Tunch is Shrill
This is what I have been dealing with since 9 am this morning:
I have no idea what he wants. He has clean water and food. His litterbox is clean. He has been furminated and I have played with him all morning. Yet he will not leave me alone.
Also, Laura send along the great news that the Balloon Juice store has raised close to $915 bucks for Charlies Angels pet rescue. Make sure you get your swag today.
March 7, 2010 12:14 pm
Posted in: Open Thread
165 Comments
165 Responses
Scott de B. - March 7, 2010 | 12:17 pm · Link
Perhaps he is simply annoyed at the slow progress of health-care reform.
Bort - March 7, 2010 | 12:18 pm · Link
Wow, that sounds exactly like our late cat Charlotte. Near the end, she was senile and tended to walk around the house giving us the gift of her raspy meow all day long.
Ash Can - March 7, 2010 | 12:19 pm · Link
If it’s cyber-snorgles he wants, he’s going to rake in a ton of them with that video. <3
JenJen - March 7, 2010 | 12:19 pm · Link
I speak fluent cat, and I’m pretty sure he’s saying “PTFB.”
Uloborus - March 7, 2010 | 12:22 pm · Link
That is one annoying meow. Also, isn’t he capable of ripping a man in twain with one sweep of his mighty claws? I suggest you do anything you can imagine to prevent that, up to and including ditching Lily so he won’t be jealous anymore.
WereBear - March 7, 2010 | 12:23 pm · Link
Have you ever explained what is going on with your shoulder? I know it sounds crazy-cat-person, but half the time they are annoying me for an explanation. Getting one seems to make them happy.
Dead Ernest - March 7, 2010 | 12:23 pm · Link
I’m no Senator so I don’t have the skills to diagnose from the video but; Tunch looks well – I don’t think he’s complaining.
After an extreme Winter, it feels like Spring today here in Kansas City. Perhaps he is rousing to the change of season. My cat has spent more time outside over the last two days than she has over the last two months.
John Cole - March 7, 2010 | 12:24 pm · Link
I swear he has some Siamese in him.
Elisabeth - March 7, 2010 | 12:24 pm · Link
Heh. I’ve got one doing the same thing today. I even heard her while I was outside with her “brother.” I think it’s the mild weather.
Dan Robinson - March 7, 2010 | 12:24 pm · Link
I have cats and I can understand catspeak. What he is saying is that he hasn’t had his daily ass-kicking and wonders when the fun will begin.
mr. whipple - March 7, 2010 | 12:25 pm · Link
Just be grateful it didn’t start at 5:30 am.
stevie314159 - March 7, 2010 | 12:25 pm · Link
Google Translator says the sound at 0:08 is “Fire Rahm”.
Max - March 7, 2010 | 12:26 pm · Link
So good. I put it on the stereo speakers and Max the wheaten freaked out. He hates cats and was running all over the house looking for the offender.
Right now, he’s patrolling the perimeter of the yard looking for the screeching kitty.
Thank you @JohnCole. Your pain has made my morning a pleasure.
wmsheppa - March 7, 2010 | 12:26 pm · Link
My cat, in the meantime, managed to chase a dingly ball into a plastic bag, was unable to get it out, and has been walking around the apartment with a bag looped around her neck for the last three minutes as my girlfriend and I tried to get a shot of it.
This all happened because she heard the Tunch video and so aborted ball removal mid-bag diving.
trollhattan - March 7, 2010 | 12:27 pm · Link
ZOMG kitteh sounds really pissy. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that Mittens is being interviewed on NPR as I played the vid. God, what a loathsome prick (Romney, not the Tunchinator, whom I revere from this safe distance). My takeaway: The preznit is well on his way to completing the ruination of Amerika.
asiangrrlMN - March 7, 2010 | 12:27 pm · Link
I’m with the PTDB crowd. It’s clear that Tunch has his paw on the pulse of America. Aaaaaaw, Tunchie! He’s looking positively perky today. I love the sweet sounds of him crooning at you, Cole.
Jill - March 7, 2010 | 12:29 pm · Link
Don’t look to me for sympathy. I’ve got a white cat who wants attention ALL THE TIME. I give my husband a hug, Maggie feels left out. I pet our other cat, Maggie is jealous. The screeching starts two hours before each mealtime and it goes nonstop. And I am not allowed to sleep past 5 AM. Ever.
John Cole - March 7, 2010 | 12:29 pm · Link
BTW- included Kale in my smoothie this morning and it was surprisingly good.
Deb Tinsley - March 7, 2010 | 12:29 pm · Link
Spring fever
demo woman - March 7, 2010 | 12:31 pm · Link
Tunch is imitating Lindsay’s appearance on Face The Nation.
Martin - March 7, 2010 | 12:33 pm · Link
I think he preferred when you were in excruciating pain. I suggest breaking your other shoulder.
