(Internet Published) Jul 2000
I extend my old gnarled, calloused hand to any man who finds pleasure in
seeing his own pigeons flying up there in the sky with no ideas about
winning anything, gaining any fame, or glory. For I do declare that any man
who does not appreciate the exercises of his own birds just for his own
pleasure, would be better off doing something else. For there is no "money"
in pigeons. If a man can just clear his expenses and outlay, he is extremely
lucky. If any man thinks, that he can turn tipplers into a lucrative
financial enterprise, then he just have com down with yesterdays rain.
Take for an example the worlds greatest--"Harry Shannon"--who holds world
records with old and young birds. Is he a money-making dealer?
Selling Tipplers galore to any man who wants to buy? I say that he is not.
In October 1999, Harry offered to give me some of his tipplers. In April
2000, Harry offered to give some of his tipplers to Brian White of
Sheffield, just because of his own goodwill. There was never a word said
about money. Our dear Harry reflects the true spirit of goodwill. Well,
well, you should know the higher they get the nicer they are. Our very best
British Kings and Queens had a modesty of kindness, a humility, a grace.
However, any man who tries to take advantage of good nature will very often
get a kick in the teeth. I would not advise any man to "mess about" with
Harry Shannon. Right! OK!
So you get specimens of some proven breed of Tipplers. What have you all
got? I'll tell you what you have got--some good "RAW MATERIAL". However, by
the Lord Harry, you all have work to do. The training and control is a
matter of expertise. Now, when I see where a man has sent for 100 bands or
more, I know that his man is not about to become an ace tippler flyer. No
man can *successfully* train more than a dozen at a time. Many many will
fail or be subjected to unbelievable bad luck. An untrained tippler is more
of a liability than an asset. Harry Shannon and my excellent friends Michael
Beat, Joe Russo, Bob Adams, Stan Ogozalek, David Fuller and several other
men--will agree.
A man has to reach into the hearts and souls of his tipplers and I sure can
till you all how to do this, that is, if you want to know. The vast majority
of you all really don't want to know or don't have the time.
Fame, recognition for effort, publicity, status?? Well, to get this you must
score--you must win in the official system and with a qualified timer.
Furthermore, if you do remarkably well, you must expect a more intense
interest in your methods in future contests. Woe betide the man who does not
withstand further inspection. No man is about to become wealthy from the
tippler sport and subsequent sales of birds.
Basically, it is as I said "Any man who does not appreciate the exercises of
his own pigeons just for his own pleasure would be much better doing
something else." When any hobby causes men to fight or fall out, then this
hobby has failed--OK?? Me? Well! I'm a man of peace and if any many says
different, I'll surely break every bone in his head.