Latest news with #Grendel
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Man Wasn't Sure How Disabled Cat Was Getting on Bed, So He Films in Secret
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A pet parent discovered his disabled cat on the bed—leaving him wondering how he managed to get up there—until the parent finally set up a camera to film the feline's impressive method. Gabriel, known on TikTok as @chilisbarandgril, owns a tuxedo cat named Grendel. Ever since adopting him nearly two years ago, Gabriel knew his feline wasn't a normal cat. He came with a unique strut. This is because Grendel has cerebellar hypoplasia. This developmental condition occurs when the cerebellum—part of the brain that controls fine-motor skills, balance and coordination—fails to develop properly, an article from VCA Animal Hospitals said. Also known as wobbly cat syndrome, cerebellar hypoplasia is not painful or contagious, but it is untreatable. Cats with this condition quickly adapt. They learn how to walk around their homes, mastering the art of the wobble. And in Grendel's case, he's managed to find a way onto his owner's bed without a ramp or stairs. Gabriel would find Grendel lounging on his bed, time and time again. Confused, he finally decided to leave a hidden camera in the room to find out how his cat continued to get on the bed, which he shared on TikTok earlier this week with the caption: "Grendel may be wobbly, but he is also determined." In the clip, Grendel pulled himself as close to the edge of the bed as possible. He reached his front paws up to the side to get a grip, but it took a few tries as he lost his balance. Then, he used his arm strength to pull his body up, clawing onto the blankets and hanging for dear life in case he slipped. Newsweek reached out to @chilisbarandgril via TikTok for additional information and comment. Screenshots from a July 23 TikTok video of a disabled cat managing to get onto his owner's bed without any assistance. Screenshots from a July 23 TikTok video of a disabled cat managing to get onto his owner's bed without any assistance. @chilisbarandgril/TikTok In a follow-up video, the owner addressed commenters who wondered why he didn't step in to help and those demanding he purchase a ramp. Gabriel said he's tried everything to help give Grendel the tools he needs to climb the bed: stairs, ramps, different materials, some with railings. But he will not try it, and if he does, he falls. Viewer Reactions Within two days of posting, the TikTok video amassed over 5.6 million views and 934,000 likes. "Wobbly cats have no idea they're disabled, they're just built on determination," wrote a viewer. Another added: "Get that boy in the Paralympics right now." A third person said: "Why's everyone freaking out??? It's actually good exercise and strength building for the little guy. Let him be mischievous and as independent as possible purrr." Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
BBC News
20-03-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Royal Mail launches mythical creatures stamp collection
Royal Mail has unveiled a set of stamps featuring mythical creatures and fabled figures from UK by London-based artist Adam Simpson, the illustrations include the Loch Ness Monster, Cornish piskies, and Beowulf and set of eight stamps and the stories each represents from different regions across the UK "demonstrate our rich mythological heritage", Simpson are available to pre-order from Thursday and go on sale on 27 March. Other stamps in the Myths and Legends collection depict Blodeuwedd of Welsh mythology, Irish heroic figure Fionn mac Cumhaill, the spectral hound of East Anglia, Black Shuck, selkies and a are sprites with long arms that lurk in rivers and ponds ready to snatch curious children in folklore from Lancashire and Yorkshire, while selkies are fabled creatures from Orkney and Shetland which shed their seal skins to take human whose previous work has been shortlisted for a British Design Award, said creating the stamps was a "privilege" and he was "really happy" to receive the commission."I think it's important to celebrate where these stories come from," he said. "Each one is associated with a region, and each one has its own identity, and together they demonstrate our rich mythological heritage."Simpson previously designed a Royal Mail stamp to celebrate the Triathlon at the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic stamps is challenging, he said, because "the composition needs to work at such a small scale".To portray the fight between Beowulf and the monster Grendel, from the Anglo-Saxon poem Beowulf, he had to "figure out how to have two figures in a space that works on a small scale" and "wanted to suggest that Beowulf defeats Grendel by tearing off his arm without the image becoming disturbing". Simpson said the project became a "real labour of love" and took more than a year to complete, with the illustrations evolving over time."It gave me the chance to be fully immersed in the world of these myths and legends. I hope that the stamps either start conversations or invite people to investigate the stories if they're not familiar with them." David Gold, director of external affairs and policy at Royal Mail, said: "For some parts of the UK, local myths and legends are as much a part of their identity as the local landmarks and architecture."These beautifully illustrated stamps celebrate a fascinating aspect of British culture and custom."The Royal Mail's Special Stamp programme commemorates anniversaries and aspects of UK history and culture, with the first commemorative stamp issued in 1924 to mark the opening of the British Empire collections have celebrated the diversity of the UK's wildlife, The Vicar of Dibley, and Paddington Bear.
The Independent
20-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Royal Mail reveals new set of stamps illustrating well-known mythical creatures
Royal Mail has revealed images of a new set of stamps illustrating well-known mythical creatures and legendary figures of folklore. Images in the eight stamps feature Beowulf and Grendel, Blodeuwedd, the Loch Ness Monster, Cornish piskies, Fionn mac Cumhaill, Black Shuck, a grindylow and a selkie. The stamps were illustrated by London-based artist Adam Simpson. David Gold, director of external affairs and policy at Royal Mail, said: 'For some parts of the UK, local myths and legends are as much a part of their identity as the local landmarks and architecture. 'These beautifully illustrated stamps celebrate a fascinating aspect of British culture and custom.' The stamps can be pre-ordered from today and go on sale on March 27.