@John Cole:
Good god, man. When you go DFH, you don’t fuck around.
cat48 - March 7, 2010 | 12:37 pm · Link
I think Tunch is bored with the coin. Don’t you have a catnip mouse for him?
bumblebums - March 7, 2010 | 12:38 pm · Link
Dear Tunch,
my sentiments exactly.
yours in disgruntlement, bumblebums
JackieBinAZ - March 7, 2010 | 12:38 pm · Link
The coin is too far away. He wants it moved closer.
MikeJ - March 7, 2010 | 12:38 pm · Link
@JenJen:
Pet The Fucking Blanco gato.
freelancer - March 7, 2010 | 12:39 pm · Link
I’ve had a sinus infection since Friday, but last night it decided to go full retard.
Not enough Sudafed in the world…
JackieBinAZ - March 7, 2010 | 12:39 pm · Link
Put the food back
mr. whipple - March 7, 2010 | 12:39 pm · Link
@cat48:
That’s what I was thinking. ‘Here’s a quarter to play with.’
What?
Billy K - March 7, 2010 | 12:40 pm · Link
Awesome.
The Main Gauche of Mild Reason - March 7, 2010 | 12:41 pm · Link
@John Cole:
Next, John will start touting the virtues of year-round birkenstocks and patchouli hair oil. It’s only a matter of time.
toujoursdan - March 7, 2010 | 12:41 pm · Link
So much like my cat “Baby”, only not quite as much in-your-face”.
Yesterday mine wouldn’t leave me alone for 6 hours. I finally had enough and went to the gym.
If I didn’t know he was fixed (and a guy-cat anyway), I’d swear my cat was in heat.
malraux - March 7, 2010 | 12:44 pm · Link
I’m betting its spring fever. He probably thinks he want to go outside.
Mayken - March 7, 2010 | 12:44 pm · Link
If the behavior continues, might have the vet check his thyroid levels. Our female kitty has hyperthyroid and one of the first symptoms was that she cried a lot, usually starting at 4 or 5am and not stopping till she got one of us up. Also have his blood pressure checked. Our vet tells us non-stop meowing can also be a sign of high blood pressure.
Comrade Jake - March 7, 2010 | 12:44 pm · Link
Sounds like “GET OFF MY LAWN!” to me.
Comrade Darkness - March 7, 2010 | 12:44 pm · Link
Excuse me, Stewardess, I speak “Tunch”.
Okay, I played that for my grumpy fat cat. Twice. She was VERY interested. VERY. And now she is looking behind the monitor, and sniffing to find the cat in question. So, I’d say “in the spring the young buck’s heart turns to thought’s of love” or just wild s_x.
Meg - March 7, 2010 | 12:44 pm · Link
Our cat G.G. did that too this morning.
She stopped when we let her out to stroll around a bit.
I think it is the good weather after days of rain and coldness.
WereBear - March 7, 2010 | 12:45 pm · Link
@wmsheppa: When Reverend Jim, the Maine Coon mix, was about six months old, I walked into the hall as he was examining the contents of one of those plastic grocery bags.
He acted guilty, though he hadn’t bothered anything yet. This made him take off through the living room, with one of the bag loops over his neck, which scared him into making sharp turns, each one whacking the bag against the furniture.
I was using it to bring my lunch to work. By the time I got it back, only the Slim Jim was still edible. The grapes were hopeless.
Comrade Darkness - March 7, 2010 | 12:46 pm · Link
@bumblebums(!) Wait, I think we know each other… Hm, lets see . . . does the number 1225 mean anything to you?
Wilson Heath - March 7, 2010 | 12:48 pm · Link
That sounds like a demand for the dog’s head on a platter. There’s a difference in which of our pet overlords we welcome . . .
shortstop - March 7, 2010 | 12:49 pm · Link
Well, I’ve finally managed to get the dog to stop running in circles barking her fool head off. I won’t be playing that vid again.
bemused - March 7, 2010 | 12:50 pm · Link
John, I second spring fever & he wants you to do something about it. If you had a kitty leash, a walk outside might cure what ails him.
mutt - March 7, 2010 | 12:50 pm · Link
he is tryig to tell you something. If he were mine, id bring him round to the vet. Check for abdominal tumors.
Lux the Cat, RIP.
Carrie - March 7, 2010 | 12:52 pm · Link
Because i’m pretty bored, i just googled cats and kale and apparently it’s good for them.
Maybe that’s what he wants?
Comrade PhysioProf - March 7, 2010 | 12:52 pm · Link
He’s saying, “Dude, this fucking quarter ain’t gonna cut it! This cat’s all about the motherfucking benjamins! Capisce?”
