If "Freddy" proves himself as a racehorse, he may be used as a stud. In general, only horses that were great runners get to stand at stud in KY, although there are exceptions, such as some horses that have great pedigrees but maybe got injured in training or something. Really, the fillies are lucky because they stand a much better chance at being used for breeding purposes than the boys do. The vet didn't seem to think that it was a genetic thing--more of a mutation. I guess if Freddy gets to be a dad we'll see if he passes that on to his kids. Barring any unforseeable accidents or injuries, he will start training in the fall of his yearling year (which will be fall 2006), and start racing in 2007. Most of them start racing as 2 year olds, although if they are not doing well in training some owners will turn them out a little longer and wait until they're 3. He is not officially named yet, so I guess I'll keep you posted when they get his papers done and then you can follow his career. On a related note, the organization that oversees the Thoroughbred registry in USA is the Jockey Club. To name a t-bred, we have to submit 3 choices of names to the JC. They then reply to us whether any of those names are acceptable. They have certain rules, such as no profainity, no famous or notorious people (withough their written permission), no company trademarks or copyrighted material. There's also a limit of 18 characters (letters & spaces), so a lot of times you'll see several words run together, such as "Factofthematteris" or "Justoneofthegirls". For the list of rules, click the link below. Another interesting fact is that offspring by the same sire are not considered "brothers and sisters." If I say I have a full sister to Smarty Jones, for example, that means that my horse has the same mother and father as Smarty. If I have a half-sister to Smarty, then my horse has the same mother, but different father. But if I have a horse by the same sire as Smarty, well, then I just have a horse by Elusive Quality (Smarty's dad). As for why they paint the fences black: the paint lasts longer. They mix it with creosote, and it gives a stain to the wood so that even when the paint peels off, it still looks black (or gray at least). The creosote helps protect the wood, and supposedly the horses won't eat the paint off the boards as bad. So, black paint is cheaper in the long run. Here is a link that might be useful: Jockey Club Naming Rules

Hi Garrick, seeing that this post is still sitting here at the top, I would add that it is usually spelled koekemakranka or koekmakranka, according to the "Handboek vir Afrikaanse Taal" The description states that it is grown in the winter rainfall areas, and that the fruit is partially underground, and fragrant. I never had a chance to taste it while I lived in SA, have you had the opportunity yourself? I seem to recall that the Koi and San people used koekemakrankas as a source of hydration in the absence of water ... or am I confusing it with another plant?

Good thoughts for Oliver!

My vote would go against the soy formula. He's only five weeks old. All this switching around what you feed is not giving him a chance to adjust to the formula. There is also new controversy about using soy products for infants unless it is absolutely necessary. That would be babies who have a true milk allergy or are truly diagnosed with lactose intolerance. Colic just is. It is not diet related and there are many breast fed babies who go through it also. I know several and in fact because of the poor advice often given breast feeding mother's many panic and take them off the breast and put them on formula when they become colicky. So it most likely isn't the formula. it's probably an immature digestive system or an immature nervous system or perhaps a bit of both. Your DDIL needs to listen to her pediatrician or get a new one. He may just seem brusque about the colic because he hears it every day. If his manner isn't compatible with your DIL's wishes/needs then she should definitely seek out a pedi she is more comfortable with. Colic just is. Children survive it and grow into perfectly healthy people. My DD screamed for several hours a day for almost 6 months. Then she tapered but was still "colicky" for another 3 months. She was exclusively breast fed for 5 months when I was guilt tripped into starting cereal being a first time mother. It's heart-breaking to hear them scream and such a feeling of helplessness but he will survive. There has been excellent advice given on soothing him. As your DDIL gains confidence she will discover what works for him. My DD like to be held hanging face down over my arm while I swung from side to side. (a relaxed football hold) I learned to do everything with her like that. Thanks for the compliments on Mia. The dog with her is one of 3. I call them "the crows" since they perch and stare. They are siblings, one male and two females. The dog in the pic is one of the girls. She has appointed herself head nursemaid since the day she met Mia. The others are always nearby and are very protective of the babe.