“Hello?”
“Hey, Stan, it’s Marvin. I’m really sorry for calling on such short notice, but I’m really in a bind. I’m here at the shop for my annual polishing and re-gilding, and they just tell me they’re short-handed and I’m going to be stuck here for the whole morning, and I wouldn’t ask this except I’m all the way across town and I’ve had this appointment for months, so I’m wondering if you could fill in for me at the library?”
“Oh, sure, no problem.”
Via Imgur.
So, the NY Public Library lions are called Patience and Fortitude. What should this kitty’s name be?
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Fun facts on the names:
Their nicknames have changed over the decades. First they were called Leo Astor and Leo Lenox, after The New York Public Library founders John Jacob Astor and James Lenox. Later, they were known as Lady Astor and Lord Lenox (even though they are both male lions). During the 1930s, Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia named them Patience and Fortitude, for the qualities he felt New Yorkers would need to survive the economic depression. These names have stood the test of time: Patience still guards the south side of the Library’s steps and Fortitude sits unwaveringly to the north.)
Well, we could go with another positive quality. I’d vote for “Courage,” since that also brings to mind another famous lion.
Or we could be ironic and go with a sin. Maybe “Gluttony,” if this kitty is anything like my own. (Or, let’s face it, their owner.)
Or if someone can figure out where this picture is from, we could go with something more locally/culturally appropriate.
Sloth?
That works, too!
It’s the cutest of the deadly sins.
One of these kitties it not like the others …
That cat is showing those lions how it is DONE.
NYPL needs to have a live mascot to keep the two lions company. Plenty of space in front of the building for all the tourists (and locals) so see said mascot.
Hey! I’m a cat, he’s a cat. We’re both doing the same job. You want to make something out of it buddy?
Oh, he is one gorgeous cat! The erect bearing, the floofy tail (yes, autocorrect, floofy is a valid word, I meant to type it, and no, I did not mean to say floods), the colour. Yes, he is a wonderful lion.
I’ve added floofy to my dictionary so autocorrect doesn’t nag me anymore. Although, I might have to add floofilicous because that’s the word I think of when I look at that tail.
Duckie, how’s your hubby doing?
Yes please update us, how bad was he hurt? Is he OK?
Hubby is somewhat swollen and itchy, with red bumps all over his arms, legs and face. But he is still cheerful, and his sense of humour looms largely. One sting was too close to his eye for comfort, but it’s okay. He should be going back to work on Monday.
Thank you to everyone for your prayers, support and encouragement.
So glad to hear he’s doing better! That must’ve been so scary.
Goodness, what a relief! I hope the itching and swelling clear up eftsoons and right speedily.
Glad he’s doing better. What a relief.
Right out of college, I worked in NYC at 42nd and Fifth Avenue, just north of the NYPL. That meant I got to see the lions every single day. I still miss the city, that time of my life, and the lions.
My husband’s (ex, now) office was on the corner next to the NYPL.
Great spot. I remember being surrounded by Moonies while I was
waiting on the steps there for him. Held my own and turned tables
on them by countering with my best logic and humor. They gave up.
Fun.
Patience, Fortitude and Disdain!
I loved this scroll down. Funny.
Faye for the win!
Oh yes! Lady Disdain from my favorite Shakespeare play!