Cat-apulting Into History The Feline-Flying Military Tactic That Never Took Off
Throughout military history, you’ll find strategic experiments ranging from the genius to the downright bizarre. But few can top the zany brainchild of Franz Helm, a 16th-century German artillery aficionado whose bright idea left historians — and cat lovers — utterly bewildered. Let’s set the scene with Helm’s magnum opus, the “Feuer Buech,” published in 1584, a treasure trove of ( literally ) explosive innovations in warfare. Imagine this: a battlefield in the Renaissance, not just filled with the clang of swords and the thunder of cannons, but also — wait for it — flying, flaming cats. Yes, you read that right. Franz Helm’s groundbreaking military tactic involved jetpacks for cats. Picture a kitty,
strapped with a sack of gunpowder, zipping through the air like a furry missile aimed at enemy strongholds. The hope? These feline projectiles would scamper back to their homes — presumably in enemy territory — and start a blazing inferno. One can only wonder about how they would train cats to become arsonists. The method was straightforward: kidnap an enemy cat, strap it into a gunpowder-laden backpack, light the fuse, and hope Mr. Whiskers doesn’t get cold paws about blowing up its evil overlords. Preserved for posterity at the University of Pennsylvania, the “Feuer Buech” reminds us of the lengths human creativity can
go — especially when combined with a profound misunderstanding of cat behavior. As any cat owner will tell you, cats have their own agendas. The chances of a cat completing its fiery mission are about as high as it bringing you the morning newspaper. Thankfully, we have no evidence that this pyrotechnic plan ever came to pass. Considering cats’ notorious independence, we can rest assured that no self- respecting felines took part in these explosive escapades. So, next time you’re cuddling with your cat, be thankful its biggest inclination is to knock pens off your table rather than infiltrate enemy castles with fire.
Essential Estate Planning Updates You Need Now Wrap Up the Year Right
As the year winds down, reflecting on whether your estate plan needs an update is essential. An outdated estate plan can create unnecessary stress and complications for your family and loved ones, potentially leading to disputes or financial hardships during a time of grief. To protect your loved ones, here’s a quick checklist to ensure your estate plan accurately reflects your current wishes and circumstances. Update Your List of Assets It’s essential to keep an up-to-date list of your assets. Changes such as closing bank accounts, opening new ones, or switching investment companies should be recorded. Our clients often split their time between different states, like heading to Florida for the winter, making this time of year ideal for reviewing and updating their assets with us. We include a form in your provided estate plan
binder to maintain an organized record of your assets. Making these updates at year-end helps ensure all your assets are accounted for and properly managed within your estate plan. Schedule a Review Meeting If it’s been a while since you last reviewed your estate plan, now is a perfect time. We encourage all clients, especially those who haven’t visited recently, to come in for a check-up to ensure that their plan accurately reflects their current wishes and circumstances. This is also an opportunity to ask questions and make any necessary adjustments. Remember, if you’re spending winter here in Florida, drop by our office to make this update a breeze. Lifetime Communications Policy We are committed to the ongoing accuracy and effectiveness of your estate plan. That’s why we offer continuous
support even after your plan has been finalized. For existing clients, we do not charge for answering questions by phone, email, or in-person review meetings. Additionally, if your estate plan includes a Living Trust, we offer funding assistance for any assets acquired after your initial setup at no extra charge. However, it’s your responsibility to inform us about any new assets. Stay Up-to-Date With Your Estate Plan Don’t wait until it’s too late to update your estate plan. Contact us to schedule your end-of-year review today. Ensure that your plan reflects your current situation and continues to protect you and your loved ones. Remember, at our firm, your questions about your estate plan are always answered free of charge, ensuring you can manage your estate confidently and with peace of mind.
2 KulasLaw.com
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator