The post Feline Intelligence: How Smart Is Olga? by Christopher Bays appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. Hi‚ I’m Christopher! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my silly Russian Blue cat‚ Olga. Cats are incredibly intelligent‚ and although they’re more difficult to train than dogs‚ their long-term memory and problem-solving skills are impressive. Their ability to sense your emotions and avoid situations that previously caused them harm or stress is also commendable‚ but sometimes‚ I’d prefer a dim cat to a smart one. I’ve read research articles on canine and feline intelligence‚ but this article will focus on my observations of Olga and how her intelligence amazes and annoys me. Problem-Solving Olga is a fast learner. It didn’t take her long to learn how to catch a paper ball with both paws and open a door from the inside. I have latches on the doors instead of knobs‚ but I think she would eventually determine how to open them‚ also. It’s easier for her to open a closed door from the outside since she can grab the latch and push forward‚ but holding it and pulling backward took her longer to learn. When Olga feels neglected‚ she runs into a bedroom or bathroom‚ squeezes herself behind the door‚ gets on her hind legs‚ and pushes forward. If she’s riled up‚ she uses more force and slams the door. I’m used to hearing her slam the doors‚ and since I think it’s funny‚ I’ve never discouraged her from doing it. However‚ it can be irritating when she does it repeatedly. I’m trapped in the bathroom‚ but I don’t feel like opening the door again… Learning From Her Mistakes When Olga was younger‚ she often jumped on the headboard of my bed and walked back and forth on the narrow wooden beam. One morning‚ she wasn’t as graceful on her balance beam‚ and her back leg slipped. I was half asleep below her‚ and I yelled when one of her back claws slashed my lip. The scream scared her‚ and she ran off and hid. I’m not suggesting that yelling at your cat will help them learn or prevent them from injuring your face‚ but in my situation‚ it prevented her from jumping on my headboard again. She has learned other valuable lessons from getting hurt or stuck. She doesn’t try to retrieve paper balls from underneath the refrigerator anymore after her claw got snagged and she couldn’t get it out. I helped her remove her paw‚ and another time‚ when I heard her screaming‚ I ran to find her dangling from one claw on the top of the blinds. After I helped her down‚ she stopped leaping from the chair to the blinds. She still charges the blinds occasionally and grabs onto them‚ but she’s more careful. What’s that doing here? Admirable and Annoying Olga can sense when I’m preparing for a trip‚ even if she doesn’t see the suitcases‚ and if I don’t feed her in the morning‚ she hides under the bed when I’m in the shower because she knows she’s heading to the vet’s office. I have to be stealthy when I grab her ear drops since she knows where I keep them and recognizes the bottle. Life would be much easier if I had an ignorant feline‚ but I’m glad that even though she’s a pain sometimes‚ she never ceases to amuse me. The post Feline Intelligence: How Smart Is Olga? by Christopher Bays appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Return to Sue Lynn Tan’s highly acclaimed‚ bestselling Celestial Kingdom fantasy romance duology with a new compilation of stories–Tales of the Celestial Kingdom publishes February 6th with Harper Voyager. We’re thrilled to share an excerpt from “Battle with the Bone Devil”‚ along with accompanying illustrations by acclaimed artist‚ Kelly Chong. Journey once more to the Immortal Realm‚ a world of gods‚ magic‚ and legendary creatures—and embark upon new adventures of valor‚ danger‚ and love. Tales from the Celestial Kingdom collects nine spellbinding stories—two previously published‚ and seven original—set in the enchanting world of Sue Lynn Tan’s stunning debut. Filled with magic and mythology‚ friendship and love‚ these stories intertwine through the past‚ present‚ and future of the two novels‚ told from the perspectives of multiple characters‚ including Chang’e‚ Shuxiao‚ Liwei‚ and Wenzhi. With beautiful illustrations from Kelly Chong throughout‚ these wondrous tales make the perfect complement to Sue Lynn Tan’s breathtaking series. Wenzhi 文智: Battle with the Bone Devil Illustration by Kelly Chong‚ from Tales of the Celestial Kingdom © Sue Lynn Tan and Harper Voyager The lake was encircled by ancient pine trees. They reminded me of my home—my courtyard‚ always fragrant with their woody scent. Except here‚ the rust-colored bark was veined in gray like a web of shadow had been strewn across it. Their feathery needles glinted as though tipped in iron‚ clinking ominously as the wind blew. Unease darted across the back of my neck before it was swiftly extinguished. The futility of fear lay in slowing the hand and dulling the mind‚ when one most needed them. I had grown accustomed to numbing myself to it‚ to give it no place—as I had courted danger for long as I’d wielded a sword. It did not matter what form an enemy took‚ they wanted the same thing: their victory in exchange for my defeat. I would deny them all. To some it was a game‚ a toss of the coin—but in my childhood‚ one slip could mean death. There was little room for mistake‚ for misplaced trust and flawed judgement… though it had not deterred me from entering the fray. If one did not play‚ one could never win. There was little joy in what I did‚ despite my accomplishments. It was easy to forget the beauty in the realm‚ its wonder‚ when one was mired in despair and death. But I would not falter now‚ when the end was in sight—everything I had planned and striven for all these years. There would be time enough for the pleasures of the world when I had secured my place in it‚ along with the safety of those who relied upon me. “Is this the Bone Devil’s hideout?” Buy the Book Tales of the Celestial Kingdom Sue Lynn Tan Buy Book icon-close Tales of the Celestial Kingdom Sue Lynn Tan Buy this book from: Amazon Barnes and Noble iBooks IndieBound Target Xingyin’s voice broke through my thoughts. She stood beside me‚ her dark eyes moving from side to side‚ assessing the terrain. There was no trace of anxiety; her spirit as steady as her aim. We were alike that way‚ holding our ground‚ making our way without need of another—it was one of the reasons I trusted her. While she bore secrets of her own‚ they did not overly concern me for her honor shone clear. Unlike yours‚ my conscience whispered before I silenced it. “The bodies were found not far from here‚ drained of their lifeforce and blood. One of the victims was still alive when our scouts found him‚” I recounted. “The creature is hungry‚ after being imprisoned for so long.” She frowned. “How did it escape? I thought Celestial prisons were impenetrable. Impossible to escape from.” “They are. The worst Celestial prisons are windowless pits of hell. Most prisoners lose their minds after a few decades. Each is held captive in a unique way‚ fashioned for them alone‚ in the most torturous and suffocating of binds.” I spoke slowly‚ wanting the words to sink in. Her lips curled with revulsion. “Even monsters deserve mercy.” Even demons‚ I wanted to say. I’d told her this story in part calculation‚ to show her Celestials hands were not as pristine as they wanted the rest of the realm to believe. They could be cruel too‚ except they concealed it better‚ shaping the truth to favor them alone. “The Bone Devil meditated for centuries to strengthen its power. It possessed a secret trait that we discovered too late—that once it advanced to the next stage of its magic‚ it could morph into a new form‚ one that rendered its existing binds useless.” She frowned. “Is the creature more powerful than when it was first captured?” “Unfortunately‚ yes.” I raised my voice so the others would hear. “The Bone Devil cannot be allowed to escape again. It’s out for vengeance‚ viciously killing all who cross its path. Its magic is strong‚ as its physical form‚ and it moves like the wind. A single puncture from its fangs and claws will inflict grave injuries.” “How many victims did it claim this time?” Xingyin sounded tense‚ bracing for the worst. “Ten. Two were children.” Anger seethed in my gut at the creature’s wickedness. Death was a soldier’s shadow‚ but the slaughter of innocents sickened me still. Her mouth thinned. “It will pay.” “We will make sure of it.” I nodded toward the tallest of the six soldiers‚ the one who stood closest to me. “Soldier Yang‚ stay here with the others‚ and take the lead. All of you must weave your wards around the lake. The Bone Devil does not like water for it obscures its senses‚ and this will help conceal our magic once we lure it here. Stay hidden‚ until commanded otherwise‚ and hold your shields firmly so the creature cannot escape.” The soldier bowed‚ though a frown marred his seeming compliance. “Speak freely‚ Soldier Yang‚” I told him. “Why must we stay hidden?” he blurted. “If the Bone Devil can’t see you‚ he can’t attack you. The wards will be safe.” The soldier’s frown deepened when another‚ more battle weary‚ might have rejoiced. “But if we stay hidden‚ how will we kill it?” “That falls to the First Archer and me.” I inclined my head toward Xingyin. As the soldier glanced at her‚ his lips pursed in seeming disdain. My jaw tightened as I fought back the protectiveness that had risen in me since Xingyin’s near death at the hands of Governor Renyu. The memory seared‚ it always did—and how I wished I’d killed him that day. It had taken every bit of my willpower not to strike the final blow. When I had returned to the tent to find her on the brink of death—yet not a victim‚ for she was never one—something in me had snapped. A primal urge reared‚ to destroy the one who had hurt her. The emotion evoked had been so strong‚ it disconcerted me. I had always respected her skill and intelligence‚ even as I found myself intrigued