Annie - March 7, 2010 | 12:54 pm · Link
@Scott de B.:
LOL. Either that or Tom DeLay on the TV this Sunday morning….Clearly some new kitty toys also are in order…
mr. whipple - March 7, 2010 | 12:54 pm · Link
@Comrade PhysioProf:
He wants the glass of beer to go with it.
wmsheppa - March 7, 2010 | 12:56 pm · Link
@WereBear: Wow… luckily this bag was empty, and my cat isn’t a Maine Coon. Was the slim jim in fact damaged at all? That would be a really impressive feat…
Danton - March 7, 2010 | 12:58 pm · Link
Hmmm… after reviewing this clip three times, I’m guessing Tunch wants another cat in the house. Someone who understands him. Someone he can relate to.
Then again, maybe he just wants yogurt.
gbear - March 7, 2010 | 12:59 pm · Link
@Jill:
I’ve got two cats going thru that phase right now. I can’t pet one without the other one getting pissy or pouty about it. When they get pouty they run off into another room and then meow for attention. If you go to give them a pet the other cat follows and it starts all over again.
Comrade Mary - March 7, 2010 | 1:01 pm · Link
Awwwww-dorable! That makes me miss my Maggie, who had the same “amusemepetmefeedmeadoreme” call.
But that’s not shrill. If Tunch were shrill, it would sound more like “Phnglui mglwnafh Cthulhu Rlyeh wgahnagl Ftagn!”
Remember, John, if he really loves you, he’ll eat you first.
Max Peck - March 7, 2010 | 1:02 pm · Link
Maybe he’s upset about Rothlesberger.
Cain - March 7, 2010 | 1:03 pm · Link
@The Main Gauche of Mild Reason:
That would make a pretty good april 1st joke. The patchouli hair oil would be a good laugh and a subtle one at that.
cain
Jim in Chicago - March 7, 2010 | 1:06 pm · Link
A friend of mine is having similar trouble with her cat. A dog trainer who also knows about cats told her the trick is to ignore him when he yowls and give him lots of attention only when he’s quiet. It takes time, and there may be a few relapses along the way, but this should work (unless there’s something actually wrong with your kitty). A consequence, such as being put in the bathroom for a few minutes when he won’t shut up (not allowing him out until he’s quiet) may also be needed.
Silver Owl - March 7, 2010 | 1:07 pm · Link
Change of seasons spring is coming. Both of my cats used to get more vocal and run like madwomen around the house.
licensed to kill time - March 7, 2010 | 1:10 pm · Link
Tunch wants some catnip – give him some ‘nip, dude! Let him tear around the house, get the munchies and pass out.
Ming - March 7, 2010 | 1:11 pm · Link
In cats, mating season begins after a sustained period of longer days (>12 hrs daylight). It stands to reason Tunch would also be activated by the change in season even if he’s a guy, and fixed—mating obviously involves guy cats as well, so it makes sense for them to respond to the same sunlight cues as the females, and the circadian “clock” is in the the hypothalamus (in the brain)—not the ‘nads.
Hi Tunch!
Corner Stone - March 7, 2010 | 1:11 pm · Link
Whatever it is, I’m sure in 8 or 9 hours of trying you will find it.
Cain - March 7, 2010 | 1:14 pm · Link
@Jim in Chicago:
I’ve done that with my cat, but then he’s clever he starts doing things that he knows are naughty like beating up on our other cat, or clawing a rug, running around the house at full tilt. It’s kind of amusing on how he tries to manipulate us. We do sometimes kick him out though when he’s being way too nutty.
cain
Gretchen D - March 7, 2010 | 1:14 pm · Link
My main concern ( I’m with #42 and might be a bit worried) would be a possible urinary tract infection. Is he peeing normally?
If he is, then I guess he’s probably just giving you a piece of his mind. Loudly, too!
gizmo - March 7, 2010 | 1:16 pm · Link
Don’t worry about his behavior. He’s just imitating the Republicans he sees on TV.
JK - March 7, 2010 | 1:17 pm · Link
test
Comrade Kevin - March 7, 2010 | 1:18 pm · Link
@wmsheppa:
Pither: My rubber instep caught on the rear mudguard stanchion and…
Gulliver: Really? And what happened to the corned beef rolls?
Pither: The corned beef rolls squashed out of all…here, how did you know about the corned beef rolls?
Gulliver: I noticed them – or what remained of them – in the road. I noticed also that the lemon curd tart had sustained some superficial damage.
Pither: That’s right. The curd had become…
Gulliver: Detached from the pastry base.
Pither: (with some surprise) Absolutely right, yes.
Gulliver: Otherwise the contents of the sandwich box were relatively unharmed, although I detected small particles of bitumen in the chocolate kup kakes.
Pither: But they were wrapped in foil!
Gulliver: Not the hard chocolate top, I’m afraid.
Pither: Oh, that’s the bit I like.
