Nevertheless, I have now been awarded (by myself) the title of chairperson of the Brainy Association for the Advancement of Sheep, or BAAS for short.
People - you townies mostly, but not exclusively - believe that sheep are stupid. They are not. I once gave a speech on a topic of my choice to one of those service clubs which abound in rural parts.
There is a drink and a lunch and then a speech by a local luminary. It is not difficult to be a luminary in Masterton, but I was, still, delighted to have been regarded as one. Note that past tense; this reputation appears to have rather worn off a consequence, no doubt, of the sightings of me about town looking more like a sheep farmer in desperate need of a good shearing than a luminary. Also, I am a really rotten public speaker.
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Ewes know it
'It has been my life's work,\" I announced grandly and quite possibly pompously the other day to Greg, no other audience being available, \"to advocate for the advancement of sheep.\" He pointed out that this was patently untrue. If it was true, he said annoyingly, although quite possibly reasonably, I'd have started my life's work a bit earlier, given that I had taken up this selfless work only seven years ago, the length of time we have been at Lush Places.
A moral panic
America's top doctor wants smoking-style warning labels for social media platforms.
Give and take
We're likely to reciprocate if someone's nice to us unexpectedly.
Culture club
Whether you make yoghurt at home with your own starter or buy a commercial brand, the health benefits remain roughly the same.
Now for the news
How will Stuff's take on broadcast news match up to its polished predecessor?
Time to rewind
A leaner NZ International Film Festival programme still offers promising local debuts and some art cinema classics.
Come dancing
Albums from Anna Coddington and Peggy Gou are smart and sassy. Bonny Light Horseman leans on heartache.
Calling on the muse
Kiwi journalist Garth Cartwright recalls his audience with the late Françoise Hardy in Paris.
Artist of high standing
Waiheke Island sculptor Anton Forde talks about creating the largest contemporary pou installation of his career.
'You were salvation'
A repurposed supply vessel provides a lifeline to migrants who risk their lives to cross the Mediterranean in a desperate bid for a new life.