Breaking Cat News by Georgia Dunn for September 27, 2020

Hehe. A Dune reference. So pumpkin spice is the spice of life. From Arrakis comes the psl then.

Looks like Lupin got into the coffee too . . . “The Red Couch is a Sandworm if you believe in yourself!”

Glowing blue eyes for everyone!

I see some really animated cats in the last panel….and the girl looks like a little wild woman! They love the spice….and the sugar!

Don’t look now, but Lupin and Elvis seem to be under the influence as well. You should have brought home some kid safe fall flavor beverages.

In 1957 my parents and I went on a road trip to Yellowstone and stayed in one of the little, rustic cabins. It was colder in the morning than they had expected and to help warm me up they gave me a big cup of black coffee. It was amazing how something could taste so awful and be so good at the same time!

Okay, since Pucky stole the joke I was gonna make, I will make a different one.

“Lupin, do we have wormsign?”“Elvis, we have wormsign the likes of which even Cat has never seen!”

Just a quick “hi” to piwismom, and a hope that you will be able to check in with us soon. Hugs and prayers being sent, as always.

SUNDAY FUNDAY TIME

Yes, the Dune reference is strong, The spice of life, indeed!

I have to admit, I have repeatedly engaged with Dune – from the original book and first two sequels, to various movie/TV adaptations – and repeatedly failed to bond with it. I totally support all the Dune jokes, versions, and fans, but if you’re looking for me, I’ll be a few universes over on Pern. :)

(Yes, this is a massive sci-fi fan sin. Mea culpa. To get all my crimes against sci-fi out of the way, I also failed to bond with Blade Runner.)

OMC DUNE is Brilliant!!

I just LOVE Lupin getting a sip in panel 8 and then he’s all “Ride ’em, Cat-Boy!” in panel 9!

And is the Toddler actually hissing in that last panel?

(Carefully sitting back from all the things being sprinkled with Pumpkin Spice… while slowly stirring Hot Coco with a Peppermint Stick!)

Looks like Lupin had some coffee too.

Is the Girl dressed up as a Bene Gesserit?

Puck appears to be the only being who hasn’t tasted the SPICE.

I’m thinking that if Goldie has some of the Spice she’d make a Reverend Mother seem a novitiate!!!

Puck, on the other hand, could emulate the Navigators – via Spice, seeing & charting the safe course…

The Man and the Woman are Fans! Of course they would like Dune. The eye color changes, and the Sisterhood outfit the girl is wearing, "the Sleeper has awakened! All cool. And of course “the Spice must flow” but Lupin riding a sand worm (disguised as a sofa part) is classic!

“MORE SUGAR COFFEE!” I think someone in that family is a Firesign Theater listener also.

Only Puck is a good boy, staying out of the “coffee”.

While I hate all the pumpkin spice marketing (who the heck needs Pumpkin spice toilet paper) I love the “Spice must flow” reference. Dune Geeks Unite!

You know, I’ve never read Dune. Not much of a sci-fi fan. But I’ve been debating giving it a shot anyway. Off to my dad’s book stash!

I don’t hate pumpkin spice, it just belongs nowhere near my coffee.

But I’ll have some pumpkin pie with coffee.

Pucky toe beans – in two panels!

Love Dune!!!

My mother is a Dune fan, and by fan I mean she’s read the ENTIRE series, SEVERAL times.

Note the the Pumpkin Spice aficionados: Dare now makes a Pumpkin Spice creme sandwich cookie that tastes like pie. It’s quite good.

Unfortunately, the girl has it the wrong way round.

It’s Coffee Sugar.

https://www.insider.com/sugar-in-starbucks-dunkin-fall-drinks-nutrition-facts-2019-10#starbucks-pumpkin-spice-latte-with-whole-milk-contains-50-grams-of-sugar-5

So many aromatic ♥♥♥s in today’s strip.

Elvis lapping cream is just as adorable as Pucky lapping donut icing.

OT. Yen

The Woman is obviously a big fan of Frank Herbert’s Dune series, this makes my day. And maybe Pucky is as well. Shai-Hulud! :D

Don’t dune that again.

The way the eyes change after they consume The Spice reminds me of the Werefloof!

Clever Dune reference with Lupin in the last panel!

Marie and I have bathroom books. Various books place in each bathroom so we can read while otherwise occupied. Both kids, Alexandria and Macgregor have been ‘infected’ with this peculiarity and have their own books in these tiny reading rooms. Marie reads new stuff all the time, I on the other hand, enjoy re-reading the same books so many times that the books fall apart.

I literally have Dune Messiah in the lower bathroom right now and my dog-eared copy of Dune in the upstairs bathroom. For years, my password for almost everything use to be Muad’dib. The worlds that Frank Herbert created are complex and incredible, and I was hooked in college.

If anyone is interested, they are re-making Dune yet again: https://www.imdb.com/video/vi3049046297?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_1

Nobody will ever be able to capture the complexity and nuance of the books, but I plan on seeing it all the same. For 10-points and control of the Board: What is the Freeman response to an opponent in a duel? Start the clock….

