AN ALTERNATIVE TO COMMERCIALISM
More and more money is the mantra of the many in the written media of pigeon racing. The subliminal advertising is so apparant on seemingly innocuous articles. Having been in the souks of Syria i can spot all the sales techniques. A way round it is to swap and exchange good birds in like a bartering system,which is condusive to goodwill and possible friendship. I like to see books and articles that are designed to enlighten,absorb and entertain the fancy. I feel the successful can help others by taking one person under their wing,using sustained enthusiasm and communication skills. As a mentor,i am reminded of fanaticism in this objective. You can balance personal gains by donating a trophy or two to racing organisations. Commercialism is often an expression of the money ethic,yet helping costs with a few pigeon sales is fine in my book. Beware befor you part with your brass,and i do like owt for nowt.
Jim Emerton.
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MY OLD KEWITE FRIENDS.
We could be called alumni of the 69-72 course. All diverse and original characters we have manifested our gifts in a multiplicity of roles and fields of interest. Log Whitehead has led his dedicated botanical explorations in the grand total of 196 countries of the known world. A suave,cool and precise man ,he lives in the lovely Snowdonia. The flambouyant,charismatic and managerial Robin Bletsoe, relishes organised horticulture in the local community at Huntingdon. I must mention , the hilarious man who is the colourful character Barry Phillips. Residing in Exeter, he exhibits every personality trait known to man,from quiet reflection to outrage, and has morphed into an eccentric,creative and most original man. We all know the sublime broadcasting prowess of Alan Titchmarsh,and his versatile media persona and literary output. He is a driven man who has achieved greatness in the eyes of the popular consciousness and lives in Hampshire. I write these notes with feelings of affection and nostalgia as these men are fine Kewites and worthy human beings-
Jim Emerton Author/Poet/Philosopher/Mensan.
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ENDURANCE IN YOUR PIGEONS
Most birds of any origin will not tackle long endurance races. Find them out by sending them to the actual races to test them in race reality. The potential is born in the bird from the breeding ancestry and brought out by clever management. It is the old nature/nurture cliche of thinking. I n practice,increase the time on the wing in racing with rich feeding to increase muscle mass and reserves of fat,needed for the duration. Foods high in fats and carbohydrates will fuel up the birds,and you cannot overfeed if sufficient work is being done. 900 miles UK is plenty far enough for a good marathon bird,as racers are not the best distance birds of the avian world. Genetic evolution of marathon birds in the UK is small or negligible ,and good birds are the result of top human management.
Jim Emerton.
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NEW HORIZONS IN PIGEON RACING.
The world of the humble pigeon is complex,and we need enlightening on a number of issues. How do the birds navigate,and what predisposes an individual to be better at it than others? Human minds are a blunt tool,yet we may make some progress towards actual human knowledge in this concept. Can we identify and isolate any genes at the heart of short or long distance potential in racing-this may be interesting research? I have yet to see a study model on the optimal nutritional requirements of performance racing pigeons at different distances, of effects of inbreeding,outbreeding and other types of breeding in relation to vigour and performance values. It would be nice to devise an ideal management plan to support health and fitness in the flock. Another interesting area is the analysis and effects of human personality on the behavioural psychology of a pigeon. I feel there are many insights to be discovered in all areas of the sport ,as human consciousness evolves?
Jim Emerton.
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IDEAS ON MAKING LOFT AND RACE REPORTS.
Along with listing of actual,current race results from the various clubs and organisations ie the facts and figures, i like to see other inclusions as well. This can take the form of insights into the unique character of the fancier,his or her individual ,personal system . We want to identify what makes them separate from others,the whys of success. Some personal knowledge of personality is needed in these cases, as the fancier creates the home environment for the birds. A good report is probing and makes individual champions appealing and outstanding. The top fanciers get there because of their particular attributes which need identifying in print as the quintessence of the human side of the sport.-
Jim Emerton.
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