Topic: Random thoughts (Read 702512 times)

~~GarandMarine~~ · « **Reply #4850 on:** 10 Jun 2014, 19:16 »

I fucking love the pale blue dot quote.

and papersatan's brilliant idea just made me gain 10 lbs.

Method of Madness · « **Reply #4851 on:** 10 Jun 2014, 20:52 »

For some reason I find it strange when people say the word "kitten" instead of "kitty". Why would anyone not say "kitty"? It's so much more fun to say!

ChaoSera · « **Reply #4852 on:** 11 Jun 2014, 03:23 »

Probably because 'kitty' can mean both an adult cat and an infant one, while 'kitten' specifically refers to an infant cat.

Method of Madness · « **Reply #4853 on:** 11 Jun 2014, 04:43 »

I never really got that, since "puppy" means "young dog", shouldn't "kitty" mean "young cat"? It's not like people don't call adult dogs "puppy" if they're particularly playful.

pwhodges · « **Reply #4854 on:** 11 Jun 2014, 04:51 »

In the case of kitten, -en is a diminutive ending, as in maiden, chicken (originally) - the base 'kit' being a version of cat. Kitty is an affectionate formation from kitten.

Puppy comes from the Old French popée, poupée meaning doll, toy, plaything - through being used to mean a small dog used as a lady's pet or plaything. So the -y ending there has a completely different origin.

Method of Madness · « **Reply #4855 on:** 11 Jun 2014, 04:58 »

Still, if kitty is derived from kitten, doesn't that mean kitty should be used for young cats? Sure, it's still used for all cats sometimes, but so is puppy for all dogs. Even large ones

Btw I hope this is clear as "I prefer it" and not "you're wrong for using kitten" because the latter just isn't true.

pwhodges · « **Reply #4856 on:** 11 Jun 2014, 05:05 »

We naturally place (domestic) cats and dogs into the position of infantile companions, and so it often seems natural to use the "young" versions of their names indiscriminately as a term of affection or endearment; I don't think there's anything more to it than that.

Method of Madness · « **Reply #4857 on:** 11 Jun 2014, 05:09 »

I do wish we had a less grumpy option for a cat emoticon.

Masterpiece · « **Reply #4858 on:** 11 Jun 2014, 05:25 »

Quote from: pwhodges on 11 Jun 2014, 05:05

We naturally place (domestic) cats and dogs into the position of infantile companions, and so it often seems natural to use the "young" versions of their names indiscriminately as a term of affection or endearment; I don't think there's anything more to it than that.

The interesting thing is that kitten see themselves as our young as well.

The domestic cat can cross-breed with wild ats, the biggest difference between the two is that domestic cats still retain their infantile behaviour.

LTK · « **Reply #4859 on:** 11 Jun 2014, 06:01 »

I thought that was only true for dogs? I heard that cats go feral if they're not accustomed to humans, even when raised by a domestic cat.

Masterpiece · « **Reply #4860 on:** 11 Jun 2014, 06:11 »

I think they have both, both the infantile behaviour and the feral one. Which is also why they both speak baby-cat language and adult-cat language.

I know my cat was always feral when he was outside, but as soon as he saw me he always went all "MEOOOOOOW" and came running

Barmymoo · « **Reply #4861 on:** 11 Jun 2014, 08:11 »

I call all dogs "pup" but reserve puppy for young dogs specifically. Likewise, I call all cats "kitty" but reserve kitten for young cats. Kitty is a much better word than cat!

Papersatan · « **Reply #4862 on:** 11 Jun 2014, 08:24 »

'Feral' refers to something more than just the behavior of a domestic animal when it is outdoors away from humans. Feral animals are of a species that has been bred for domestication, but which are not themselves domesticated.

A feral cat is one that has grown up without human contact, and they cannot be kept as pets because they never learned to live closely with humans. When Animal shelters are notified of large populations of feral cats, they generally gather them up, spay and neuter them, take any kittens away (as they can still be raised as pets) and re-release them, either in the same location, or on the property of someone willing to have them (a farmer perhaps).

Domestic cats raised by humans, do make lots of noises that feral cats do not, because they are noises we reward with food and attention.

Fun fact: The pigeons found in US cities are actually feral descendants of versions of domesticated rock doves.

Barmymoo · « **Reply #4863 on:** 11 Jun 2014, 09:47 »

Humans can also become feral - it's rare but babies are sometimes raised by animals, and less rarely and more tragically in my view are neglected for years without anyone realising, with the result that they simply never learn to communicate or interact with people.

