Weed eater Logic

Two middle aged guys, Joe and Jim are sitting at their favorite bar having a beer.

Joe turns to Jim and says, "You know, I'm tired of going through  life without nothing to look forward to - and its all because I don't have a decent education. I think tomorrow I am going over to that community college and sign up for some colleges classes."

Jim says "Well I thinks that's a good idea Joe". They finish their beers and leave.

The next day, Joe goes out to the community college on his lunch hour and talks to an Admissions Counselor.  After interviewing Joe the Counselor recommends Joe sign up for two upcoming classes he thinks might be fun for Joe. The Counselor recommends Joe take History and Logic.

"Logic?" Joe asks "What's the heck kind of course is that?"

The Admissions Counselor says, "Its a really fun course that teaches you how to think.  Let me give you an example.

Do you own a weed eater?"

"Yes I do" Joe replies.

"Well then logically speaking I can only presume since you own a weed eater you have a yard."

"That's true" Joe says  "I do have a yard."

"I'm not done," says the counselor. "Now because you have a yard, its only logical you have a house."  "Well yes, I do have a house" says Joe.

"See how this Logic works?"  the counselor says.

Now because you have a house its only logical you would have a family."

"Yes, I do have a family" says Joe.

"Since you have a family, then logically you must have a wife"  "Yes I do have a wife" says Joe.

"Now because you have a wife, then logic dictates that you must be a heterosexual male."

"That's true, I am a heterosexual" says Joe. 

"WOW! That's amazing you were able to find out all of that stuff about me all from just knowing I own a weed eater."

Joe is now really excited about taking this Logic class and shakes the Counselor's hand.  Joe can't wait for his classes to begin.

Later that evening Joe meets his good buddy Jim and their favorite bar and Jim asks "Well Joe, did you go out to the community college today and sign up for any classes?  "I sure did" Says Joe. 

"Well what did you sign up for" Jim asks.

"Two classes, History and Logic" Joe responds.

"Logic?" asks Jim, "What the heck is Logic about?"

"Well, let me give you a good an example" Joe says.

"Do you own a weed eater Jim?"

"Nope." said Jim.

"Well logic tells me you must be gay".

Let's Talk About the Blarney Stone

Most people who celebrate St Patrick's Day either know of, or have heard of, the Blarney Stone but few actually know anything about the stone itself or why so many people want to kiss the Blarney Stone. So let's answer all these questions now.

The Blarney Stone is a large block of blue limestone that currently sits in an outer wall of Blarney Castle not far from the city of Cork in Ireland. The Legend of the Blarney Stone started in the 12th Century; however it was never written down until 1584. My guess though, is the legend is about 95% accurate. So take a moment, sit back and read this informative article. Its fun trivia and you will learn something new. 

Scholars tell us the Blarney Stone originally came from the middle east - near the Holy Lands. It was brought to Europe by the knights returning from the crusaders. Now there are two theories regarding why the Blarney Stones was brought to Europe. Some say it is the “Stone of Ezel”; the stone described in the Hebrew Bible as the stone young David hid behind to escape from King Saul. Others say it was the stone Moses struck with his staff in the middle of the dessert to cause water to gush forth so the Israelites could quench their thirst during their exodus from Egypt.

Whichever theory is correct - we know the stone made its way to Scotland where the Scots called it their 'Stone of Destiny'. Then, in an offer of good will the Stone of Destiny was split in half. Half was sent to King Munster in Ireland. King Munster, ruled Ireland from Blarney Castle. King Munster hated the English so he sent five thousand men to Scotland to help the Scots defeat the English at the battle of Bannockburn in 1314. 

Now this is really cool. Have you watched the Mel Gibson movie – Braveheart? Well the 5,000 men King Munster sent to Scotland were sent to reenforce the army of Sir Robert the Bruce - the man who betrayed Braveheart in the movie. Anyway with the help of Munster's men Robert the Bruce was able to defeat the English.

To show his gratitude Robert cut the 'Stone of Destiny' in half and sent half to King Munster. Robert then had the stone placed in the walls of Castle Blarney – and it is there in Ireland we can go kiss the Blarney Stone.

Now, legend has it – those who kiss the Blarney Stone are blessed / endowed / or given the gift of Eloquence. Unfortunately kissing the Blarney Stone is no easy task. First a person must climb up 125 irregularly shaped steps to reach the parapet of the castle wall – which is over 100 feet above the ground. Then, once on the parapet the person must lie on his or her back, then twist their spine and extend their neck so their lips can press against the stone. 

So what exactly is Blarney and why do people want it? The young Irish say Blarney is a form of flattery, however; old timer Irish say it is the art of speaking. Blarney they say is much more then flattery; it is flattery sweetened with humor and flavored with spicy wit. 

