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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 21 of 21. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Lisa Simpson on November 22, 2000, at 10:15:40
I reckon I know of something that works better (or least quicker) than any AD - and that is... cats.
When I feel at my lowest, I find cuddling a cat or two is one of the most relaxing things I can do. I reckon Siamese cats etc. should be available on prescription for those who need it. (I cite Siamese as an example because they are one of the breeds who are highly intelligent, very affectionate and are very vocal, so will talk to you a lot, which can be nice when you're feeling low and lonely. I have three, and they talk their heads off.
Anybody else have any fur-covered pills?
My motto for this year:
Cuddle a Cat for Christmas.
Lisa(By the way, I've been told stroking a cat generates negative ions... does anyone know what they are?)
Posted by shellie on November 22, 2000, at 10:54:52
In reply to Fur-covered pills, posted by Lisa Simpson on November 22, 2000, at 10:15:40
Lisa, if you missed a thread on pets (maybe a month or so ago) you might want to go back and read it. I think you'll find incredible poignancy and humor about pets. It's a really good thread, worth reading again.
As for ions and cats, I don't know.
Posted by Noa on November 22, 2000, at 12:41:21
In reply to Re: Fur-covered pills » Lisa Simpson, posted by shellie on November 22, 2000, at 10:54:52
I have been thinking about getting a cat.
Several problems, though:
1. landlord doesn't allow pets
-BUT--the condo assn. does, and the landlord is NEVER there. A dog would be hard to hide, but a cat is do-able.
2. I have a slight allergy--my eyes can get itchy and my throat scratchy
-BUT--the allergic response is intermittent, and if I keep the cats out of the bedroom, maybe it would be ok
3. I am barely taking care of myself and my apartment--it is a filthy wreck. Is it reasonable to think I can keep the litter box, etc. clean? This is also an issue re: the allergy, because I would have to vacuum more regularly (read: a lot more than not at all).
-I don't know. That is the main sticking point. I want to think YES, but I worry that it will be hard for me.
SO, I am not jumping into this decision, just mulling it over.
I would really like a pet. I am lonely a lot.
I once had a cat, but I lived in one room and I couldn't take sleeping with the cat in the bed and he was a needy cat who kneaded all the time and woke me up in the middle of the night all the time by purring in my ear and making me wake up to nightmares about wild animals roaring and growling. He also needed to be in my lap all the time--ALL THE TIME. I liked him but I started to resent him and decided he would be happier with a family with kids (I had seen him with friends' kids and he was really happy with them around) so he could get a lot of attention, and happier in a bigger space and not living with someone who was resenting him. I gave him to a family and they reported to me that after the initial adjustment, he was very happy and they were happy with him.
I am a bit afraid this would happen again--that I would start to resent the cat for needing me too much--either attention or litter box cleaning, whatever. Of course, I live in a much bigger space now, so I can get away from the cat sometimes. I am afraid of the committment, I guess. I still don't trust myself about being able to follow through.
But when I see my friends' cats, I do feel I want one. Frankly, part of me would love to have a dog, but I know that that is an even bigger committment of care, time, and money, and living space is an issue, too, and so, this is not in the cards at this point in my life.
Posted by Rach on November 22, 2000, at 19:51:26
In reply to Re: Fur-covered pills, posted by Noa on November 22, 2000, at 12:41:21
I have a sweet moggy, but unfortunately she isn't much interested in cuddles. She will, however, let me have the occasional pat!
Okay negative ions. Quick chemistry tute! I'll do my best to explain, and I'll assume no prior knowledge (so please excuse me for talking at you as if you are 5yrs old).
Everything in this world (including you!) is made up of tiny particles called atoms. Atoms have a central core, in which resides neutrons (these have a no charge) and protons (these are positive). Surrounding the core are electrons (negative charge).
An atom is most stable when it has a certain number of protons and electrons. Thus, sometimes an atom will lose or gain protons or electrons. This produces an ion. More protons than electrons = positive charge, and therefore a positive ion (sometimes called cation).
Thus, a negative ion (or anion) is an atom that has more electrons than protons, (promoting stability for that atom)= a negative charge.
Confused yet? :)
Negative ions are said to be a natural anti-depressant in the air, and that is why it is suggested sometimes for people with depression to get a negative ion air generator.
