This is the Primary Reasons We Went Into the Rabbit Ranching Business

The Japanese Banker and Erotic Intercourse

A respected banker from southern Japan is arguing with his wife about he wants her to perform highly erotic sex.

The man: "Sukitaki. mojitaka!"

Wife replies: "Kowanini! mowi janakpa!"

The man now angry says: "Toka a anji rodi roumi yakoo!"

Wife literally on her knees begging: "Mimi nakoundinda tinkouji!"

The man shouting: "Na miaou kina Tim kouji!"

I can't believe you just sat there trying to read this – you don’t know Japanese.  Boy some people will read anything as long as it is about sex or politics.

Brass Monkeys and Cold Weather - an important lesson from Ralph's Rabbit Ranch

Like most people you might think the old expression 'Cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey' is an inappropriate term and somewhat of an color expression which should never be said in mixed company.  Well after reading this article you will learn this term can definitely be said anywhere - anytime - without offending anyone. This term really does have a significant historical meaning which is based on scientific principles.

It seems during the heydays of sailing ships, many vessels including freighters and trawlers had huge iron cannons mounted on their decks. 

The cannons were necessary to provide protection should a hostile or enemy vessel try to attack.  Remember Pirates also roamed the high seas back them.  Anyway those iron cannons fired 'large round' iron cannon balls and it was necessary for each ship to keep a good supply of cannon balls near each cannon.

The problem most ships faced was that those sailing ships always pitched and yawed when across the waves.  They needed some way to prevent the supply of round cannon balls from rolling around the rocking decks? The solution sea captains devised was simple and effective. 

They would stack the round cannon balls in a square-based pyramid - with one ball on top of another.  The balls were placed sixteen on the bottom, followed by nine laid on top and then and four would rest on the nine.  With one final ball on top.

Thus, a supply of 30 cannon balls could be stacked and secured in a small area right there on the ship's deck next to each cannon.

There was however only one problem with this ingenious method of stacking cannon balls.  How could the ship's crew prevent the bottom layer of cannon balls from rolling about from under the other cannon balls during rough seas?

The solution that seemed to work was the invention of a flat metal plate called a 'Monkey'. The monkey - and it took four monkeys total - were screwed to the ship's wooden deck. Each monkey had round indentations hammered into them. These indentations in the metal where were the bottoms of 16 'round cannon balls' rested in.

Initially all Monkeys or metal plates were made of cheap iron. However it soon became obvious that the iron cannons balls resting on iron plates began to rust due to all that salt water spray and mist in the air. So to prevent the cannon balls and monkeys from rusting naval engineers began to develop Monkeys made of bass - as brass is one of the few inexpensive metals that does not rust.  Thus the term Brass Monkey was coined.

Unfortunately, brass itself is not a perfect metal; it tends to expand and contract with the weather. Consequently, when the wind temperatures on a ship sailing in the north Atlantic or Pacific dropped to around 32 degrees the indentations in the brass monkeys would shrink or pop up thus the iron cannonballs on the bottom tier had no secure resting place and they would often roll right off the brass monkeys causing a disaster of cannon balls rolling around the deck. 

Sailors quickly saw for themselves the limitations Brass Monkeys had and any sailor worth his salt knew that whenever the outside temperature began to fall to around freezing it was literally 'Cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey'.  

Hope you enjoyed this brief and relevant history lesson.

Remember - here at Ralph's Rabbit Ranch - Home of Gabe's Gourmet Rabbits - we not only sell great tasting rabbit meat and quality fur products we also provide valuable information and knowledge you can use. 

The Joy of Cooking Rabbits

Each month the ranch receives a variety of questions, mostly from Face Book and Linked In friends; people wanting to know more about rabbits. Regardless of the type inquiries received we try to take time to answer them all. Recently, Teri Nowak, a good friend of Ralph’s Rabbit Ranch suggested we share some of the questions we have received along with our replies as she believes others might find the dialogue useful. 

 

Well with that said here is a question we received regarding cooking of rabbits. Take a moment to read this post and share your feedback; we would like to know if sharing questions is worth the time and effort.

Inquiry we received:

“Ralph I have two questions. What is the easiest way to cook rabbit and what is the correct number of rabbits one should serve for a dinner party of eight (8)?” Melinda – Joplin, MO

Our reply:
Dear Melinda, It’s important you not think of rabbit as ground beef, chicken or pork. Rabbit is not meant to be a meal staple; rabbit should be considered a special entrée for important events - similar to how a “bone in ham” is a special entrée for Easter, a turkey is a special for Thanksgiving and a lobster a special for New Year's Eve. Rabbit is a meal that should be enjoyed and treasured not just consumed.

