John Laurence made a name for himself as a war reporter for CBS television news back in the 1960s and 70s. He was one of the few reporters able to get up with the Marines in heavy contact during one of the heaviest battles of the Viet Nam/American war – the battle for Hue during Tet 1968. A few years ago, he wrote an excellent book titled “The Cat from Hue” about his experiences during the war. The title came from a scrawny, barely surviving, flea infested kitten he found in the ruins of Hue. He named the critter Mèo.
Yes – the name is pronounced just like a cat talks – like meow. But, Laurence is a clever man, and he knew the Vietnamese word for cat is mèo.
Tonight, we went out to eat at a favorite haunt. The Mandarin Café is owned by Mr. Cu, an artistic gentleman of obvious culture who sells good food, and hawks some magnificent photographs he has taken over the years. We had barely been seated when a kitten jumped onto Cindy’s lap, curled up, and demanded to be petted. Mr. Cu came over to our table smiling, noticing his kitten knew a “cat person” when she saw one. 
The cat’s name?
Mèo.
And yes – Mr. Cu knew of The Cat from Hue.
(Be sure to click on the photo to see a larger version - but don't tell Pookah that another Calico has been allowed in Cindy's lap.)