For almost three hundred years, millions of people have traveled to Castle Blarney in Ireland just to kiss the Blarney Stone. People - rich and poor, young and old, male and female, famous and not-so-famous all - people who want the gift of blarney so they can live their lives to the fullest. 

Unfortunately, thousands of would be kissers fell to their deaths while trying to kiss the Stone because of it location; so in 1928 iron railings were installed to prevent further tragedies. Trained assistants now sit atop the castle's parapet to help hopeful kissers contort their bodies and get in the proper position to kiss the Blarney Stone.

Every summer over a thousand people a day visit Castle Blarney. They stand in line, make the arduous trek up the narrow stairway, lay down on the stone walkway, contort their bodies, stretch their necks and then pucker up – just to kiss the mysterious blue slab of limestone known as the Blarney Stone. 

Amazingly those who have kissed the Blarney Stone say the trip to Ireland was well worth it; all would gladly go through this ordeal again. Each one swears their lives were incredibly transformed after they received the gift of Blarney. 

Bill and Mary were patients in a mental hospital. Both were considered dangerous to themselves as well as to others. However over their years of confinement the two of them developed a deep friendship for one another that some even thought was romantic in nature.

One day while they were out walking past the hospital swimming pool, Bill suddenly jumped into the deep end and sank to the bottom of the pool where he stayed.

Mary seeing the situation promptly jumped in to save him. She swam to the bottom and pulled Sean out. Once out of the water she helped him with his breathing. 

When the Medical staff became aware of Mary's heroic act they convened a special meeting and decided she could now be discharged from the mental hospital, as they now considered her to be mentally stable.

When the Administrator went to Mary's room to tell her the news she said, 'Mary, I have good news and bad news for you.

The good news is we are going to discharge you from the hospital today. Since you were able to rationally respond to a crisis by jumping in and saving the life of the person you love ... the staff has concluded that your act displayed you have a sound mind.

The bad news Mary is your friend Billl hung himself last night in his bathroom with his bathrobe belt after you saved him. We are all so sorry for your loss as we all knew how much he meant to you.'

Mary replied, 'Bill didn't hang himself, I put him there to dry.

Now how soon before I can go home?'

We just received a recommendation about our rabbits that we are all very proud of.

How Do You Use Facebook

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!

Jack-O-Lopes … Fact, Fiction or Legend?

Here are some interesting thoughts to

ponder.  Take a few minutes read this

article and share your opinion. 

Every culture across the globe has legends; legends that persist because some are based on fact and others because so many people in that culture believe in those legends.

Amazingly many of the legends around the world involve animals.  All animals described in legends are called cryptids. a word from ancient Greece - specifically the Greek word krypton - which means “hiding” or “to hide”. 

Scientists refer to legendary animals as cryptids because they have no solid physical evidence to support that they ever existed.  None have ever been captured and they can't find sufficient fossil remains.

Examples of cryptid creatures are numerous. For instance in Tibet there is well established legend regarding the Yeti - better know as the Abominable Snowman. The yeti is a mysterious bipedal creature {bi pedal basically means it walks on two legs upright like a man}. For years the Yeti has been reported to seen roaming the snowy peaks of the Himalaya mountains.

Also in Scotland there is a legendary creature known as the Loch Ness monster.  Nessy as it is affectionately called is said to be an aquatic monster.  Many believe it is some sort of prehistoric water based dinosaur that some how survived extinction by living deep beneath the surface of Loch Ness, the deepest loch in Scotland.  Though it has not been confirmed many sat it has underground channels that lead to the north sea.

In Latin America there is the amazing animal known as the Chupacabra – a fierce pig-like dog that farmers and plantation owners have had numerous encounters with.  The Chupacabras destroy crops and kill livestock during their nocturnal foraging activities. Reports surfaced in early 2004 that the Chupacabras had migrated northward and entered many areas of southern Texas, Louisiana and New Mexico.

But the best example of a cryptid in the north America is Bigfoot. Stories of Bigfoot {or a ape like man} have been reported for centuries in the United States and Canada.  Native American tribes and the early pioneers who traveled westward in their Conestoga wagons on the Santa Fe and Oregon trails all recount tales of Bigfoot.  Even today, hunters and fishermen from Wyoming, Idaho, Washington State, Oregon and Northern California often file reports with their state and local government authorities saying they saw a hairy ape like creature in the dense wooded forests along the mountain ridges.

Because we raise Rabbits here at Ralph's Rabbit Ranch, it only natural I think that we often get asked - mostly by school aged children - to confirm the legend(s) of the Jack-O-Lopes. All I can honestly say is that twenty years ago I would have said there is absolutely no such creature at a Jack-O-Lope - the large rabbit like creature with antlers. I would have dismissed it as a fairy tale; however, today I am no longer really sure.

