The Morning Scratch

Any spot in a box will do

2012-01-23T11:15:00.001-08:00

Friday night party time.

2012-01-20T19:19:00.001-08:00

Local Cats Hit 'Tasty Jackpot'

2012-01-20T14:26:00.000-08:00

By Bogdan

Morning Scratch editor

THE GARAGE, Calif. — The Man allowed hundreds of kibbles of deliciousness to be spilled onto The Garage floor Wednesday evening, to the delight of local cats, police said Friday.

The incident occurred just as local cats were about to be served dinner. After the man took the top off a tupperware of kibble, he momentarily turned his back, police said. That's when an unidentified cat jumped onto the counter and pushed the bucket off and onto the floor.

"Sh**," The Man texted the Investor as the incident unfolded.

Cats from near and far heard the sound of hundreds of kibbles hitting the floor and rushed to the scene. A feeding frenzy followed.

"Busy eating," Jeff said as kibbles fell out of his mouth.

"It was like hitting a tasty jackpot!" Kat 3 screeched. "I've never seen so much kibble at once in my life! I was starving... I hadn't eaten in at least two hours!"

After the incident, local cats were full, sluggish and quickly fell asleep, according to witnesses.

Officials in the Household couldn't be reached for further comment about the incident Friday afternoon.

Editor's note: Bogdan, the editor, may have eaten a kibble or two (or maybe three) while reporting for this article, but only to give readers a more accurate account of the incident.

What?

2012-01-19T13:13:00.001-08:00

I look like what?

Breakfast

2012-01-18T15:30:00.001-08:00

Crunch crunch.

Cats go mobile

2012-01-17T12:10:00.001-08:00

Breaking News: The Morning Scratch enters new media age and can now post from its cellphone.

Toulouse enjoying her morning reporting from bed.

Totem cats

2011-12-03T19:52:00.001-08:00

Oh yeah. The cats have a blog.

2011-03-24T12:09:00.000-07:00

But this isn't a post from the cats. It's from the human. It's about me.

I was sharing a link on Facebook, and found myself writing way too much in the comment area. I realized most of my friends probably don't want to hear more about my cats. I shared the link and wrote a brief comment. But I still felt like writing out how I felt after reading this essay posted to The New York Times last night. It really touched me.

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/03/23/we-were-kittens-once-and-young/

The headline is brilliant, by the way. It is: "We were kittens once, and young." The copy editor who wrote that is the real deal.

Anyway, there's so much to appreciate about this essay. It's about cats, so obviously that's something I can relate to. But this essay wasn't just about loving cats. Or understanding cats. Or "Oh, aren't cats so independent or funny, and don't they have so much personality!?"

It's about them dying.

I've experienced few pet deaths in my life; I wasn't allowed to have pets other than fish as a child. I took really good care of all my pet fish. When I was a youngster, I would stick a finger in the tank and try to "pet" them. They lived long fish lives.

When I met my husband, he already had two pet ferrets. They have what I consider to be short life spans. Peanut died suddenly. It was hard, and it was my first experience with losing a "real" pet. My cellphone ringtone at the time was "Minerva" by the Deftones - I will forever associate that song with the phone call from the vet at 4 a.m. telling us Peanut didn't make it through the night. Oh did I cry.

Fiona's death was peaceful. I came home from work one night and noticed she wasn't moving very well in her cage. We took her to the emergency vet, and they couldn't do much for her. We weren't with Peanut when she died, and I have felt guilty about that. So, we took Fiona home. My husband stayed home from work with the little girl the next day. She died in his arms. I wouldn't want it any other way.

"All of our cats are dying" is how the writer began her essay.

And mine will be, too, and I fear it will happen in what will feel like "all at once." This is something I've thought about in the past year, as the visits to the vet increase. I fear that in about five to eight years, I'm going to have a really tough five to eight years.

Bogdan is skinnier. He's had urinary problems. I have to watch his diet. But the most apparent indication of his age? He's not a jerk anymore. No, seriously.

He hated the other cats. He hated me. He seemed to hate everything. He's attacked friends and family members. He's bitten my nose, my lips, my hands, my feet! I used to have to warn people who came into my home to not get too close to him. I loved it. He was my little jerk. And I loved every second of it.

Next month he'll be 10 years old. Young by indoor-only cat standards, but I can see he's aging, and he's my first kitty cat. Watching him get older is getting harder.

As for the other kitties, Sara is 8, according to the rescue organization I got her from - but I think she is older; Kat3 just turned 7; Jeff is only about 4. Then there's the outdoor cats I've become attached to. I figure George and Toulouse are also about 4.

I know, their deaths are years and years off. I shouldn't worry about this now. But with George at the vet right now, recovering from a urinary blockage; with Kat3 sitting by me this morning wheezing away, making terrible noises because of the damage done to her nasal cavity when she was a stray kitten; with Toulouse coming home with another sore on her back Tuesday; and with Bogdan's coat starting to look like "old-man kitty fur" - I couldn't help but think that these little spirits, who have become essential to my being, won't be here forever.

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T08:57:00.000-08:00

Bogdan says, "EAT YOUR BIRD."

"And stay away from mine."

("Heh heh. The Investor is horrified! She is not a superb cat hunter and feeds on Tofurkey.")

Photo from post-Thanksgiving cat fest in 2009. Turkey courtesy of The Man's parents.

Kittens looking for homes

2010-06-22T00:06:00.000-07:00

By Bogdan
Morning Scratch editor

Hello, Cat Blogosphere. Long time, no report. But I have a pressing matter (in fact, three).

These kittens the Investor has been occasionally posting about in my newspaper are in need of homes. See, there were five. But luckily the woman found a home for two of them. But that leaves the Morning Scratch staff with three. These three novice reporters — they are 12 weeks old — are reliable and curious, but I cannot give them jobs here. That's where you, loyal readers, come in.

First, here's Mr. Boots. He's extremely playful, but can be totally chill. He likes being held and enjoys soft belly scratches.