Gulliver: The sausage roll, the crisps and ginger bisquit were unscathed.
arguingwithsignposts - March 7, 2010 | 1:22 pm · Link
Tunch!
cat48 - March 7, 2010 | 1:23 pm · Link
Are there other cats outside roaming around? My kittehs are always upset when another cat comes on their property. They take turns running around and shrieking about it. Maybe Tunch smells other kitties outside.
Morbo - March 7, 2010 | 1:25 pm · Link
@Comrade PhysioProf: “Everything except ‘Capisce.’”
mr. whipple - March 7, 2010 | 1:27 pm · Link
Adam Gadahn, American Al Qaeda, Captured
I don’t know what the Obama admin did to get the cooperation of Pakistan, but I sure hope they keep it up.
CaseyL - March 7, 2010 | 1:30 pm · Link
My guess: You haven’t been able to play with him for a very long time because of your injury; you finally were able to again; and he’s got 2(?) months of back-play coming.
IOW, this is Tunch’s way of saying he’s glad you’re getting better: by demanding more of you.
cmorenc - March 7, 2010 | 1:31 pm · Link
@John Cole
Those YEOW!lings are cat-speak for:
“Open me a can of Tuna, willya John?” “What are you waiting for John, Tuna please!”
Dead Ernest - March 7, 2010 | 1:31 pm · Link
@MikeJ:
Pet The Fucking Blanco gato.
Mike, excellent.
I bet you’re right.
Cain - March 7, 2010 | 1:32 pm · Link
@mr. whipple:
Wow, nothing like a little competence and a lot less saber rattling. What’s awesome is how quietly it is being done. The administration is not using this to milk the headlines. The administration rightly understands that crowing about this will make it easier to recruit people into al-qaida. Smart thinking.
cain
4tehlulz - March 7, 2010 | 1:33 pm · Link
he’s either looking to score or is sick. has he been using the litter box?
Svensker - March 7, 2010 | 1:34 pm · Link
He doesn’t sound or look unhappy or in pain, just full of ructions. My guess is spring fever and sap rising. I’m feeling a bit that way myself. Heard the first woodpecker making his god-awful mating squawk this morning. All the critters are doing it.
Dave C - March 7, 2010 | 1:35 pm · Link
Sign of the impending apocalypse, # eleventy-three:
Bill Kristol referred to as an “expert” on Iraq. Granted, it was on Fox News.
asiangrrlMN - March 7, 2010 | 1:38 pm · Link
@Dave C: It’s probably in Kristol’s contract—required fluffing by Wallace before he (Kristol) will perform on camera.
@mr. whipple: No shit. Not bad for someone who is skeered of terrorists and soft on terror, eh?
And, TUUUUUNCH! I love that cat.
robertdsc - March 7, 2010 | 1:41 pm · Link
I could watch that all day. Thanks, John.
suzanne - March 7, 2010 | 1:44 pm · Link
My Nico used to yowl like that about once every six weeks. I’d take her outside for a walk (well, I would walk, she would laze in my arms and look about) and she’d calm right down.
She was an indoor cat, though, so this might not help if he’s used to going outside.
Bill E Pilgrim - March 7, 2010 | 1:44 pm · Link
Whatever you do don’t play that audio backwards. It’s a secret too terrible for any of us to know.
jeffreyw - March 7, 2010 | 1:44 pm · Link
Tunch Time! Er..wait, I mean Lunch Time!
Maude - March 7, 2010 | 1:46 pm · Link
I had a cat that did that. He’s talking.
asiangrrlMN - March 7, 2010 | 1:47 pm · Link
@jeffreyw: Now that’s more like it! I didn’t care for the fuzzy oatmeal in the last pic.
cat48 - March 7, 2010 | 1:48 pm · Link
Ok, O, you got Gadahn and you’re scheduled to spk at 3 about Iraqi elections; couldn’t you crow about catching the ‘merican wanted for Treason, too?? Just once? Bush/Cheney would be chest bumping on the front lawn today…you betcha.
Mike E - March 7, 2010 | 1:52 pm · Link
Holler at yer boy!
Short Bus Bully - March 7, 2010 | 1:53 pm · Link
He doesn’t “want” something, he is sending out roars of triumph!
“I got this shaved monkey to bring me food!”
“He cleans up my shit!”
“He brushed me and played with me all morning!”
“It’s true, I RULE!”
Bill E Pilgrim - March 7, 2010 | 1:53 pm · Link
My favorite Sunday posting is up. I don’t even bother streaming the actual shows anymore.
The best parts this week:
**
Gregory: so you maintain he’s just an idiot
Sebelius : yes – you’d like him
**
Hatch: reconciliation has never been used to pass this bill before
Gregory: oh noe!
**
Hatch: see this proves invading Iraq was a great idea because there’s a chance this country can survive the Bush reign of terror
Gregory: so you think Iraq can survive?
Hatch: I was talking about the U.S.