by her. The more time I spent with her‚ the stronger the sensation grew‚ awakening new and inconvenient ones: the reluctance at having to deceive her‚ resentment when sadness clouded her face‚ knowing she was thinking of the Celestial who had broken her heart. A lift in my chest when she yielded one of her rare smiles. I did not like this. Emotions were unpredictable—perilous‚ in my situation. Xingyin might despise me if she knew the truth of my heritage. While she did not seem blindly loyal to the Celestial Kingdom‚ she would not look lightly upon my deceit and the role I had to play here. My instincts cautioned me to wait‚ to learn what she was concealing—I knew the signs having studied them myself. While I was curious‚ it would change nothing about my regard for her. Illustration by Kelly Chong‚ from Tales of the Celestial Kingdom © Sue Lynn Tan and Harper Voyager Until then‚ I would keep my silence. I would not jeopardize all I had fought for‚ no matter the temptation. I would bide my time‚ earn her trust. She might rage upon learning the truth—but over time‚ she would understand. Our connection went deeper than such matters. I had not lied about my background; rather‚ I’d omitted certain facts. Yet with her‚ I had always been my true self. I would not willingly deceive her about who I really was‚ not in the way that mattered. For we were cut of the same cloth‚ of the same stubborn and unflinching nature—and we would either soar to new heights or destroy each other. Never the latter‚ I swore‚ for I would win her to my side. Not just because she would be a useful pawn or powerful ally‚ although there was truth in both. In the beginning‚ I’d wanted to keep her close for those reasons‚ after witnessing her unexpected bond with the Jade Dragon Bow. If I delivered both the legendary weapon and its wielder to my father‚ I would earn his favor‚ securing my place as his heir. Only then‚ would my mother and those under my protection be safe‚ for my accursed brother would no longer be able to threaten them. This was what I had worked so hard toward‚ I could not rest till I had achieved it. But while my ambition remained the same‚ my path had shifted. The thought of my father using Xingyin for his own ends repelled me. Despite her innate strength‚ her refusal would not matter for he could bend her mind‚ manipulate her to do his bidding. Few could match his skill in those arts. My stomach turned‚ not just because of my inherent distaste for this use of our magic‚ but because deep down‚ I did not want her to change…  even if her changing meant she would be mine. No‚ I wanted her to remain who she was‚ to come to me of her own will. It would be a hollow victory otherwise—a meaningless one. I resolved then to never tell Father of her gift‚ to keep her and her secret safe. And if it came down to it‚ I would fight to protect her. Soldier Yang cleared his throat now‚ likely emboldened by my silence. “The Bone Devil is dangerous. Perhaps another might accompany you?” I reined in my annoyance. The soldier was new; I should not intimidate him. He was still eager for glory‚ impatient for fame. Likely he imagined that I was playing favorites‚ allowing the First Archer the choicest part of the assignment—though it wouldn’t take long for the tarnish to set in‚ for him to sigh with relief rather than envy those chosen for the front line. Xingyin might not appear dangerous at first‚ but only to the fools or untrained. Any formidable warrior could discern the intensity in her gaze‚ the deadly grace of her movements‚ the power with which she wielded her weapon. Watching her fight stirred something inside me‚ just as when I’d first seen her shoot down General Jianyun’s targets: Admiration. Respect. And an inexplicable‚ infuriating‚ sense of wonder. I never thought anyone could capture my attention the way she had. I had hoped it was a brief fascination‚ as a child with a new toy—but it deepened along with our acquaintance. She had proved me wrong again and again‚ and I was beginning to thrive on the challenge. I glanced at her‚ trying to read her expression. The soldier was both right and wrong; I did favor Xingyin’s company above all others‚ though she had more than earned her position through merit. Yet a good commander did not demand blind obedience. Far better to earn it‚ to teach the soldiers to think for themselves and guard against every eventuality. “All of you must remain here‚” I said to the soldiers. “We are laying a trap to lure the Bone Devil to the lake‚ so we can fight it together. Just the First Archer will accompany me to seek out the creature‚ as speed will be essential rather than numbers. If our group is too large‚ the creature will not approach. It is cowardly at heart‚ only attacking when it knows it can prevail—seeking victims‚ not a fair fight.” Excerpted from Tales of the Celestial Kingdom‚ copyright © 2024 by Sue Lynn Tan. The post Read an Excerpt From Sue Lynn Tan’s <;i>;Tales of the Celestial Kingdom<;/i>; appeared first on Reactor.

