Ebony and Ivory!

An Ovis Aries Revolution! – My Contribution to “Unherd” – I Doubt It Will Be Printed! (31.1.2025)

Sheep are very sensitive animals. This includes goats and rams – not always the same thing. Under Labour, the manner in which sheep congregate together has subtly shifted. In the average flock today, the shepherds will tell you that their is a profound sense of fear seven-days a week – and not just on Market-Day – or when the “special” lorry arrives. The texture of the wool has diminished in quality – as has the production of milk and meat. As you know, sheep-milk is used to make a myriad of alternative dairy products – including niche cheese and yoghurt. Yes – such products cost a little more – but this reflects the greater extent of labour required to manufacture these products.

Old Billy - What a Great Horse!

UK: Remembering “Old Billy” [1760-1822] with Love and Respect! (21.7.2024)

The taxidermied head was acquired by Bedford Museum, while Old Billy’s skull went to Manchester Museum, where it has been displayed below a neon sign bearing the horse’s name.

Such has been Old Billy’s enduring appeal that a children’s book telling the horse’s story was published in 2023 and Ms Reid said it was hoped the return of the head would inspire other work.

“There’s something about Old Billy which has really captured our imaginations,” she said.

“We loved the beautiful children’s picture book about him which was recently created by two artists from the town [and] now there’s music and artwork being made about Old Billy and we’ll be hosting workshops and talks.”

Old Billy is at Warrington Museum’s Cabinet of Curiosities between 19 July and 20 November and is free to view.

Sheep Are Generally "Apolitical"!

FBI: Surname “Crooks” NOT Related to Habitual Crime! (14.7.2024)

FBI Files report that the surname ‘Crooks’ is an ancient English surname relating to an individual who specialises in the care of adult sheep or juvenal lambs. As a surname, it is related to the surnames ‘Shepperd’ and ‘Lambert’ – with ‘Crooks’ referring to a six-foot wooden staff that possess a ‘hook’ (or ‘crook’) at one-end – used to ‘envelop’ the neck-area of a sheep or lamb – ‘at a distance’. This piece of pre-modern technology allows for troublesome and quick-footed sheep and lambs that need to be captured and brought near to their human carer.