The Moar You Know - March 7, 2010 | 1:56 pm · Link
Good lord, Tunch has a more annoying meow than my kitty. Didn’t think it was possible.
J. - March 7, 2010 | 1:59 pm · Link
Tunch!
What Tunch is saying:
a) “Get that effing camera out of my face.”
b) “Get that effing dog out of my house. It’s spring, so why is she still here?!”
c) “When’s football season? I miss the Steelers’ blanket.”
d) “Why are you always on that stupid computer?”
ruemara - March 7, 2010 | 2:03 pm · Link
Oh how I wish my Smudge was so quiet and polite. 7:30 am-Loud bellow outside the bedroom door. Chased by spouse. 8:am thru 8:30 am-lowing in living room that sounds like it’s right outside the door. This is near every morning.
To put it in perspective. My tuxedo cat can be heard behind a steel clad door, up to 60 feet away. He can wake you from a sound sleep. In fact, after years in his company, you will hear him in your dreams. When he’s outside, he sits by the door and cries to be in. Last time clocked, he went for 3 hrs-straight. When inside, he cries to go out. If he doesn’t want to go out, he just wanders around crying. EVERY. DAMN. DAY.
He’s 17, so this may be the end. As bad as this sounds, I will probably not go for any loud kitties after him, this was enough. Where’d my little dust ball who used to play hide and go pounce with me go? I’ll be devastated when he passes, no matter how annoying he is.
Comrade Kevin - March 7, 2010 | 2:11 pm · Link
@Bill E Pilgrim: The Bobblespeak Translations really are quite awesome.
Allan - March 7, 2010 | 2:11 pm · Link
I concur with the diagnosis of spring fever/horniness.
Pennypacker - March 7, 2010 | 2:15 pm · Link
John, I think you’re well-advised to have Tunch’s thyroid levels checked.
Joshua Norton - March 7, 2010 | 2:18 pm · Link
Um, get used to it for a while. Judging from my past kitteh experiences, if you’re routine is being disturbed by moving preparations, it’s probably going to be non-stop until a new routine is established. As the day draws closer you’ll probably have to get him off the ceiling with tranquilizing darts.
MoeLarryAndJesus - March 7, 2010 | 2:18 pm · Link
@Max Peck:
I think you’ve got it.
It may be time to neuter Big Ben to keep him from further “allegations.”
General Egali Tarian Stuck - March 7, 2010 | 2:18 pm · Link
Glenn Harlan Reynolds sees dead people, and revolution on the horizon based on the Constitution and apparently Rasmussen Polls that highlight our governments lack of consent of the governed. Which could be our undoing as a republic.
And in defense of his argument, the rascal plays the beer card.
I am personally offended he smears Schlitz since I was weened on that brand of brewskie from many sojourns to our turn around bootleggers in a preacher approved dry county in Eastern Kentucky. Shame on Glenn for such blasphemy.
All else being equal however, Reynolds brings some pretty choice wingnuttery this Sunday morn.
ellaesther - March 7, 2010 | 2:21 pm · Link
I think it’s clear he wants opposable thumbs so that he can pick up that quarter and play the slots. So that he can win you a million bucks.
Or maybe you should clip his nails—it looks like he’s having a little trouble retracting them, and that could mean a touch of the ar-ther-itis.
But I’m sure it’s the million bucks thing.
General Egali Tarian Stuck - March 7, 2010 | 2:24 pm · Link
And you folks leave Tunch alone. He can be shrill if he wants. Pay no never mind to the harping Tunchster.
jeffreyw - March 7, 2010 | 2:31 pm · Link
Good thread to relink to this Toby classic.
kommrade reproductive vigor - March 7, 2010 | 2:31 pm · Link
Until you’re being woken from a sound sleep at 4 a.m. because a furry maniac has gotten bored and turned it up to 11, I don’t want to hear about it.
My big fat cat has lungs like Pavarotti, an impressive range of yowls, howls, grumbles, gurgles, squawks and shrieks and the only time he shuts up is when he is asleep, eating or one of his human slaves is carrying him around.
Wanna trade?
Mike E - March 7, 2010 | 2:33 pm · Link
@Comrade Kevin: Culture of Truth, the Pundit Whisperer.
jeffreyw - March 7, 2010 | 2:34 pm · Link
And Bea wanted back in, too.
mr. whipple - March 7, 2010 | 2:37 pm · Link
@Bill E Pilgrim:
Thank you for that. Freaking genius. Much better than suffering through the real thing.
BGK - March 7, 2010 | 2:41 pm · Link
Has he been able to urinate? A co-worker of mine asked me about why his cat was “complaining” like that for two days. I asked him if there was any evidence in the litterboxes that the cat had urinated. He couldn’t think of any. A vet visit showed a plugged urethra and a bladder dangerously close to bursting.
