A SUBJECTIVE APPROACH TO LIFE.
We are all individuals,sharing common humanity,yet experience the world or otherness in so many different ways with our minds,senses and especially intuition. I wonder about the external world,as my inner world is crystal clear to me. In my attempt at knowing about life,a good place for me is to start from within,as the brain/mind fusion is the tool of knowledge. Perhaps this mode is one of introversion,and i accept that absolute knowledge of the universe or cosmos is impossible. Human consciousness epitomised by science and philosophy is a blunt tool,and man is but a grain of intelligence in the greater sphere of things. We can be deluded by dogma,arrogance and ignorance in our search for absolute power. The observable,natural world is a superior entity to collective humanity,and we ignore it and abuse it at our peril.
Jim Emerton.
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HONESTY AND TRANSPARENCY
Wise to keep to the truth as much as possible,especially in print. Critics are plentiful ,and a shrewd,discerning eye will spot chicanery,duplicity and errors of fact or judgement. This said,a perfect human role model does not exist. I like the work of the educated men of letters-academics,and scientists,as they take knowledge,insights and innovations to another level. Their work is to be found in books and articles. I think the essence is objectivity presented in a personal/individual way. The corollary is that there are some strange and specious people out there,making an impact on the pigeon racing culture.
Jim Emerton.
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ADVICE FOR NOVICES.
Wise,early on to decide what you want to do,who you want to be ,and go and do it. Learn from the great books and articles,and any genuine experts you may meet. A few people are really at the top of the game,and these are the ones to study. Mix with people at their lofts,with an eye on learning what is good and useful in the fancy. The icons are all there because of personal qualities irrespective of good birds! Allow a focus of 25 years to build a strain,acquire knowledge ,and become and individual in your own right.You will encounter jealous rivals on the way,yet stay focused on the practical tasks of your objectives. In the final analysis enjoy the sport for what it is,a pleasant pastime
Jim Emerton.
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HOW I WOULD TACKLE BARCELONA.
Talk it up,dream it up and see if you can clock by actually sending birds to the race. With all the bloodlines bought and sold,few can do well in this race,after attempts by a minority. In simple terms it is too far and difficult for most men and birds. Repeat performances take great skill and dedication and expert management. A Barcelona bird is the one in the clock,not in the head,although you may have visualised the feat prior to the race.Get all your yearlings to 4 or 500 miles,and enter the residue at 7 to 900 miles as 2 to 3 year old pigeons.It will be a tough race with no compromise. The build up is gradual increases of time on the wing with marathon feeding,of high fats/proteins and carbohydrates to build muscle and fat reserves. I like birds blown up big and airy and that glow with vitality and shine. When you fail,go again next year ,until you realise your dream.
Jim Emerton
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BEING HAPPY WITH THE BIRDS.
I love nature and all birds,which is a good place to start. Develop a routine,system and belief which is simple and stick to it. Plough your own furrow,and allow yourself freedom to be different or eccentric. In the main unhappiness may be induced by negativity from others,so choose people that are friendly and loyal,and supportive of your goals and aspirations. Recognise that the essential nature of competitive sport is psychological-it is the top dog syndrome. Have a comfy loft ,and when you can study bird behaviour out in all the elements that nature gives you. Develop areas of specialism and expertise where you can find a niche for yourself in relative peace and harmony,with respect and understanding of all the birds in your care.
Jim Emerton.
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