013 at 1:22 am

    I’m guessing his thought is, There’s no way that fat biotch Rosie is gonna be able to get up here.

  19. 19.

    NotMax

    August 17, 2013 at 1:23 am

    Interesting concept, but seriously doubt we’ll see these in houses in my lifetime.

    Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) have designed a new material to make smart windows even smarter. The material is a thin coating of nanocrystals embedded in glass that can dynamically modify sunlight as it passes through a window. Unlike existing technologies, the coating provides selective control over visible light and heat-producing near-infrared (NIR) light, so windows can maximize both energy savings and occupant comfort in a wide range of climates.
    [snip]
    Independent control over NIR light means that occupants can have natural lighting indoors without unwanted thermal gain, reducing the need for both air-conditioning and artificial lighting. The same window can also be switched to a dark mode, blocking both light and heat, or to a bright, fully transparent mode. Source

    Not totally comfortable with the concept of windows that have to be plugged into the power, either.

  20. 20.

    bytre

    August 17, 2013 at 1:25 am

    he probably noted is was the best level for leaping out at yer jugular an thought he’d stay a while

    ya know how cats are

  21. 21.

    burnspbesq

    August 17, 2013 at 1:25 am

    @PopeRatzy:

    Cold, unfeeling, and generally dickish.

  22. 22.

    Mnemosyne

    August 17, 2013 at 1:27 am

    @PopeRatzy:

    You’re demanding deep seriousness at 1 am on a Friday night?

  23. 23.

    burnspbesq

    August 17, 2013 at 1:27 am

    @NotMax:

    I’d plug one of those in in my home office tomorrow if I could. The front of our house faces west, and it gets pretty beastly between 4 and 7 in the summer.

  24. 24.

    Mnemosyne

    August 17, 2013 at 1:29 am

    Thanks to cable, we’re watching Apollo 13. I can’t help but give Tom Hanks the lion’s share of the credit for the excellence of the movie, because Ron Howard just ain’t that good a director.

  25. 25.

    superfly

    August 17, 2013 at 1:30 am

    Looks like he’s right about at “head butting” level up there. Is Steve a head butter?

  26. 26.

    Little Boots

    August 17, 2013 at 1:35 am

    oh, you scamps.

  27. 27.

    hamletta

    August 17, 2013 at 1:36 am

    It’s great that your investment paid off!

    I want to know how I move my 15-y-o cat from Nashville to DC.

  28. 28.

    Little Boots

    August 17, 2013 at 1:38 am

    so I assume everyone gets that I’m totally right about everything I said, whatever it was

  29. 29.

    Amir Khalid

    August 17, 2013 at 1:39 am

    @PopeRatzy:
    You know, most of us like the pet posts. Steve’s predecessor Tunch was (and is) especially popular; the grief at his recent passing was never about sucking up to John Cole, not that there’s anything to be gained thereby. In fact, I’m aware of only one commenter who claims to suck up to him — the most unpopular commenter here by a wide margin.

  30. 30.

    Little Boots

    August 17, 2013 at 1:40 am

    @Amir Khalid:

    don’t encourage him.

  31. 31.

    BillinGlendaleCA

    August 17, 2013 at 1:40 am

    @Little Boots: What that we wandered off to a new thread? I blame ObamaCole.

  32. 32.

    ? Martin

    August 17, 2013 at 1:41 am

    @NotMax: Two things:

    1) You won’t need to plug them in. There would be a small solar collector/battery to provide power, and materials changes like that typically require very little power. You won’t need to provide continuous power to maintain the state, just to change it.

    2) If they can show power savings at least break even with the cost of the windows (a few years off at least, but materials tech ) then California will provide the economic incentives to make it happen. This kind of technology typically has enormous capital costs, but very low recurring costs to implement. The challenge then becomes how to instantly create a large enough market to justify the capital investment. We’re actually quite good at solving that problem here in CA. When the time is right, our regulatory bodies are able and willing to mandate that all new construction have these kinds of windows. That market will be created overnight, and the money to build the plants to make the windows will come from all directions.

  33. 33.

    dewzke

    August 17, 2013 at 1:42 am

    Poperatzy, really? The internets are huge. John Cole, wait for focus and then shoot. Love the pics, still.

  34. 34.

    BillinGlendaleCA

    August 17, 2013 at 1:42 am

    @Amir Khalid:

    the most unpopular commenter here by a wide margin.

    (Looks through my troll filter)

  35. 35.

    burnspbesq

    August 17, 2013 at 1:44 am

    Yay, falling asleep in the company of 24 extremely fit women.

    Late-night WNBA replay, you dirtbags. Get you hive mind out of the gutter.

  36. 36.

    Felonius Monk

    August 17, 2013 at 1:45 am

    In that last pic when Boss Stevedore has reached the pinnacle and is looking out over the vast expanse of Coleland, I think he appears to be saying “CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW, JOHN?”

    I certainly hope he was amply rewarded for his effort and accomplishment, but the question remains — will he ever do it again?

  37. 37.