I know there’s lots of jokes about ferocious Tunch, but maybe you could feel for his bladder and see if it’s distended?
You Don't Say - March 7, 2010 | 2:42 pm · Link
I think Tunch is bored. Have a laser light he could chase?
How old is Tunch, btw?
John O - March 7, 2010 | 2:44 pm · Link
I believe that constitutes aerobics for my main man Tunch, no?
harlana peppper - March 7, 2010 | 2:48 pm · Link
Shrill? Now the shocking truth is out! Tunch is a liberal! Also, I think he may be pissed that he can’t eat that coin, there.
Get in mah belleh!
HRA - March 7, 2010 | 2:53 pm · Link
@mr. whipple: #64
Respect and understanding goes a long way.
CT Voter - March 7, 2010 | 2:54 pm · Link
He knows he owns you, and he’s reveling in that knowledge on this nice springy day.
harlana peppper - March 7, 2010 | 2:54 pm · Link
@jeffreyw: I can see kitteh tonsils!
Bill E Pilgrim - March 7, 2010 | 2:55 pm · Link
@kommrade reproductive vigor:
Doing Nessun Dorma then, I presume?
CynDee - March 7, 2010 | 2:56 pm · Link
Maybe he hurts or is sick.
Other cats doing this, around the country . . . hmmm. Earthquake coming?
mr. whipple - March 7, 2010 | 3:00 pm · Link
/Bot alert.
Obama to speak live at 3pm EST, Cspan, on the Iraq election.
joe in oklahoma - March 7, 2010 | 3:06 pm · Link
on MTP: Orrin Hatch and Rich Lowery openly endorse Harold Ford…saying the Democrats need more pols like Harold
but, of course.
Betsy - March 7, 2010 | 3:08 pm · Link
TUNCHIE
!
:D yay. Seeing him always makes my day. This video also makes me grateful that I have the quietest cat I’ve ever met in my life. Chompers will make little trills and murmurs, but even on the rare occasion when she tries to meow, it comes out as either totally silent (to human ears, anyway) or as a tiny, super-high-pitched squeak. I’ve never heard her meow like a cat. It’s weird. Not that I’m complaining.
sloan - March 7, 2010 | 3:10 pm · Link
@mr. whipple:
The wingnuts are having a helluva time reporting this without mentioning a certain U.S. President by name or his strategy shift from Iraq to Afghanistan. It is killing them.
I’m just waiting for Dick Cheney’s unemployed daughter to complain about Gadahn’s legal representation. I’m sure this got her hot and bothered.
General Egali Tarian Stuck - March 7, 2010 | 3:10 pm · Link
@CynDee: Prolly just Sarah Palin planning to run for president.
mr. whipple - March 7, 2010 | 3:10 pm · Link
Seems like a lot of people are worried about Tunch. I worry about mine when they are quiet and well-behaved.
AhabTRuler - March 7, 2010 | 3:11 pm · Link
@4tehlulz:
First thing you learn is you always gotta wait…
mr. whipple - March 7, 2010 | 3:12 pm · Link
@sloan:
The last few weeks have really been amazing. If it didn’t hurt the effort, I think Obama should crow about this. You know darn well if this happened under the chimp, he’d be out in his flight suit every freaking day, and the press would be all gaga.
Martin - March 7, 2010 | 3:14 pm · Link
@mr. whipple: Barry Soeto Obama, Muslim soc!alist, has now allied himself with the terrorist-bent, Muslim government of Pakistan and arranged to have a US Christian-born citizen arrested and detained by Muslim security forces. What more will this terrorist sympathizing president do to destroy America?
(See, that wasn’t so hard)
Arachnae - March 7, 2010 | 3:16 pm · Link
I’m pretty sure he was saying, “We have to go back, Kate… we have to GO BACK!”
licensed to kill time - March 7, 2010 | 3:16 pm · Link
Steve Benen on “Updating Our Political Dictionaries” and soliciting submissions.
cat48 - March 7, 2010 | 3:19 pm · Link
Gadahn’s daddy was a goat farmer, not to be confused with a millworker. heh Wasn’t Barack’s dad a goat herder, hmm?
Corner Stone - March 7, 2010 | 3:21 pm · Link
@AhabTRuler:
When, Lord, when? When’s gonna be my time?
R-Jud - March 7, 2010 | 3:23 pm · Link
Played the clip; our female cat came up to the monitor and started sniffing around. Our male cat sat down and started licking his bum. Inconclusive results.
Oscars: we will not watch because a) we’re not all that interested; b) things don’t start until about 1 am or so here. But Armando Iannucci’s twitter feed has been fun (he’s nominated for screenwriting In The Loop):
and
Also, he’s posted some pictures of teeny-tiny week-old puppies.
licensed to kill time - March 7, 2010 | 3:25 pm · Link
@AhabTRuler: yeah, but does Tunch got twenty-six dollars in his paw?
