“Yes, I can’t dance.”
gah
***
Please click here for another cartoon.
.
Showing posts with label chickens. Show all posts
Showing posts with label chickens. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Prose: chickens of ordinary stature
I like chickens. I bet you do too.
I wrote the following bit on January 5, 1974. (Yes, I was such a creative young man.) So, tomorrow marks the poem’s 38th anniversary.
Check your freezer. If you find any chicken from 1974, say, stuck inside a block of ice at the bottom (and I know that kind of thing can happen), tomorrow would be a good day for a fry up. Raise a drumstick with me.
chickens of ordinary stature
mildly,
chickens
smell like the dickens.
usually,
they lay eggs
between their legs.
from chicken coop
to chicken soup,
nothing left
but chicken poop.
gah
[Photo and cartoon by G.Harrison]
***
You’re welcome.
Please click here for more prose, something a bit more recent.
.
I wrote the following bit on January 5, 1974. (Yes, I was such a creative young man.) So, tomorrow marks the poem’s 38th anniversary.
Check your freezer. If you find any chicken from 1974, say, stuck inside a block of ice at the bottom (and I know that kind of thing can happen), tomorrow would be a good day for a fry up. Raise a drumstick with me.
chickens of ordinary stature
mildly,
chickens
smell like the dickens.
usually,
they lay eggs
between their legs.
from chicken coop
to chicken soup,
nothing left
but chicken poop.
gah
[Photo and cartoon by G.Harrison]
***
You’re welcome.
Please click here for more prose, something a bit more recent.
.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
In 10 more years, what skills will be most important?
I woke up this morning thinking about a presentation I have to make tomorrow and reviewing what I’ll tell people in Chatham about Deforest City’s chicken debate.
Deputy Mayor Gosnell thinks ‘it’s better to leave raising eggs to the professionals’ because ‘this is not the 1920s... we’re a very urban society’ and ‘becoming a sophisticated research and development, high-tech community.’
Can we not do both? Can we not research and develop new technologies while becoming more self-reliant related to food production?
["Singing in 11-part harmony will be important"]
And in 10 years, when professionals in agribusiness will likely be paying more for oil and shipping and chasing chickens, etc., and growing national debt (and global debt) will be making many jobs more vulnerable to failure, what skills will we consider important?
Raising, killing, defeathering and gutting a chicken to save a few dollars might seem more important in a more expensive world.
Developing a better cellphone so people can carry on the following conversation...
“What are you doing?”
“Nothing. What are you doing?”
“Nothing.”
... might seem less important.
What were you thinking when you woke up this morning?
.
Deputy Mayor Gosnell thinks ‘it’s better to leave raising eggs to the professionals’ because ‘this is not the 1920s... we’re a very urban society’ and ‘becoming a sophisticated research and development, high-tech community.’
Can we not do both? Can we not research and develop new technologies while becoming more self-reliant related to food production?
["Singing in 11-part harmony will be important"]
And in 10 years, when professionals in agribusiness will likely be paying more for oil and shipping and chasing chickens, etc., and growing national debt (and global debt) will be making many jobs more vulnerable to failure, what skills will we consider important?
Raising, killing, defeathering and gutting a chicken to save a few dollars might seem more important in a more expensive world.
Developing a better cellphone so people can carry on the following conversation...
“What are you doing?”
“Nothing. What are you doing?”
“Nothing.”
... might seem less important.
What were you thinking when you woke up this morning?
.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Pt 3 Why do I suffer Deforest City Blues at times?
Three reasons today.
First - unfriendly bylaws.
Second - an unreasonable Deputy Mayor who reserves praise only for ‘the professional’ born well after the 1920s.
(Dear Mr. Gosnell. Will backyard gardens - developed and maintained by rank amateurs - be banned one day inside city limits because they draw pests, like squirrels and raccoons and rabbits?)
Third - sometimes, people forget about the good stuff.
This from Tuesday’s issue of The London Free Press:
Coun. Bernie McDonald said he was raised with chickens on Cape Breton Island and they bring lice, fleas and rats.