The Seldom Killer · « **Reply #4864 on:** 11 Jun 2014, 11:02 »

In the men's toilets at work there's been a coin at the bottom of a bowl for over a day. I think it's quiet presences asks two interesting questions:

a) would you stick your hand down the loo for 10p?
b) would you be happy to crap on the Queen's head?

Barmymoo · « **Reply #4865 on:** 11 Jun 2014, 11:04 »

Something to aim at?

Thrillho · « **Reply #4866 on:** 11 Jun 2014, 16:21 »

I'd happily do b) regardless of payment, 10p or otherwise.

LocoJoe · « **Reply #4867 on:** 12 Jun 2014, 15:04 »

I have an almost limitless supply of rubber bands at my job, so naturally I like to fling them at random objects and coworkers [never in the face, I'm not that evil].

Then, I found this:

...So, naturally I made one of my own.

I might not have a job soon.

Patrick · « **Reply #4868 on:** 15 Jun 2014, 03:28 »

that is something you should not have shown me

94ssd · « **Reply #4869 on:** 15 Jun 2014, 13:59 »

Quote from: Papersatan on 11 Jun 2014, 08:24

Fun fact: The pigeons found in US cities are actually feral descendants of versions of domesticated rock doves.

A few days ago I was thinking about how interesting it is the way pigeons (as well as squirrels) react based on population density of humans in the area. In the surban-ish area I live in they will fly off or run away if they so much as lock eyes with you. On campus, you can get within maybe an arms reach of one, but if you try to go towards one they'll go off. In NYC, you could accidentally brush against a pigeon that's standing on the sidewalk and it wouldn't seem to mind.

Loki · « **Reply #4870 on:** 15 Jun 2014, 14:03 »

I have seen a similar effecr with ravens (or crows, cannot tell them apart). In my home city, you barely see any. In my current town, which is a lot smaller and more peaceful, they will sometimes hop by within half a meter of you.

cesium133 · « **Reply #4871 on:** 15 Jun 2014, 14:05 »

When I went to NYC, the Central Park pigeons walked right up to me. I think they wanted food. Here the squirrels behave similarly. I've had a squirrel walk up to me while I was carrying food and lay flat on the ground as a way of begging for some food. Somewhere on my computer I have a picture I took of him.

lepetitfromage · « **Reply #4872 on:** 16 Jun 2014, 08:04 »

I have 2 pigeon stories from my time living in NYC.

On my way in to class one day, a pigeon decided to hop on the train. He rode the train for one stop, turned around and hopped off. I'll never forget that.

Another story I'll never forget (for different reasons):

I was headed to the Virgin magastore in Union Square to pick up the new RHCP album on the day it came out (Stadium Arcadium). As I'm crossing the street, I feel something brush against the upper left part of my head. It was windy and crowded, so I figured maybe someone dropped a plastic bag or something. I reached up to brush it away and felt feathers. And a foot. I was so taken aback that I didn't even react at first. Eventually it sunk in that a pigeon flew into the side of my head and I was amused yet still slightly shaken. Little did I know, this would eventually come back to haunt me. A few years ago, Nick bought a sun conure. I was hesitant but knew that it would make him happy. I tried to warm up to it and let it sit on my hand for a while. It then decided that it would travel up my arm and sit on my head. Apparently, that was my cue to panic and I started to cry. We started the process of re-homing Birdie shortly thereafter. $:-\$

Papersatan · « **Reply #4873 on:** 16 Jun 2014, 09:50 »

When we moved to Michigan the squirrels took some getting used to. The are a different species than the squirrels in Rochester. Rochester has Eastern Grey Squirrels, and these are Fox Squirrels. The Fox Squirrels, in addition to being larger and a different color have much different behavior. The will let you get much closer than grey squirrels; I've had to play the "which way are you going? I'll go left, no my left..." game a number of times when walking because they just don't run away. On the campus this is partially because people feed them, but even where I live they behave this way. I did some research and it seems that before humans, Grey squirrels lived in dense forests and are not comfortable being on the ground for long, while fox squirrels lived in meadows near the edges of woods, so they don't run to a tree for safety at the first sign of trouble.

Also, over the course of this post I have learned how to spell squirrel. Thanks Chrome squiggle line of spelling help.

~~GarandMarine~~ · « **Reply #4874 on:** 16 Jun 2014, 09:58 »

Squirrel!

cesium133 · « **Reply #4875 on:** 16 Jun 2014, 10:07 »

"Please sir, may I have some more?"

Thrillho · « **Reply #4876 on:** 16 Jun 2014, 10:50 »

The other day May rang me about her eBay order and my parents potentially looking after it for her, and when I realised who was speaking I made an incredibly high pitched 'oooooooh' noise of realisation that I'm still embarrassed about.

