Cat Cafe Gains Popularity

Sugar Kittens Cat Cafe has been open since November 2020. They have gotten dozens of adopted since opening like Barbra, a 1-year-old cat. “Barbara is very sweet. She is very affectionate and needs to be in a home where she can get lots and lots of attention,” said her adoption profile. “Willow had been here for a while, but today she found a purrfect furever home with this nice gentleman,” Sugar Kittens posted on Facebook Feb. 12. She was the 80th cat to get adopted from Sugar Kittens.

Cat Cafe Gains Popularity In Northland

Cat Cafes have become increasingly popular due to social media. “I don’t have any cats because my mom is allergic,” said sophomore Sophia Miles. “So, I was, like, ‘I want to go hang out with cats.’ I had a really fun time.” Sugar Kittens Cat Cafe and Cattery is a nonprofit located in Liberty, Mo., at 603 S. Route 291 Highway. It is a family owned business by Lacy and Jeff Nielsen. “I’ve always been a cat lover, and when I lost my job in February due to the pandemic, I started fostering for the local rescue,” said Nielsen. They opened the cat cafe in November, and it has been busy since. They said they had no problems obtaining the permits to open the business. Almost all of the cats at the cafe are adoptable. Since they have been open, they have had more than 83 cats adopted. The selection of cats available for adoption is on their website, and their cats come from multiple shelters. “We’ve been working with the St. Joe Animal Shelter. We’ll be working with a shelter in Raytown pretty soon, and Gladstone, and a couple have just come in off the streets,” said Nielson. “We’re our own rescue, so we are able to take in a few here and there.” Sugar Kittens also holds community events. “We do painting. We do yoga; soon we’ll be offering meditation,” said Nielsen. They are also working on some kids’ classes to hold at the cafe. Children will decorate a ceramic pot and will get them a kit in which to grow catnip or cat grass. They take in cats of all different abilities. Harry was born with luxating patella in both of his legs, which means that his kneecaps dislocate when he walks. They worked to raise money for his surgery, which would cost about $6,000. Sugar Kittens has a variety of options for food and beverages; and the choice for beverages range from coffee to bubble tea. Their food options are mainly baked goods and ice cream. The food and beverages are a separate cost from the $15 that it costs to hang out with the cats. Cats rush to greet people as they enter the cat room, and as they sit down, cats jump on laps or rub up against their legs. The room’s furniture allows cats to stretch out on almost every piece, and there are structures near the ceilings where the cats can climb, as well as cat trees. “It was nice,” said senior Ashton Olson on his experience at Sugar Kittens. “I got my jeans torn up by a cat, but I like cats.”

Written by Brianne Tremper Photos by Brianne Tremper

FACS teacher Julie Fantozzi adopted a kitten from Sugar Kittens Cat Cafe and Cattery Dec. 5 and named him Furgal. Fantozzi and her family were looking for a kitten to adopt, and the best option for them was to go to Sugar Kittens. “I wanted to interact with them before we adopted one. That one would let us adopt a singular kitten,” said Fantozzi. “The family that owns it is super nice; they seem to love their cats, and they want what’s best for them.” For those who can’t make it to the cat cafe but would like to donate, there is a link on their website. For those who want to go to Sugar Kittens, it is highly suggested that they make an appointment, because they only take walk-ins if there is room.

18 Talon Issue 2 Volume 13 Lifestyles & Entertainment

What To Watch On

Written by Rachael Mueller

I pressed play on “Bridgerton” hoping for something in the same realm as “Downton Abbey” and “Pride and Prejudice.” However, as I watched the show, it felt as if I were reading a small paperback book from the steamy romance section of Barnes and Noble. Surely enough, that is exactly what the show was adapted from. The series’ soundtrack is filled entirely with classical covers of modern pop songs that immediately kill the vibe of the scene as soon as you recognize that it is “Bad Guy” by Billie Eilish they are waltzing to. This Shondaland Netflix Original at first seemed to be a fun romantic period piece, which took a quick turn mid-season to become a smutty, anger filled story with horrible ideas of what is romantic. The story often had moments that were meant to be empowering that made me feel uneasy. Overall, “Bridgerton” was a good mindless watch until the second half which left this watcher uncomfortable and unsatisfied.

(TV-MA) One Season

If you’re looking for a cozy, funny and perfect sitcom, then look no further than “New Girl.” This show about a group of roommates is hilariously down to earth. “New Girl” is one of my personal favorite sitcoms to binge over and over again. The dynamic of the characters in this show is unmatched by any other sitcom cast. The show is full of will-they-won’t-they relationships, hilarious side characters, quotable moments and a main cast that will make you feel right at home. I promise, if you’re looking to replace the hole “The Office” or “Friends” used to fill, then head to Netflix and start streaming “New Girl.” You won’t regret it.