After having attended hundreds of rabbit conventions, livestock trade shows and breeder conferences across the country, I heard so many Jack-O-Lope stories; that I can no longer discount them as false.  Today I can't say for sure that Jack‑O‑Lopes did not - or do not - exist.

Here are a few things I've learned since I started raising rabbit.  First the official name for the north American Jack-O-Lope is the Americanus Delicioso Conjo Carne. Just read the information below and decide for yourself if Jack-O-Lopes actually did exist or whether they still inhabit unpopulated areas of western America today.

First and foremost, fossilized remains of what appear to be an antlered or horned rabbit type creature have been found in all of the lower 48 states as well as in Alaska (but not Hawaii).

Second, libraries and major universities in both Spain and France contain hand-written reports from Spanish conquistadors and French fur traders who traveled to the new world. All these reports on file chronicle what these early explorers believed were encounters with large horned rabbit-like creatures in the new world. All these describe how men on these early expeditions were afraid after seeing “vast herds of hopping, long eared, horned creatures”.

Third, twenty-nine native North American tribes to this day from Kansas to California have detailed folklore which they pass down from generation to generation referring to “the great rabbit with antlers”. Amazingly each year, many Native American cultures perform annual rituals and ceremonies to give thanks to these 'hopping horned creatures' who helped and protected their ancestors.

Fourth (and this blew me away), when members of the famous Lewis and Clark expedition party which was authorized by President Andrew Jackson in 1804 returned back to Washington DC, three years later, the men on this expedition all shared identical, detailed accounts of large herds of hopping horned creatures. The majority of these first-hand accounts of sighting these creatures occurred along what we now call the Missouri and Colorado rivers in the far western half of the American continent.

Now here is what it really gets weird. During both the 19th and 20th centuries, just about every American elementary school student was taught that Christopher Columbus discovered America in 1492. We now however know this is not true. Archaeologists have assembled a preponderance of evidence that suggests Asian and Polynesian seafarers made routine visits to the west coasts of both South and North America. Pottery, metal objects, skeletons and weapons from Pacific Island based cultures have been found from British Columbia all the way south to the tip of Chile {or Cape Horn}. 

Likewise, there is irrefutable archaeological proof that Norsemen from Scandinavian countries, such as Norway, Denmark and Iceland all landed in Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and other various locations along the northeastern shores of what is now Canada and the New England. These Nordic hunters and explores actually constructed permanent shelters and hunted all kinds of animals and fish in the new world.

Scientists now know for a fact that rats are not indigenous to the Unites States; they believe rats were introduced to America from the ports of Spain on Columbus' three ships - the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria. Its believe rats stowed away on the ships before leaving port and hid in the hulls of the ships during their voyage across the Atlantic. The rats would have have disembarked down the anchor ropes when the ships entered the waters of the New World for the first time. 

Interestingly a growing number of paleontologists and zoologists theorize that seafaring Scandinavian countries like Norway, with their flat-bottomed “Viking Longboats”, also carried unwanted animal cargo's. Their unwanted cargo however was wild Scandinavian hares. Many believe the wild Scandinavia hares hopped on the ancient Viking vessels at port and made the voyage to North America. Once the longboats arrived in new world harbors, the hares simply hopped onto shore.

Scandinavian hares are extremely adaptive creatures and could have easily adjusted to life in the new world. Scandinavian hares are feisty animals; not at all like their timid rabbit cousins who live in central and southern Europe. Wild Scandinavian hares can run at phenomenal speeds and they possess tremendous agility – all characteristics they developed living on the frozen tundra of Scandinavia. Once on North American soil these wild hares would have had access to an unlimited supply of food and no known predators to worry about. 

We know from the works of Charles Darwin and the theories he purported in his book 'The Origins of Species' that every order of animals has a predisposed natural instinct to reproduce. Perpetuating the population is paramount to ensure survival of their species. 

Scandinavian hare could have naturally mated with other indigenous animals here in north America. Hares, just like rabbits, have a short gestation period with frequent breeding periods throughout the year.  Wild Scandinavian hares could have easily been the link that evolved into the Jack-O-Lope creatures we hear so much about in North American legends.

The hare population could have exploded within just a few years. The growing herds of Scandinavian hares would have naturally had to migrate and the way they would migrate would be westward and southerly throughout all the North American continent.

Now the sheer size and physical strength of Scandinavian hares would have made it impossible for them to successfully mate with the small indigenous rabbits already habitatting the new world. The thought of a Scandinavian hare mating with a native American rabbit would be tantamount to a St Bernard trying to mate with a Chihuahua ‑ it just wouldn’t or couldn't work. 

So it has been postulated that these large Scandinavian hares would have begun to mate - often with other species more appropriate for their size – animals such as coyotes, foxes, weasels, otters and even small deer. Yes, deer!

There are small deer, deer such as the Andean Pod, a deer prevalent in many if out southern states. Andean Pod deer stand roughly 16 inches high and weigh approximately 20 lbs - making them perfect mating objects for Scandinavian hares. In addition, during their southerly migrations the wild European hares could have came in contact with the Key deer of Florida, as well as other small species of deer that habitat throughout the Florida Keys region.

If the wild Scandinavian hares had mated with these small deer, this could easily explain antlered offspring.  Large fast running rabbits with antlers would have easy translated into Jack‑O‑Lopes, a word that represents a hybrid between a Jack rabbit and an antelope.

Now here are three facts you should consider before you discount the legends of the Jack-O-Lope:

A) Native American folklore purports that buffalo and Jack-O-Lope freely roamed the North American continent in massive herds.  They both had similar and predictable migration patterns.

B) Many early European immigrants heading out west stated in their diaries that they would not have been able to survive their journeys had it of not been for the abundance of food they had to choose from:

     1) Buffalo (or bison which we call it today)
         and,

     2) Large horned prairie rabbits (the Jack-O-

          Lopes).

C) The back and forth migration patterns of the massive buffalo and Jack-O-Lope herds had a tremendous impact on the north American landscape and its vegetation. Their sheer numbers in each herd helped transformed the woodlands of North America into vast grasslands and prairies providing early pioneers with limitless open plains to plant their crops.

It was not until after thousands of Europeans, starting with the Pilgrims, then the Puritans and eventually the western pioneers that the massive herds of Jack-O-Lope were brought under control. Once the new settlers brought in their domesticated livestock and had a stable supply of fresh meet; their dependence on the Buffalo's and Jack-O-Lopes as a food source was no longer needed consequently it is believed they began to systematically slaughter them to prevent overgrazing of the lands they needed for their domestic livestock.

So there you have it - everything I know about the Jack-O-Lope. Now you tell me – are Jack-O-Lopes fact, fiction or legend? Are they cryptids (fictional creatures) like so many believe or are they, or were they real?

Please feel free to share any thoughts or comments you would like.  At Ralph's Rabbit Ranch we do more than just provide great tasting Rabbit meat.  We try to answer questions and share American history.  

Win a Lucky Rabbits Foot

Here' is your chance to win a "Genuine" Ralph's Rabbit Ranch lucky Rabbit's foot.

Please take a moment to review the "Collective Comments" listed below by people who were likely to have said something about the gourmet rabbits sold on Ralph's Rabbit Ranch.

After reading the 'Likely Collective Comments' listed submit a comment you think is fitting for Ralph's Rabbit Ranch. If we can use your comments we will send you your very own genuine Ralph's Rabbit Ranch Lucking Rabbit foot. This prized objet d'art is believed, by many cultures and societies from around the world, to hold some mystical force that can keep one out of harms way and bring good fortune.

Judging of all likely comments received will take place on Monday, August 18th at 1pm here at Ralph's Rabbit Ranch in pristine Lugerville, Wisconsin. 

Up to 25 lucky Ralph's Rabbit feet will be awarded and mailed out to the winners. Authors of winning entries will be contacted via Face Book message to confirm an appropriate mailing address. All lucky rabbit's feet awarded will be mailed out via the US Postal Service utilizing 'First Class' mail service.

Sorry only one submission per person will be allowed.

Below are the rules for all likely comment submissions:

1) All submissions must be in English

2) Photo's and artwork will not be allowed

3) The use of profanity is not permitted and will automatically disqualify the entry

4) 'Likely comments' should reflect the statement or thoughts of likely well known public figures, celebrities or historical characters either real or animated. For example it could be conjectured that Tony the Tiger is likely to have said -" Ralph's Rabbits ... There Great" or Elmer Fudd could be conjectured to have said "Walphs Wabbits are Waskley Wabbits"

5) Points will be awarded for originality and creativity

6) Bonus points will be awarded for "Likely comments" postulated by federal lawmakers and foreign heads of state - China and North Korea excluded of course.

Reminder: Ralph's Rabbit Ranch along with its subsidiaries and affiliate holding interests reserves the right to share any entry submitted on Face Book or use in other print medias.

Good luck and we hope you win.