Search for negative ions on the net, and a whole stream of sites about negative ion air generators appears. Also, apparently comps emit positive ions; so don't spend too much time at PB!!!
R
Posted by coral on November 22, 2000, at 21:19:44
In reply to Negative Ions kitties - Lisa Simpson, posted by Rach on November 22, 2000, at 19:51:26
The two cats who live with us (actually, we're their valets) are more intuned with me than I am, sometimes. If I'm going through a bad patch, they insist (thank God) on staying close, almost in shifts, and making physical contact. The same thing happens when my husband is having a migraine. Not terribly long ago, he underwent a surgical procedure that required cautious care for 72 hours, and there was a "fur-covered pill" next to him, again in shifts, until the 72 hours passed. Almost as if they knew the doc's orders, when the time was up and he could resume his normal activities, so did they. He took an extra day to rest and they checked in on him periodically, but it wasn't the constant companion attention they gave him during the 72 hour period. They're incredibly comforting and I'm thankful they've chosen us as their people.
Coral
Posted by shellie on November 22, 2000, at 22:43:16
In reply to Re: Negative Ions kitties - Lisa Simpson, posted by coral on November 22, 2000, at 21:19:44
>I had two cats; one died two years ago. I am left with the "used to be independent cat" whose need for personal space has totally shifted. Now she must be in every room I am; she follows me all over the house. She is nineteen, her heart is very strong (she runs up and down the stairs for food), but she has lost almost all her hearing. So if she can't find me, she screeches at the top of her lungs, and it sounds as if a form of torture is happening somewhere in my house. If she is asleep elsewhere when it is time for me to go to bed I wake her up and put her in my room; otherwise when she wakes up on her own (maybe 2 or 3) in the morning, the screeching for me starts.
Right now she is curled up on HER chair in the computer room,and I look at her and I love her so much that I reach out to pet her.
shellie
Posted by coral on November 23, 2000, at 9:36:08
In reply to Re: Negative Ions kitties - Lisa Simpson, posted by shellie on November 22, 2000, at 22:43:16
Dear Shellie,
Both you and your cat are lucky. There are treaties that become established in the best relationships with our feline friends and heaven help you if you break the treaty. It opens the "meow-negotiations." It is understood that when my husband eats jalapeno dip, the black cat is to get his share (the lion's share, I might add). If I don't get up and open their window at the agreed-upon hour, there's no way they'll come inside at their "normal" hour. After all, one of the cats did nudge me repeatedly and if I still slept, the consequences were mine. The gray cat has his chair and no one else is to sit in it, even if HE doesn't want to be in the chair at that given moment, no one else should be there.
Coral
Posted by Lisa Simpson on November 24, 2000, at 9:30:14
In reply to Re: Negative Ions kitties - Lisa Simpson, posted by coral on November 23, 2000, at 9:36:08
Thanks for your lesson, Rach, it was very interesting! I was especially intrigued to hear that negative ions are sometimes called cat-ions!
Lisa
Posted by Noa on November 24, 2000, at 12:24:00
In reply to Re: Negative Ions kitties - Lisa Simpson, posted by Lisa Simpson on November 24, 2000, at 9:30:14
I am getting more tempted by the minute, you guys.
That is so cool how the cats know when extra care is needed.
Jalapeno Dip? Really? So many different cat personalities!
Posted by shellie on November 24, 2000, at 16:03:49
In reply to Re: Fur-covered pills, posted by Noa on November 22, 2000, at 12:41:21
Hi Noa. Here's my response to your decision about a cat.
Pets are wonderful wonderful friends. But one should think very seriously before getting one. They require care. They need to be fed, taken to the vet, they may get sick, etc. If you commit to a pet, you must FULLY commit to that pet.< 3. I am barely taking care of myself and my < < < < < < < apartment--it is a filthy wreck. Is it < reasonable to think I can keep the litter box, etc. clean? <
Cats are very clean animals. If their litter is not changed regularly, they are not happy and may opt to pee elsewhere (i.e., on the floor or a rug.)
On the other hand, that might motivate you to keep your apartment a bit cleaner!> ...I am a bit afraid this would happen again--that I would start to resent the cat for needing me too much--either attention...
You might consider getting two kittens or cats, rather than one. That way they may be somewhat less needy (especially if you get them at the same time). And if you're at work all day, I think they'd be less inclined to resent your time away from them and maybe not act out.
