MSI Press Blog

  I have never worked for the Postal Service. My cat, however, believes she supervises it. Every morning she conducts what I can only describe as a comprehensive mail audit. Before I can read a letter, pay a bill, or recycle a catalog, it must pass feline inspection. She sniffs every envelope for contraband, sits on anything labeled "urgent," and occasionally shreds communications she deems unnecessary. At first, I found this irritating. Then I realized she was teaching me valuable postal-worker skills. First: Every piece matters. To me, a stack of mail looks like a stack of mail. To my cat, every envelope is a unique and fascinating mystery. Somewhere between the electric bill and a coupon for lawn care services may lie a treasure worthy of intense scrutiny. Good postal workers know this. Every item has a destination and a purpose, even if the recipient doesn't immediately recognize its importance. Second: Accuracy is everything. My cat has an uncanny ability to identify...

  In honor of World Animal Day, we invite you to consider helping cats, dogs, horses, donkeys, and other animals who are swept up in war.  See our posts on some specific--and dire--cases when donations or information sharing CAN help:  MSI Press Blog MSI Press, a veteran-owned publishing house based in California , United States best known for turning new writers into award-winning authors, has gained mass recognition for releasing highly acclaimed books of varying genres that are distributed internationally. Check us out on Wikitia . To purchase copies of any MSI Press book at 25% discount, use code FF25 at MSI Press webstore ; for free shipping, use code ship4free. (Codes cannot be used together; they are meant to provide a choice of discount.) Want to read an MSI Press book and not have to pay for it? (1) Ask your local library to purchase and shelve it. (2) Ask us for a review copy; we love to have our books reviewed. VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ALL OUR AU...

  My cat never ran for office, but she governs the household with an authority that would make a city council blush. Watching her, I’ve realized that every good politician could learn a thing or two from a creature who weighs nine pounds, sleeps eighteen hours a day, and still manages to get exactly what she wants. First lesson: constituency management. My cat knows her voters. She knows who will refill her water, who will open the window, who can be guilt‑tripped into giving her the good treats. She doesn’t waste time persuading the uninterested. She focuses on her base. A politician could take notes: know your people, know their needs, and don’t bother convincing the dog. Second lesson: strategic communication. My cat doesn’t meow constantly. She meows precisely . One well‑timed vocalization — usually at 4:58 a.m. — communicates urgency, importance, and a five‑point policy plan involving breakfast. Politicians talk too much. Cats talk just enough. Third lesson: negotiation....

Cats & Their People: Stories from Conflict Zones — Biso & Yousef (Biso is in urgent need of specialized vet care; she is declining while waiting.) Yousef is a 23-year-old Gazan at the University College of Science and Technology in Khan Younis.  Here is his story: I am currently displaced, living in a tent in Mawasi, Khan Yuni. I have 3 younger brothers, and my dear cat Biso.  We have cared for Biso throughout this war, sharing what food we had. Miraculously, she has survived shrapnel, bombings and all sorts of chaos. She is still young, only 4 years and a half. She gives us much comfort and we love her dearly.   We are really struggling right now.  So many friends, family members and community members whom I loved have been killed. The grief is heavy. Note: Now, Biso has become very sick and in need of specialized vet care. Only about 25% of the cost has been donated to date, and Biso grows weaker by the day. You can follow Yousef and Biso on Twitter a...

  Cats & Their People: Stories from Conflict Zones — Eight Cats & Mohamed (Leo died of starvation a year ago, now there eight cats, all living but in need of help.) Mohamed is an engineer is a pharmacy student in Gaza . He takes care of eight cats in his tent, and he tries to help his sister's family, whose tent is totally destroyed. Here is Mohamed's story: Mohammed is trapped in Gaza along with his family. This includes his parents, siblings, and grandmother. Despite the ceasefire, conditions in Gaza remain extremely severe. Mohammed's family urgently needs support to cover essentials like food, water, shelter, and medical care—for themselves and cats, Mimi, Momo, and Meo. Displaced in the Al-Mawasi tent encampment, they've split up as a precaution (to have surviving family members if one area is bombed).   Recent winter storms brought heavy rain and wind that collapsed their tent, soaking bedding and belongings. (Flooding in Gaza exacerbates health and safety...