Ralph

Read the notice below:

Ralph’s Rabbit Ranch® 

… The Pride of Wisconsin Ranching

Featuring - Gabe’s Gourmet Rabbits®

Homegrown and free range - our barley and alfalfa fed, koshered gourmet rabbits are raised exclusively for discriminating diners with exquisite taste.

Collective comments 'likely shared' regarding Gabe’s Gourmet Rabbits®

Living in D.C. we’ve forgotten how great Wisconsin rabbit taste. Thanks Ralph for an incredible meal.
Tommy Thompson – former Governor of Wisconsin

The best part about shooting a film in Wisconsin was enjoying delicious burgers brought over daily from Ralph’s ranch.
Johnny Deep – Actor … While filming Public Enemies

You don’t have to be a Master Chef to prepare an elegant and gourmet meal for your family with Ralph’s rabbits.
Gordon Ramsey – 16 Star Michelin Chef

Ralph, your sautéed rabbit loins and red cabbage are definitely worthy of an Oscar! I give you two thumbs up.
Julie Roberts – Pretty Woman

If Ralph’s Rabbit Ranch were located in Chicago we would be larger than L.A. and New York City.
Richard M. Daley – former Mayor of Chicago

My visit to Ralph’s Rabbit Ranch was the best adventure I ever had. You guys are great!
Pee Wee Herman – Entertainer and Television Personality Extraordinaire

Seen animals from all over the world but am now convinced gourmet rabbits come only from Wisconsin north of the picket wire. .
Jack Hanna – Director of the Cincinnati Zoo & TV Personality

Gabe’s Gourmet Rabbits® Now shipped anywhere in the US or Europe next day air -fresh or frozen for your discreet dining pleasure.

Have you ever noticed that herds of grazing animals all face the same way?

As most of you know - Ralph's Ranch is a Rabbit Ranch - our job is to raise Gourmet Rabbits.  We do not raise beef nor dairy cattle therefore we we found this story about revelations made by Google Earth very interesting.  It was sent to us by one of our customers and we found it interesting.

For the past 2 1/2 years we have been noticing this more and more since it was brought to our attention?  Is it a coincidence or is it really a phenomenon?  

If any of you readers are - or were - cattle people or worked on a dairy farmer we would sure appreciate any insights you might have on this fascinating subject.

Thanks Ralph

Below is the short article for you to review.  Any thoughts you can share will be greatly appreciated. 
  

{These cattle are grazing - in an perfect north to south position}






Images from Google Earth have now confirmed that both dairy and beef cattle tend to align their bodies in a north-south direction when grazing.

Wild deer and horses also display this behavior. This is a phenomenon that has apparently gone unnoticed by herdsmen, hunters and people living in wooded areas for thousands of years.

Scientists say the Earth’s magnetic fields may influence the behavior of animals when they graze.  Remember the Earth for all practical purposes is a actually a huge magnet, with a magnetic north and south pole.

Scientists have long known that many animal species such as birds, butterflies salmon and whales etc. use the Earth’s magnetic fields to guide them during their annual migrations - its like a natural built in GPS.  Detailed studies have also confirmed that bats use an “internal magnetic compass” to help them sense their direction.

The next time you drive past a herd of deer or a herd of horse stop and look at them.  Are the majority facing either a north or south direction? 

Dr. Sabine Begall, from the University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany, studied the magnetic sensors of mole rats – small African animals that live deep underground in tunnels - that never come above ground.  Their tunnels are always dug in a north / south pattern.

Professor John Phillips, a sensory biologist from Virginia Tech University, believes there might just be a sixth ‘magnetic;’ sense in the animal kingdom” - especially among cattle, horses and deer.

Does Australia Really Have A Rabbit Overpopulation Problelm?

 As you might imagine we get asked a lot of rabbit-related questions out here at the ranch.  Anything people want to know about rabbits come our way.  We don’t always have the answer on our finger tips, but we try to get the correct answer as soon as we can.  One question that frequently comes up from visitors who tour the ranch is:  “Does Australia really have a rabbit problem?” The short answer is, "Yes." 

There are many accounts as to why Australia is overpopulated with rabbits. The story we were able to confirm with sources such as Wikipedia goes like this. 

The rabbit overpopulation problem in Australia is said to have originated in 1859 when Thomas Austin - no relation to Steve Austin the bionic man - released a mixture of 24 domestic rabbits and hares into the Australian wild. 

You see while living in his homeland – England – Mr. Austin loved hunting rabbits for sport. When he moved to Australia, he found there were no rabbits; rabbits were not native to his  his new home.  So Austin had his nephew back in England send him rabbits and hares from England. Once the rabbits and hares arrived in Australia  Austin released them into the wild.  They rabbits and hares adapted very well to Australia's climate and vegetation --- but get this ... they had no natural predators in  Australia to keep their population in check.