(TV-14) Seven Seasons

As “Shameless” began to gain popularity on TikTok over quarantine, I decided to sit down and watch the decade-running show. The story follows a family living in the slums of Chicago and their, rather humorous at times, struggle to keep their lives afloat without the help of their deadbeat father Frank. I was immediately smitten with the dysfunctional Gallagher family and the wild situations they’d find themselves in. The characters of this show are so raw and messed up that you can’t help but love them. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll get totally invested in each character’s storyline, as the show follows most of the characters from childhood to early adulthood. “Shameless” is a fantastic show that I highly recommend to everyone able to watch mature shows.

(TV-MA) 11 Seasons

“Arrested Development” follows the Bluth family and how one son, Michael, played by Jason Bateman, has to struggle to keep them together. This show was originally on Fox, then after it was canceled in 2006, Netflix picked it back up seven years after it was discontinued and added more seasons. While the newer episodes aren’t as good, the original episodes are full of hilarious, yet subtle lines delivered by a great cast. This show can make the most random things comedy gold. This show is good to have on in the background or could also capture the watcher’s full attention if they paid attention to all the details.

(TV-MA) Five Seaons

Adult cartoon and Netflix original “BoJack Horseman” doesn’t seem like much at first. Following washed-up Hollywood actor BoJack Horseman, voiced by Will Arnett, the show just seems to laugh at Hollywood stereotypes and explore the wacky world in which humanoid animals and normal humans coexist. Apart from the creativity of the made-up world and all the hidden jokes in the background, this show turns into something much more serious. It turns from a silly adult cartoon to a very serious story highlighting different issues with the characters; such as depression, anxiety, sexuality, substance abuse and other topics while remaining entertaining at the same time.

(TV-MA) Six Seasons

Originally aired on AMC, currently streaming on Netflix with sequel movie “El Camino” and prequel TV series “Better Call Saul,” “Breaking Bad” and its companions are widely regarded as some of the best TV ever created. Walter White, portrayed by Bryan Cranston, is a chemistry teacher who works a secondjob to support his family and has just been diagnosed with cancer. Walter loves his family and will go to the highest extremes to make sure his family will be stable when he’s gone, even if it means breaking the law. This show doesn’t have a bad actor and has a cast of characters that will simultaneously make you root for them and against them at the same time. This show can be a little slow at times, but there is a reason why it’s regarded as one of the best shows of all time.

(TV-MA) Five Seasons

Netflix Original “Master of None” follows the life of Dev, played by Aziz Ansari, who also co-writes the show alongside Alan Yang. Dev is based loosely on Ansari himself, and follows his struggling acting career in New York City. “Master of None” is very laid back, with each episode showing Dev going through a different adult experience with a diverse cast of friends. While this show might be too laid back and loosely structured for some, it provides great simple entertainment with an interesting plot and a relaxing component to it as well.

(TV-MA) Two Seasons

Graphics by Rachael Mueller

Clear Nails With Funky Designs

Going to the nail salon? Try a medium length clear nail with a colorful design. The trendiest nails of 2021 have featured medium length nails with clear polish and either colored tips or funky, 70s-style designs. Getting these fun and minimal nail designs enhances any outfit. Additionally, with rings trending more than ever, fun nails add a whole new level to any look.

Corduroy Pants

Corduroy pants have risen in popularity. These pants give great texture for those who have become a little bored of plain old denim. These pants come in a range of colors but have mainly been seen in warmer tones such as browns and oranges. They pair great in casual outfits with a graphic tee, crop top or pullover and can be dressed up by accessorizing.

Sage Green

From clothes to decor, sage green is trending. The rise in popularity of this serene shade kicked off during the end of 2020 and has only risen further and further to the top as of 2021. Pair sage green with brown for a truly trendy ensemble this spring.

The Style Radar

Trends Kick Off New Year

Written by Rachael Mueller Graphics by Rachael Mueller

Corset Tops

With the rise of the “Cottagecore” style in 2020, 1800s-inspired fashion has made its mark on how young adults dress today. In early January 2021, the Victoria’s Secret “unlined bra top” began trending on TikTok, which led to a number of creators on TikTok showing off their favorite ways to style corsets. This trend adds elegance to simple outfits and can add a gorgeous touch to any ensemble.

Platform Shoes

Put a little pep in your step! The big and bold shoes are in, and there’s something for everyone. Platform shoes have made a huge comeback within the last year, and they do not seem to be going anywhere. Dr. Martens’ release of the Jadon boot, a platform version of their original boot, has sparked outfit inspiration throughout many teens. Platform versions of any favorite shoes add a playful edge to any outfit.