http://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/The moans of an unapreciated MLAen-EUMokoFeed10http://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/http://data5.blog.de/design/preview/73/af6874595c666e50f068402a99af78_160x200.jpghttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2009/11/18/koeln-is-great-7410517/tag:motty-sr.blog.co.uk,2009-11-18:/2009/11/18/koeln-is-great-7410517/Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:54:20 +0100 <p><span><strong>Remember what I said about no Germany? I sort of made a mistake. To be perfectly honest it was the fact that my brain worked out that I sort of would beable to go for my annual shop-and-funfest in Köln in December, so the rest of me gave my brain no chance to change it's mind and booked the trip. I am actually more looking forwards to this holiday than the one to Egypt for some strange, unfathomable reason. Maybe it's the chocolate. Whatever it is, I can't wait. I have finaly sort of recovered from the 100 mile bike ride. I am now sort of back horse riding and am returning to the gym tomorrow. I think the guys at the gym might have forgotten what I look like! Which I sort of don't blame anyone for because I sort of had my hair cut and coloured in August and, let's just say it doesn't look like the profile pic any more. The book is sort of coming along in it's own way and it might be the case that chapter 13 is finished this year, unfortunately not the book, but it is very slowly getting there.</strong></span></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2009/11/18/koeln-is-great-7410517/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>horse-ridingbook-writingholidaysgermanyhttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2009/11/18/koeln-is-great-7410517/#commentshttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2009/08/20/i-have-a-problem-6769465/tag:motty-sr.blog.co.uk,2009-08-20:/2009/08/20/i-have-a-problem-6769465/Thu, 20 Aug 2009 22:26:14 +0200 <p><span><span><strong>A really, really, REALLY BIG humdinger of a problem. Let me explain the scenario:</strong></span></span></p> <p><span><span><strong>Me:- big Jean Michel Jarre fan, loving the idea of toddling off to France for a week concert hopping. Cheapest way of doing this is to hire a car out.<br>Mum:- "You're not driving over there. I don't care what you say, you're not driving."<br>See! The easiest way of doing Marseille, Lyon and Paris (with the possibility of Nice) and also the cheapest would be to hire a car out and drive to each of the cities Jarre is doing a concert in. Mum thinks that all drivers abroad are evil, disgusting nasty idiots who will ram you off the road. Not to mention that she's worried about me driving on the "wrong side of the road." Just going to have to try and work her round to it I suppose.<br>Anyone living in France who is reading this: Are there any other ways of getting from Marseille to Nice To Lyon to Paris that you would consider easier than driving?<br></strong></span></span></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2009/08/20/i-have-a-problem-6769465/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>holidaysjean-michel-jarrelifemusichttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2009/08/20/i-have-a-problem-6769465/#commentshttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2009/08/13/what-was-the-point-6719101/tag:motty-sr.blog.co.uk,2009-08-13:/2009/08/13/what-was-the-point-6719101/Thu, 13 Aug 2009 22:55:24 +0200 <p><strong><span>Someone, please tell me. What was the whole point of doing a German GCSE, going throught the stress of the exams and so on when, until next July at least, I won't be going to Germany?<br>It's true, the German love affair is over. Aside from FC Köln, the chocolate and Schumacher, I am currently having nothing to do with Germany. I was planning to go at the end of the year for my annual shop-and-funfest at the Christmas Markets, but that's off because I'm going to Egypt in January for a week. So, you would think that maybe, the gorgeous Jean Michel Jarre is doing some concerts in Germany next March, Motty'll go to one of those. Oh no she won't. Well, maybe not. That's because Motty found out about Jarre's French concerts next March and booked a ticket for Marseille before she found out about the German ones</span><span> and might not have enough hols left to do a double trip. So, until Aachen, ich bin Deutschelos. The best part? I can't remeber much French after hello!<br></span></strong></p> <p><strong><span>The cycling is coming along well, I am going to attempt to plan a 100 mile route to trial next Sunday (would be this Sunday, but have a couple of bike rides booked already which will total around 50 miles give or take). Not yet decided where I'm cycling to, but I will try to have fun.<br></span></strong></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2009/08/13/what-was-the-point-6719101/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>musiclifegermanyhttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2009/08/13/what-was-the-point-6719101/#commentshttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2009/07/11/save-bruce-6491813/tag:motty-sr.blog.co.uk,2009-07-11:/2009/07/11/save-bruce-6491813/Sat, 11 Jul 2009 17:14:43 +0200 <p><strong><span>Bruce is a young Staffy taken from his family in Northern Ireland in September 2007, after being deemed to be of "Pitbull type". In spite of all his owner's efforts Bruce is to be destroyed because, earlier this year, despite not contending that Bruce was of type, the judge said that as Bruce was of sound temperament, he would be allowed home and be placed on the exempt register upon his owner fulfilling the following criteria:<br>Keeping Bruce muzzled and on a lead in public,<br>Containing him behind 6' fences at home<br>gaining Public Liability insurance.<br>His owner had agreed only to find she had been set up to fail as the 1997 ammendment adopted in England and Wales, which would have allowed Bruce home under those conditions, had not been adopted in Northern Ireland - making Bruce an illegal dog which no insurance provider will cover. In his first kennels Bruce was woefully treated, suffering cuts to his muzzle which became infected and an injury to his tail which required a vet to have to amputate part of his tail. Although we are assured that Bruce has been moved to new kennels and is being better treated, his owners have been denied contact with their pet and have not seen Bruce since March 2008. They have not even been sent photos as proof that he is still well.<br>A rescue in Southern Ireland, where there are no banned breeds, made an offer to home Bruce for the rest of his life. The judge dismissed it as she had "no jurisdiction in that area".<br>I am calling on everyone who reads this blog to join the fight to save Bruce, have him reunited with his family or given safe passage to the rescue in Southern Ireland.<br>To sign the petition to Bring Bruce Home:<br><a href="http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/BRING-BRUCE-HOME-X">Petition</a><br>For more information see the link below:<br><a href="http://www.dogpages.org.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=177884">Bruce</a></span></strong></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2009/07/11/save-bruce-6491813/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>bring-bruce-homehttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2009/07/11/save-bruce-6491813/#commentshttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2009/07/11/jarre-6488648/tag:motty-sr.blog.co.uk,2009-07-10:/2009/07/11/jarre-6488648/Sat, 11 Jul 2009 00:34:19 +0200 <p><span><strong>I am so totally in love with his music. Just got 2 new albums - If you can call them new. Rendezvous was released in 1986 and Chronologie in 1993.