Despicable – and – “Veganuary” – Congratulations Rog MBE !!!

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Hunt supporter filmed hitting saboteur's van with dead fox
Source: The Independent

If you were ever in any doubt about the kind of vile behaviour exhibited by the hardcore of the now dwindling and desperate Fox Hunting community, this says it all. Disgusting. Despicable. And this tells you why I spent yesterday supporting a humane Clean Boot Hunt yesterday (see my posts) – run by decent riders who have abandoned the idea of the traditional bloodsport in favour of humanely pursuing a running man.

Now that it’s clear that this Tory government will NOT seek to repeal the Hunting Act of 2004 (specifically declared by Boris Johnson and Michael Gove), it’s inevitable that the existing ‘bad’ hunts who persistently still kill foxes will have to clean up their act and stop the deceit and cruelty, or else lose their support from the decent horse-riding fraternity, and become just a shameful fragment of Britain’s history.

Brian May: Veganuary

Look what Santa brought for me ! OK ! This is my announcement of intent. Starting on the first of January 1, this coming year I will be doing VEGANUARY. Which means I will eat only vegan food for that month. After that, I will take a view on whether to continue or not. I’ve already got the support of some friends who are going to join me and compare notes as we go along. European Space Agency Rosetta mission top man Matt Taylor has committed – along with Alex Milas, founder of Space Rocks. I’m also being joined by a close family member, and my wonderful touring PA Sharon Schwartz. If any of you folks out there are hovering on the edge out there and want to join me too, I’d be delighted. We can mutually support each other ! I figured this book is a good place to start. My reasons ? 1) to lessen the suffering of animals. 2) To lessen the load on our groaning planet. 3) for my health. And … as an animal campaigner, it has been bothering me for a while that I still eat animal-derived food, that has caused indignity and pain to a non-human animal. So I will try to move along the line. I won’t be pressuring anyone else to do the same, and it won’t change my commitment to helping farmers solve the problem of bovine TB. But … for me … it’s time.

And so, having fallen severely off the horse over Christmas, while my body fought off a horrible cold virus, it’s time to build up again to match fitness. Well, I can try ! We leave for 6 weeks on the road on the 14th of January. Korea, Japan, New Zealand, Australia. It’s very exciting, but more demanding than you might imagine ! Gotta be ready !!!

Brian May: It’s time to build up
https://youtu.be/ELkvf-fhOCo

Congratulations Rog OBE !!!

Brian and Roger - Frankfurt 2 Feb 2015
Photo credit: Nico Bruns, Frankfurt 7 Feb 2015

What does OBE mean ? Well, for all you non-Brits, let me explain.

The letters stand for “Order of the British Empire” – a traditional honour presented to people who have achieved worthy things in the eyes of … well, the British Monarchy, under advice.

It’s the beginning of a whole spectrum of honours. Next one up is the MBE – “Member of the British Empire” – and above that is the CBE – “Commander of the British Empire”. The next level of the game is a KBE – a Knighthood – which entitles the recipient to be known as “Sir”. I received a CBE some years ago.

It doesn’t change your life very much apart from giving you some letters to put after your name in correspondence ! The award which really moves you to a different place in Society is when they make you a LORD – which entitles you (or requires you) to sit in the House of Lords, participating in the passing of British laws and policies. So there ya go !

Who decides these things ? Well, it’s all done quietly behind closed doors by a small committee – but most awards have been lobbied for, by friends and colleagues who feel the person deserves recognition.

Cheers folks

Bri

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