How to portion meat rabbit? Our recommendation is one rabbit for every two adults. If you are planning a dinner for 8 adults we suggest 4 good sized rabbits. Be aware there is a significant difference between domestic rabbits (those raised commercially) and those harvested in the wild. Wild rabbits seldom grow as big as commercial rabbits and they never contain as much meat per bone.

If this meal you are planning is for a special occasion by all means go with commercially raised rabbits like those we raise here at Ralph's Rabbit Ranch - Home of Gabe's Gourmet Rabbits. Commercially raised rabbits are easy to purchase. You can find them at local organic farmers, full service butcher shops, established meat lockers as well as a high-end retail grocery chains. 

The reason we suggest serving commercially raised rabbits is that the meat will not only be much tenderer - but it will also be more savory. Wild rabbits seldom enjoy consistency in their diets – they eat whatever they can find; where as commercially raised rabbits are fed a regulated quality feed. Here at our ranch our feed is unique proprietary blend of high protein corn, oats and barley coalesced with fresh IPA (Indian Pale Ale) beer to add nutrients and a tangy hop flavor the rabbits enjoy.

Now in regards to your first question, there are really only four basic ways to prepare rabbit: 1) Roasted 2) Braised, 3) Fried and 4) Slow Cooked. Either method will produce a succulent meal; however if you are a novice rabbit chef - someone preparing rabbit for the first time then our recommendation is to slow cook or crock pot your rabbit. A slow cooker will allow you to create an easy yet delightful meal.

We would caution you about braising rabbits for a dinner party - braised rabbit meat should be limited to couples dining for two important reasons. First, braised rabbits tend to cook at different rates; the last thing you want is some meat overcooked while other meat is under cooked. Even more important we’re sure you are aware of the folklore surrounding the aphrodisiac effects of rabbit meat. This aphrodisiac effect only occurs when rabbits are braised. 

I am not a Chef or chemist but experts say braising accelerates the production of amino acids in rabbit meat. The amino acids in rabbit are identical to the amino acids found in oysters and chocolate. Consequently consuming braised rabbit often heightens romantic thoughts, lowers inhibitions and intensifies amorous inclinations. So never serve rabbit for guests you don’t know.

Hope this helps.

Ralph's Rabbit Ranch - Home of Gabe's Gourmet Rabbits

Interesting Pun Humor - but only for the educated

A County Deputy cited a dog for giving birth to puppies near County Hwy 12 for littering.

Do Rabbit’s Feet Really Bring Good Luck?

Interesting question so let’s start at the beginning to answer this question correctly. 

History tells us the ancient Chinese believed the human foot was very important because they saw every organ in the human body had a pathway or a what they call a “meridian’ to the foot. Consequently individuals who practice alternative medicine today still believe our feet provide access to all of our body’s internal organs – just think acupuncture. 

Scientists estimate there are approximately 7000 nerve endings in every human’s foot - so many nerve endings, in fact, that main stream doctors often recommend their patients walk barefoot whenever possible when they are on grass or in sand just to help stimulate their nervous system and generate better health throughout the body.

Now with all that said are rabbit’s feet really lucky? As the owner of a large Rabbit Ranch we see thousands of rabbit feet each year and to tell you the truth I am not sure if they bring good luck or not. In fact, most “expert’s" I know and have talked to can’t agree if they do or not. 

For many the luck of a rabbit's foot is just an old wives tale or  superstition that should be ignored.  However, the reality is that the rabbit's foot is the most common good-luck charm found around the world. A far distant second would be the shamrock (a 4 leaf clover) which is then followed by soft piece of bark from a eucalyptus tree coming in third.

The origin of the rabbit's foot providing good luck goes back to around 6 BC; though there is no connection between the luck a rabbit’s foot with any scriptural references many European Christians associate the rabbit’s foot with the goddess Eastre the goddess of fertility.   (Coincidentally, Eastre is the goddess many associate with Easter today). 

True believers say you can only get the benefits of good luck from a rabbits foot if you carry it in your right front pocket or hang it from your garment on the right side. Others say you will get good luck if you keep it secure in the glove box of your car while you travel.  Still others say it should be tucked away in a purse or handbag and never hang from the purse strap or on a key chain.

