Invention makes washing a cat easier
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Now Spanish inventor Andres Diaz has graced the world with another revolutionary concept – the cat-washing machine. This three-cycle, 37-nozzle machine can turn your smelly cat into a magnificent ball of fluff in about 30 minutes, and Diaz maintains your cat won’t mind.
Before you laugh, let me tell you Diaz’s invention is classified as a success in my book. Not only has he provided a great service to mankind, he’s also sold his cat-washing machine to a Miami company for $20,000.
That means we probably don’t have long to wait before the machine hits the market, although they’ve got to work on bringing down the price. You certainly couldn’t expect consumers to shell out $20,000 to wash a cat, but if the contraption is reasonably priced, I predict it will be a hit.
I say that because I’ve washed a cat before and have the first-hand knowledge to say it’s not the least bit enjoyable. Cats hate the water, and they don’t really care if they have to mangle your face to get out of it.
If you’re going to wash a cat the old-fashioned way (without the aid of Diaz’s machine) here are a few helpful hints:
Wear protection. I suggest a five-ply rubber wetsuit, along with a motorcycle helmet, face mask and welder’s gloves.
Remember, a shower with a glass enclosure is preferred to one with a curtain. A frenzied cat can shred most shower curtains in about 3 seconds.
Speed is essential. Jump in the shower with the cat and start the water as quickly as possible. While the cat is still in a state of shock, locate the shampoo and squirt whatever part of the cat you can hit.
Try to catch the cat’s body as it catapults through the air toward the ceiling. If possible, give another squirt of shampoo to the cat’s underside when it jumps.
During the 5 seconds you are able to hold the cat, rub vigorously. Use the welder’s gloves to fend off the cat when it goes for your throat.
When drying, be sure the cat is firmly wrapped in a towel before opening the shower’s glass door. Lay the wrapped cat on the floor and step back into the shower, quickly closing the door. Do not open the door until all you can see is the shredded towel and the cat is gone.
For those of you who chuckled and thought Diaz’s cat-washing machine doesn’t have value, think again. Now let’s shift from the nasty chore of cat washing to the much more pleasant thoughts of Business Pulse.
Apex Construction is on the move
For the folks who have inquired about the construction taking place across from Carrier, I have an answer. The building that’s going up will be the new home of Apex Construction, which is currently located near Co-op.
The lowdown is that Apex has outgrown its office space and needs more room. Greg Brock says the company currently has seven office workers and will probably be looking to add a few more when the new building is complete in September.
“We’ve been doing a lot of out-of-state work,” said Brock. “We’ve reached the point where we need to expand.”
Apex has a license to do general construction work in several states, but what Brock said is really gaining steam is the company’s new technology system. In short, the system is changing the way blueprints are made and delivered.
Instead of paying print costs to have large blueprints made, and then paying shipping costs to have those blueprints sent by mail, UPS or FedEx, Brock is capitalizing on the wonders of computers.
“You can fire over blueprints by computer in a matter of seconds,” he said.
Wilson available as electrician, handyman
I’m sure a number of folks remember Standard reporter Jessica Wilson, who worked here about a year ago covering county government and writing Blast from the Past stories. Jessica is still doing well and taking advantage of her Spanish-speaking abilities by teaching Mexicans all about the English language.
I mention Jessica because her father, Jim Wilson, has gone into business as an electrician/ handyman and he wants to let folks know his services are available.
Jim has worked for years as an outsourcing agent for the natural gas industry. He says due to insurance costs, that industry is currently experiencing some tough times.
“My insurance costs went from $4,000 to $8,000 in one year,” said Jim. “Plus they wanted 6 percent of my gross. That’s just ridiculous so I decided to change directions.”
Jim said he’s been wiring houses ever since he was a kid. He used that knowledge to earn his electrician’s license recently and he can also perform other jobs such as welding and pipe fitting.
He’s also looking forward to staying closer to home. In the natural gas field, he was required to travel all over the nation.
If you’ve got electrical work, Jim’s got the hands to do it. Give him a call at 808-8166.
Party & More opens its doors
One-stop party supply shopping has come to McMinnville with the opening of Party & More. The store is loaded with items for baby showers, birthday parties, anniversaries, weddings and graduations.
“I could probably fill a store twice this size if I had the room,” said owner Kathy Bouldin, who opened for the first time Monday. “And believe it or not, I’ve had some people come in and ask for something I don’t have.”
If you can’t fulfill your party supply needs at Kathy’s new store, I say you’re too picky. She’s got the new Spider-Man plates and napkins already in stock, along with several other themes such as Blue’s Clues, Rug Rats, Bob the Builder and Harry Potter, to name a few.
There’s also a variety of over-the-hill merchandise if you know someone about to reach a milestone. There’s confetti, guest books and greeting cards. There’s stuffed animals, invitations, and cake decorations.
Party & More is located in Chancery Plaza, the new shopping center which also contains Tee’s Jewelry, Curves for Women and Planet Pizza.
New development takes shape on mountain
J&G Development owner Junior Wilson is investing millions in a new development taking shape next to Fall Creek Falls State Park. He’s confident that investment will pay dividends once his top-of-the-line, gated community called Grand View Village is complete.
Junior currently has “cabins” available for rent on a nightly or weekly basis. I use the term “cabin” loosely because the cabin in fact looks much nicer than my house. The cost is $145 per night and if you rent a cabin for six nights, you get the seventh night free.
“They’re nice and they’re fully furnished,” said Junior. “Bring your groceries and a bar of soap and that’s all you need.”
Work began last week on a 9,000-square-foot lodge that will include 12 timeshare rental units. Junior was quick to point out you will be able to swap your timeshare unit with a timeshare unit anywhere in the world because of a program he is affiliated with.
Another big-ticket item is a 9-hole, 18-tee, executive golf course which will be ready next summer. MGI, a Florida-based company which has built over 200 golf courses, is in charge of construction.
A double-decker driving range will be finished later this summer, and like the golf course, it will be available to anyone who wants to use it.
“There’s a lot going on up there,” said Junior. “People just don’t know about it.”
If you want to rent a cabin, the toll-free number is 1-800-375-4430. If you want more information about a timeshare unit or purchasing property in the development, call J&G Development at 473-8667.
That’s all folks
To report business news, or provide your cat-washing tips, give me a call at 473-2191.