While there was some good things coming to Animalia, some things (like shoveling the snow on the driveway... again) came with some headaches.
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"Why did the president raise such a stink over our newest member of Project Phoenix?" asked one member, after reading one post on the Animalia Website.
"Probably because Adi's from Syria." said another, "But fortunately, our PR-MD was able to punch plenty of holes in his statement. First, she's female, and Islam has a very specific view on women's place in society. Second, she was homeless in Dubai. And Finally, she's got several cancers that had an "uglifying" effect, for lack of a better term for it, on her."
"So what and where is she now?" asked the first.
"She's an Arabian mare," said the second, "And she's now being trained as Maggie's protégé, due in no small part that she has a pure white coat, without any markings, and golden yellow mane and tail."
"That combination of genetics is very rare, for what I've heard." said a third, who was passing by.
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There was also several comments on the website for what was to be included for next year's IAC, that caused a lot of groaning among the members of the PR-MD.
"Why would anyone want the bodybuilding "village" of the IAC be more like a collection of yurts with the male and female members working out in an open air gym, while clad in next to nothing?!" cried one PR-MD member in exasperation.
"Why do they want that? I don't know." said another in a fake Japanese accent, mainly for laughs.
"We'll consider it," said a third, "But the "clad-in-next-to-nothing" part is definitely a no-go."
"Thank you, John Q. Internet." groaned a fourth.
"Well, Heracles might have something to do with it." said a fifth, who was Horizon's contact, "Ligers, specifically those whose father were the lion, often have a specific genetic defect that causes their bodies to never stop growing. And Heracles, after conversion, is already looking like he might give Robert Wadlow a run for his money. At the very least, if he doesn't win the IAC in general, he's going to be the champion in the feline division."
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Meanwhile Anton was called to the PR-MD for something that made both him and the PR-MD agent groan.
"How's your current Project White Lily group?" asked the agent.
"They're nearly finished with the curriculum." answered Anton, "We're planning to have a 'graduation ceremony' this spring."
"Well, you better be ready for an even bigger group because there are a lot of bodybuilders from foreign countries that are going to be part of Project White Lily, and not only that, they're also going to be part of the Homosexual Anonymous program." continued the agent. At that, Anton groaned. "I don't blame you for that," continued the agent, "Some foreign countries are less tolerant of their LGBT members, but the official story is that they're part of an outreach program." Anton groaned again.
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Apart from these recurring headaches, the last four days of 2018 were being kind of nice.