Dave's favorite 20th century Russian historical figure

Dave recently heard a story from someone who spends a lot of time in Dave's home, someone who is not a cat and has the ability to roam freely beyond the confines of the home. Dave was happy that this person had left the home, for two reasons.

1. While Dave enjoys the company of this person, and often naps on and makes biscuits on this person, Dave also likes to have some quiet time to himself. He did not have the luxury of quiet time back during his days on the mean streets of Iowa, so he savors his time to himself.
2. Dave had not had a milkshake lately, and he really wanted one on this day. It was his hope that this person would bring him a milkshake.

Anyhow, when the person returned, this story was related to Dave. This story reminded Dave of his favorite 20th century Russian historical figure, but only at the conclusion of the story.

"Dave, I hope I have not waken you. You appear to be in a very comfortable position, one that would make a great napping position. However, I have quite a story to tell you. Even if I did disturb your slumber, you will appreciate it after you hear this story. 

As you know, I ventured out yonder today, much like you used to do in your younger days. I drove my automobile, with the local pet store as my destination. I call it the local pet store because it sits less than a mile from our home, something you wouldn't know, but can appreciate. But the short distance alone did not mean I arrived at this destination easily. In fact, quite the opposite was true. 

This beginning of the journey was unremarkable. Few obstacles slowed me down until I could almost see the pet store, but then, circumstances changed. 

After the considerable progress I had made, I merely needed to cross a large intersection to finally arrive at the pet store. But this was no ordinary intersection. I have jaywalked across the widest street on this globe, and I've seen large intersections in my day, some of the largest in the world , as I don't doubt you have. Even so, remarkably, this intersection certainly was far worse, far more obstructive, more of a hindrance, than any intersection I have ever laid my eyes upon. You would agree with me if you saw it with your own eyes. After the first nine tenths of a mile took mere minutes to traverse, the final tenth represented a painful slog that lasted what seemed like days, although to be truthful it was closer to half an hour. Unacceptable nonetheless! We live in a modern city, do we not, Dave?! Was there a regrettable accident, or some maintenance project to keep the road in a usable condition? In either case I might have understood the delay. But was there such a legitimate reason? No! The day was a standard one, the traffic not extraordinary for the hour."

And here Dave's companion paused for a time. Dave's intrigue in the story only grew. This is the face Dave made when he realized he would have to wait to hear the rest of the story.

Click here for Part Duex. 

Dave ready for a trip

Dave really got his hopes up this morning. One of the people who live in Dave's home was apparently preparing for a trip. Dave didn't know where this person was going, but it didn't matter. He wanted to go. 

Unfortunately, Dave doesn't get to travel very much. He did get to go on a 1,000 mile road trip a few years ago. He got to see 7 different states in the United States of America, more than a lot of people get to see in their lives. But this has only increased Dave's thirst for travel. Hopefully he will get to go on another trip soon. 

Dave hoping for a trip

Dave makes no secret that he enjoys traveling the globe. It is his hope that one day he can travel more extensively, perhaps to Davos, Switzerland. One way he voices this desire of his is to sit on the luggage of the people who usually live in his home. He notices that they tend to take bags or suitcases with them when they leave, and he hopes they will one day take him on another trip. 

CSI: Dave, Volume XVI - Dave's Investigative Process

Dave is now ready to show you the denouement of his investigation. You have seen the introductory phase, and you have seen the initial proceedings of Dave's investigation after he senses a disturbance. Now it is time for the finale. 

You can see that Dave has now completely reversed his original direction! What agility! What a humble investigator to admit his mistake and adjust so well and so quickly! Dave will surely locate the disturbance now.

And finally, you can see Dave has laid his eyes upon the disturbance. It was merely a small stuffed animal. What a relief this was for Dave.

But Dave does not regret putting all of this effort into an investigation that yielded only a harmless toy. His belief is that many false alarms are preferable to one real disturbance going unnoticed.

CSI: Dave, Volume XV - Dave's Investigative Process

Dave is ready to share more of his investigative process with you, after demonstrating the introductory phase of his investigations earlier this week. Now you can see that Dave has descended from his perch on top of the box part of the cat-tree. Usually he descends after hearing, seeing, smelling, or otherwise sensing a disturbance closer to the ground. He is very quick, quicker in fact that many cats half his size. Therefore, you won't be able to see Dave's transition. No film known to man can capture the image quickly enough.

You can see that Dave is still facing the same direction as he was before, suggesting that the disturbance Dave sensed is in that direction.

But now you can see that Dave is doubting that conclusion. After seeing no disturbance in to the west, he is looking a different direction, to the south. Dave doesn't mind being wrong about the location of the disturbance. In fact, it is the mark of a good investigator to question one's assumptions. The important thing is that Dave finds the disturbance before it is too late to do something about it.

Part 3 of Dave's tutorial is now available.

CSI: Dave, Volume XIV - Dave's Investigative Process

Over the next several days, or weeks, Dave plans to put on a demonstration of his investigative process. If you have followed Dave's work, you already know that he is one of the greatest investigators of the past few centuries, equaled only by legends like Sherlock Holmes and Lieutenant Columbo. 

Dave started his current investigation in the position you see below. This is a great position for an investigation, because it offers Dave a great view of the room, but he is also close enough to the ground to quickly launch himself towards anything unusual. It is good to be flexible. 

Now Dave is beginning to peruse the various areas where he might find a clue. "A clue to what?" you might ask. But to Dave, that doesn't matter. He just wants to know about anything fishy going on around his home. At this phase, the investigation is more of a general investigation. If something fishy turns up, it will become more targeted.

You can see that Dave's first order of business is to check his blind spots. He wants to make sure he won't be attacked by something hiding out in the box. He already checked the higher levels of his cat-tree before assuming his position, so he knew nothing could attack him from above. And now has assured himself that nothing is in the box. Stay tuned for more on Dave's investigative process.

Part 2 and Part 3 of Dave's tutorial are now available.

Dancing Dave

Dave, ever the renaissance cat, has taken up a new hobby lately, dancing. He thinks it is not only an enjoyable activity, but also one that is healthful and fulfilling. Here you can see Dave performing a classic dance move once perfected by John Davolta. 

Stayin' Alive!

Enjoying Some Summer Produce

Here you can see Dave expressing his fondness for summer produce. One of the many things he misses about living on the mean streets of Iowa is the omnipresence of corn. Now he only gets to enjoy corn when it is brought to him from the outside. 

Face in the Corner

Dave usually doesn't like to sleep with his face in a corner. Sometimes he winds up in a funny position, but even then he is usually able to keep a close eye on his surroundings, should anything come up. But here, you can see that Dave has sacrificed this heightened level of awareness for comfort. He does indeed look pretty comfortable. This is a close cousin of Dave's rarely used strategy of napping with his face smushed against the couch, but this version offers even less ability to spot imminent threats. 

Fortunately for Dave, threats to his naps are few and far between these days. 

Jack in the Box, Volume II

You may recall that Jack has a fondness for being in boxes. Much like his colleague The Dafe is always on the lookout for food, napping locations, and potential threats to his well-being, Jack is often on the lookout for a good box. He doesn't discriminate against short boxes, as you can see here.