Austin believed the introduction of a few rabbits would do little harm; all he wanted to do was enjoy his favorite sport  which was hunting" those whywrie  wraskles". The rabbits, however, once set free were extremely prolific and their offspring spread rapidly across the southern continent of the Australia. 

The mild winters allowed the English rabbits to breed all year and the ample food supply was enough to feed countless generations.  With no known predators for the rabbits in Australia the rabbit population exploded.  The over population of rabbits still plaques Australians to this day.

It is estimated that by 1869 (just 10 years after Austin released his 24 rabbits and hares) the rabbit population grew to two million rabbits.  Rabbits shot and trapped each year have no noticeable effect on their population.

Its a fact: the explosion of the Australian rabbit population is the fastest recorded spread of any mammal population on the face of the earth. 

If you have any really good animal trivia you would like to share we would love to hear it.  If we can use it and put it on our blog we will send you one of Ralph's Lucky Rabbit Foot Key Chains.  

 

We Now Have a Face Book Like Page - Please Check It Out

Ralph’s Rabbit Ranch is the fastest growing rabbit ranch in Midwest; we are located in northern Wisconsin in Price County along the historic Lugerville range.    

We recently created a Face Book “Like” Page to go along with our Face Book Friend Page . It’s full of surprising rabbit trivia and entertaining articles the kind your whole family will enjoy.

If you are not a member of Face Book “Google us” or “Bing us” just type in Ralph's Rabbit Ranch or “Ralph's Ranch” so you can get to know us better. Whether you live in the north woods or come up for visits you’ll appreciate all the fun things taking place out at the Ranch.  

If you have questions post a comment. Tammy, Clancy, Stacey, Amanda or I will get back with any questions you may have. Enjoy the rest of this gorgeous summer.

Stay healthy my friends … and eat more rabbits.

Ralph

What is a Hodag?

I think because the Rabbit Ranch is only about 83 miles from Rhinelander, Wisconsin, we get a lot of tourists stopping at the Ranch on their way to Rhinelander. After they take a tour of our grounds and play with the rabbits, without exception they wind up asking the ranch hands the same question - What is a Hodag?   

As far as we know, the Hodag is an animal that is unique to the Rhinelander, Wisconsin, area (thank God) although there have been unconfirmed sightings down in Ogema near Carlson road; however that was supposed to have occurred during a severe winter and the Hodags were out forging for food. Luckily, we don't have to worry about Hodags here at the ranch; Hodags don’t come to Lugerville, Fifield, Park Falls, Phillips or Oxbo because they don’t like the climate. The story most of us at the Ranch know goes like this:  

The old timers in the Rhinelander area say the Hodag was first spotted during the spring thaw of 1896 by a Rhinelander pioneer named Gene Shepard. According to Mr. Shepard, a successful logger, the beast sprang at him from a behind pile of white pine logs while he was out working in the woods. Mr. Shepard, who was able to flee the creature, said it was a horrible sight! He said the Hodag is a fierce and frightening looking monster - and there is nothing else like it in north America. It's a hairy creature approximately seven feet long when mature and has a thirty-inch long tail. Adults have studded backbones that are adorned with about a dozen or so white horns; its muscular vise-like jaws bear huge – I mean huge - white tusks. Most menacing of all are its fore and hind legs have razor-sharp claws.  

(This is a picture taken years ago of loggers trying to catch a baby Hodag)

Because the Hodags only graze in the Rhinelander area, the City of Rhinelander has made the Hodag its city symbol. Rhinelander’s biggest recreation area is Hodag Park and school athletic teams are proud to call themselves the "Hodags". One of the largest musical events in Wisconsin is Hodag feast where people from all over the world come out to try and get a glimpse of the Hodag. Even though it has been nearly 110 years since Mr. Shepard's first sighting of a Hodag, many local residents, as well as tourists, say they have had encounters with them in the woods.  

All we can tell you for sure here at Ralphs Rabbit Ranch is that every one of the tourists who have returned back to the Ranch to pick up their packed and wrapped Gabe’s Gourmet Rabbit meat or try on their tailor-made rabbit vests after visiting Rhinelander, are all convinced there are Hodags living over by north U.S. Highway 51 in the Rhinelander, Wisconsin, area. 

For more information about Hodags, take a trip to Rhinelander, Wisconsin and see for yourself.  Don't forget be sure to stop at the Ranch and enjoy the rabbits.  Its not to early to put in your orders for your rabbit lined gloves, ear muffs and undergarments.  You'll need them this fall and you will be glad you ordered them.

Animal Trivia # 4 Eggs

The eggs laid by a typical barnyard hen generally hatch in 21 days.