The spice has turned the girl into St. Alia of the Knife. Beware the gom jabbar she has on her left hand.

Pumpkin spice will drive the child out of her gourd.

I, I got new life, you would hardly recognize me, pumpkin spice

How can a creature like me care for you?

I, why do I bother, when you’re not the one for me?

Oo-hoo-hoo-oo-oo

Is enough enough?

I tried the spice and it opened up my eyes, I dream of cream

I now feel so outstanding without understanding

I sipped the drink and it opened up my eyes, I drank the spice

Everyone’s gonna drink it up to feel we’re right where we belong

Sad the buzz don’t last for long

I, under the influence, for so many years I wondered what you are

How could a spice like you bring me joy?

Under the influence, where the ceiling is a floor

Oo-hoo-hoo-oo-oo

Is enough enough?

I drank the spice (and shared it with some mice)

(I drank the spice, I drank the sp-i-i-i-ce)

(I drank the spice, I drank the spice)

I drank the spice and it opened up my eyes, I drank the spice (did I say that already? woo-hoo!)

(Jonas Berggren / The Sign – Ace of Base)

Having never read Dune, thanks to everyone for clarifying what is happening in today’s strip. (My husband and daughters on the other hand are fans.)

I think i am the only person left who simply drinks “coffee”, no futher clarifiers

“Those who can destroy a thing, control a thing.”

Nevertheless pumpkin spice is the work of the devil

It is by caffeine alone I set my mind in motion.

It is by the beans of Java the thoughts acquire speed,

The hands acquire shaking,

The shaking becomes a warning.

It is by caffeine alone I set my mind in motion.

Loving all this Dune imagery! :-)

Wow! I am impressed at all the Dune=ites here! I thought I would be the only one who actually read it! But I’ll bet I’m the only one who read it when it first came out as a serial in Analog Magazine. I also feel I was lucky. The story is so complex, it was much easier to read it in installments.

Georgia Dune?

Father…the sleeper has awakened! (literally)

For any who missed it. Georgia posted this yesterday about the real life mail carrier. Unfortunately, it was posted as a reply. “The Mailman is based upon a dear friend of mine, Nate, who is indeed a mailman! And indeed quite magical, lol. He really does have a wonderful way with animals, though in real life he never has quite won over Elvis—few people have! (With his permission I may be sharing a few photos of him in the coming week or so). In real life, Nate served our country in the army before becoming a mail carrier. I can’t remember how many push ups he starts his day with—but it’s many! He is a ruggedly fit individual. In writing this story, my original drafts had a strip where he did pull himself up the tree to where she was… and then I remembered that in this case Nate is sort of representing many mail carriers and that might be a very high expectation to throw out there on top of all the magic they already perform every day! However—Yes, he likely climbed up a bit to her. (And it might not have been as high for him as it was for her, I imagine). Do I know if Nate can really climb a tree? No (I haven’t asked him, lol, I probably should. I have a great deal of faith in him, you can tell!) Have I seen him do feats of great athletic skill? Yes! And were we very briefly on a kickball team together? Yes, lol! I am BY FAR not athletic, but it was all in good fun. …So, long explanation: Yes! He likely climbed the tree. In the end, I felt it better to leave some mystery and magic to it for the cats. They might not realize what we do, and it keeps it mysterious for them.”

Never watched Dune, and the only Sandworms I know are from Beetlejuice.

“Sandworms – you hate ’em right? I hate ’em myself.”

“Betelgeuse. Betelgeuse. BETELGEUSE!” :-)

I have given up on pumpkin spice flavor because it always turns out to be NO Pumpkin, just spice. Tell me which spice, because in the clove, allspice, nutmeg, mace, cinnamon spectrum, I really want to leave out everything on the clove end, drastically reduce the middle ones, and just add more cinnamon. I suspect I’m in the minority.

Meanwhile, Back on the Nile

Thomios: Hey guys, I found this scroll with a delicious sounding recipe for chowder. But it says you need a whole group of cats to make it.

Puckmosis: Well, here I am. I’ve got some cream for the chowder.

Elvis-Anum: Here are some spices

Beatrixia: And potatoes.

Tabith-Isis: I’ve brought home the bacon.

Maat-Tilda: I won’t be selfish. Here’s plenty of shellfish.

Sophititi: We need some healthy vegetables, too.

Lupinium: And I’ll flavor it up with some onions and garlic. It’s a good thing Trevor-Hotep was able to grow some that aren’t harmful to cats.

Serfig-Aro: Here’s some crusty bread to go with the chowder.

Burt-Ra: And I’ll tend to the fire as it cooks.

Queen Catshepsut the Golden: Uh, guys, the scroll actually says a group of cats make up a clowder.

Thomios: That’s great. Together we’ve made a chowder fit for a clowder!

Magic? One sip of coffee, and the becomes a college student. Meanwhile, Lupin is flossing the couch!