</strong></span></p> <p><span><strong>The first Rendez-vous could be used as a track at a Sunday Chillout session it sounds that fresh, while, once Chronologie part 2 gets going, no clubber would realise it was written and released back in the 90's.</strong></span></p> <p><span><strong>Rendez-vous sold 3 million copies world-wide and was in the UK charts for over 30 weeks and the US charts for over 20 weeks. Hardly the work of an obscure artist. Yet to many people today, Jarre is a complete unknown. Mention that the tune often heard at amusement arcades is his Oxygene 4 and they won't entertain the idea of listening to him.</strong></span></p> <p><span><strong>At the Manchester concert in May, a bloke in front of me was over heard on his mobile before the concert started saying he was at the Jarre concert with his freinds who had bought the tickets.</strong></span></p> <p><span><strong>"He's some French DJ apparantly" He said. After the concert he was raving about the music and wanting to know when his next UK concert was. The only Jarre piece I would recommend avoiding (but only if there are children in the vicinity) is Beautiful Agony from the Téo & Téo album. It's very addictive.</strong></span></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2009/07/11/jarre-6488648/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>jarremusicentertainmenthttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2009/07/11/jarre-6488648/#commentshttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2009/07/03/all-change-6444873/tag:motty-sr.blog.co.uk,2009-07-03:/2009/07/03/all-change-6444873/Fri, 03 Jul 2009 22:43:14 +0200 <p><strong><span>So, all change. The horseriding is on hold until September at least as I am training for the 100 mile bike ride and want to be in one piece for it. The fish are having to move to a new home due to a flare-up of eczema which may or may not have been caused by the tank water, but I can't take any chances and I don't want to leave all the maintenence to mum and dad. Plus Mum wants a dog next year and dogs and fish tanks in a small house don't go.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span>My room is going to be redecorated in green with a creamish carpet.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span>The only constant is work, and the mental block on the book.</span></strong></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2009/07/03/all-change-6444873/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>horse-ridingsciencebook-writinglifehttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2009/07/03/all-change-6444873/#commentshttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2009/06/03/100-miles-by-bike-6232636/tag:motty-sr.blog.co.uk,2009-06-03:/2009/06/03/100-miles-by-bike-6232636/Wed, 03 Jun 2009 22:21:47 +0200 <p><span><span><span><span><strong>This is the Ride of the Roses from Lancaster to York which takes place on the 5th September this year and I'm taking part. I know, 100 miles is a long way no matter how you look at it, but it's to raise money for the British Heart Foundation, and I'll do (almost) anything for charity. If anyone wishes to sponsor me just click</strong> <a href="http://www.justgiving.com/lindsaychant"><span>here</span></a></span></span></span></span></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2009/06/03/100-miles-by-bike-6232636/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>leisuresportshttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2009/06/03/100-miles-by-bike-6232636/#commentshttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2009/04/27/german-leson-6013839/tag:motty-sr.blog.co.uk,2009-04-27:/2009/04/27/german-leson-6013839/Mon, 27 Apr 2009 01:41:53 +0200 <p><span><strong>Der Hölle Rache kocht in meinem Herzen,</strong></span></p> <p><span><strong>Tod und Verzwieflung flammet um mich her!</strong></span></p> <p><span><strong>Flücht nicht durch dich Sarastro Todesschemrzen,</strong></span></p> <p><span><strong>So bist du meine Tochter nimmermehr.</strong></span></p> <p><span><strong>Verstossen sei auf ewig,</strong></span></p> <p><span><strong>Verlossen sei auf ewig,</strong></span></p> <p><span><strong>Zertrümmert sei'n auf ewig</strong></span></p> <p><span><strong>Alle Bande der Natur</strong></span></p> <p><span><strong>Wenn nicht durch dich!</strong></span></p> <p><span><strong>Sarastro wird erblassen!</strong></span></p> <p><span><strong>Hört, Rachgötter,</strong></span></p> <p><span><strong>Hört der Mütter Schwur!</strong></span></p> <p><span><strong></strong></span></p> <p><span><strong>I would have posted the entire transcript of my Spoken exam, but I don't understand it in English, so it doesn't make anymore sense in German, trust me. So, instead I have posted the lyrics to Der Hölle Rache from Mozart's Magic Flute Opera. They make much more sense whether in German or English.</strong></span></p> <p><span><strong>I am currently attempting to translate my book into German. With not much success.</strong></span></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2009/04/27/german-leson-6013839/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>musicbook-writinglifegermanyhttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2009/04/27/german-leson-6013839/#commentshttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2009/04/06/fish-update-5896767/tag:motty-sr.blog.co.uk,2009-04-05:/2009/04/06/fish-update-5896767/Mon, 06 Apr 2009 00:52:18 +0200 <p><strong><span>Andre, Novakovic, Brosinski, Vucicevic, Isobel and Ulla (the 6 White Clouds) are now housed in their lovely new tank. Unfortunately, I couldn't quite afford the 60l tank, so got a 48l one.<br>There is a planting substrate at the bottom, covered with a layer of gravel and sand. I currently have 7 plants in the tank and 1 moss ball. Today I bought a piece of Mopani wood which will be split into 2 pieces and then soaked in a 20l bucket before being placed in the tank.<br>The reason for the Mopani wood? Around September/October, the 6 WCMMs will be joined by 3 or 4 Otocinclus (Dwarf Suckermouth Catfish). I decided on a breed of catfish, knowing that the WCMMs are surface to mid tank feeders and there wouldn't be any point in putting more of that type of fish into the aquarium. So, I started reading up on the different types of catfish, knowing my requirements:</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span>Size: must be small.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span>Temperature: Need to be happy at 22 Celcius</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span>Temperament: Peaceful.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span>From a short list of suitables, I chose the Otocinclus as they fit those categories well. They only grow to around an inch in length, are peaceful fish and the tank temperature is Ok for them. They feed on Algae and vegetables, although may be tempted by Mango. So, although making the aquarium look more natural is hard work and can cost money, in the long term, the fish are happier and the look is really great.