Barmymoo · « **Reply #4877 on:** 16 Jun 2014, 11:00 »

Haha if it's any consolation, I didn't notice! I am still in a bit of a panic about this blinking chair, do you know anyone in Nottingham who might be prepared to have it for a bit? My hunt is thus far failing.

Thrillho · « **Reply #4878 on:** 16 Jun 2014, 11:23 »

Everyone I know from Nottingham has left now, I'm afraid. Only one I do know lives in one room in a house share with no common area and the room barely fits a bed in it. Sorry :/

Barmymoo · « **Reply #4879 on:** 16 Jun 2014, 11:50 »

I have a couple of feelers out, don't worry. At this rate I won't have found anyone before I am able to go get it anyway!

Masterpiece · « **Reply #4880 on:** 16 Jun 2014, 15:48 »

Random Thought: Today I fell asleep on the couch, in front of the TV. My dad does this, and I'd always take him to his bed when I found him that way.

Moments like these make me wish I'd have kids one day.

Thrillho · « **Reply #4881 on:** 17 Jun 2014, 06:17 »

The girl from the Co-Op was flirting with me, based on my NUS card photo. Was a bit weird. I did not flirt back. At all.

Is it cold in here? · « **Reply #4882 on:** 17 Jun 2014, 09:41 »

I've heard of rocking chairs, but not blinking chairs. Do you sit in them when you're making friends with a cat?

Barmymoo · « **Reply #4883 on:** 17 Jun 2014, 10:09 »

No, because they're fifty miles away and the courier still hasn't got back to you

Method of Madness · « **Reply #4884 on:** 17 Jun 2014, 14:20 »

Quote from: Gareth on 17 Jun 2014, 06:17

Was a bit weird.

What's weird about that?

Redball · « **Reply #4885 on:** 17 Jun 2014, 15:10 »

If it's both blinking and bleeping, it probably needs batteries. I wonder if they're included.

Method of Madness · « **Reply #4886 on:** 17 Jun 2014, 15:19 »

Oh hey, I have a five digit post count. How about that.

Kugai · « **Reply #4887 on:** 17 Jun 2014, 15:51 »

Let us know when you reach 10,191 then we'll call you Muad'dib

Method of Madness · « **Reply #4888 on:** 17 Jun 2014, 15:53 »

I still have to read Dune.

Kugai · « **Reply #4889 on:** 17 Jun 2014, 15:58 »

Quote from: Method of Madness on 17 Jun 2014, 15:53

I still have to read Dune.

Thrillho · « **Reply #4890 on:** 17 Jun 2014, 16:20 »

Quote from: Method of Madness on 17 Jun 2014, 14:20

Quote from: Gareth on 17 Jun 2014, 06:17
Was a bit weird.
What's weird about that?

It is not often that a girl initiates flirting with me. Especially when I am buying mushrooms, toilet roll and absolutely nothing else.

Method of Madness · « **Reply #4891 on:** 17 Jun 2014, 16:41 »

Such things are more likely to happen now that you're in a relationship. It's just a law of the universe.

ruineverything · « **Reply #4892 on:** 17 Jun 2014, 17:25 »

bainidhe_dub · « **Reply #4893 on:** 17 Jun 2014, 17:33 »

god I hope you are Jeph's new joke account

~~GarandMarine~~ · « **Reply #4894 on:** 17 Jun 2014, 17:56 »

Oh my dear, sweet, summer child.

BeoPuppy · « **Reply #4895 on:** 17 Jun 2014, 22:15 »

Quote from: Method of Madness on 17 Jun 2014, 15:53

I still have to read Dune.

Go do that now. We'll wait.

Patrick · « **Reply #4896 on:** 18 Jun 2014, 05:59 »

Quote from: LocoJoe on 12 Jun 2014, 15:04

I have an almost limitless supply of rubber bands at my job, so naturally I like to fling them at random objects and coworkers [never in the face, I'm not that evil].

Then, I found this:

...So, naturally I made one of my own.

I might not have a job soon.

I took this and made a diagram and showed my boss, and he stared at it for 5 minutes and kept repeating "What the fuck is wrong with you?!" and then we spent the next 10 minutes discussing design improvements. I fucking love going to work every day.

Method of Madness · « **Reply #4897 on:** 18 Jun 2014, 18:48 »

Quote from: BeoPuppy on 17 Jun 2014, 22:15

Quote from: Method of Madness on 17 Jun 2014, 15:53
I still have to read Dune.
Go do that now. We'll wait.

I'll do that someday, but you should wait here instead.

THESE FORUMS NOW CLOSED (read only)

Author Topic: Random thoughts (Read 702512 times)