The eggs of most ducks and geese generally hatch in 28 days.

The eggs of a mallard duck will hatch normally in 35 days.

But surprisingly the eggs if both a parrot and an ostrich will hatch in 42 days; 

What is really amazing about these facts are ...
  
They are all divisible by seven, the number of days in a week!

Animal Trivia # 2 - Beavers

Most people don't realize the potential damage beavers can cause a community.  A single beaver can cut down as many as 216 trees per year?

May 2013 Special *** Northwoods Jack-O-Lopes

With spring firmly here across most of the country it’s time once again to offer our classic Ralph’s Rabbit Ranch Jack-O-Lope mount.  Our Jack-O-Lope mounts are "authentic reproductions" of the legendary Jack-O-Lope (better known as Americanus Delicioso Conjo Carne). 

Just imagine the excitement you, your family and friends will have with your very own piece of handcrafted American art. 

All of the mounts produced at Ralph's Rabbit Ranch are genuine Jack-O-Lope replicas. Each one is specifically designed so it can be displayed either on a table or hung from a wall. 

Our mounts are ideal for home, office or business use. Each mount has its own natural beauty that is guaranteed to captivate the interest of visitors, friends and colleagues alike. 

During this limited offer (our May 2013 special) every customer receives an added bonus when they place an order - A hard bound copy of Jack-O-Lopes - Friends or Foes. This provocative booklet chronicles the origins, history and ultimate fate of these celebrated creatures. Learn what really happened to the Jack-O-Lope from its initial introduction into North America up until present day.

For example, throughout Sweden and Finland legends abound that wild Scandinavian hares (Lepus europaeus) stowed-a-way on ancient Vikings longboats. Many believe Viking scouting parties during the late 13th century made unplanned visits to the east coast of North America while  sailing over the north Atlantic. Once these wild Scandinavian hares hopped off the Vikings' longboats they found themselves on a very, new and different continent.

Surrounded by an abundance of unfamiliar flora and fauna as well as a hostile landscape in eastern Canada it’s a miracle these creatures were able to survive. Perhaps because of their speed, agility or even their behemoth size these ferocious Scandinavian hares (not rabbits) were able to adapt to this new environment. 

With no known predators in the new world these animals were able quickly colonize their new homeland. As they began to adjust to the new vegetation their population began to flourish; within a few years they began to mate with several breeds of indigenous rabbits. The offspring of these Scandinavian hares and American rabbits eventually evolved into what we know today as the modern day Jack-O-Lope.  

Its amazing but every native tribe in North America has some ancient folklore which cites massive herds of Jack-O-Lope descending into their valleys from the far north. Because of their regal look and impressive size they were revered by most of the inhabitants they encountered. Many tribes believed the invading Jack-O-Lopes were responsible for transforming the dense wooded areas they came upon into  prairies and this in turn precipitated the emergence of great herds of nomadic buffalo that roamed the Great Plains.     

Most zoologists, paleontologists and cultural archaeologists believe Jack-O-Lopes are only indigenous to North America as the fossil remains of these creatures have been found in all the lower 48 states as well as throughout Alaska. Unfortunately, three unnatural events may have lead to the demise and possible extinction of the American Jack-O-Lope:

     1) A continued migration of thousands of Pilgrims and
         Puritans into the region we know as the original 13
         Colonies
     2) Numerous expeditions into the great south west and
         along the California coastline by thousands of Spanish
         Conquistadors
     3) The countless French Fur trappers entering into
          America's heartland; the areas we now call the
          Louisiana Purchase territory and the great Pacific
          Northwest

The encounters the herds of roaming Jack-O-Lopes had with these three groups of newly arrived Europeans made it possible for man, with his modern armaments to bring these beasts under control. Some herds were domesticated and breed with local breeds of rabbits to create the modern day American rabbits we often see frolicking in the woods and open fields. The more vicious and ferocious herds were slaughtered primary for their front feet - with legend says brought man good luck and their steel like canine teeth and  soft fur tails with high society European women treasured. 

Now you can enjoy all this wonderful history you order your very own Jack-O-Lope mount from Ralph’s Rabbit Ranch. Our spring Jack-O-Lope sale runs only from May 5th (Cinco de Mayo) to May 24th. During this time you will enjoy a 10% discount if you purchase two or more Jack-O-Lopes.

Plus as our way of saying thanks you will receive free shipping & handling on all orders of three or more Jack-O-Lopes. So don't delay - order your original Northwood’s Jack-O-Lope from Ralph’s Rabbit Ranch today.  