</span></strong></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2009/04/06/fish-update-5896767/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>fishhttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2009/04/06/fish-update-5896767/#commentshttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2009/02/28/who-looks-after-the-fish-5668177/tag:motty-sr.blog.co.uk,2009-02-28:/2009/02/28/who-looks-after-the-fish-5668177/Sat, 28 Feb 2009 22:29:24 +0100 <p><strong><span>I currently have a 21 litre tank which houses 6 White Cloud Mountain Minnows (Tanichthys albonubes). They are extremely well cared for, with a heater to maintain the water temperature, a filter which is powerful enough to replicate the conditions they would live in in the wild, an air pump on almost full flow to provide the right amount of oxygen, a plant to keep the nitrate levels in check (the filter looks after the ammonia and nitrite levels) and to provide shelter for them, plenty of light for the plant and them, and plenty of variety in their diet.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span>Very soon they will be re-housed in a tank between 60 and 120 litres with the conditions they are used to replicated, with the addition of some more plants and some new fish added.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span>You may wonder what I'm getting at with my post title.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span>Well, when I bought my tank, I was told a few lies which I will now list:</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span>1. 21 litre tanks are suitible for 2 goldfish.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span>2. The fish will adapt to the tank.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span>3. You don't need to vary the diet of any fish.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span>These lies are told by a number of shops which sell these tanks and ones even smaller to unsuspecting people.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span>21 litre tanks are nowhere near large enough for 1 goldfish, never mind 2. Do not be fooled by this lie. The comet variety of goldfish, given as prizes on funfairs and the cheapest to buy, needs at least 80 litres of water to live in. That's a 160 litre tank for 2 at minimum. The smaller fancy varieties need at least 40 litres of water.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span>Yes, it may look like the fish you buy only grow to the size tank they are in. However, inside, their internal organs are still growing. That's why most only last a few years. In the wild the comet, which is from the carp family (that's what goldfish are - carps) can live for about 20-30 years. The fancy varieties should live about half that because they are more prone to problems due to the way they have been bred - short, round bodies, which cause swimbladder problems and make it hard to swim.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span>Variety in diet is important, and doesn't need to be expensive. My White clouds get a small pinch of fish flakes each day, but they also get Daphnia (a small planktonic crustacean which would be found naturally in the natural habitat of most tank fish) and brineshrimp (Artemia) once or twice a week. I am also looking at buying bloodworm for them. Most Goldfish species will eat fruit, crushed frozen peas, and cucumber in addition to their usual diet of flake or pellet food.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span>There is absolutely no reason to keep goldfish in cramped conditions. If you don't have room for the size tank they need, look at tropical fish instead. A small heater costs around £20 and light can easily be provided by placing a table lamp nearby. Tropical fish aren't even expensive unless you are looking at the larger fish. Most shops will sell you a shoal of 6 neon tetras, which look similar to the White Clouds for around £5-6. My own White Clouds cost £5.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span>They are lovely fish to watch, much more interesting to look at than goldfish and a lot easier to keep. This is a pic of 3 of mine. The one nearest the plant is called Andre.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span><a title="Andre and 2" href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/andre_and_2/3275865"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/865/3275865_d0115dad8d_s.jpg" alt="Andre and 2" hspace="5" vspace="5"></a></span></strong></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2009/02/28/who-looks-after-the-fish-5668177/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>fish-carewhite-cloud-minnowspetshttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2009/02/28/who-looks-after-the-fish-5668177/#commentshttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2009/02/06/an-end-to-rollkur-5516807/tag:motty-sr.blog.co.uk,2009-02-06:/2009/02/06/an-end-to-rollkur-5516807/Fri, 06 Feb 2009 02:12:46 +0100 <p><strong><span>Well, if the FEI sorts it's brain out enough to be able to tell it's arse from it's elbow and get the guts to upset the likes of Anky.<br>OK, time for definition: I normally use Rollkur when referring to slightly behind the verticle work that I do occasionally with Gypsy, although he has really calmed down now and no longer needs nor is worked in this outline.<br>In this post, Rollkur is defining the position where the horse's head is held a long way behind the verticle, in some cases against the chest. Today, we are referring to this extreme form of flexion.<br>Dr Uta von Borstel, of the University of Guelph in Ontario has been spending a lot of time researching the effects of Rollkur on horses, physically and mentally.<br>The findings show that Rollkur actually causes horses distress.<br>For the investigation, Dr von Borstel and her team took 15 horses and rode them in both the extremely hyperflexed position and the normal poll flexion position, using a seperate arena for each position. The horses learned to associate the differing techniques with the corresponding arenas.<br>The horses were then allowed to choose which arena to go into and 14 chose the non-rollkur ring.<br>The investigation also found that when the horses were ridden rollkur they had higher heart rates and reacted more markedly to frightening stimuli.<br>Last April the FEI issued a statement about rollkur which read:<br>"There are no known clinical side effects specifically arising from the use of hyperflexion (rollkur). However, there are serious concerns for a horse's wellbeing if the technique is not being practised correctly.<br>"The FEI condemns hyperflexion in any equestrian sport as an example of mental abuse. The FEI states that it does not support the practise."<br>Despite this, the FEI are said to be still considering whether or not to discipline riders using rollkur at FEI events. They are not currently, and unless the FEI gets off the fence and decides one way or another, they never will.<br>I'm sorry, but, I know that I sit a bit on the fence over this subject, leaning more toward the anti- brigade over the extreme form, but the FEI cannot have it both ways. They can not openly condemn rollkur and then say to the riders: "but don't worry, if we catch you using it, we won't do anything."<br>It just doesn't work.<br>Of course, the FEI don't want the likes of Anky van Grunsven, Isabelle Werth, and some prominent showjumping riders to up and leave the sport by cracking down on their training methods. But at the same time they can't say one thing and mean another.<br>If these riders are going to walk out on their sport just because the FEi decides to discipline them for using rollkur at an FEI event then do we really want them in the sport? Are they any better than the footballer who kisses the badge of his club after scoring a goal and then, as soon as a big club show an interest in him, demands a transfer?<br>As for me? Well, with Gypsy now much calmer in his work and happy to work collected movement, I can work him in the frame I want - uphill, elevated and flowing through from his hindlegs. Something I couldn't do with him without hystronics over the loss of ability to go 100mph last year.