Here is a good fun experiment I encourage you to try.  The best part is it’s easy. The next time you watch an awards program on TV like the Oscars - the Emmy’s - the Golden Globe Awards - the Grammy Awards etc. quietly count the number of actors, actresses, directors, producers, songwriters, artists etc. who are holding a rabbit's foot in their hand during the evening. Pay attention to watch how they gently rub their rabbi's foot as the list of nominations are called out. 

It’s amazing how many celebrities who held a rabbit’s foot at an awards night actually won an award: Earl Flynn, Meryl Streep, Henry Fonda, Loretta Young, William Holden, Betty Davis, Burt Lancaster, Sylvester Stallone, Sharon Stone, Robert De Niro, Gina Davis, Al Pacino, Kate Winslow, Michael Douglas, Ben Affleck, Spencer Tracy, Sylvester Stalone, Humphrey Bogart, Kathryn Hepburn, Tom Hanks, George Lucas and Steven Spielberg just to name a few you might know? Did they deserve the awards they won? You bet! Did the rabbit’s foot help? I really don’t know.

Now if you are not in to watching award shows here’s another exercise you can easily try. Observe the number of NFL, NBA, MLB and college coaches you see holding rabbit’s feet during title games or super bowl events,  Heck you can even see NASCAR pit crews and PGA caddies holding rabbits feet.

Personally, I was amazed to learn that Michele Obama clutched a rabbit’s foot during both of her husband's (President Obama’s) Presidential debates. Was that just a coincidence? Perhaps. It could be! I just don’t know.

Finally look at the old hand painted portraits of Christopher Columbus, Admiral Byrd, Captain Cook and even Captain Morgan (that’s right the Caribbean pirate who after he retired from high seas began to distill spiced rum in Jamaica).  Look closely at all their belts, sashes and straps boots - look for the small rabbit’s foot dangling? Did they carry or wear them for luck?  I don't know.

All I conclude is people from all walks of life from around the world think rabbit’s feet are lucky.  I encourage you to decide for yourself.  For me it was a no brainer.  I try to keep a rabbit's foot with me where ever I go and people always comment I am a pretty lucky guy.   

How Do You Use Facebook

Interesting Animal Triva

In 1957 little was known regarding the impact of space travel on a living creature.  Therefore as part of its space exploration testing program the Russians - the formerly known as the USSR sent the first animal up into space.

No it wasn't a rabbit as many had thought instead it was a dog.  A stray dog that was found on the streets of Moscow.  The dog was named Laika which in Russian means little barker.

Where the Heck Did Those Darn Easter Bunnies Come From?

Just in case you are wondering Germany is considered the birthplace of the concept of Easter Bunny.  The very first (edible) Easter Bunnies were made in Germany during the early 1800's. 

They were initially baked pastry bunnies that came with a few gummy candies shaped like eggs (which by the way is where we get the idea of jelly beans from). Parents were encourage to place these edible rabbit treats in straw nests and hide them in secluded areas throughout the house and outside in the garden - weather permitting - for their children to find. 

Now even more interesting is the fact that in ancient Egypt, the rabbit was recognized as a symbol of fertility and renewal. This Egyptian belief of the rabbit quickly spread to the Greeks and then later to the Romans who ultimately shared the idea of the rabbit as the symbol of life throughout their empire and with the rest of Europe.

Surprisingly, about the same time, the Celts and early nomadic hunters of northern Europe began to celebrate their own very special festival – the festival of Eastre.  Eastre {a pagan} goddess associated with the beginning of springtime. Eastre’s symbol just so happened to be the rabbit - the most fertile animal known to man and symbol of constant new life.

Now when Europeans emigrated to Australia they quickly found there were no rabbits on their new continent and immediately had them brought over from Europe to raise - rabbits would ensure a healthy and steady supply of fresh meat during the harsh Australian winters.

The rabbits brought into Australia did their rabbit duty and began to producing new rabbits - to many rabbits. So many in fact that they became a significant problem for the Australian ranchers and farmers. So the Australian people with the approval of the government began a systematic program to eradicate the large herds of wild rabbits roaming the Australian outback.

Unfortunately having the rabbit as the symbol of the Easter celebration was not a good idea for may Australians - and who felt bad about all the rabbit killing taking place.  So the Australian people created a new symbol for Easter - the Bilby.  The Bilby is an endangered Australian animal that looks similar to a rabbit it. 

Therefore in today in Australia you will find plenty of chocolate Easter Bilby candies and all kinds of Easter Bilby cards – but no Chocolate Easter Bunnies no mention of the Easter Bunny!