But surely, there must be a good side to Mr. McDonald’s short, yet delightful, story.
Perhaps chickens also provided the chicken half of Sunday evening’s chicken and dumpling stew at Bernie’s house. Maybe fresh eggs at a very reasonable price graced his breakfast plate on a regular basis. Maybe skills related to animal husbandry were passed along to several young minds. And maybe, because families kept chickens and supplied their own eggs, there was more room on weekly supply trucks to the Island for comic books and shoes and spiffy polyester ties to wear to the local high school hop.
["What's that smell? It ain't the chickens!"]
Who knows. Maybe Bernie cleaned up pretty nicely and looked suave and debonair while wearing one of the aforementioned new ties - and even met Mrs. Right because of it.
Come on, let’s not forget the good times, eh.
But Bernie continued:
“You raise chickens and you start to smell like them,” he said. “I have enough problems with student housing, much less with chicken coops.”
Okay, maybe in Bernie McDonald’s case certain smells have outlasted any good thoughts, but not for me.
Chickens are a good thing, and after a reasonable amount of public education, city council shouldn’t stand in the way of progress.
This isn’t the 1920s after all.
.
First - unfriendly bylaws.
Second - an unreasonable Deputy Mayor who reserves praise only for ‘the professional’ born well after the 1920s.
(Dear Mr. Gosnell. Will backyard gardens - developed and maintained by rank amateurs - be banned one day inside city limits because they draw pests, like squirrels and raccoons and rabbits?)
Third - sometimes, people forget about the good stuff.
This from Tuesday’s issue of The London Free Press:
Coun. Bernie McDonald said he was raised with chickens on Cape Breton Island and they bring lice, fleas and rats.
But surely, there must be a good side to Mr. McDonald’s short, yet delightful, story.
Perhaps chickens also provided the chicken half of Sunday evening’s chicken and dumpling stew at Bernie’s house. Maybe fresh eggs at a very reasonable price graced his breakfast plate on a regular basis. Maybe skills related to animal husbandry were passed along to several young minds. And maybe, because families kept chickens and supplied their own eggs, there was more room on weekly supply trucks to the Island for comic books and shoes and spiffy polyester ties to wear to the local high school hop.
["What's that smell? It ain't the chickens!"]
Who knows. Maybe Bernie cleaned up pretty nicely and looked suave and debonair while wearing one of the aforementioned new ties - and even met Mrs. Right because of it.
Come on, let’s not forget the good times, eh.
But Bernie continued:
“You raise chickens and you start to smell like them,” he said. “I have enough problems with student housing, much less with chicken coops.”
Okay, maybe in Bernie McDonald’s case certain smells have outlasted any good thoughts, but not for me.
Chickens are a good thing, and after a reasonable amount of public education, city council shouldn’t stand in the way of progress.
This isn’t the 1920s after all.
.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
The door isn’t closed on chickens in London. Good thing too.
Keeping egg-laying hens inside city limits didn’t get the thumbs up last Monday night at City Hall but council at least voted '11 - 7 in favour of a motion looking at food security and reviewing bylaws of other cities that allow chickens.’ (Today’s issue of The Londoner)
With a reasonable amount of public education, I think the majority of Londoners could live with chickens in their backyard - or neighbourhood at least. But, for certain, public education is needed.
Chickens require safe, secure, clean, heated coops and urban-centered citizens need more information.
This is just my opinion, but I think there are some similarities between keeping chickens and riding a motorcycle.
As a motorcyclist I can honestly say that riding a bike is not as easy as falling off a log or making an omelette. Training is required, and the three-tiered licensing system makes sense.
You want chickens? I think you should take a course of reasonable length. And pass a reasonable test. And get a reasonably priced license. And give a thumbs up to an initial and (thereafter) annual inspection of the coop.
Fewer neighbours would squawk if reasonable measures were in place.
They might even learn that there is such a thing as a free lunch (well, almost) and get into the act themselves one day.