<br>Yes, he still gets a tad excited in canter work, but only to extent where I can get away with just bringing him back to walk on a circle line, and using the excitement to produce a more elevated walk. Last year I wouldn't have been able to get him to that stage and never envisioned it happening.</span></strong></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2009/02/06/an-end-to-rollkur-5516807/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>horsesdressagesportsrollkurhorse-ridinghttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2009/02/06/an-end-to-rollkur-5516807/#commentshttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2009/01/26/my-e-mail-s-blocked-5447471/tag:motty-sr.blog.co.uk,2009-01-26:/2009/01/26/my-e-mail-s-blocked-5447471/Mon, 26 Jan 2009 01:47:08 +0100 <p><strong><span>I'm certain it is. Not my Blog e-mail, but my other e-mail. It only shows e-mails I don't want, about stuff I don't want to know about.<br>A couple of weeks ago, I applied for a placement. Not going to go into any real detail, but, I was really keen on it. Recieved a reply e-mail on the Wednesday, asking some questions, and some pics.<br>Sent reply last Saturday evening, and I haven't heard anything since.<br>Surely, if I didn't get the placement, it wouldn't hurt to send an e-mail saying: "Thank you for your application ... blah, blah, blah .... Unfortunately, on this occaision, you have not been successful." Would it?<br>E-mails are definately free to send aren't they?<br>I mean besides the internet connection charge.<br>So, to my extremely logical mind, there is only one answer to the problem:<br>My e-mail has selective blocking.<br>Can it be removed?</span></strong></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2009/01/26/my-e-mail-s-blocked-5447471/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>e-mailhttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2009/01/26/my-e-mail-s-blocked-5447471/#commentshttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2009/01/23/any-fish-keepers-out-there-5428534/tag:motty-sr.blog.co.uk,2009-01-23:/2009/01/23/any-fish-keepers-out-there-5428534/Fri, 23 Jan 2009 02:22:18 +0100 <p><strong><span>I am looking at getting 2 fantail-type fish. We used to keep fish a few years ago, but everything has been gotten rid of, so I'm starting from scratch and want to get it as right as possible, so:<br>For 2 fantails, how big a tank would I need?<br>How long after setting the tank up can I buy and add the fish?<br>What's the best feeding regime for Fantails, pellets, flakes or a mixture?<br>If adding frozen treats, what is best?<br>Any other information an the upkeep of these fish would be greatly appreciated.<br>I am asking these questions, as everything I've read seems confusing and slightly contradictory, especially with regards the setting up of a tank. Some saying wait 7 days, others until the water is free of amonia.<br>That's another question, is there a testing kit to check the water amonia levels? i know to leave the tank, once it's set up to allow the bacteria to thrive.<br>Also, is there a small, cold water fish that eats algae, that would be able to live alogside the fantails without problems?<br>This question is because of the shape of the room where the tank is situated, direct sunlight would be hard to avoid, if there isn't a small algae eater that co-habits happily with fantails, then I can improvise a sunscreen for the side of the tank most affected.</span></strong></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2009/01/23/any-fish-keepers-out-there-5428534/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>fishhelpfantailsfishkeepinghttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2009/01/23/any-fish-keepers-out-there-5428534/#commentshttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2009/01/19/me-and-whit-5409188/tag:motty-sr.blog.co.uk,2009-01-19:/2009/01/19/me-and-whit-5409188/Mon, 19 Jan 2009 23:50:07 +0100 <p> <small> <a href="http://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2009/01/19/me-and-whit-5409188/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>horse-ridinghttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2009/01/19/me-and-whit-5409188/#commentshttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2009/01/15/british-bulldog-to-become-extinct-5379490/tag:motty-sr.blog.co.uk,2009-01-14:/2009/01/15/british-bulldog-to-become-extinct-5379490/Thu, 15 Jan 2009 00:42:59 +0100 <p><strong><span>If you believe that, you'll believe anything.<br>No, the British Bulldog is NOT going to become extinct, it just won't look like the country it's supposed to be representing: Grossly overweight, and unhealthy.<br>Is that really the fighting fit message we are supposed to be sending out?<br>No.<br>The British Bulldog has been let down over the last 100 years by the very people who supposedly cared about it: the breeders. They tried to play God, thinking they knew best. They failed. The Bulldog can't mate without assistance, and no chance of natural birth for MRS Bulldog: no, she needs a caesarean because the pups heads are too big for her hips.<br>I've seen an impression of the new British Bulldog, and I like it. It has longer legs, isn't so fat it has to waddle, and has a face shape it can breathe with. Whats more, lowering the nose means the dog no longer needs the owner to remember to wet it's nose, because it can touch it's tongue to it's nose.<br>That's got to be an improvement, surely?<br>Well, the British Bulldog club are up in arms about it.<br>Of course they are. They don't like the idea of having to admitt they've been breeding unhealthy dogs for years, dogs that their ancestors wouldn't recognise as Bulldogs.<br>Others to get a healthy make-over under the new KC guidelines include the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, which will now be bred to have a head that is big enough for the brain.<br>The German Shepherd is another. The Police don't need to worry though, their dogs are, presumably, safe. I imagine that the change will be a lifting of the hips, meaning that the dog can walk.<br>The Shar Pei will loose those folds of skin around the legs, back, neck and face. Their breed club, welcome the move, which is great to see, that some people realise that something has to be done to help these breeds.<br>The Pekingnese will lose the flat face that stops it breathing properly, and will most likely, end the need for the owner to train the dog to drink from a bottle.<br>Yes, flat-faced dogs need supervision when they are drinking as the nose being flat against the face means theres a risk of them drowning in their water dish.<br>The Kennel Club may have taken a very long time to take action, but they are to be applauded for this move and should be supported by breeders, not shunned.<br>Those breeders thinking of leaving the KC because of this, remember:<br>When you breed those deformed pups, you'll have a harder job to sell them. It might have it's faults, but that piece of paper that says "KC Registered" holds more sway when people buy their pup than "non-KC Registered"<br>Maybe you should gice the new proposals a try, you might surprise yourself by finding you like the changes to your breed.</span></strong></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2009/01/15/british-bulldog-to-become-extinct-5379490/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>breed-changesbulldogkennel-clubdogshttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2009/01/15/british-bulldog-to-become-extinct-5379490/#commentshttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2008/12/23/think-i-ve-overdone-it-5262238/tag:motty-sr.blog.co.uk,2008-12-22:/2008/12/23/think-i-ve-overdone-it-5262238/Tue, 23 Dec 2008 00:59:53 +0100 <p><strong><span><span>With gifts for the Dog's home this Christmas. It may only be a slight miscalculation on my part, and I'm sure that everything will have a use.