Here's Miss Kitty. She's the runt, but you wouldn't know it from her personality. She's fierce! She holds her own, and she is extremely curious. A real cutie.

This is Maggie. She's loves to play, but she's a little shy. She seems to really like kitty companionship, so maybe if you take her with Miss Kitty or if she could have other kitty friends, that would be best for her.

If you are interested or have any questions, please leave a comment here or e-mail me, Mr. Bogdan, Morning Scratch editor, at themorningscratch@gmail.com.

From the Investor: I live on the Central Coast of California, in San Luis Obispo County. I'd be willing to drive to meet others at a reasonable distance. I'd like to see these kittens go to indoor-only homes, as I brought them indoors the day after they were born outdoors hoping to give them a better life. Their mama is a full-bred Siamese whose owners were irresponsible. They are up-to-date on shots and mama was tested for FIV and feline leukemia and tested neg. The kittens saw the vet just on Monday morning, and they got an all-clear on health and shots (all that is left is the rabies shot, which would be due in about two weeks). They are healthy and happy kittens. All they need now is a safe place to call home. Thank you!

The Great Sun Puddle Discovery

2010-05-28T10:36:00.001-07:00

5 weeks, 4 days old
Originally uploaded by AnJRobillard

They discovered sun puddles on their 5th week, 4th day alive. It was an amazing thing to watch as they curled up, stretched and rolled in the delight of the warm sun for the first time.

Crazy kittens

2010-05-07T14:22:00.001-07:00

Crazy kittens
Originally uploaded by AnJRobillard

They're growing up fast!

It was my birthday?

2010-04-25T09:29:00.000-07:00

I hardly noticed it was my birthday around here! The Investor forgot about it.

Bogdan says: "Kittens are overrated."

All I hear about now is kittens, kittens, kittens. Couldn't a dude at least get an extra treat on his special day? I don't ask for much!

Thank you, friends, for remembering my birthday. And embarrassing the Investor for forgetting.

Video of kittens, 23 days old

2010-04-22T15:04:00.001-07:00

Video of kittens, 23 days old
Originally uploaded by AnJRobillard

12 Days Old

2010-04-12T10:37:00.001-07:00

12 Days Old
Originally uploaded by AnJRobillard

Kitty cats are learning to express themselves.

Kittehs at 6 days old

2010-04-04T15:37:00.001-07:00

6 days old
Originally uploaded by AnJRobillard

Mama Toulouse has been moved indoors. Family has taken up residence in the spare bathroom. All are doing well, eating well, mewing well. Eyes are still closed, but the kittens have already started to pull themselves around the bathtub. I'm trying to motivate myself to clean up the junk room and turn it into a "kitten nursery." Toulouse's owners don't seem to care about her, so we're officially taking them in. - Investor

The Morning Scratch staffers' reactions:
Kat 3: "There's kittens! And more food in the house! Weeee!"
Jeff: "Hiissssss"
Sara: "Mom! I want all the attention!"
Bogdan: "ANOTHER one? ANOTHER FIVE??? Does this woman EVER stop with the cats. I don't think I can create any more staff positions. I put my paw down."
George: "My cat house stinks like .... gooey kittens."

Video of Toulouse and babies

2010-03-30T01:56:00.001-07:00

Video of Toulouse and babies
Originally uploaded by AnJRobillard

Neighbor's cat Toulouse had five babies in George's cat house.

Where's mine?

2009-09-25T16:47:00.000-07:00

Woman, you used to share french fries on the long car rides. What gives?

Lunch Break

2009-09-05T16:12:00.000-07:00

He's a Morning Scratch rocker.

He likes the drums.

200 posts

2009-09-01T00:31:00.000-07:00

That last post was my 200th. It only took me a few laborious years.
— Bogdan

George and Bogdan

2009-08-18T20:09:00.000-07:00

By Bogdan
Morning Scratch editor

Here are my days as of late:
I hiss.
George hisses.
I hiss.
George hisses.
I turn from him and go to sleep on the comforts of the cat tree.
He stays on the other side of the screen.
Sucker.

Meet George

2009-08-17T11:32:00.001-07:00

Hey, lady: You hired me. So where's my compensation?

New Hire: George the Formerly Feral Cat

2009-08-15T21:05:00.001-07:00

By Bogdan
Morning Scratch editor

The Morning Scratch is excited to announce that it has hired a new field reporter. We hope the addition of George to the Morning Scratch staff will add even more depth to the extensive coverage we have offered in the past. His beat will include the yard, porch and surrounding communities. Photos and biography of our new freelance staff member are forthcoming.

Jeff and Bogdan reporting, from the comfort of snuggles.

Blogging

2009-06-01T12:32:00.000-07:00

It's hard to do when there's sleep to be slept and eats to be eaten.
— Bogdan

Thanks, dudes!

2009-04-19T10:06:00.001-07:00

By Bogdan
Morning Scratch editor

Dear Morning Scratch readers,
Thank you for the birthday wishes. It was quite nice of you all to stop by. Photos from the birthday celebration (I mostly napped) coming soon. Hm. Speaking of napping. See ya.

My Life with Bogdan. (Today is his 8th birthday.)

2009-04-16T12:10:00.000-07:00

Bogdan, 2001, San Francisco

By The Investor (aka Mom)
Morning Scratch Investor

It's hard to believe a cat I was suppose to watch for just a few weeks has been in my life for more than seven years now, and that today, he's 8 years old.

He is my first cat. I had no idea what I was getting into.

Bogdan came to live with me in my San Francisco flat when a friend of mine, who grew up in a home with lots of cats, visited his friend's sister's home in the Central Valley -- and he felt so very sorry for a little black and white kitten left all day and all night in the garage because it scratched and bit the kids. The parents didn't know what to do with the cat -- a cat that had not held up its end of the supposed bargain of unconditionally entertaining the children.

After getting my approval to take in the cat until he found housing that would accept animals, my friend returned to Manteca, where the 7-month-old boy was still in the garage — waiting for its real home.