***
Public education is the key to the backyard henhouse.
.
With a reasonable amount of public education, I think the majority of Londoners could live with chickens in their backyard - or neighbourhood at least. But, for certain, public education is needed.
Chickens require safe, secure, clean, heated coops and urban-centered citizens need more information.
This is just my opinion, but I think there are some similarities between keeping chickens and riding a motorcycle.
As a motorcyclist I can honestly say that riding a bike is not as easy as falling off a log or making an omelette. Training is required, and the three-tiered licensing system makes sense.
You want chickens? I think you should take a course of reasonable length. And pass a reasonable test. And get a reasonably priced license. And give a thumbs up to an initial and (thereafter) annual inspection of the coop.
Fewer neighbours would squawk if reasonable measures were in place.
They might even learn that there is such a thing as a free lunch (well, almost) and get into the act themselves one day.
***
Public education is the key to the backyard henhouse.
.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Climate Change Concerns Pt 5: Will chickens come home to roost?
I’m talking real chickens, real homes, real roosts in London, Ontario.
City councillor Stephen Orser is preparing to ask London’s council to consider allowing residents of Deforest City to raise chickens in their backyards.
“Growing your own chemical-free eggs is not a silly idea,” said Mr. Orser. He added that the practice would benefit the poor. (April 17 issue of The London Free Press)
His idea will be discussed at a council committee meeting tomorrow at 4 p.m., and I’m going to listen in on the discussion because the issue interests me from a personal and writer’s perspective.
For example, the issue of personal interest because my Dad raised chickens and was rewarded with free eggs and chicken soup for decades. I like the sound and taste of free eggs!
As well, the issue has drama. Some are in favour, others are not.
["I met these birds, and purchased organic eggs, while motorcycling toward Algonquin Park in 2006": photo GH]
On the same day that I discovered Leo Phillip’s letter to the editor re reducing meat and dairy (the same letter I used as a spring board into this exciting - and brilliant - series) another letter appeared that opposed Mr. Orser’s proposal.
“In this era of food safety, traceability and animal welfare, S. Orser’s proposal runs contrary to these important issues. It would represent a huge step backwards in avian disease prevention and animal welfare... As for his assertion this would benefit the poor, this is unlikely, since safe, chemical free, reasonably priced eggs are readily available throughout the city.” John Miller, Rodney.
Good points?
Not really.
With proper education, many people are fully capable of caring for hens and collecting eggs. Dependence upon factory farms located miles from London needs to be questioned.
The issue is also timely. Buy local, some say more frequently now. Reduce meat and dairy, say others. Lower fossil fuel use and reduce carbon emissions, say others.
And another letter writer said, “If they can do it in beautiful Victoria, B.C., (for the past 30 years) and now in Surrey, I do believe London could handle it.”
(At least three other Canadian cities allow backyard chickens as well, i.e., Niagara Falls, Brampton and Guelph, all closer to London than the two cities mentioned above).
Will Mr. Orser’s proposal pass muster? We’ll soon find out.
I feel I’ve come full circle at this point.
I’ve gone from ‘reduce meat and dairy,’ to fertilizer, to fossil fuels, to environmental degradation (Part 4), to backyard chicken coops that would help people reduce meat and dairy production and consumption in some small ways.
The last thing on my list for this series is to attend tomorrow's meeting at City Hall to see if chickens will come home to roost.
.
City councillor Stephen Orser is preparing to ask London’s council to consider allowing residents of Deforest City to raise chickens in their backyards.
“Growing your own chemical-free eggs is not a silly idea,” said Mr. Orser. He added that the practice would benefit the poor. (April 17 issue of The London Free Press)
His idea will be discussed at a council committee meeting tomorrow at 4 p.m., and I’m going to listen in on the discussion because the issue interests me from a personal and writer’s perspective.
For example, the issue of personal interest because my Dad raised chickens and was rewarded with free eggs and chicken soup for decades. I like the sound and taste of free eggs!
As well, the issue has drama. Some are in favour, others are not.