WereBear - March 7, 2010 | 3:33 pm · Link
@Betsy: Likewise, Reverend Jim chirps, trills, squeaks, and purrs, but never meows. In his case, it’s the usual Maine Coon voice.
While The Princess, (a year old this week!) only complains if something has gone wrong.
mr. whipple - March 7, 2010 | 3:34 pm · Link
I’m Waiting For My Can(of Tuna), by Tunch
I’m waiting for my can
Got 25 cent in my hand
Up on couch, 9 to 5
Feel hungry always, more dead than alive
I’m waiting for my can
Here he comes, he got that stupid dog
Spending hours on the stupid blog
He’s never early, he’s always late
First thing you learn is I always gotta wait
I’m waiting for my can
I’m gonna holler, gonna bawl and shout
I’m feeling hungry, wanna see that new can opener out
I’m feeling hungry, I’m gonna whine and pout
Until I get my tuna, get that can opener out!
I’m waiting for my can
R-Jud - March 7, 2010 | 3:36 pm · Link
@mr. whipple: I don’t know whether to applaud you, or feel pity. Either way, I was moved, man.
licensed to kill time - March 7, 2010 | 3:39 pm · Link
@mr. whipple:
VERY nice, mr whipple! I bet Tunch sounds just like Lou Reed when he sings it, too. In his own mind at least.
Tuuuuna Ca-an
Be the death of me
It’s my life and it’s my wife
Annie - March 7, 2010 | 3:40 pm · Link
@mr. whipple:
Just awesome…
John Cole - March 7, 2010 | 3:42 pm · Link
@Martin: Just tweeted something similar.
Chuck Butcher - March 7, 2010 | 3:45 pm · Link
“You bastard, I don’t want to diet.”
burnspbesq - March 7, 2010 | 3:46 pm · Link
Shrill? He’s obviously auditioning to be the vacation replacement for Greenwald.
Ann - March 7, 2010 | 3:46 pm · Link
If it keeps up, I agree with the take-Tunch-to-the-vet folks. When Theo, a rambunctious 2-year-old DC street kitty who lives with me, did this once, he has having a severe allergic reaction.
Blue Shark - March 7, 2010 | 3:48 pm · Link
John…
...He is telling you to quit pointing that vid cam at him that is giving him brain cancer.
Betsy - March 7, 2010 | 3:49 pm · Link
@WereBear:
That is a great name for a cat.
debit - March 7, 2010 | 3:50 pm · Link
@mr. whipple: The only thing that would make that song better would be if it were sung by Mississippi Gary. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Em2icoJfLu4
moe99 - March 7, 2010 | 3:51 pm · Link
I think Tunch is telling you he wants to run away and join the circus:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlKYtLlvRlU
sloan - March 7, 2010 | 3:54 pm · Link
@Martin:
A sampling of the nutter reaction scraped from the bottom of the memeorandum barrel:
Reliapundit: WHO DESERVES CREDIT FOR THIS CAPTURE? PETRAEUS AND BUSH! NONE TO OBAMA OR PAKISTAN.
Jim Hoft: So, do you suppose Obama has him lawyered up yet?
Melissa Clouthier: You know, it’s a crying shame we’ve outlawed cruel and unusual punishment.
Scared Monkeys: Now please, please can we bring back waterboarding and make this treasonous bastard talk and give up everything he knows. A note to President Barack Hussein Obama, this would be what we in the real world call a victory in the WAR ON TERROR not an overseas contingency plan.
Nice Deb: Has he been read his Miranda rights?
Ace of Spades: If it is true, I wonder if any of the al-Qaida Seven will resign their DoJ positions to defend him. Nah, they can do more to help him where they are.
And so on. This is just more proof that Bush was right all along and B. Hussein Obama is a failure!
Bad Horse's Filly - March 7, 2010 | 3:56 pm · Link
I vote spring fever. And whatever it was it made my big ole male Berman spring into action. The rest, not so much.
Meanwhile, my pretty calico seems to have a boyfriend. He’s a big old yellow long-haired tabby who has taken to showing up at our door and sitting outside it. My calico then sits at the door and mews to go out.
Nevermind that everyone is neutered and my cats are only allowed to sit on the porch.
It’s spring, even if your nuts are cut off I guess.
Skepticat - March 7, 2010 | 4:00 pm · Link
One of my cats has been wandering around muttering a lot. The other—a Maine coon—is always vocal. Perhaps it is indeed spring fever.
Tunch’s body language seems pretty relaxed. Perhaps he thinks you’re relaxing too much and is trying to keep you off balance.
Yowling—and you’d know the difference between a yowl and a “comment”—at night is a warning sign of health problems, but he seems to simply be missing with you.