And so begins my life with this lovely devil of a cat.

Bogdan, 2003, Sacramento

He's ornery, that's for sure. He's bossy. He's demanding. And unfortunately for my sanity, he's incredibly smart.

He understands how doors open, and we know one day we'll return from work to find him living it up in one of the "off-limits" rooms. We had to put baby locks on all the kitchen cabinets. Bread goes in a bread box — BEHIND a cabinet door. Bathroom doors are closed because he'll unroll all the toilet paper. I'm convinced he persistently and purposefully does particularly bad things because he enjoys to (and knows it annoys me). He understands words (outside, treats, dinner), and in fact as I write this, I just discovered he broke into the cat food because I didn't put the top on tight enough (seriously - just now). He likes his space, and he's not afraid to express it .... bringing me to ...

He has claws and teeth, and he knows how to use them.

He was a terrible little adolescent. He's bitten my nose, my lip, my ear; he's attacked me with claws out from around corners; and he's scratched friends and family (highlights: he slapped my mom in the face and he made a decent gash across a friend's forehead). He couldn't be trusted with our ferrets, and he barely could be trusted with Sara when I first brought her home. He was sometimes a mean, mean kitty.

Bogdan, 2005, San Luis Obispo

But I worked with him, using tips from "Think Like a Cat," a book that helped bring Bogdan and I to mutual understanding, and led to where we are today: mutual respect and love (at least I like to think so).

Oh, and I'm sure it's helped that he's aged.

Bogdan, 2007, Atascadero

And here we are. Nearly eight years later, and he's stuck around (maybe because he's indoor-only...). He still doesn't much like the other cats. He'll hit Sara and hiss at Kat 3. Jeff is far more persistant than the others, and Bogdan has been forced to occasionally share his cuddly cup. I'm not sure why he allows Jeff to do this. Maybe he's given up; maybe he's softened.

Bogdan, right, tolerating Jeff, 2009, Atascadero

But best of all, he's become my little buddy. He's still demanding, but he hasn't deliberatly lashed out at me in years. But I've learned, too, to give him his space. And he now enjoys sitting and hanging out with me when he wants to. As I sit writing this, he's dancing around my feet, nudging my legs with his head. Yeah, we've come a long way.

Happy birthday, my little guy!

Bogdan, 2009, Atascadero

Mancat Monday with Jeff

2009-04-13T08:55:00.000-07:00

By Jeff
Morning Scratch reporter-in-training

What?

A mancat can stop and smell the flowers.
And like it.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-04-08T00:40:00.000-07:00

Tail Tuesday with Sara

2009-04-07T01:32:00.000-07:00

By Sara
Morning Scratch reporter

Perfect tail form, if I do say so myself.

April flowers bring the nom nom noms

2009-04-03T19:48:00.000-07:00

By Kat 3
Morning Scratch reporter

In this Flower Friday report, I get the nom-noms.

Sniffs. Smells gooood.

Chomp!

Oops. Sorry Mr. Poppy. I did not mean it.

Tail Tuesday

2009-03-31T09:58:00.000-07:00

Mancat Monday

2009-03-30T01:49:00.001-07:00

You best back up.

Investor skimps on food

2009-03-29T10:04:00.000-07:00

By Bogdan
Morning Scratch editor

I recently ordered the investor to stock up on food for the Morning Scratch staff.

Investor, I am disappointed. This is not nearly enough.
Do not force me to do an investigative report into these neglectful conditions.

Sara's stroll

2009-03-27T10:44:00.000-07:00

By Sara
Morning Scratch reporter

Hi guys! It's me, Sara. I thought I'd add to the pretty outside and go on an adventure.

Mom was on her new deck and I really really wanted to be with her. I whined and cried at the door, and then I got what I wanted (just like a princess should): She brought me outside with her.
Here I am checking out branches from pruning. They weren't really that interesting.

The grass was really comfortable. I was enjoying myself.

And why is all this newsworthy? I NEVER want to go outside. I've gone on the front porch before. But I just run back to the front door, with my eyes all big, sorta panicked and meowing to be let back inside. I sure have mom puzzled. She can't figure out what changed and why I suddenly would just let her slip the harness on me and take me on a walk in the backyard.

But really, the answer is simple: I wanted to see our blooming California poppies up close. Pretty!

Spring is here

2009-03-26T14:27:00.001-07:00

How do I know?

There's a cat at every window.

(From left, Jeff, Kat 3, Sara and Bogdan)

Tribute: Princess Scooter: sleeping expert, chicken eater and forever friend

2009-03-26T13:48:00.000-07:00

Sara

Kat 3

Jeff

Bogdan

By Bogdan
Morning Scratch editor
Scooter first gained notoriety as a princess to her mom and dad, later turning that Siamese-given right into a fruitful (and toy-full, catnip-full and chicken-full) career as a Caster cat extraordinaire, a life journey culminating with her becoming one of the world’s most well-known and well-loved cats.

The Albuquerque, N.M., native was a devoted sleepaholic who also never missed a celebration (whether holiday or birthday). Her expert opinion was frequently sought on all-things Olde Furts, and she was known for her years of research on chicken baby food and its delicious benefits. A goodwill ambassador on the Catster forums, she’d always lend a paw to any cat in need.

Little sister to the beloved late SooLing, Scooter became a “big sister” to many cats and kittens on Catster, including The Morning Scratch’s very own Kat 3. “We are Siamese sistahs forever,” Kat 3 said.

Her skills were many, but she may be most remembered for her mastery of relaxation during her Summers of Scooter, a series of seasons celebrated by all.

To give proper recognition to a cat who has so deeply influenced The Morning Scratch staff, the newspaper has named Scooter an honorary editor. SooLing also holds the title, named to it years ago in a Morning Scratch “Scooter” special edition spearheaded by the staff and Scooter’s dear friend Kazumi Joy.

Morning Scratch staffers are honored to share some of their memories of Scooter, a forever friend and role model. She will be greatly missed.