["I met these birds, and purchased organic eggs, while motorcycling toward Algonquin Park in 2006": photo GH]
On the same day that I discovered Leo Phillip’s letter to the editor re reducing meat and dairy (the same letter I used as a spring board into this exciting - and brilliant - series) another letter appeared that opposed Mr. Orser’s proposal.
“In this era of food safety, traceability and animal welfare, S. Orser’s proposal runs contrary to these important issues. It would represent a huge step backwards in avian disease prevention and animal welfare... As for his assertion this would benefit the poor, this is unlikely, since safe, chemical free, reasonably priced eggs are readily available throughout the city.” John Miller, Rodney.
Good points?
Not really.
With proper education, many people are fully capable of caring for hens and collecting eggs. Dependence upon factory farms located miles from London needs to be questioned.
The issue is also timely. Buy local, some say more frequently now. Reduce meat and dairy, say others. Lower fossil fuel use and reduce carbon emissions, say others.
And another letter writer said, “If they can do it in beautiful Victoria, B.C., (for the past 30 years) and now in Surrey, I do believe London could handle it.”
(At least three other Canadian cities allow backyard chickens as well, i.e., Niagara Falls, Brampton and Guelph, all closer to London than the two cities mentioned above).
Will Mr. Orser’s proposal pass muster? We’ll soon find out.
I feel I’ve come full circle at this point.
I’ve gone from ‘reduce meat and dairy,’ to fertilizer, to fossil fuels, to environmental degradation (Part 4), to backyard chicken coops that would help people reduce meat and dairy production and consumption in some small ways.
The last thing on my list for this series is to attend tomorrow's meeting at City Hall to see if chickens will come home to roost.
.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
The Simple Life: Can I keep chickens inside city limits?
Last year, while out for a morning jog, I heard a rooster crowing near the Thames River in downtown London.
I thought, what’s a chicken doing down here? Did it escape from a backyard coop? Can Londoners keep chickens in their yard?
I’d now like to find out the answer to the last question.
A recent CBC radio program informed me that more people are keeping chickens in England for a variety of reasons.
The benefits of eating fresh, local eggs and real chicken soup come to mind.
Though I write in an upcoming column I’d like to keep chickens myself I don’t think local by-laws will permit it.
***
Will trying to find someone at City Hall to answer my question be a challenge?
Stay tuned.
.
I thought, what’s a chicken doing down here? Did it escape from a backyard coop? Can Londoners keep chickens in their yard?
I’d now like to find out the answer to the last question.
A recent CBC radio program informed me that more people are keeping chickens in England for a variety of reasons.
The benefits of eating fresh, local eggs and real chicken soup come to mind.
Though I write in an upcoming column I’d like to keep chickens myself I don’t think local by-laws will permit it.
***
Will trying to find someone at City Hall to answer my question be a challenge?
Stay tuned.
.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Will chickens in the back yard soon out-number dogs?
Let’s just suppose...
...various fuels become scarce and costly
...factory farm meat and eggs become too expensive to mass produce and distribute
...I walk out back, smell fried eggs and sausage, peek over the fence and see my neighbour cooking breakfast on the BBQ
...I also notice he has a few chickens, two pigs and a cow wandering about under the watchful eye of his dog
I’m pretty sure I’d say, “Hey, Jason. You’ve made a good start at home grown meat production. Great idea.”
(I don't think 'meat production' would ever include his retriever. Gilmore is a very nice dog. Always happy).
I’d like to see a few chickens (or ducks, goats, rabbits etc.) next door, in my own yard or local common area - as a way to wean ourselves off excessive use of fossil fuels.
Years ago my dad kept chickens, to help feed seven mouths, and I helped expand his coop. I didn’t realize then that the experience might one day come in handy.
[Original chicken coop at left end of our barn: watercolour by Edith Harrison]
***
As times get tougher, would you consider your own chicken coop, rabbit pen etc.?
.