    BillinGlendaleCA

    August 17, 2013 at 1:47 am

    @? Martin: In general that works well for owner occupied residental, the incentives tend to break when you get to rental property. Most incentives that I’ve seen are through the utility, the renter pays that and has no incentive to do the improvement and the owner doesn’t give a shit.

  38. 38.

    Yatsuno

    August 17, 2013 at 1:47 am

    @BillinGlendaleCA: I came home, changed, and I’m heading out in a bit. I just have no idea what I’m going to feed him, Seattle is notorious for rolling up the sidewalks early.

  39. 39.

    hamletta

    August 17, 2013 at 1:48 am

    @Amir Khalid: One should never listen to LittleBoots.

    It has been a passive-aggressive shit-stirrer for more than a decade.

    It obviously has no life, as it has been shit-stirring since the olden days of Eschaton.

  40. 40.

    Little Boots

    August 17, 2013 at 1:48 am

    @BillinGlendaleCA:

    see? evil.

  41. 41.

    wasabi gasp

    August 17, 2013 at 1:48 am

    Now ain’t that some shit.

  42. 42.

    Yatsuno

    August 17, 2013 at 1:51 am

    @PopeRatzy: Noted, your concern has been.

  43. 43.

    BillinGlendaleCA

    August 17, 2013 at 1:51 am

    @Little Boots: I guess I sit corrected.

    @hamletta: Tad bit harsh there.

  44. 44.

    NotMax

    August 17, 2013 at 1:52 am

    @? Martin

    Was being half facetious with the line about plugging in.

    Presumably there will be something along the lines of a remote to change the state of filtering.

    Imagine setting the windows to opaque dark, tuning off the lights, firing up some candles and settling in for some, um, romantic time with partner of choice. Then your neighbor steps out onto his/her porch, presses a few buttons, and – peek-a-boo.

    Just postulating what-ifs.

  45. 45.

    Amir Khalid

    August 17, 2013 at 1:52 am

    @hamletta:
    Oh, I know better than to pay Caligula any real attention.

  46. 46.

    Alison

    August 17, 2013 at 1:57 am

    Damn, that thing is kind of awesome. I wish I could get one for my cat, except 1) probably a ridonkulous amount of money; 2) my folks would probably not be thrilled to have it in the apartment. It would take up a serious portion of the living room :)

  47. 47.

    Little Boots

    August 17, 2013 at 2:04 am

    @Amir Khalid:

    such a mistake.

  48. 48.

    hamletta

    August 17, 2013 at 2:06 am

    @BillinGlendaleCA: Truth hurts!

    @Amir Khalid: Good on ya!

  49. 49.

    Little Boots

    August 17, 2013 at 2:07 am

    @hamletta:

    and, … no, on every count.

  50. 50.

    ? Martin

    August 17, 2013 at 2:08 am

    @NotMax: These things already exist. They’re called electrochromic windows. The 787 Dreamliner has them. They cost maybe around $20/sq ft or thereabouts. That’s pricey, but not outrageous. Not many consumer products out there, but they’re coming.

    What’s different with the technology linked above is that it’s not just an optical dimming, but IR as well. It’s the IR where the energy savings comes from.

    @BillinGlendaleCA: Right, but the utilities subsidize the cost because of the regulatory authority that allows power companies to make more money by selling less electricity. That’s what has made all of these efforts successful, and that regulatory structure doesn’t exist in any other state.

  51. 51.

    Steeplejack

    August 17, 2013 at 2:09 am

    @hamletta:

    More details. Are you moving to D.C., or is it just a trip? When?

    I would guess the best way would be in a car, but I don’t know your cat’s history or problems.

  52. 52.

    Little Boots

    August 17, 2013 at 2:12 am

    you know what we need? we need a plan t get the crazies to stop being crazy. that’s what we need.

  53. 53.

    Little Boots

    August 17, 2013 at 2:14 am

    I blame, as always, doug.

  54. 54.

    Little Boots

    August 17, 2013 at 2:16 am

    so here’s the thing. I think we’re all goodhearted, even hamletta, but we don’t know what the hell we’re doing. We need a plan.

  55. 55.

    hamletta

    August 17, 2013 at 2:20 am

    @Steeplejack: We, my girl and I are moving. I don’t know how right now, because my life is a 52-pick-up right now.

    I am hurt and confused.

  56. 56.

    Little Boots

    August 17, 2013 at 2:22 am

    what are you hurt and confused about?

    do you want to go?

  57. 57.

    Steeplejack

    August 17, 2013 at 2:27 am

    @hamletta:

    Sorry to hear that. You know we’re available here for venting.

    Do you have a time frame? And is your “girl” the cat, or is that a person in addition to the cat?

  58. 58.

    Little Boots

    August 17, 2013 at 2:28 am

    you actually are allowed to talk to me, guy. I really don’t dislike you, or anyone.

  59. 59.

    Little Boots

    August 17, 2013 at 2:33 am

    oh, well. did mean it.

  60. 60.

    eemom

    August 17, 2013 at 2:36 am

    “crazy people. I’m living with fucking CRAZY people.”

    — consistent refrain of old college acquaintance during monologues delivered 30+ years ago

  61. 61.

    Little Boots

    August 17, 2013 at 2:38 am

    guy, don’t be shy. it’s getting a little weird.