“Scooter was a distinguished community leader and a generous friend. As a loyal reader of The Morning Scratch, she was integral to the newspaper’s success. And her catnip toy gifts have helped many of our reporters through difficult assignments.”
— Bogdan, Morning Scratch editor

“Although I did not get to know Scooter very well, my superiors speak very highly of her. When I’m not busy fetching treats and reporter’s notebooks for my bosses, I sneak in a few play sessions with the toys she’s sent the staff.”
— Jeff, Morning Scratch intern

“Scooter was the best fashion consultant a model could ever wish for. A few years ago, she gave me a diamond ‘S’ for my collar, which I wear each day to this day. It’s my lucky charm and reminds me just how beautiful I am. But Scooter, she was the most beautiful!”
— Sara, Morning Scratch reporter

“Scooter Scooter Bo Booter! She was awesomest. Even though I am only half-Siamese, she made me feel like I was part of a very exclusive club. She taught me everything there is to know about being Siamese. She taught me about chicken baby food, crooked tails, zooms, outside adventures, toys, snuggle sacks, sleeping, chicken baby food, lizards, scratchers and the joys of mommy arms — and did I say chicken baby food? I teehee’d and pffft’d with her through good times and bad times and food times. I will miss her a lot, but I know she is watching over me. I love you, Scooter.”
— Kat 3, Morning Scratch reporter

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T23:47:00.000-08:00

From the Morning Scratch staff!

Why I hate Christmas photos

2008-12-14T12:12:00.000-08:00

By Bogdan
Morning Scratch editor

Do-do-do. I'm just minding my own business. Waiting for some scratches.

Ahhhhhhhh! GET IT OFF. GET IT OFF!!!

We're sleeping more than we are reporting. But isn't that always the case?

2008-12-10T11:01:00.001-08:00

By Morning Scratch staff

The Staff Lounge:

Bogdan: Hello, loyal readers. We're doing fine here at Morning Scratch headquarters, though with newspapers struggling at the moment, I have some calls in to Sam Zell and others to see whether we should travel to Washington and ask Congress for a bailout. (I'll drive there in my Investor's Prius.)

Sara: In other -- more important -- news, we should have our Christmas photos up soon. By Saturday if all goes as planned! I can't wait to wear my Jingle Bell Collar.

Kat 3: The Investor is now working only one full-time job in addition to her full-time home job taking care of us. That means a "usual" blogging schedule should resume shortly!

Jeff: Unless Facebook keeps taking up all the Investor's free time.

Bogdan: *Hisses* at Facebook. In the meantime, the Man and the Investor have been obsessed with this blog:
http://www.dailycoyote.net
Check it out.

Halloween and a Happy Birthday

2008-11-02T07:39:00.000-08:00

Halloween:

Kat 3 goes all out.

Bogdan poses with his Halloween friend, Sock Kitty. He won this last year in the Cat Blogosphere Halloween Costume Contest!

Jeffrey's first Halloween all dressed up.

Sara checks out Sock Kitty.

ALSO

Kat 3 turned 5 years old Nov. 1!!

Jeff's gift to Kat 3: Sharing his snuggle.

A P.S. from the Investor: We've been away from blogging while I change jobs. (But as many of you know, I can be found on Facebook daily! - Kimo and Sabi, Bogdan is very angry with your Mom!)

Local Cat Tree Abandoned for Preferred Cat Housing: A Box

2008-10-12T10:02:00.000-07:00

Morning Scratch staff

Cat tree euphoria wears off ....

... And the box it came in is now the favorite sleep spot.

Easy Like Sunday Morning

2008-10-05T08:56:00.000-07:00

By Sara
Morning Scratch reporter

I'm just practicing for the next Do the Q contest.

How do you think I'm doing?

Happy Birthday to the Investor

2008-10-04T08:20:00.001-07:00

By Kat 3 and Sara
Morning Scratch reporters

Sara: Today is our Mom's b-day! She is older than all us kitties put together.
Kat 3: That makes her pretty old.
Sara: Yup. And for her birthday, I slept by her side all night long last night.
Kat 3: For her birthday, I am demanding stinky goodness celebration!!
Sara: We dunno what the boys are doing for her birthday.
Kat 3: Maybe theys bringing the stinky goodness? I hope someone does ...

more animals

Thoughts on Thursday

2008-10-01T20:51:00.000-07:00

By Kat 3
Morning Scratch ?ceiling cat?

Oh Hai. I's jus hangin out, tinkin. Am I be like ceiling cat?
Does dat mean I getz lotz of Cheezburgers?

Daisy, Tybalt and House Panthers seem to think it there be possibilitiez.

more animals

Wordless Wednesday

2008-09-30T22:32:00.000-07:00

Tongue Tuesday - With Jeff

2008-09-30T07:18:00.000-07:00

Look what I can do.

*Lap lap lap lap lap*

Easy Like Sunday Morning

2008-09-28T09:29:00.000-07:00

Happiness is a Bogdan atop a cat tree.

Cats Obsessed with Local, Only Cat Tree

2008-09-26T00:01:00.000-07:00

By Sara
Morning Scratch reporter

We have the most fab cat tree ever. Wait. Wait. Bogdan just hissed that I have to write like a reporter. (He never writes by his own rules, might I point out.) ......

At 8 feet tall, the Drs. Foster and Smith Super Deluxe Cat Tree is a cat's dream tree! It deserved 5 Paws Up for fun factor, and 5 Paws Up for style (take note how nicely is blends with the decor).
Next up in this newspaper's continuing efforts to turn a garage into a stylish cat habitat: beautiful wall art.
Now for photos of our Editor testing the lovely cat tree addition to our playground, I mean, our room.

Thursday Thirteen (No. 9): Why I haven't been reporting

2008-09-24T21:28:00.000-07:00

By Bogdan
Morning Scratch editor

13 reasons I haven't been doing my reporting ...