If you're tired of censorship and dystopian threats against civil liberties‚ subscribe to Reclaim The Net. The developer of Owncasts – an iOS and tvOS application that has just been announced‚ issued a lengthy blog post to explain the decision to come up with the app‚ the functionality of Owncast server software that powers it‚ and the motivation to create it as an alternative to YouTube or Twitch-powered streams. The app is designed to allow users to watch live video streams‚ and do so independently. Gabe Kangas explains the history of the project‚ including an early Owncast directory as a way to demonstrate how the app can be used in different scenarios. The problem with that‚ Kangas notes‚ is the centralized nature of the directory – whose purpose is to allow for video stream discovery – and this point is something he intends to work on making “less centralized” – regardless of it being based on ActivityPub. That being said‚ using the directory is not necessary as Owncast does not control what users do with their own servers‚ and allows many apps to show Owncast streams‚ cross-platform. Given the nature of the project – being “standards based” – this also means the possibility of using it to build new apps for specific streams. Offering standards for server software and proof-of-concept and experimental added features is one thing‚ but it represents a barrier to entry and a convenience problem for the majority‚ i.e.‚ non-tech savvy users‚ given the ultimate lack of such apps. Kangas in the end arrived at a point where he put together Owncasts for iOS and tvOS – not to be confused with Owncast itself. The developer notes that there are limitations that pertain to some convenient features he is aiming for‚ like push notifications. Here‚ the functionality requires a server being listed in the directory‚ and the reason is the design of Apple push notifications themselves – which prevents individual servers from sending them independently. And that’s an instance where Owncasts’ concept of decentralization has to give way. Kangas mentions almost abandoning the project because of the hurdles Apple put in his way‚ finding “every possible reason to reject it” – but eventually deciding to press on. “One law firm‚ one conversation with Craig Hockenberry‚ a series of appeals‚ and a bunch of creative workarounds later‚ somehow I made it over the finish line‚” Kangas writes of his experience with Apple. The post Owncasts Is an New App That Makes It Easier To Watch Decentralized Owncast Livestreams appeared first on Reclaim The Net.

“[Robert E. Lee Jr.] is off with Jackson &; I hope will catch Pope &; his cousin Louis Marshall‚” General Robert E. Lee wrote to his daughter Mildred on July 28‚ 1862‚ not long after Maj. Gen. John Pope had been given command of the Union Army of Virginia. Marshall was his nephew‚ the son of Lee’s older sister‚ Anne. “I could forgive the latter for fighting against us‚ if he had not joined such a miscreant as Pope.” (Lee would send a similarly worded letter to his wife‚ Mary‚ asking that she tell their son to “bring in his cousin” the next time she wrote him.) Born in Virginia in 1827‚ Louis Henry Marshall followed the path of his famed uncle in attending the U.S. Military Academy. Commissioned a second lieutenant with the 3rd U.S. Infantry after graduating in 1849‚ he served on the frontier‚ and by 1860 was a captain in the 10th U.S. Infantry. While his uncle‚ cousins‚ and other family members in the extended Lee family chose to side with the South‚ Marshall put his country before kin. In February 1862‚ he was appointed an acting aide-de-camp on General Pope’s staff. Brigadier General David S. Stanley recalled that Pope‚ then commander of the Army of the Mississippi‚ was “a very witty man and often turned the laugh on his staff officers and others.” He had once poked fun at Marshall’s “demotion” when the soldiers of the Benton Cadets‚ Missouri Infantry reportedly elected him colonel‚ then lieutenant colonel‚ then major after three successive elections. “Why Lou‚” Pope remarked in jest‚ “if those fellows had given you another promotion‚ they would have landed you in the penitentiary.” When President Abraham Lincoln appointed Pope to take charge of the Army of Virginia in June 1862‚ Marshall headed east‚ pitting him against his uncle and cousins on their home soil. Marshall was with Pope during that summer’s disastrous Northern Virginia Campaign. In fact‚ when Captain John Mason Lee‚ a cousin serving with the Confederate army‚ encountered Marshall after the Battle of Cedar Mountain‚ he reported back that he looked to be in a wretched state. Pope had Marshall verbally deliver orders to Maj. Gen. Nathaniel P. Banks inquiring whether Banks planned to hold or attack during the eventual Confederate victory. When General Lee heard that Marshall was not in the best of spirits‚ he wrote Mary: “I am sorry he is in such bad company‚ but I suppose he could not help it.” Marshall’s gravesite in Los Angeles. Marshall escaped Virginia without being captured but was banished west with Pope after Second Bull Run and spent the rest of the war in the Department of the Northwest. He remained in the U.S. Army postwar‚ serving in Washington‚ Idaho‚ and Oregon—notably at the Battle of Three Forks against the Snake Indians—before resigning in 1868‚ a major in the 23rd U.S. Infantry. Marshall followed his father to California and lived a humble life as a rancher until his death in Monrovia on October 8‚ 1891‚ at age 63. He is buried at Evergreen Cemetery in Los Angeles. This article originally appeared in the Spring 2024 issue of America’s Civil War magazine.

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