  62. 62.

    BillinGlendaleCA

    August 17, 2013 at 2:50 am

    @eemom: Was that your roommate, eemom?

  63. 63.

    Little Boots

    August 17, 2013 at 2:52 am

    okay, music,

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hn1BapsppXM

  64. 64.

    Little Boots

    August 17, 2013 at 2:53 am

    but seriously, hamletta, I know you think I’m a dick, but I hope you’re okay.

  65. 65.

    Little Boots

    August 17, 2013 at 3:03 am

    can we like this, if hamletta is going to be all …

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qC6g472wVHY

  66. 66.

    BillinGlendaleCA

    August 17, 2013 at 3:08 am

    @Little Boots: Unplugged version, meh.

  67. 67.

    BillinGlendaleCA

    August 17, 2013 at 3:16 am

    How about this: Neil and some British chap joined in.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6SSR3YY-rc

  68. 68.

    Tim in SF

    August 17, 2013 at 3:17 am

    Wanna see your cat love his cat tree? Put it next to a window.

  69. 69.

    TriassicSands

    August 17, 2013 at 3:43 am

    I’m amazed it has taken Steve this long to explore the tree. I built a seven foot tall cat tree for my cats and they were at the top about 10nsec after I set it upright.

    John, that corner above Steve’s tree is a perfect place for a cat bed. I built and installed a large triangular shelf that fits in one corner of the living room about 18″ below the ceiling and put a two-cat bed up there. They ascend the tree to get to the bed and that’s where they sleep almost every night. One of them sleeps up there during the day, too. Of course, if you want Steve to sleep with you, then you might not want to give him this option. (I have a third cat that can’t be in the same room with the other two — bloodbath — so she sleeps in the bedroom with me, safely separated from the other female, who has never been willing to get along.)

    I have one cat (the aggressive female) who would probably climb Everest if I took her to Nepal. One of her strongest instincts (one she doesn’t seem able to control very well either) is to try to get to the highest places wherever she is. She did it the first time I met her — at the Humane Society — and it’s never changed. When I opened her cage door she immediately climbed onto my shoulder and from there to the top of the cages.

  70. 70.

    manyakitty

    August 17, 2013 at 6:13 am

    @PopeRatzy: dick.

  71. 71.

    manyakitty

    August 17, 2013 at 6:18 am

    @superfly: Kitty head butts are the best!

  72. 72.

    WereBear

    August 17, 2013 at 6:57 am

    @hamletta: Here’s my tips on moving any cat:

    Moving the Cat

  73. 73.

    debbie

    August 17, 2013 at 8:18 am

    @BillinGlendaleCA:

    They want Rush to moderate, but he said he’s “too famous” to do so.

    I had to put in a lot of overtime this week, so I haven’t kept up with news. I thought you were kidding, but Google tells me otherwise. Words like “absurd” and “ridiculous” have become horribly inadequate for the Republicans. I need a new dictionary.

  74. 74.

    Sister Rail Gun of Warm Humanitarianism

    August 17, 2013 at 8:27 am

    Hmm, the blurriness in those photos looks like a typical digital photo in low light. Has JC tried telling his camera it’s in a low light situation?

  75. 75.

    Sayne

    August 17, 2013 at 10:22 am

    Steve’s final pose is called “Monorail Cat.” It means the cat is happy ^_^

  76. 76.

    TriassicSands

    August 17, 2013 at 10:49 am

    @Sister Rail Gun of Warm Humanitarianism:

    Hmm, the blurriness in those photos looks like a typical digital photo in low light. Has JC tried telling his camera it’s in a low light situation?

    I recently read a review of the new Nokia phone that is more a camera with a phone than a phone with a camera. The difference in low light photographs between an iPhone and the Nokia is stunning. So, the problem may be that it’s an iPhone photo and not a photo taken by a real camera.

    On the other hand, it could always be that old bugaboo…operator error.

  77. 77.

    kc

    August 17, 2013 at 11:14 am

    Excellent!!

  78. 78.

    zombie rotten mcdonald

    August 17, 2013 at 12:03 pm

    That lamp is doomed.

  79. 79.

    Linda

    August 17, 2013 at 1:42 pm

    That pose and attitude totally remind me of Tunch.

    Except for the part about him sitting 7 feet up. Good for him! Cats on floors all the time are either never really happy–or have arthritis. And my 13 year old arthritic Rocky, bless his heart, still manages to get between the floors of the house!

  80. 80.

    Sister Rail Gun of Warm Humanitarianism

    August 17, 2013 at 2:15 pm

    @TriassicSands: My Android phone has a low light setting. It’s not as good as a real camera, but it is an improvement over the standard settings. I assume that a iPhone would be equally sophisticated.

  81. 81.

    JustRuss

    August 18, 2013 at 9:46 pm

    If you want Steve to use the cat tree, yell at him the next time he’s up there and tell him how bad he is. That seems to make my cats want to get on the damn kitchen counters.

  82. 82.

    Paul in KY

    August 19, 2013 at 8:55 am

    @Mary G: Will Higgsy be posting himself? Haven’t seen one from him lately.

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