1. Jeff is distracting. He follows me everywhere! It's hard to write or report when somecat is looking over your shoulder.
2. We got a new GIGANTIC 8-FOOT cat tree. I had to test it out -- thoroughly. That takes time.
3. I rather eat my vishus deer.
4. Jack from next door has been hanging out on my porch a lot. Therefore I must assert my position by patrolling in the window, and hissing when needed.
5. It's extremely distracting when Jeff and Kat 3 "play."
6. Have I mentioned that grandpop made me a catwalk, and that I must use it daily? It gives me great perspective for hunting! (I hunt Jeff for fun. Don't worry. He doesn't mind.)

7. Temp-tay-sons, first! Reporting, second!
8. "I forget what 8 was for."
9. It's better to sleep and eat than do anything else!
10. This is NOT a good reason, but a reason none-the-less: The typist has been busy with work and volunteer activities. Not acceptable. I should start looking for a new typist.
11. But my typist is my investor. Well, I guess I should also start looking for a new investor. And, yes, this is a reason I'm not reporting.
12. I like to do nothing. Often.
13. Because, I'm busy doing other things. Why you bugging me about this??

Bye, our friend

2008-09-14T23:14:00.000-07:00

Our friend Daisy's sister is no longer with us. This makes us very sad. We will miss Pixie and her bananer stories. We love you, Pixie! - Morning Scratch staff

Sara's Saturday

2008-09-13T09:44:00.000-07:00

By Sara
Morning Scratch reporter

When you are a model like me, hygiene is very impawtant.

Wordless Wednesday: North County Humane Society shelter kitties

2008-09-10T18:55:00.000-07:00

Easy Like Sunday ...

2008-09-07T10:00:00.000-07:00

By Bogdan and Jeff
Morning Scratch editor and reporter

Jeff: I got my snuggle back.

Bogdan: The Investor was happy about an artichoke - that she's not going to eat?!?!

Bogdan: And Sara ruined a great photo of ME! That's not "Easy Like"!

Jeff: And The Man made Tofu Devon.

In Tofu Devon (not for those on a diet; this is the vegetarian -- certainly not vegan -- version of Chicken Devon):
1 cube extra firm tofu
1 large package frozen broccoli/ or fresh farmer's market broccoli equivalent amount!
2 cans cream of broccoli soup
1.5 cups mayo (Best Foods)
2 tablespoons (about) of lemon juice
2 teaspoons curry powder (The Man wants to clarify: "I put in a lot more than that - but I love curry.")
2 cups cheddar cheese
4 pieces of white bread

Cut tofu into smallish squares, fry with vegetable oil until browned. (Set aside browned tofu while you do the rest.)
Mix the cream of broccoli soup, lemon juice, mayo and curry powder.
In a large pan, dump in the broccoli! Then add tofu. Then evenly distribute the soup mix.
Add as much cheese as you want on top; rip up bread into pieces and distribute over the top.
Cover with tin foil and bake for about an hour at 400.
For the last few minutes - take off tin foil to brown the bread.

Posting of ingredients inspired by DKM.

Sara Saturday: "I stole Jeff's snuggle" (A true tale as told by the thief)

2008-09-05T19:33:00.000-07:00

By Sara
Morning Scratch reporter

I couldn't help it. *giggle* I just couldn't. I'm sure you all understand. ...
The snuggle was BRAND NEW! Full of fresh catnip, too!!

I know. I know. It's Jeff's. I have my own. But ....

Weeeeeeeee!

That's right, Jeff. I'm bunny-kickin' YOUR snuggle.

Whatchu gonna do about it?

OooooOoooOooooooOOoo

Addie has been found!

2008-09-02T13:48:00.001-07:00

By Bogdan
Morning Scratch editor

It had been a week - almost to the hour - that Addie was lost in the hills of Pismo Beach. But a woman heard her cries early this afternoon, and she followed the sounds to a ravine. And there she found Addie, who had gotten herself tangled in brush. This little maltese lives to tell the tale! Dehydrated and a little skinny... but OK! Thank you so much for your purrs and prayers and keeping this little miracle dog in your thoughts.

PLEASE! Leave your happy comments on this post! I want to share them with Addie's owner! Thanks!!!

Vote the Q!

2008-08-31T09:01:00.000-07:00

By Bogdan
Morning Scratch editor

Don't forget to vote in the Do the Q contest. Let's all honor Monty Q by voting for our favorite Q's and Full Monty's!

Sara, Kat3 and Jeff all have entries. I didn't enter because the Investor is a terrible photojournalist and is never there when the action happens.

Our Dear D-O-G Friend is Missing!

2008-08-29T19:22:00.001-07:00

By Bogdan
Morning Scratch editor

MISSING D-O-G!
DEAR TO INVESTOR.
MANY PURRS NEEDED

D-o-g went missing Tuesday in Pismo Beach, CA.
Please send the purr power!!

We have a very sad story. Addison (Addie) was lost near Pismo Beach's Chumash Park earlier this week. She is a maltese puppy. She is the baby puppy of my Investor's co-worker (the same one Kat 3 had a meeting with in the post below). Please send the purr power!! The Investor and her co-workers have searched the hills near her office, to no avail. I know our kitty purrs can help!! Purrs. PURRS!! See the craigslist post here: http://slo.craigslist.org/laf/818844855.html.

Skeezix is the man!

2008-08-29T19:03:00.000-07:00

By Bogdan
Morning Scratch editor

My buddy Skeezix is such a nice dude! Check out his post today on his blog. It shows off my work for the North County Humane Society newsletter ... and the feature that uses his photo! It is so gracious of Skeezix to help the little kitties at the shelter while he is a big celebrity.

Thanks, Skeezix!

Bring Your Kat 3 to Work Day

2008-08-23T10:36:00.000-07:00

"First thing I did when I got to the office was check the calendar to see what I had to do for the day."

By Kat 3
Morning Scratch reporter

Now that Mom has a new job, I get to go to work with her sometimes. Yup! And only ME. Bogdan has a bad reputation, so he doesn't get to go. He might get fired for scratching someone. And Sara would probably hide in cabinets and mess up the files. And Jeff has stinky poo. But me? ME? I'm purrfect for the job!!