With those warning given , I again want to emphasize that pets are wonderful for mental health, and for a feeling of connection AND responsibility. I just think one needs to really think about (as you are) the full picture.
shellie
Posted by Rach on November 25, 2000, at 4:51:15
In reply to Re: Negative Ions kitties - Lisa Simpson, posted by Lisa Simpson on November 24, 2000, at 9:30:14
I cannot believe I have never noticed that before, especially while explaining it all!
:)(It is actually the positive ions called cations, but it's still cute!)
> Thanks for your lesson, Rach, it was very interesting! I was especially intrigued to hear that negative ions are sometimes called cat-ions!
>
>
> Lisa
Posted by Rach on November 25, 2000, at 5:02:16
In reply to Re: Negative Ions kitties - Lisa Simpson, posted by Noa on November 24, 2000, at 12:24:00
The cat I have now, Cleo, is actually the baby of a previous cat we had, Scampers. They have such different personalities!
Scampers was definately a touchy-feely cat. She loved cuddles and being petted, and would be extremely jealous if you paid anyone else attention. She would stay close if she was needed. She once actually snagged my hand with a claw, and used my hand to clean behind her ears! Scampers' favorite treats were raw carrot, Twisties and hot dogs.
Cleo hates being picked up. She will tolerate a small amount of petting, but soon will run away. Whenever I have wet hair, though, she tries to groom me by digging her claws in my head and trying to lick and bite my hair! (She is not a great hairdresser.) Her favorite treats are cheezels, salt & vinegar potato chips, and chocolate.
I'm sure if you care for your cat, it won't care about having a messy house. In fact, the cat may love having a complicated playground! If you get a snuggling cat, it can be such a nice feeling - a real pick me up. Knowing there is at least one soul who loves you unconditionally, and who is there to snuggle and just have company.
Posted by stjames on November 26, 2000, at 5:51:28
In reply to Fur-covered pills, posted by Lisa Simpson on November 22, 2000, at 10:15:40
Both of my most favorite times envolve my cat, Minerva.
After I take my Remeron, I like to read in bed. My cat has a ritual
for this, I call this behavior a "display". She circles, back and forth, right by the side
of the bed. One way she marks with her face, the other with tail and hind quarters. 5 mins of this.
Then she hops up and rubs aganist the book and tries to invade the space between me and the book. This
is a behavior we are still working on ! Losing this battle she settles on my chest and begins purring
as I pet her. Between the Remeron and her soothing purr I often awake in the wee hours, the book still on my chest.
This is one of my favorite times of the day.Minerva retires to her purch by the bed, she know I thrash around till I am fully asleep. The fire dies in the woodstove and
the house gets cold, so she cannot resist a warm sleeping human with many blankets, and snuggles in with me. I usually wake up
for a few mins right before dawn. This used to be my bedtime when I did not work. In the dessert the tempature drops rapidly right befor dawn
so I am usually cold, looking for several blankets I have kicked off; the fire is long cold. Usually all I see are her ears, poking out from
the warm spot she has found. Careful not to bury her with the cast off blankets I settle in and warm up, while scratching her neck. Purring ensues and a yawn or two.
The purring and growing warmth lull me to sleep. This is my other, most favorite, time of the day.James
Posted by coral on November 26, 2000, at 19:27:29
In reply to Favorite 2 times of the day, posted by stjames on November 26, 2000, at 5:51:28
Dear James,
What an incredible description of your wonderful Minerva. You created a beautiful visual picture. Thank you.
During the bleakest times, one cat snuggles in the crook of my neck and sleeps. I'm not sure there's anything quite as relaxing. Favorite times - indeed! :)
Coral
Posted by Noa on November 30, 2000, at 15:08:07
In reply to Favorite 2 times of the day, posted by stjames on November 26, 2000, at 5:51:28
Minerva sounds like a wonderful pet, and a great bed-warmer, too!
BTW, I **think** Minerva was the cat's name on the old radio show, "Our Miss Brooks" (and no, I am not THAT old!---I heard it on reruns of old classics, of course). I don't know if they had the cat, Minerva, in the tv show.