<br>I have been putting a doggie hamper together over the past month for all the doglets at Manchester Dogs Home. I didn't mean to get too much, some treats, a small bag of dry food, a couple of toys, and maybe a smallish doggie cushion, all in a box. This has grown into the following:<br>1xbag dry dog food<br>1x6-pack foil containers dog food for small dogs<br>1x4-pack foil trays puppy food<br>1x1.2 kilo box of Bonios<br>1xbox of Puppy Markies<br>1xmedium-sized knotted rope toy<br>1xsmall-sized rope toy<br>1xrubber tug toy<br>1xmedium extreme Kong<br>1xKong paste<br>1xbag of doggie treats<br>1x18" doggie cushion<br>1x24" doggie cushion<br>all enclosed in a willow, cotton lined laundry basket<br>That's just the dogs.<br>I got the volunteers some mince pies and I might buy some more volunteer goodies while out shopping tomorrow, before dropping the hamper off.<br>I would urge all people to think about their local animal rescue centre next year and consider a small hamper or donation. At Manchester Dogs Home, £1 will buy a dog it's dinner on Christmas day. It doesn't cost much to add a couple of tins of dog/cat food or a small pack of treats to your weekly shopping, and the rescues really are gratefull for any donation, no matter how small.<br>Maybe I did go over the top, but it's only the same amount as I'd have spent on Tess over a couple of months, so, to me it's worth every penny to help the Rescue that we got Tess from.</span></span></strong></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2008/12/23/think-i-ve-overdone-it-5262238/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>manchester-dogs-homechristmashttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2008/12/23/think-i-ve-overdone-it-5262238/#commentshttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2008/12/07/a-breakthrough-5174147/tag:motty-sr.blog.co.uk,2008-12-07:/2008/12/07/a-breakthrough-5174147/Sun, 07 Dec 2008 01:47:41 +0100 <p><span><span><span>Me and Gypsy had a breakthrough! I am not kidding you, Gypsy has still not changed in the slightest, he still wants to go 100MPH in everything, that's never going to change in the slightest, and is still excitable, but in the last 2 weeks something has changed.<br>Gypsy will do collected work willingly! I am seriously worried about his health. Gypsy shuns all collected work, lateral work, anything that stops him going 100MPH is evil in his mind and to be avoided.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>That changed last Saturday. Towards the end of the lesson, where we hadn't done too much work, but some recent canter work had got Gypsy up on his toes, we were given the all-clear to do lateral work with the horses we were riding. This normally results in a 10 minute battle to get Gypsy to do a leg-yield, not last Saturday. He willingly performed leg-yield, and then, deciding that this lateral work malarkey was getting him lots of praise from yours truely, did 2 very nice shoulder-ins and even gave me a couple of steps of half-pass, which I asked for not really expecting anything. OK his half-pass wouldn't exactly set the Dressage world alight, but it's a start.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>This Saturday, we were doing quarter turns to prepare for shoulder-in. Again, Gypsy was worryingly willing to do this work all nice and collected.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>There is a catch to this though - once he discovered the joys of collection, he decided that he liked it so much, he didn't really want to go forward again!</span></span></span></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2008/12/07/a-breakthrough-5174147/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>dressagehorseshorse-ridinggypsyhttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2008/12/07/a-breakthrough-5174147/#commentshttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2008/12/06/dreary-drudgery-in-sight-5170290/tag:motty-sr.blog.co.uk,2008-12-06:/2008/12/06/dreary-drudgery-in-sight-5170290/Sat, 06 Dec 2008 02:56:08 +0100 <p><span><span>For the time being anyway. It's been one of those months since September started. I'm bored, fed up with doing the same old boring things like work, go out, watch TV, read, surf internet (oh, actually, scrap that last one, just seen something interesting), eat, drink, go to bed, have tooth removed, have jaw bone cracked by dentist while removing tooth, get some weird cold/flu mutation, sleep, force 6 pints of home-made lemonade down throat, gaze dreamily at new PSI collection and KA. As you can see, it's been boring. And then, just as I thought it couldn't get worse, it got better.<br>JMJ music god returns to Manchester next year!<br>Going to Germany next Week!<br>Christmas Party!<br>Ok, I accept the first one is worth the excitement and maybe the second one as well. But you can tell how bored I have been.<br>This is because Tess is no longer here, Tess was my ideas bouncer. OK, the feedback wasn't exactly there, but, she listened (at least I think she did) to my ideas, put up with suddenly and unexpectedly being whisked off to new places for a walk.<br>In short, since we lost Tess, I have been lost. Maybe I was lost before, like at the start of the year, but didn't really realise it until Tess went.<br>Maybe we'll get a new dog next year, and I can find my spark again.<br>Or maybe not.</span></span></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2008/12/06/dreary-drudgery-in-sight-5170290/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tessgermanyillworkholidayslifehorse-ridinghttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2008/12/06/dreary-drudgery-in-sight-5170290/#commentshttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2008/08/31/is-it-because-we-are-british-4664028/tag:motty-sr.blog.co.uk,2008-08-31:/2008/08/31/is-it-because-we-are-british-4664028/Sun, 31 Aug 2008 23:29:45 +0200 <p>Just spent a very interesting Saturday Evening at Adington Mannor EC in Buckinghamshire, learning a lot from the unofficial dressage god, Ulli Kasselmann, and 2 top class riders/trainers, Dr. Ulf Möller and Emile Faurie.<br>This was a masterclass given during the British Dressage Young Horse & Breeding Championships. Note that this is to showcase the best British young horses. From what I saw of our horses in comparison to those brought over by the Kasselmann team, we have a lot of work to do.</p> <p>Carl Hester impressed in the Prix St George with Moviestar, but, as impressive as the 8 year old stallion was, he paled somewhat in comparison with the 3, 4 and 5 year olds Kasselmann had to show. The difference? Training.</p> <p>Apparantly, in Britain, if a horse reacts by either lengthening or shortening, we don't praise the horse, we either push the horse forward or hold it back. On the Kasselmann yard, this is a no-no.</p> <p>"Use these things to your advantage. Praise the horse, give them a pat, tell them they did well. That way, when you ask for the extension or collection, there is more chance the horse will produce that elevation you got when something happened to excite the horse." Says Möller.</p> <p>Several times during the clinic, we were encouraged actively to "help" the horse with an extended trot. The results were some of the most spectacular, naturally cadent extended trots I have ever seen, and I have seen some very good ones.</p> <p>During the Q&A session, a question was asked about the working trots produced by some horses earlier in the day. Did we need to push forward more?