"Mom even gave me my own office space."

"Look how fast I work! I'm blurry I work so fast ... putting all the pens away ... on the floor! I'm a good office assistant."

"I got two 15-minute breaks, so it was good I brought some toys with me. I think this is a good paying job because I was getting Temptations - even on break time!"

"Later in the day I had a meeting with one of my Mom's co-workers. I had to talk to her about her closed-blinds policy."

"It took some doing, but I persuaded her to open the blinds. See? Now it's time for a nap after all that work."

GROSS!

2008-08-19T20:05:00.000-07:00

Our thoughts are with you, Tracey and family

2008-08-16T09:08:00.001-07:00

Great sadness

2008-08-13T18:46:00.000-07:00

By Bogdan
Morning Scratch reporter

As nearly anyone visiting my newspaper will already know, my great friend Monty Q has lost his little human, "Sprout." We are very upset here at The Morning Scratch. Please keep his family in your purrayers.

Perfectly Parker is having a commentathon to raise money for the final medical expenses. Please visit her blog and take part.

Many purrs to all my Cat Blogosphere friends.

Bogdan's Full Monty

2008-08-04T19:12:00.001-07:00

The photographer wasn't cooperating with my performance... so this is as close as I get to a Full Monty on camera. If not Full Monty, how about the most-indecent award???

We did the Q!

2008-07-30T20:53:00.000-07:00

Did you??

In the Battle of Eddie Vedder-loving Cat Moms ....

2008-07-29T19:48:00.001-07:00

My Investor says she's the winner, Honey P.

Two Tongue Tuesday

2008-07-29T18:58:00.001-07:00

ManCat Monday

2008-07-28T19:28:00.001-07:00

Jeffrey has his own snuggle now.

Thanks, DKM!

Easy Like Sunday Morning

2008-07-20T09:55:00.000-07:00

Featuring: Jeffrey

Thursday Thirteen (No. 8): We love Mu Shue

2008-07-09T22:01:00.000-07:00

By Bogdan
Morning Scratch editor

Mu Shue Pooh King was one of the very first Morning Scratch readers. We don't want him to go.

Here are 13 of our favorite Mu Shue Pooh King quotes, in no particular order, as chosen by reporter Katrina (Kat 3).

1. I am not going to the moon. But I sure thought of sending Lilly to the moon.
2. It is furry manly to just lay in the grass.
3. Tem-tay-tions of cours.
4. Hi Gorge. My name Is Mu shue it nice to eat oppps I ment Meet you.
5. We should not have to wait for a special day to hug.
6. Why if they made chinken flviored cat nip??
7. As I said it a hard job but some kitt had to do it.
8. It is Proper toe edict to just let them hang out.
9. I might have a slight catnip probelm.
10. Every king needs Bling.
11. I want to see my mama when every i want not on her chocies. WHEN I MEWO MAMA YOU GO FIND HER
12. When your sister is not feeling good it very manly to cuddly with her Hello Kitty.
13. Frary thankful to have Great CB Freinds. Thank you for every thing !!!!!!

No, Thank you Mu Shue! You have been a wonderful friend.

P.S. The first 10 were part of a Top 10 Kat 3 wrote for a special edition of The Morning Scratch we sent to Mu Shue. You can see the special edition hanging in Mama Laura's apartment in this post: http://mushue.blogspot.com/2008/06/faviort-parts-of-new-partment.html

Wordless outside photo Wednesday

2008-07-08T22:11:00.000-07:00

moar funny pictures

The Staff

2008-07-05T16:47:00.000-07:00

Create your own family sticker graphic at pYzam.com

Thursday Thirteen, Edition 7: Nip tips, with Kat 3

2008-07-03T00:02:00.000-07:00

By Kat 3, Morning Scratch reporter

"These are from my personal recipe collection."

Thirteen nip dishes to help you celebrate the Fourth of July.

1. Nip and Chips (an old Kat 3 family recipe)
2. Barbecued nipsteak
3. Stinky goodness with nip garnish (a Bogdan favorite)
4. Sloppy nip-dogs
5. Nip-Kabobs
6. Nip-weiser (home-brewed)
7. Cup-nip-cakes!
8. Nip-stuffed grape leaves
9. Vishus Deer nip burgers (A must-have!)
10. Nip salad (a family favorite)
11. Nip-flavored stinky juice (You know, that juice that's in the stinky goodness. Nom! Nom!)
12. Nip on the cob
13. ANYTHING with nip!! I'll eat it!!! I'll eat it!!!!

"Nip responsibly."

Fire update

2008-07-02T22:12:00.000-07:00

From the Associated Press:

"Big Sur, Monterey County -- Stoked by dry air and dead oaks, a 55,820-acre fire drove residents and visitors today from one of the most fabled stretches of the California coast, Big Sur.

A mandatory 7 p.m. evacuation closed 25 miles of coastline along Highway 1, including the town of Big Sur and such well-known visitor destinations as the Nepenthe restaurant, the Ventana and Post Ranch inns and four state parks.

Lightning sparked the blaze dubbed the Basin Complex Fire on June 21, and 17 structures have been destroyed since and another 1,277 were threatened tonight. Ominously, the fire remains just 3 percent contained despite the best effort of more than 1,600 firefighting personnel assisted by helicopters and air tankers."

"Kitty catnip crazy" (a photo essay) by Bogdan, editor

2008-07-01T21:01:00.000-07:00

Circulation plumments; Investor clawed

2008-06-30T16:22:00.000-07:00

By Bogdan
Morning Scratch editor

An open letter to the Investor:

Dear Investor,

Stop complaining! You're killing my circulation.

Now, feed me Temptations.

Monday Bunday + Copy Editor Appreciation Week

2008-06-30T08:02:00.000-07:00

By Bogdan, Morning Scratch editor

For my basil-loving bun friends: You can look, but you can't munch!