LiberalTarian - March 7, 2010 | 4:00 pm · Link
Gas. Clearly.
rootless-e - March 7, 2010 | 4:04 pm · Link
If’ we’re going to get into the lou reed lyrics, nothing good will come of it.
I’ll tell you something
Glen, he is a blogger
And Jane, she is one too
Both of them slam Obama, ha
And tell us that he’s through
Sweet ….
Linkmeister - March 7, 2010 | 4:22 pm · Link
@Arachnae: But then where are Tunch’s tattoos? (Stupidest episode in all six seasons, I thought.)
Barry - March 7, 2010 | 4:45 pm · Link
My translation:
“I’m hungry; the dog looks good, and should fit nicely into the oven. Get cracking, you lazy cat servant!”
Tonal Crow - March 7, 2010 | 4:46 pm · Link
He knew you would post a story about him being pissy just before a story about how head-over-heels in love you are with Lily.
You really like to play with fire, don’t you?
morzer - March 7, 2010 | 5:18 pm · Link
Isn’t Tunch just protesting the imminent Sarah Palin Trailer Trash Live reality show? Frankly, the thought makes me want to miaow, vomit and buy an UZI, all at the same time.
Kobie - March 7, 2010 | 5:23 pm · Link
Sounds like Michelle Malkin.
Kobie +0
Trinity - March 7, 2010 | 5:27 pm · Link
As someone with a degree in vocal performance, I say that your cat has a lovely voice! I intend to commence composition of a new opera, La Tunchiata!
Soon the phrase will be “It ain’t over until the Tunch sings!”
IanY77 - March 7, 2010 | 5:29 pm · Link
“Midnight
Not a sound from the pavement
Has the moon lost her memory?
She is smiling alone
In the lamplight
The withered leaves collect at my feet
And the wind begins to moan”
Lesley - March 7, 2010 | 5:57 pm · Link
Heads up to Tunch: It’s hard to take your complaints seriously when they’re accompanied by purring.
2th&nayle - March 7, 2010 | 6:24 pm · Link
Just be sweet to him, John. My cat Junior got killed in the road in front of the house last night. I found him at daybreak this morning. I already miss him so bad I want to cry.
SIA - March 7, 2010 | 7:03 pm · Link
@ 2th&nayle, I am so, so sorry to hear that.
Dave Ruddell - March 7, 2010 | 7:11 pm · Link
Don’t know if this will work for you (or anyone else) but when my cat gets all whiney, I toss a blanket over a chair to make a ‘tent’. He almost always goes into said tent and will often stay for hours.
Alternatively, I just throw the blanket over him (it’s not very heavy). After about thirty seconds, he’ll usually curl up and shut up. YMMV
WereBear - March 7, 2010 | 7:16 pm · Link
@2th&nayle: Oh, that’s awful. I’m so sorry.
Comrade E.B. Misfit - March 7, 2010 | 7:19 pm · Link
2th & Nayle, my condolences.
As for the matter at hand, Tunch is telling you to put down the damn camera and pet him.
Ash Can - March 7, 2010 | 7:21 pm · Link
@2th&nayle: I’m so sorry to hear that. That’s tragic. Condolences on your loss.
gravie - March 7, 2010 | 7:43 pm · Link
My cat has been on a tear this week, too. Maybe there’s something in the air.
gsp - March 7, 2010 | 11:16 pm · Link
Tunch is thinking I wish I had my balls back so I could get me some lady kitties.
Darkrose - March 8, 2010 | 12:48 am · Link
Joxur makes noises like that when he feels insufficient attention is being paid to the most important being in the universe, namely, His Great Grey Furriness. The amount of attention paid to him throughout the day is irrelevant—what matters is whether or not you’re petting him RIGHT NOW.
asiangrrlMN - March 8, 2010 | 2:15 am · Link
@2th&nayle: Oh no! 2th&nayle, my deepest condolences to you and your loved ones. May Junior run swiftly to the other side and peek in on you from time to time to make sure you are doing all right. I am so sorry.
Nazgul35 - March 8, 2010 | 12:41 pm · Link
Clearly…Tunch’s plan to have Lily incapacitate you so he could eat you have gone awry…so he has moved on to psychological warfare.
2th&nayle - March 8, 2010 | 2:16 pm · Link
@asiangrrlMN: @Ash Can: @Comrade E.B. Misfit: @WereBear: Thanks for everyones kind words. Hope I didn’t leave anyone out. Things a little better today. Thanks again.
2th&nayle - March 8, 2010 | 2:31 pm · Link
@2th&nayle: Thanks to everyone for your kind comments. Today’s not so sad as yesterday. He was a good cat and as short as it was, he had a good life. He certainly got whatever he wanted around this house! Thanks again.
2th&nayle - March 8, 2010 | 2:33 pm · Link
FYWP! Or whatever. Geeze!
funluvn - March 8, 2010 | 3:53 pm · Link
Shrill, but funny!