</p> <p>"Yes. The horse has to come forwards from the hind legs, swinging through the back, up into the bridle, not backwards. If the horse is not going forward, you cannot have true collection. When the horse is going truely forwards, the shoulders lift and the back is loose. So, yes, you have to ride the working trot forward." Said Kasselmann.</p> <p>From what I saw, we don't really have any excuse to not be as good as Germany. If only we could get over being "so British and reserved in our riding, we could go to Germany and not say 'Sorry, about that, but we're British.'"</p> <p>As I say, it was a thoughroughly enjoyable evening, spoiled only by a few people around me who weren't interested in the masterclass and decided to chat to each other through the duration. If you're not interested, leave.</p> <p>Also, one question I wanted to ask, but didn't. It comes down to one lesson at the start of the year. Young horse named Harley. At the start of the lesson, another horse tried to attack her, making her nervous. In particular, she continually spooked in one corner. Not wanting to upset her too much, I took the decision to work her away from that corner and circled her in walk, rewarding her when she showed signs of relaxing.</p> <p>Ever since, I have wondered - was that the right choice? Should I have persisted in working her into the corner?</p> <p>I may never know the answer.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2008/08/31/is-it-because-we-are-british-4664028/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>young-horse-championshipskasselmanndressagehttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2008/08/31/is-it-because-we-are-british-4664028/#commentshttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2008/08/19/cowards-every-one-of-them-4610251/tag:motty-sr.blog.co.uk,2008-08-19:/2008/08/19/cowards-every-one-of-them-4610251/Tue, 19 Aug 2008 19:52:52 +0200 <p>That's what I think of the following show jumping teams who objected to the inclusion on the British team of a 53 year old man:<br>Netherlands,<br>Switzerland,</p> <p>U.S.A,</p> <p>Canada,</p> <p>Australia,</p> <p>Norway,</p> <p>Sweden.</p> <p>Obviously, the Brit in question must have commited some henious crime for those 7 to object so strongly, taking their protest the the Equestrian governing body, the FEI, you say.</p> <p>Well, no. The 53 year old is John Whitaker. His crime? His horse, Peppermill, was sidelined from the first day of the team competition with a stiff back. The horse was passed fit for the second day and the competition officials agreed to the British team request for John to compete. Strangely enough, the German team, Britian's closest rivals, had absolutely no problem with this. But the 7 teams above did. They lodged a protest, which was upheld.</p> <p>Congratulations on your Gold medal U.S.A. Congratulations for getting Silver, Canada. Congratulations to Norway on your Bronze medal. But, remember, in the minds of a lot of showjumping fans, this one included, your achievements will be forever tainted with an asterisk - John Whitaker did not start for Britain. Where was the fairness that the Olympics is supposed to be about in your protest? Britain reduced to 3 riders, when their fourth was fit and his horse was fit, but deemed inelligible on your say so. Reduced to 3 riders, albeit 3 very good riders, you left Britain with no chance of a medal, having to count all 3 scores, no chance to drop their worst score, without the world's best team rider, John Whitaker to fall back on. Was that fair? The answer is NO. But why should that matter to you? You have your medals and your riders can look forwards to the individual competition without fear of being beaten by one of the World's most experienced championship riders.</p> <p>You were so brave to make that stand against John Whitaker weren't you?</p> <p>Actually, your actions reek of cowardice. I for one, don't think of you as brave any more. I used to marvel at how good you were, not any more. Every one of you that protested aginst John's inclusion in the British team for the second day of competition are cowards. I don't respect you or think you are great any more.</p> <p>To Germany. The most sincere congratulations for overcoming a horrendous first day score of 20 faults to finish joint fifth. I hope that your riders can put their disappointment at not winning a team medal behind them and secure at least one individual medal.</p> <p>And finally, to our brave, brilliant British riders. I can understand your disappointment at finishing seventh in the team competition. Forget what those cowards did to our chances, and set about proving to them that, the team result was wrong and that Britain was truely the best showjumping team at the Olympics. Then, look to London 2012. With good luck, those 4 horses that started our medals dreams in Beijing will still be competing and winning, and we can put the record straight, winning the team gold.</p> <p>To those cowards, I hope you enjoy your ill-deserved sucess, it won't last. Whitaker and Peppermill have a point to prove and you still all have to face them again this year. I won't wish you luck when that time comes.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2008/08/19/cowards-every-one-of-them-4610251/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>cowardssportshow-jumpinghttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2008/08/19/cowards-every-one-of-them-4610251/#commentshttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2008/08/04/tess-again-4543685/tag:motty-sr.blog.co.uk,2008-08-04:/2008/08/04/tess-again-4543685/Mon, 04 Aug 2008 23:01:29 +0200 <p>If you have read her blog, you will know that on Friday night, Tess wrote her last ever post. Unfortunately, she gave up her fight with the cancer and chose to join her big sister, Tina and all the other dearly loved pets who are no longer with us at the Rainbow Bridge. I have spent a couple of days and many tears over the following video of a tribute to both Tess and Tina. Unfortunately, we don't have many pictures of Tina, so she only appears twice.</p> <p>Run free darlings, till we meet again. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2008/08/04/tess-again-4543685/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tesstributerainbow-bridgetinahttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2008/08/04/tess-again-4543685/#commentshttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2008/07/31/tess-has-moved-4526097/tag:motty-sr.blog.co.uk,2008-07-31:/2008/07/31/tess-has-moved-4526097/Thu, 31 Jul 2008 19:55:18 +0200 <p>For those of you who enjoyed Tess's weekly posts: Tess has now moved!<br>Tess now has her own account (that I was coerced into making) and her own blog. The link is: <a href="http://tess-rescue.blog.co.uk/"><a href="http://tess-rescue.blog.co.uk">http://tess-rescue.blog.co.uk</a></a><br>Tess is also on facebook for those of you who would like to see more of her. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2008/07/31/tess-has-moved-4526097/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tesshttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2008/07/31/tess-has-moved-4526097/#commentshttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2008/07/25/noo-powst-4498479/tag:motty-sr.blog.co.uk,2008-07-25:/2008/07/25/noo-powst-4498479/Fri, 25 Jul 2008 18:56:06 +0200 <p>Eye iz styll pwoowly sick dis week. Mummi tuk mi to de vetinhairywuns TWYSS, in wun week! De vetinhairywun wus vewy shneaky. Shi got mi mummi two old mi ead an ve vetinhairywun nurse two old mi back legs an den shi shnuk up behynd mi an shtuk a vemometa up mi bum! Dis tyme eye wus nott avin dat, bwt ve vetinhairywun wus nott intwested in mitempiratyoor dis tyme.