One reason “pumpkin spice” is seasonal is that many people have a low digestive tolerance for cinnamon and/or ginger. Those who “binge” may regret it. Imbibe moderately. :)

I don’t drink coffee at all and I like my pumpkin in a pie, but for tea lovers, I found an Earl Grey tea with saffron in it. Yes, you can see strands of saffron in each tea bag. Heaven.

Dune FTW!

Today is:

Ancestor Appreciation Day —If it hadn’t been for them, we wouldn’t be here. However, whenever the subject comes up, I’m reminded of an ancient Roman proverb: “Who serves his country well has no need of ancestors.”

World Deaf Day —That’s backwards: WE are the one’s not hearing, or seeing. As someone with hearing loss, I may have a greater appreciation for the trials and tribulations of the deaf. Let’s hear it for AMSLAN! And protect your hearing—modern hearing aids, the good ones, are incredible, and incredibly expensive. They are NOT OEM …

National Crush a Can Day —Recycling is good for the soul, and crushing cans is a great way to relieve frustration: They make a very satisfying CRUNCH! —and no one gets hurt. Plastic bottles and containers also work. Just imagine it’s the head of some oblivious or obnoxious waste of protoplasm. Very satisfying … and probably more effective …

National Corned Beef Hash Day —Ah, comfort food! No matter how much of a hash-up your day has been, this may go a long way toward fixing it. And if that doesn’t work:

National Chocolate Milk Day —This will lift your spirits. Being an unrepentant and unashamed chocoholic, I think it’s a great improvement on ordinary moo juice. Of course, it’s even more effective if the “chocolate” ingredient is creme de cacao or Godiva …and it isn’t !#$&^*#$%! pumpkin spice! (Hork!)

Don’t get me wrong. The spices in pumpkin pie make it more palatable and pleasant. But pumpkin spice is not in the same class as bacon or chocolate, and everything is not better with pumpkin spice! That’s my primary objection. What’s more, it’s not even October yet. Bah! Humbug! (In Britain, somewhat ironically, a “humbug” is a hard candy, especially peppermint.) Now peppermint spice, that’s good year round …

The Dune references – every time I look, I see another!Everyone’s eyes turning bright blueLupin riding the sand worm couchThe Bene Gesserit girlAnd, of course, the spice must flow!

The movie is being remade. Again. But this time, it MIGHT work.

Looks pretty good.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1160419/?ref_=vp_vi_tt

I can hardly wait for 4:00 p.m. and my Martini. It allows me to Fold-Space.

I love the “Dune” quotes.

I see a little Dune reference there – The Spice Must Flow….but I still hate pumpkin spice flavoring…

I’ll have what they’re having!

Another win for the power of suggestion. I now have a pumpkin custard baking in the oven. FYI, that’s pie minus the crust and with less sugar, so all the pumpkiny, spicy goodness, but fewer carbs.

OT: Rant

OT (but comics related):

OMC PEOPLE!!! I just found out Allie Brosh is back with a new book!!!!! Oh, this makes me so happy!

Sorry if this is old news for everyone else, but I hadn’t heard until just now, and did I mention THIS MAKES ME SO HAPPY!!!!!

(And she has a cat! That she writes and draws about! Squeeeeee!)

The Man thinks the Girl is acting weird but says nothing about Lupin?

Yes.Yes, she did. Coffee isn’t for me, as I loathe the taste of it. Same goes for alcohol.

Funny, can find the spice YEAR ROUND at super markets around here.

This discussion reminds me of one on a science fiction forum back when the Fellowship of the Ring movie came out. There were people like me who had read the trilogy and enjoyed it. Then there were those who have read and reread it religiously along with everything Tolkien ever wrote. And then there were those who tried and failed to even finish the first chapter. Fascinating diversity of views!

I saw a discussion like that about the same time! People who had read the book, people who hadn’t, “You mean it’s a BOOK TOO?” and “I read the first part of the first book, too much hippie stuff.” Old Tim Pumpkin Spice!

(clutching cat who isn’t happy about it)

“I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.”

Lupin looks like he’s been into the coffee in the last frame! :)

Pumpkin spice, other than in pumpkin pie filling inspires the question, abomination , crime against nature, or both?

Yes, but can if fold space.

I love Lupin riding the Big Red Couch like a sandworm! He did say he would ride the couch into any sunset… https://www.gocomics.com/breaking-cat-news/2017/05/27

I love that the orange and black “steam” makes little hearts as they leave the cups.

For anyone who comes back to recheck the comments: Georgia ran an extra panel on Facebook (probably elsewhere as well) from the newspapers that show the Sunday title panel: the Girl is in her Bene Gesserit robes and ELVIS IS IN A STILLSUIT!

I loved the first 3 Dune books! Read them in college, the Spice you know . . . and the Bene Geserit (sp?) of course!

I am on the hate side of so called pumpkin spice.

Did anyone mention that Pern novel, Worm Riders of Pern?

Oh no, you guys forgot… THE CEILING IS A FLOOR IF YOU BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!

Sheesh, the blue neon eyes creep me out.

My Arrakis… My Dune…

The blue eyes are creepy