Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Greetings fellow Bizarros:

I cannot criticize someone for loving pussy, but this is a little ridiculous. It seems a Tennessee man gave his entire estate to his two cats instead of his family.

And we're not talking some ratty old furniture in a retirement condo that smells like Metamucil and cat pee. Leon Sheppard Sr. left behind a 4,270-square-foot house and $250,000 for his two cats, Frisco and Jake. His will outlines that the money is to care for his cats and the maintenance of the home.

"If their owner sees fit, they can create a trust for the welfare and benefit of the cats and their care," attorney Randy Fishman said.

Fishman, who has practiced law for almost 35 years, explains that this is a rare case.

"I don't know if I've ever come across one," Fishman said.

The family could see some money from the estate eventually. When Frisco dies, whatever is left of the estate including the home can be passed to Sheppard's human heirs, but Jake must be cared for still.

That must make the family feel good about their relationship with their father.

Bizarrely,
Lewis

Questions? Comments? Email Lewis


*-- 98 voters in 209-member household head to India polls --*
KOLKATA, India - The head of India's largest household said election days are a trial for the family of 209, which includes 98 voting-eligible adults. The head of the household, identified as Ziona, 69, said he has 39 wives, 41 sons, 46 daughters, 22 grandsons, 26 granddaughters and seven great-grandchildren all living under the same roof in Mizoram, making it complicated, but not impossible, for the 98 eligible voters to cast their ballots in the state's elections, Gulf News reported Monday. "All the eligible voters of the family have voted. Both the Congress and the opposition have been wooing us, considering addressing our family as a small political rally," Ziona said Monday. "Voting day is a challenge for us since our daily work is affected. Also our mothers and wives cannot do the daily chores," said Ziona, whose oldest wife is 73.


*-- Woman named Happy Thanksgiving gets two holidays in one --*
MINNEAPOLIS - A Minneapolis doctor preparing to celebrate her birthday on Thanksgiving Day said her parents, "hippies," named her Happy Thanksgiving Reynolds. Reynolds, 43, a family physician, said her parents gave her the unusual name when she was born on Thanksgiving when the holiday fell on the same date 43 years ago, the St. Paul (Minn.) Pioneer Press reported Monday. "I was the child of hippies," Reynolds said. She said they decided the universe was helping them name their newborn. "It was total universe magic time for them," Reynolds said. Reynolds said she has learned to love her name, which she described as an "unintentional gift." She said she has gotten job interviews just because employers were curious to meet someone named Happy Thanksgiving. "I'm someone you're not going to forget based on the name," she said.


*-- READER COMMENTS --*
Lewis, I learned when I was very young that I could play any musical insrument I picked up. I still have to play by ear as I cannot read music. I don't play very well, of course, as I don't have much practice and my face turns blue playing the flute. The dog bit me and the cat jumped off the roof but sound is music. If I play outside, the neighbors close their shades for a little mood lighting atmosphere.
[You're in good company since you are in the same category, musically speaking, as Kanye West, and look how well he's done.]

Lewis: Perhaps that strange instrument was a marimba that got misspelled. -Glenn
[Who doesn't know how to spell 'marimba'?]

Hi Lewis! You gave a list of musical instruments that a young man was able to play after having a severe concussion. You said that one was a "karimba (whatever that is)". Actually, it's a kalimba. It's an African instrument with metal reeds that are plucked with the thumbs. The kalimba has a beautiful bell-like sound. If you want to hear it you can find clips on youtube. -Jody

Lewis, I just want to wish you and yours a happy and healthy Thanksgiving. I have been subscribed to Bizarre News a long time and I love your unique take on the "news" and current events. If you ask me you're funnier than a lot of the crap I see online. -Carl
[Well, I certainly appreciate it. It is true that we have been doing this a long time and I have seen the Internets grow and evolve dramatically in the 14 years since we started Bizarre News. We're only still here because more than 50,000 of you are subscribed. So thank you!]

*-- END OF READER COMMENTS --*
Missed an Issue? Visit the Bizarre News Archives

Well, that is a wrap for Bizarre News. How did we do?
Send comments and questions to: LEWIS