<br> Der as biin sum gud fwon ve vetinhairywun - eye iz noe shleepin in ve livin woom an nott ve kitchin. Eye iz lykin dis noo rrangement, Ve noo bed eye has two shleep in iz awl comfy lyk an mi mummi as hir musik on awl nice lyk an soe eye iz gowin rite two shleep.<br> Dat iz mi noos fow dis week.<br> Tess<br> Pee ess: Mi mummi sez eye myte be gowin two dis playce cawled "shell Island" Eye dusn't noe wot dis island is, bwt it as a beach. an eye iz lykin beaches. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2008/07/25/noo-powst-4498479/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2008/07/25/noo-powst-4498479/#commentshttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2008/07/17/ewwo-agen-4462489/tag:motty-sr.blog.co.uk,2008-07-17:/2008/07/17/ewwo-agen-4462489/Thu, 17 Jul 2008 22:23:45 +0200 <p>Dis week eye iz pwowly sick. Mummi sez eye iz avin dis kennul coff wot is gowin rownd. Sew eye iz tipin mi post fwom mi pwowly sick bed awl nyse an cumfy-lyk apawt fwom de coffin.<br>Der as bin tawlk in de famwi dis week ov mummi gowin to Lankasta two wowrk an mebe moovin owt ov ve home, bwt eye iz tawkt hir owt ov dat becuz den shi iznt abubble two tayk mi playces lyke de beach at Sowthpowrt wot wuz relli relli gweat. Awl wet an muddi an sandi. Sew, I has tawkt mummi owt ov moovin owt.<br>Dat iz mi noos fow dis week.<br>Tess. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2008/07/17/ewwo-agen-4462489/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tesshttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2008/07/17/ewwo-agen-4462489/#commentshttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2008/07/13/normality-returns-4440319/tag:motty-sr.blog.co.uk,2008-07-13:/2008/07/13/normality-returns-4440319/Sun, 13 Jul 2008 01:00:55 +0200 <p>Now that I've regained control of the keyboard from Tess, who has been very busy catching up with all her friends from "Heksitin Noos" on Dog Pages, and writing her first ever blog post, we can return to some normality. Well, normal for me.<br>So, Been to Aachen, which was better this time round that the WEG in 2006, despite the fact I had to pay out 125 euros for a new pair of sandals at a stall at the show because the heel had snapped off the old pair while I was wandering over to watch the 4-in hand dressage scoffing a crepe mit zucker.<br>Following on from the Aachen exploits, on the Friday, I had a wander down to Bruhl to have a nosey at Phantasialand.<br>What a place! This theme park beats all others I have been to (admittedly not many, but hoping to rectify that). Infusion now seems very tame, the Big One even more obsolete, and The Sewer Rat at Lightwater Valley was much better before they turned the lights on.<br>My top 3 thrill rides now reads:<br>1. Black Mamba:- adrenaline rush, disorientation, could kill if ridden more than 7 times in one day, sooner if you loose your nerve.<br>2. Temple of the Night Hawk:- Pitch Black, lucky if you can see your hand in front of your face never mind the person in front, if at front, no chance of seeing drops and rises and thus pre-warning everyone else by screaming like a baby. (I don't scream - I laugh like a lunatic)<br>3. Toss up between Avalanche and Infusion - My first inverted rollercoaster will always hold fond memories, but Avalanche will always make me smile.<br>I know that making me smile isn't exactly what adrenaline-junkies look for in a ride, but occasionally we need to step off the pace for a couple of minutes or so and catch our breath. Admittedly, we normally do that waiting in the queue for the next white knuckle ride, but we all have our limits I suppose, and for me, if I've paid £26 for a wristband, I want to go on as many different rides as possible to make sure I get my money's worth. Last Friday I wasn't sure if I had lost my nerve after having departed Black Mamba for the second time with my stomach not on polite speaking terms with the rest of my body. I thought I had appeased my stomach by going on 2 very quiet ride: Waltzertraum and gondola. I then decided it was time to try out Temple of the Night Hawk. I remembered when there were 40 people behind me that it was something along the lines of The Sewer Rat a indoor rollercoaster without lights. The only thing is - Temple of the Night Hawk is miles better. Following on from the Space Invader accident, from what I know, all UK indoor unlit Coasters now have sublighting at the least. Totally destroys the experience. Luckily, Phantasialand haven't done this. Anyway, after straying from the point, it seems that my stomach was extremely offended by this blatent bit of treachery by my body and threatened to deposit it's non-existant contents on the ground. I finally got it back on side with a bit of help from a cheeseburger, fries, diet coke, vanilla milkshake and a candyfloss. Didn't do too much good. By the time I arrived back at the hotel, it was threatening me again, due to a bumpy tram ride. this time I appeased it with 2 and a bit pork escalopes, 5 croquette potatoes and 2 scoops of ice cream.<br>So, you see, back to normality.<br>Alright, I'll hand full control to Tess. She makes more sense. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2008/07/13/normality-returns-4440319/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>thrill-ridestemple-of-the-night-hawkaachenblack-mambaholidayshttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2008/07/13/normality-returns-4440319/#commentshttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2008/07/10/eye-am-taking-ovva-dis-blog-thing-4432067/tag:motty-sr.blog.co.uk,2008-07-10:/2008/07/10/eye-am-taking-ovva-dis-blog-thing-4432067/Thu, 10 Jul 2008 23:49:19 +0200 <p>Ewwo awl!<img class="smiley" src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/icon_wave.gif" border="0" alt=""><br>Eye am Tess and eye am takin ovva dis blog thing fwom mi mummi cos eye wantz two sai wot lyff iz lyke fwom mi point ov view. So mi mummi sez eye can tipe a post wonss a week as lowng as eye am twuffull abowt wot appens.<img class="smiley" src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/smiley-innocent.gif" border="0" alt=""><br>Sew, dis year sew fawr eye has bin towld dat eye iz avin dis cancer thing witsh means lots of extra tweets fwom mi mummi an gwannie an gwandad. Gwandad iz pwowliee he has had dis thing called a stroke wot iz sewious akkordin two mi mummi cos shi an gwan won't let mi worwlk wiv him cos eye pulls too mutch on da lead wen eye iz owt.<br>We has had prwoblems wiv ower nexty-dur nayburs dat gwan sez wuz da cause ov gwandad's strokes <img class="smiley" src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/grayconfused.gif" border="0" alt=""> Mummi izn't konvinsded tho, but eye finks gwan iz rite cos dey was always bein norty showtin an scweemin dai an nite. Dey has gone now, but mummi sez dat they wiwl pwobabubbly kome bak sum tyme.<br>Mummi buyed mi a noo kolla wot iz pink wiv kristal things in it. Shi sez it iz too big for mi tho sew eye haf two wear mi owld wun wot iz black wiv kristal things. Eye finks da black wun is koola dan da pink wun. Eye fink Mi Mummi finks dat too cos shi didn't get annuver noo wun for mi. Eye fink dat Mummi doesn't lyk pink relli. </p> <p>Mi Mummi went on ollidayz to Chermany last week for dis horsey thing called Aachen. Shi sez dat shi iz goin agen next yer cos is wus relli relli gud. Shi sed dat sumwon called Izabel Verth wun da Gwan Pwee (eye fwout mi gwan wud win a gwan pwee) Shi woz sain sum fin abowt de Bwitish Teem in a nations cup bein fird to Chermany woteva dat meens. Befowe shi went away mi mummi took mi two a pet pawlow ware eye woz barthded and clipped<img class="smiley" src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/graybigeek.gif" border="0" alt=""> Eye iz now lukin lyk aye poopie fokshund. Shi an gwandad tuk mi two a sho de next dai an peeple callded mi a poopie sew da clip thing mus be gud. Mummi woz relli pleezded wiv it an sez that eye mite gow two de kennels dey haf der.