THE LEGEND OF DOUBLE CAT

I'm sorry but I just ain't got time for blogging this week. Instead I offer this wonderful tale from the brain of the inimitable John Osebold. The story arrived in my inbox in reply to a picture sent of a pair of cats watching me, guardian-like, through a latticed window in the bathroom of a cafe.

Little is known of the Legend of Double Cat. Some say China was once ruled by dual cat giants who lorded over what were then two provinces that made up the whole of Felina (now called China). Xiao Bin was a black cat that brought prosperous crop yields, general merriment, and peaceful weather. Jing Zhai was a calico cat that excelled in war, riches, and good ideas for inventions. Together, the Double Cat society ruled for centuries until Shiaji, the panda that ruled Ja Panda (now called Japan) came around and beat the crap out of Double Cat. Although Felina fell into ruin for many years, Shiaji's actions angered the Council of the Gods (made up of a giant lizard, giant mango, giant waterfall, giant headache, and regular-sized bunny). The Council deemed that Shiaji would have to clean up all of Felina, which Shiaji did for fear of the wrathful sentence of Eternal Circle (being forced to run in a tight circle until death). Eventually, Shiaji became a symbol of what then started to become China, with the name changed for obvious reasons. Although Xiao Bin and Jing Zhai were no more, the spirit of the Double Cat has been known to manifest itself in modern day Chinese society. Sight of the Double Cat is considered extremely good luck, and a sign of great intellect, wisdom, and hotness.

And now I must insist that you make your way here to obtain a free download of John's new December album (my favorite part of this last month of the solar year!). After you finish with that I permit you to satisfy your every aural fantasy with the 2008 and 2007 December albums.

See you next week, and until then, may the spirit of Double Cat be with you!