Remember once this sale ends on May 24th all Jack-O-Lope mounts will be gone until the spring of 2014. Creating a Ralph's Ranch authentic Jack-O-Lope mount is not easy. Every hide used to make a mount comes from the fall harvest when our rabbit fur is just starting to thicken for the onset of winter. Then every hide is carefully cured outdoors during the winter months for a minimum of 103 days to preserve its luster and integrity. After each pelt has been cured by Mother Nature it is then thoroughly inspected and assessed to see if it will quality and to be suitable for a Ralph's Rabbit Ranch Jack-O-Lope mount.

Don’t forget order your Jack-O-Lope mount today. Rear assured all our Jack-O-Lope mounts are made from pure 100% Gabe’s Gourmet Rabbits which have been raised exclusively here at Ralph’s Rabbit Ranch.

Animal Trivia # 6 Horses & Cows

While looking through an old vintage animal encyclopedia I came across some interesting comments that I will have to check out this summer.

It you know for sure that the following two comments are true will you let me know?

All horses rise from the ground on their front two legs first; however, all cows rise from the ground with their two hind legs first.

Our Recent Student Visit

Yesterday we had a group of elementary school students visit the Ranch for a class field trip. All the students on the field trip were from a science class. After receiving an extensive tour of the ranch and having the opportunity to talk to several of the ranch hands Tammy brought the kids into the “The Big Hall” where she had milk and cookies waiting for them.

While the students were eating their snack, Victor, who thinks he is an expert on all science and political matters, thought he would conduct a pop quiz to keep the students busy. Below are the results of Victors quiz.  

 

 

VICTOR Name a major disease associated with cigarettes
A STUDENT Premature death

VICTOR Can any of you name the four seasons rabbits live through?
A STUDENT Yes. Salt, pepper, mustard and garlic

VICTOR Do any of you know how dew is formed?
A STUDENT Yes! The sun shines down on the leaves of the trees and makes them perspire so all the rabbits can get some water - (Victor liked this answer.  Gave the Kid an A+)

VICTOR What causes tides in the oceans?
A STUDENT   Oh we just studied this. The tides are a fight between the earth and the moon. Water tends to flow towards the moon, because there is no water on it and nature abhors a vacuum. I forget how the sun joins the fight but I know rabbits love water and wash their fur in it.  (This kid got an A+ as well)

VICTOR What are steroids?
A STUDENT Little things that keep carpets  from moving on  stairs

VICTOR What happens to a young boy who raises rabbits when he reaches puberty?
A STUDENT He says goodbye to his boyhood and looks forward to his adultery (Victor gave the kid a C-)

VICTOR   What happens to your body as you age?
A STUDENT When you get old, so do your bowels and you get intercontinental

VICTOR What is artificial insemination?
A STUDENT Oh that's when you guys do it to the rabbits (Victor gave the kid a B)

VICTOR How can you delay milk from turning sour?
A STUDENT Keep it in the cow (Can't believe it Victor gave the kid a B-)

VICTOR How are the main 20 parts of the body categorized (e.g. The abdomen)?
A STUDENT Well the body is consisted into 3 parts - the brainium, the borax and the abdominal cavity. The brainium contains the brain, the borax contains the heart and lungs and the abdominal cavity is what contains all the five bowels: A, E,I, O, U.                                              
VICTOR What does 'varicose' mean?
A STUDENT Nearby in Chinese I think   

VICTOR What is a terminal illness?
A STUDENT When you are sick at the airport.

VICTOR In a democratic society, how important are annual elections?
A STUDENT Very important. Sex can only happen when a male gets an election 
 

Fruit and Vegetable Trivia # 1

Here at the Ralph's ranch we're always looking for new and improved foods that we can blend in to our feed that we give  our herd. Recently, while reading a horticulturist magazine I came across some interesting, if not down right, bizarre facts.

Here are some interesting little factoids you may find of interest. 


All watermelons have an even number of stripes on their outer rinds.  Its true check it out. 

Each ear of corn always has an even number of rows of kernels. 

All stalks of wheat have an even number of grains.

Every orange has an even number of segments when you cut it in half.

Now here is the kicker - "every bunch of bananas" - has on its lowest row an even number of bananas.  Its amazing as bananas grown the number of bananas on each row decreases "by one" on each succeeding row. So as you look at every bunch of bananas hanging in a tree there is an even row and an odd row with every bunch of bananas.

If you find information of this nature interesting let us know and we will post more for you. Likewise, if you do not find this kind of trivia of interest let us know as well and we will stop. 

Thanks 

Ralph

Rabbit Fact # 6

France is the world’s largest supplier of gourmet rabbit meat and largest buyer of rabbit meat in the world.

Rabbit Fact # 4

Did you know that rabbits can mate as early as 3 months of age and their normal gestation period from conception to birth  is only 31 days.