A good read

All that glitters

I know gorillas aren't really monkeys.

Very informative, mester.

I'll never get that five minutes back.

Sod off or he'll never land.

'A good read' - there's some mucking about here.

The second link's more sparkling - the keepers obviously have fertile imaginations.

And sparkly brushes.



Johnny Morris (Animal Magic)

Was Johnny interested in animal conservation as well as conversation?

Speaking of which, Dr Dolittle springs to mind.

(In cases of animal constipation ... it'd be wonderful if they could be relieved by regular advice from Dr Poolittle.)

Johnny used to provide the voices for the animals he spoke to whilst on his rounds in Bristol Zoo, Jo Anne.

He seemed like a really nice bloke with one of 'those' voices. Very gentle like Oliver Postgate.

I remember Animal Magic, Dostaf.

Bristol Zoo ... so Johnny helped to keep it ship-shape and Bristol fashion.

Whereas it might be apt to say of the Blackpool keepers ... ship-shade and bristle fashion.

'Bristol fashion' relates to bottoms.

I nearly misread ship-shape too.

With ship-shade you were meant to. (Phrase Origin)

Naughty.

I understood the 'Bristol fashion' phrase to mean the ship's bottom could stand grounding at low tide.

Inferior vessels with rotten timbers dare not enter the port for fear of getting smashed,

Now you've muddied the waters, Dostaf.

I like the stowing stuff securely version.

But wouldn't that be the norm anyway? In case of rough seas.

'Ships that were moored there were beached at each low tide. Consequently they had to be of sturdy construction and the goods in their holds needed to be securely stowed.'

You would think so - it'd be a poor show if not. Back to topic.

USAGE:
"Everything was shipshape and Bristol fashion, the parallel bars looked spruce, the leaves had been raked out of the swimming pool, there was not a drop of horse poo on the riding course."


Almost.

From here

Plenty of pigeon droppings, but horse poo is rarer here.

I'd mention the one about horse statues and the positions of their legs being a load of old pony, but there'd be complaints.

You've previously mentioned the myth being debunked on QI.

Still, those horses having complaints is understandable. (I've tried to put myself in their position and I don't know how they stand it.)

They seem to have stood the test of time.

And 'load of old pony'?


Ask a silly question.

Neigh, neigh and thrice neigh!

(It will depend on which way the wind is blowing.)

Just remembered this WW discussion.