----------

As you can maybe tell from yesterday's post, the Investor is very upset about the state of things in newsrooms. So she's decided to declare this Copy Editor Appreciation Week. Expect some ranting. I hope she gets it out of her "systsem" soon. Here's her first contribution.

see more pwn and owned pictures

Investor says: "Everyone needs a copy editor. Everyone."

News Flash: Without a full copy-editing team and the laid-off Web guru, Camria (uhm, that's Cambria) is spelled wrong in a headline on the local paper's Web site this morning... Way to cut costs without impacting product!

Bogdan: "Investor, drop the treat already. ... Before I bite you."

The Sunday Paper - new and improved for ad revenue, smaller staff!

2008-06-29T09:47:00.000-07:00

The Morning Scratch - SUNDAY

Editor's note: The Morning Scratch is launching a Sunday edition in an attempt to make itself more appealing in a faltering journalism industry. Won't you read this paper and keep me in my overpaid editor position? Here, you will get links to the must-read posts and stories of the week in the Cat Blogosphere and beyond. And if you don't read our Sunday paper, OK. What do I really care? I just want another way to collect ad revenue. And, yes, this is just links to other paper's stories. No original content. That's because in order to cut costs, we had to lay off most of the copy editors and reporters. Don't you want to read us now?
- Bogdan, the editor

Reporter's note: We care if you read it! (Sara: "Hey, guys. We should have started a union.")

The slow, painful death of journalism

Kat 3 prepares to bunny-kick a Business section:
"Bad editors! Bad editors!"

Who the neck feeds copy Editors? We has spellcheck.
"The inessentialness of copy editors is underscored by the advent of sophisticated spellchecking systems which have introduced a hole new level of error-free proofreading. No longer can we say that the editor's penis mightier than the sword. The sword's main foe is a computer now, and the computer is up to to the task."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/19/AR2008061902920.html

Your local city council meeting story, written and edited...
from India!
"An Indian company will take over copy editing duties for some stories published in The Orange County Register and will handle page layout for a community newspaper at the company that owns the Pulitzer Prize-winning daily, the newspaper confirmed Tuesday."

http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D91GQIK80.htm

News you can use! (What to do with these "improved" newspapers.)
http://daisythecurlycat.blogspot.com/2008/06/wordless-wednesday-news-you-can-use.html

Daisy shows off the latest fashion trend: Don't read the paper...
wear it!

Or ... fill your litter box with it, and poop on it!!

-------------------

But ... Easy Like Sunday Morning:
A breath of fresh air

The wind direction changed, and here on the Central Coast, the sky finally turned blue-tiful.

To see where the fires are in California.
http://www.oes.ca.gov/WebPage/oeswebsite.nsf/InteractiveMap?readForm
(We are to the south of the two fires south of Santa Cruz)

Kitty survives Trabing wildfire that destroys its home.
http://www.mercurynews.com/centralcoast/ci_9728002?nclick_check=1

More on the Big Sur fire, near us.
(The Investor is very worried for some of the most beautiful and beloved spots in the WORLD).
Among the sites in Big Sur that are threatened is the home of Henry Miller.

http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_9725016

UPDATE: It appears the San Jose Mercury News links no longer work. But I'm going to keep up the links just because. Maybe the tyrant owner Singleton doesn't want anyone linking to his newspaper who is critical of the "kill journalism" approach management is taking at nearly all U.S. papers today. The links likely died for another reason... but it's more entertaining to think it's the first reason.

Yet another award, for excellent journalism!

2008-06-28T15:27:00.000-07:00

I have an award to add to The Morning Scratch Wall of Awards! Beside the Purrlitzer we won last year, I hang this award from Monty Q.

Thanks, dude!

I now pass on this honor to Skeeter.

Skeeter may have kidney failure, and he needs to go back to the V-E-T Monday morning. I am concerned about my good friend. Please purr for him.

Emil, we will miss you

2008-06-28T15:20:00.000-07:00

The Cat Realm

Oopz.

2008-06-25T21:56:00.000-07:00

more cat pictures

Wordless Wednesday

2008-06-24T19:56:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday

2008-06-18T00:15:00.000-07:00

What's been going on??

2008-06-15T17:53:00.000-07:00

By Bogdan
Morning Scratch editor

So, the staff and I have been away for quite awhile. Here's some of the news events that have hindered publication:
1. I allowed the Investor to take a two-week vacation to visit family in the Washington, D.C., area. In her absence, family in California took care of us at home. This meant I continued to eat lots of vishus deer. NOM.
2. I gave the Investor my blessing to take a new second job. This meant she was busy interviewing and resigning and such. She will now be working in PR for environmentally friendly companies (no longer as a copy editor at a newspaper). I told her I expect tons (literally) of organic catnip.
3. Jeffrey needed some training. He has mastered the "I don't care" look (a-la-Bogdan) and managed to poop several times in the house in choice stepping spots. I am now proud to call him a member of my Morning Scratch staff.
4. Napping. Duh.

You know what's the worse thing? No new photos of us! But this is what I do have, thanks to my private investigator, who was following the Investor (aka: The Man) ...

Cousin Morgan, from Maryland:

Cali, from Northern Virginia:

Amber, Cali's older sister:

And last, but not least: The Investor... What the heck is she doing?!

It's My Party!

2008-05-13T10:15:00.000-07:00

By Sara
Morning Scratch reporter

It's my birthday!!!! I am 6.

Today, I get the window seat! (Ha-ha, Bogdan!!)

From my mom

Morning Scratch buys from renowned artist Honey P. Sunshine

2008-05-03T11:01:00.000-07:00

By Bogdan
Morning Scratch editor

The Morning Scratch has bought two pieces of artwork from Cat Blogosphere-famous Honey P. Sunshine.
They are displayed in the recently dedicated Honey P. Sunshine Gallery at the Morning Scratch offices.
"Cat Scratch Fever" is Honey P.'s interpretation of her Mommie's new chair. "Leftovers" truly reflects depth and composition that are central to Honey P. Sunshine's artwork.
The "Original Pussycat Doll" hails from Sacramento.