<br>Dat iz mi noos fow dis week.</p> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2008/07/10/eye-am-taking-ovva-dis-blog-thing-4432067/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tesshttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2008/07/10/eye-am-taking-ovva-dis-blog-thing-4432067/#commentshttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2008/07/08/all-pet-owners-4421685/tag:motty-sr.blog.co.uk,2008-07-08:/2008/07/08/all-pet-owners-4421685/Tue, 08 Jul 2008 21:08:29 +0200 <p>From Dogpages Forum (of which I am a member):</p> <p>In 2005, Dolly Mixture, a microchipped Jack Russell Terrier disappeared without a trace. Her owner, Mrs Candy King searched for her loyal companion, and soon learnt of the inadequacies within the microchipping system. </p> <p>THERE IS NO LEGAL REQUIREMENT TO ROUTINELY SCAN PETS FOR MICROCHIPS </p> <p>Candy was determined to do something about this loop-hole in the much promoted microchipping system. Supported by - Not a charity. No businesses or companies that promote or advertise shock collars please. -, Dolly's Directive was launched. </p> <p>The directive requests routine and compulsory scanning of all dogs, new and existing, by all organisations that come into contact with dogs such as vets, police, stray dog kennels, re-homing centres and any other animal welfare charities. </p> <p>If you have microchipped pets - this affects you! </p> <p>WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP? </p> <p>Show your support to this directive, it will only take a few minutes of your time, complete the online petition today. </p> <p><a href="http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/dollysdirective/"><u><a href="http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/dollysdirective/">http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/dollysdirective/</a></u></a> </p> <p>This petition closes on 11th July 2008 - make sure your voice is heard. </p> <p>Thank You!</p> <p>I have signed the petition, but we need more people to sign.<br>Think, if your pet went missing, how would you feel knowing that, despite it being microchipped, there is no guarantee that any vet, rescue agency or even the police would scan your pet if handed in, to find out if it was chipped, and thus reunite you much sooner? </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2008/07/08/all-pet-owners-4421685/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>petitionhttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2008/07/08/all-pet-owners-4421685/#commentshttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2008/06/26/tess-piccies-4364832/tag:motty-sr.blog.co.uk,2008-06-25:/2008/06/26/tess-piccies-4364832/Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:40:43 +0200 <p>At some point I'm going to be putting all the pics into a slide show vid, but in the meantime, here are a few pics of the litte angel(?) the day she was hoping to go to a dog show and didn't get to go:<br> <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/pooch_spice/2617850" title="Pooch Spice"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/850/2617850_dddcb810fb_s.jpg" alt="Pooch Spice" hspace="5" vspace="5"></a><br> "Look, I'm Pooch Spice"</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/sulky/2617854" title="Sulky"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/854/2617854_e45be1e819_s.jpg" alt="Sulky" hspace="5" vspace="5"></a><br> "What do you mean we're NOT going?"</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/i_m_so_lovely/2617853" title="I"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/853/2617853_7c2977f9e6_s.jpg" alt="I" hspace="5" vspace="5"></a><br> "I could be prettiest bitch"</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/pretty_please/2617852" title="Pretty Please?"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/852/2617852_8148cd92d2_s.jpg" alt="Pretty Please?" hspace="5" vspace="5"></a><br> "Pretty, Pretty please?"</p> <p>She's at a show on Sunday, to make up for the disappointment of missing her first one. Missing 6 teeth, maybe, cancaer of the mouth, but still gorgeous and lovin' life </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2008/06/26/tess-piccies-4364832/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tesshttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2008/06/26/tess-piccies-4364832/#commentshttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2008/06/26/i-need-a-hug-4364791/tag:motty-sr.blog.co.uk,2008-06-25:/2008/06/26/i-need-a-hug-4364791/Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:23:05 +0200 <p>You know you want to.<br><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/hugz/2617846" title="hugz"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/846/2617846_60e08e7a48_s.jpg" alt="hugz" hspace="5" vspace="5"></a></p> <p>Go on, give the nice kitty a hug. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2008/06/26/i-need-a-hug-4364791/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>hughttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2008/06/26/i-need-a-hug-4364791/#commentshttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2008/05/04/reality-sucks-4127862/tag:motty-sr.blog.co.uk,2008-05-03:/2008/05/04/reality-sucks-4127862/Sun, 04 May 2008 00:28:32 +0200 <p>Basically, today has not been good. My car started flashing the brake warning light at me a few weeks ago totally at random. Finally got it seen to this morning. Turns out it's something to do with a leak from the clutch resevoir (whatever that is), but they've fixed it and charged me 50 quid. Car's now fine, if a little low on petrol, but that's the norm at the moment.<br>I have a credit card. This is something that I got forced into a few weeks back in Halford's when I was looking for something for my car. When I say forced, I mean forced. The cow would not take no for an answer, I kept telling her that I don't do credit cards, I do debit cards, I spend MY money, not someone elses. Nothing doing, not listening to a word I said (may as well have been talking to the wall for all the good it did me.) I don't want to acivate the card or use it, I want to shred the damn thing, but, my money's down and it's a long, long way to pay day.<br>And then, there's Eos. For those who are a little lost, let me give a quick Greek mythology 101. Eos, was a Goddess in Ancient Greek times. She also happened to be an insatiable nyphomaniac. We have a new horse at the riding school, called Eos. Our Eos is a boy and a little like his namesake has an insatiable appitite. In his case, he is not an insatiable nyphomaniac, rather an insatiable megalomaniac. He wants to control the world, well the riding school anyway (for starters). Guess who I ws locked in a battle of wills with today?<br>I won round one, in that I got him to actually move around the schools, not just little circles in the centre. I got him to canter, I got him to trot over poles. Then they put a jump up, and despite my best efforts, he won that battle (one fall and a sort of submission in that I was coerced into riding another horse over the jump). The megalomania aside though, nice horse. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2008/05/04/reality-sucks-4127862/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>moaninghttp://motty-sr.blog.co.uk/2008/05/04/reality-sucks-4127862/#comments