...various fuels become scarce and costly
...factory farm meat and eggs become too expensive to mass produce and distribute
...I walk out back, smell fried eggs and sausage, peek over the fence and see my neighbour cooking breakfast on the BBQ
...I also notice he has a few chickens, two pigs and a cow wandering about under the watchful eye of his dog
I’m pretty sure I’d say, “Hey, Jason. You’ve made a good start at home grown meat production. Great idea.”
(I don't think 'meat production' would ever include his retriever. Gilmore is a very nice dog. Always happy).
I’d like to see a few chickens (or ducks, goats, rabbits etc.) next door, in my own yard or local common area - as a way to wean ourselves off excessive use of fossil fuels.
Years ago my dad kept chickens, to help feed seven mouths, and I helped expand his coop. I didn’t realize then that the experience might one day come in handy.
[Original chicken coop at left end of our barn: watercolour by Edith Harrison]
***
As times get tougher, would you consider your own chicken coop, rabbit pen etc.?
.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Zoom w a View: This is me trying to be artsy-fartsy
It wasn’t easy getting these brilliant photographs.
First, I had to agree to drive to Niagara Falls yesterday on short notice and on one of the heaviest traffic holidays in Canada.
Second, I had to turn right on the wrong seldom-used backroad near Smithville.
Third, when my passengers and I stopped to eat egg salad sandwiches in front of an abandoned building next to a used car lot (after I spotted the 1950 Chevy and did a U-turn in front of a truck loaded with chickens) the weather didn’t co-operate.
When safely parked I opened my car door, camera in hand, and it began to rain.
When I closed the door for another bite of egg salad the rain stopped.
I tried again - it rained. Closed the door - it stopped.
Open - rain. Close - stop.
Eventually the desire for photos drew me outside.
PS The car has issues but the owner still wants $12,000.
Is it worth it?
[Click here to see a 1964 VW]
.
First, I had to agree to drive to Niagara Falls yesterday on short notice and on one of the heaviest traffic holidays in Canada.
Second, I had to turn right on the wrong seldom-used backroad near Smithville.
Third, when my passengers and I stopped to eat egg salad sandwiches in front of an abandoned building next to a used car lot (after I spotted the 1950 Chevy and did a U-turn in front of a truck loaded with chickens) the weather didn’t co-operate.
When safely parked I opened my car door, camera in hand, and it began to rain.
When I closed the door for another bite of egg salad the rain stopped.
I tried again - it rained. Closed the door - it stopped.
Open - rain. Close - stop.
Eventually the desire for photos drew me outside.
PS The car has issues but the owner still wants $12,000.
Is it worth it?
[Click here to see a 1964 VW]
.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Besides enjoying fowl weather, keeping chickens runs in the family
My dad kept chickens in a small coop attached to a medium-sized barn inside the village limits of Norwich for many years.
No one ever complained about them, including anyone in my family - especially while tucking into a Sunday supper of chicken, potatoes and vegetables picked fresh from our well-stocked garden.
As I recall, the pleasant aroma of roasted chicken on my plate was a tad better than the smell of the coop.
From my first book of prose, January 1974:
“Chickens of Ordinary Stature”
mildly,
chickens smell like
the dickens.
usually, they lay
eggs between their legs.
from chicken coop
to chicken soup,
nothing left but
chicken poop.
gah
Hazel Nut says more about our family’s fondness for chickens @ Can You Crack It?
Go visit. I mean it. Go visit. [I’m just trying to egg you on.]
No one ever complained about them, including anyone in my family - especially while tucking into a Sunday supper of chicken, potatoes and vegetables picked fresh from our well-stocked garden.
As I recall, the pleasant aroma of roasted chicken on my plate was a tad better than the smell of the coop.
From my first book of prose, January 1974:
“Chickens of Ordinary Stature”
mildly,
chickens smell like
the dickens.
usually, they lay
eggs between their legs.
from chicken coop
to chicken soup,
nothing left but
chicken poop.
gah
Hazel Nut says more about our family’s fondness for chickens @ Can You Crack It?
Go visit. I mean it. Go visit. [I’m just trying to egg you on.]
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