The New Employee

2008-04-24T15:11:00.000-07:00

By Bogdan
Morning Scratch editor

The Investor insisted I hire another reporter. So here he is settling in during his first day of work.

Name: Jeffrey
Age: 1
Occupation: Morning Scratch reporter

I, Bogdan, welcome him with a hiss: "Stay out of my office!"

Sara: Hi. Want work on a story together?

Kat 3: Back it up, dude. Your breath stinks!

Silly Sunday

2008-04-20T13:14:00.000-07:00

By Bogdan
Morning Scratch editor

This primo catnip requires three paws!

Shelter Saturday and more

2008-04-19T10:35:00.000-07:00

By Bogdan
Morning Scratch editor

More birthday news before I get to Shelter Saturday. My good buddy Monty Q. Kat pimped me up for a birthday present. I got shades and a pimp hat! Check it out at his blog. Click here.

Fish with catnip insides ... haute cuisine! Thanks, Scooter!

Here are some shelter kitties. They are, from left, Snap, Ginger and Douglas. They are the brother and sisters of Jeffrey - of whom the Investor has taken a bazillion photos.

They are very feral. My Investor thinks it is very strange that Jeffrey is so outgoing, while his family is so scared. Only Snap will go up to the Investor, but she does not want to be pet. The other two, particularly Douglas, want nothing to do with her. (I can't blame them! She stinks like human sometimes! That's why her arms require baths from Sara and me.)

7th Birthday Celebration

2008-04-17T17:41:00.000-07:00

By Bogdan
Morning Scratch editor

Maybe my Investor forgot my birthday, but all my great friends didn't! Thank you everyone for the birthday wishes. Thank you to my buddy Monty Q for sharing on Cat Blogosphere.

After I reminded my Investor of her forgetfulness, she gave me Fancy Feast and Greenies.

And check out the gift I received in the mail from my very good friend Scooter:

Today ...

2008-04-16T10:27:00.000-07:00

is my birthday. The Investor forgot.

-Editor Bogdan

Wacky and Wordless Wednesday

2008-04-15T00:21:00.000-07:00

By Bogdan
Morning Scratch editor

Easy Like Sunday Morning

2008-04-13T10:45:00.000-07:00

By Bogdan
Morning Scratch editor

For me

When is brunch served?

For the humans

Carrizo Plain National Monument

For the cats at the shelter

Did you see something MOVE? Cooooool.

Shelter Saturday

2008-04-12T11:50:00.000-07:00

By Bogdan
Morning Scratch editor

So, the Investor has been spending time with other cats without my permission. They live at North County Humane Society. She does the newsletter, which you can download here, and she pets and plays with the cats there. NCHS is a cat-only shelter.

One thing I'm very concerned about is this:

There must be a bazillion photos of him on The Morning Scratch camera. Hmmmm.

April Fools answer

2008-04-11T12:37:00.000-07:00

By Bogdan
Morning Scratch editor

The April Fools rap was by Angus.

Sorry for the delay in the answer. The Investor had to serve on a jury and work long days. It's really unreasonable for all these outside activities to continue.

In other news, we here at The Morning Scratch have been sleeping in sun puddles and eating vishus deer.

April Fool's Rap

2008-04-01T10:28:00.000-07:00

In honor of the Fool's day
I thought I'd do a rap
Maybe you could guess who
Is never smokin' catnip
My tail is kinda short
An' bushes up to tell you
You don't come into my house
Without you been invited
When it comes to walkin'
I get a little help
My boys add up to
Somethin' more
And I twirl on the floor
My girl she is a strange one
She has a thing for hair
My stripes they call her over now
But I just tell her "Ciao".
My ride is like a whirlwind
But it don't really matter
Cause my love for Pit'r Pats
Is just gonna make me fat-ter
That's all I've got to say
Yeah, I've given you some clues
And if you guess who I am
I'll send the first five food.

Where's the Morning Scratch?

Calling me names, Part 2

2008-03-28T09:27:00.000-07:00

By Bogdan
Morning Scratch editor

The Man pointed out that the Investor missed two nicknames:
14. Blob-don
15. Blog-don

(sigh)

Thursday Thirteen, Edition "Who knows??"

2008-03-27T09:57:00.000-07:00

By Bogdan
The Morning Scratch

My Investor has gotten such joy out of you, my friends, calling me Bogga, she wants to share 13 nicknames and such ("such" as in, embarrassing names) she and The Man have for me.

1. Bogga (which you all now know .... sigh)
2. Fatty Mc-Fat-Fat (leftover from my heftier years)
3. Buddha
4. Ba-ba
5. Mr. Bogdan
6. Bogadonasaurus
7. Boo
8. Mama's boy (Investor!!! How dare you.)
9. Boosh-ga-ba
10. Bogdan, No!
11. Poop-Monster
12. Boo-Monster
13. The Editor

Bogdan: "Sara, did you just F-A-R-T??? Ha-ha."

How I spent my Easter Sunday

2008-03-24T10:50:00.000-07:00

By Bogdan
Morning Scratch editor

Bogdan: Hey, Investor? Have you typed my articles yet??

Investor: No, Bogga. I've been working on the newsletter for SLO County's North County Humane Society. (The Morning Scratch will link to the April/May edition when it's posted to the NCHS Web site.)

Bogdan: Hmph. You've been typing for other cats?? Unacceptable!

... And stop calling me Bogga. It's Mr. Bogdan to you!

Monday Bunday

2008-03-17T12:53:00.000-07:00

By Bogdan
Morning Scratch editor

Easy Like Sunday Morning

2008-03-16T10:09:00.001-07:00

By Kat 3 and Sara
Morning Scratch reporters

Easy Like Sunday Morning setup: (1) Put two kitchen table chairs together to make a bed in front of an open door, with screen closed! (2) Add cozy San Jose Sharks blanket. (3) Cuddle in the sun with your sister. ... Easy!

Diva Kitty isn't having as easy a Sunday morning... DKM is trying to wash her Gizzy!!!