Posted by Emmanuela on December 1, 2000, at 0:41:39
In reply to Re: Favorite 2 times of the day, posted by Noa on November 30, 2000, at 15:08:07
What do you mean, dearest Noa - 'not that old' - I remember the 'Our Miss Brooks' shows like they were yesterday - however, I was just a thought in my Daddy's mind at the time.
Posted by Noa on December 1, 2000, at 14:41:23
In reply to Re: Favorite 2 times of the day, posted by Emmanuela on December 1, 2000, at 0:41:39
> What do you mean, dearest Noa - 'not that old' - I remember the 'Our Miss Brooks' shows like they were yesterday - however, I was just a thought in my Daddy's mind at the time.
OOPS, showing my ageism again. Sorry.
Posted by Noa on December 1, 2000, at 14:43:37
In reply to Re: Favorite 2 times of the day, posted by Emmanuela on December 1, 2000, at 0:41:39
> What do you mean, dearest Noa - 'not that old' - I remember the 'Our Miss Brooks' shows like they were yesterday - however, I was just a thought in my Daddy's mind at the time.
Actually, I was really talking about the radio show, which I think must have been a good deal earlier than the TV show. I don't even know what year these were aired--do you?
Posted by Emmanuela on December 1, 2000, at 20:19:46
In reply to Re: Minerva---Radio vs. TV » Emmanuela, posted by Noa on December 1, 2000, at 14:43:37
Dearest Noa,
OK, I lied. I used to sit in front of the TV with lemonade and black olives and gobble up the 'Our Miss Brooks' shows...and my Daddy was at work.... Didn't even know it was on the radio -
Posted by B Day on December 3, 2000, at 10:22:04
In reply to Re: Minerva---Radio vs. TV » Emmanuela, posted by Noa on December 1, 2000, at 14:43:37
> > What do you mean, dearest Noa - 'not that old' - I remember the 'Our Miss Brooks' shows like they were yesterday - however, I was just a thought in my Daddy's mind at the time.
>
> Actually, I was really talking about the radio show, which I think must have been a good deal earlier than the TV show. I don't even know what year these were aired--do you?Noa & Emmy,
I swiped the following off a web page...
OUR MISS BROOKS
October 3, 1952 - September 21, 1956
CBS Situation Comedy - 127 Filmed EpisodesCast:
Connie Brooks: Eve Arden
Osgood Conklin: Gale Gordon
Philip Boynton: Robert Rockwell
Walter Denton: Richard Crenna
Harriet Conklin: Gloria McMillan
Mrs. Davis, landlady: Jane Morgan
Miss Daisy Enright: Mary Jane Croft
Mrs. Martha Conklin: Virginia Gordon & Paula Winslowe
Superintendent Stone: Joseph Kearns
Stretch Snodgrass: Leonard Smith
Gene Talbot: Gene Barry
Clint Albright: William Ching
Angela Nestor: Nana Bryant & Jesslyn Fax
Oliver Munsey: Bob Sweeney
Mrs. Nestor, Angela's sister: Isobel Randolph
Benny Romero: Ricky Vera
Mr. Romero: Hy AverbackThe trials and tribulations of Connie Brooks, the wisecracking English teacher at Madison High School. Stories depict her romantic misadventures as she struggles to impress Philip Boynton, the biology instructor; and her continual clash with crusty, blustery Osgood P. Conklin, the principal. Connie rented a room from kindly old Mrs. Davis and rode to school each morning with one of her students, the dimwitted Walter Denton.
At the start of the 1955-1956 season, Madison High was razed for a highway project and Miss Brooks found a new job at Mrs. Nestor's Private Elementary School nearby. For some reason, Mr. Conklin had acquired the job as principal there, and he and other cast members remained on the show to harass her. Connie's new love interest was the young physical education teacher, Gene Talbot, who was chasing her, quite a turnaround from Mr. Boynton's shy indifference.
Our Miss Brooks had originated on CBS radio in 1948, and was heard on both radio and TV throughout the mid 1950s with essentially the same cast.
You can download the theme song at the following url:
http://www.sitcomsonline.com/sounds/ourmissbrooks.wavB
Posted by Noa on December 4, 2000, at 6:30:52
In reply to Re: Minerva---Radio vs. TV, posted by B Day on December 3, 2000, at 10:22:04
Ms Brooks gives you an A+ for your research, Bday.
This is the end of the thread.
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