There have been so many raccoons spotted in New York City lately that a bill has been introduced in the City Council requiring the city to be responsible for trapping these uninvited visitors.
But where some see a menace, entertainer Lady Gaga sees opportunity. She's always been a great fan of facial masks and different kinds of eye makeup; she loves to change her look. Gaga is intrigued by the varied facial masks of raccoons and feels that there's a carryover to her own makeup plans and the cosmetics industry in general.
Of special interest: the black rims that surround the eyes of raccoons. Lady Gaga considers them quite unique, and it's a look she'd definitely like to replicate. She's brought a whole pack of raccoons to live at her offices and serve as consultants for a new cosmetics line she's developing — a line for the "nature-loving modern woman."
How do the commandeered raccoons feel about this? "Not ecstatic," their representative admits, continuing, "on the other hand, they don't have a lot of options open to them. Having a steady job with Lady Gaga means that they can stay in the city and enjoy a nice lifestyle. They don't face being relocated or being grabbed by a hungry New Yorker eager to whip up a raccoon stew."
Gail Farrelly is the author of three mystery novels. The latest is "Creamed at Commencement: A Graduation Mystery." One of her short stories is published online: "Get Yourself a Face" (about a Mafia princess who buys herself a face transplant and a lot of trouble). Her story "Even Steven" was a finalist in the 2007 Derringer Award competition.
