The Farm House

Farm Goddess · Goddess

For Vent

Shannon · Honored Guest

Hurricane Hanna ripped through Texas a week ago. I hear that Zack Brown lives on the Texas coast. It was still tropical storm strength when it went through Dallas and then over Adriano's town. Many of our Brazilians live close to Dallas.

Would it be too much to ask the PBR staff to update us on how everyone is doing? I mean, we got updates on Chris and Nick and they, while living in LA, live quite a distance away from Gustav's path.

Farm Goddess · Goddess

omg. I'm so inconsiderate sometimes I should be ashamed. I spent that day concerned for two of my friends that live right outside of Houston on their horse farm, the Monastery that raises miniatures horses (where I got two of mine) and the BULLS that I didn't even think about any of the riders in that area!

I came here just now from my email where one of my friends sent me a note that their power came back on finally this morning but was out again by this afternoon.

Shannon · Honored Guest

Glad to hear your friends got their electricity back. I hope everything else is ok, too.

I asked about the riders on another board and this is the response I got:

"Zack does now make his home in Santa Fe Texas, which is between the devastated Galveston and Houston. As of Grand Rapids he was not sure the status of where he is actually located. The Dallas area did not sustain any significant damage, which is the area that most of the other riders are from. One of the big impacts of the hurricane on the riders were several had connecting flights through Houston that were supposed to leave out on Sunday and had their flights canceled. The airline estimated that they would not be able to get them to their destinations until late Tuesday or Wednesday and since most of them had to leave for FL on Thursday or Friday they were left scrambling trying to find alternative ways home."

Farm Goddess · Goddess

Okay. When did riders begin getting the option to take their re-ride on a different night?? Don't tell me it's because L.J. got hurt because I've seen cowboys get hurt and have to decline their re-ride. Glad all he got out of that wreck was a broken collarbone, that bull could have crushed his entire pelvis falling on him like that.

On that same note, why did Guilherme not get the option of taking his re-ride tomorrow night? Actually, why was Guilherme's rider score so freakishly LOW that he was absolutely forced to take a re-ride at all. Yeah, the bull didn't spin, but Guilherme rode beautifully. I think one b a s t a r d judge even scored him lower than the bull. Now THAT's BULL.

What's Ty always telling us, in order to justify Justin's ungodly huge scores? "You got to seperate the rider from the bull to see just how great a ride that was. He just makes em look easy." Well HELLO how about you toss that "seperate the rider from the bull" bone to Guilherme occasionally?? Tonight took their refusal to score Guilherme fairly to entirely new heights. We were stunned.

And while we're on the subject of ridiculous disregard for or sudden changes to the rules, since when does a rider get to opt for a new bull just because he can't get the one he has to stop leanin' on his leg in the chute?? What kind of pansy c r a p was that for Clayton Williams? Used to be you had to be forced to re-wrap about 3 times before you could get a new bull.

"But but but HE'S (sniff) LEANIN' (sniffhiccup) ON ME (WAAHH!)"

"Okay sweetums, just get off that bad ol' bull and we'll get you a brand new bull. Is that alright popkin?"

Shannon · Honored Guest

I'm pretty sure I've seen other guys get an option for another bull when the bull wouldn't cooperate enough to let them get into a proper position, so that didn't bother me any.

Guilherme's rider scores did bother me a lot and you're right, if LJ had the option of getting the reride the next day (something I've never heard before), then why didn't Guilherme when he was obviously hurt (and yes, JW, he was hurt. Of course it could have been worse, but don't play it off like it was nothing!)? Speaking of LJ, no way can he ride with a broken collar bone. I may have only been 9 when I broke mine, but I remember every single second of it and they way my mom knew it was broken was that I couldn't lift my arm more than a few inches before I cried in pain.

In other news, I thought they were a little bit lighter on the Justin-fest tonight. I liked that we got 4 different interviews--even if one was Justin

Oh, and about that interview: What did you make of McKee saying "Fourth place?! What did you do to warrant an interview?"

BTW: I'm assuming that our Texas riders made out ok since they are all there this weekend? Nice to know after the fact guys. Thanks.

Farm Goddess · Goddess

We were in the last 30 minutes of the event coverage when William and I both read the crawl at the same time and realized we'd managed to miss Justin's ride altogether. Same goes for the interview. Missed it! Must have gone potty or to the refrigerator at JUST the right moments lol. We had a blissfully Justin Free event, even if it was totally by accident.

We've seen guys get new bulls when theirs were laying down or sitting down in the chute and wouldn't get up. Even then the guys had to get off, the bull got up, they had to re-wrap and try again. If the bull continued to be absolutely impossible then they got a new bull. We've have never seen anyone get a new bull just because the bull was leaning on their leg. The riders have either gotten it into position or got off, moved the bull away from the panel, re-wrapped and rode, or they've just ridden anyway.

Kind of like a mystery novel where the author mentions small facts or items along the way and 2 books later those tiny tidbits we thought were background color are suddenly large plot points. We've gotten so skeptical about the PBR lately we're wondering if things like the sudden ability to take the re-ride at a later date, or get a new bull if one leans to one side or won't look out the gate correctly will come into play finals week.

Marchi's rider scores left us totally astounded. Not speechless mind you. We had a GREAT plenty to say about it. He rode perfectly. The bull just didn't spin. If he'd gotten a fair rider score (and you KNOW in your soul of souls that Justin would have made at least an 80, and likely an 83, on that bull) he might not have felt like he absolutely had to take the re-ride. He'd likely have gotten somewhere between 75 and 80 (since he isn't Justin) and might have kept the bird in the hand. I swear to gawd, by giving such an incredibly low rider score, the judges insured he'd have to ride again. He might well have chosen the re-ride anyway and would have fallen off just they same, but dear lord at least give him a choice. A score that low was no choice.

Shannon · Honored Guest

Farm Goddess wrote:

Marchi's rider scores left us totally astounded. Not speechless mind you. We had a GREAT plenty to say about it. He rode perfectly. The bull just didn't spin. If he'd gotten a fair rider score (and you KNOW in your soul of souls that Justin would have made at least an 80, and likely an 83, on that bull) he might not have felt like he absolutely had to take the re-ride. He'd likely have gotten somewhere between 75 and 80 (since he isn't Justin) and might have kept the bird in the hand. I swear to gawd, by giving such an incredibly low rider score, the judges insured he'd have to ride again. He might well have chosen the re-ride anyway and would have fallen off just they same, but dear lord at least give him a choice. A score that low was no choice.

That's terrible. I didn't even think of it that way, but you're probably right. I can't even consider it, though, or I'll get myself too worked up.

I hope Guilherme (did you know Flint calls him Gizmo? lol!) starts a hot streak again soon because I don't know how much of this I can take. Is it possible that he's the type to crumble under pressure?

Shannon · Honored Guest

Did you notice Luke's first ride that resulted in a reride option? He was bouncing all over the place and his rider scores were 20s! Oh, and I noticed Judge 4 (of the infamous 17 pt rider score) was tough on people all night. There was one really good ride where the rider (I forget who it was now) got a 23.5 and 2-23 pts from judges one through three, but judge 4 gave him a 22!

So, JB wins his second. Congratulations to him. Really. I've never minded him for the most part and when he's "on", he's great. And normally, if I was only luke warm about our leader, I'd love him for making it a real race, but not this year! I don't think I can handle the stress of the finals if JB (or anyone) is close enough to easily catch Guilherme. But, it's not me who has to worry about the stress--it's Marchi and I really hope he can handle it.

Farm Goddess · Goddess

Shannon wrote:

Did you notice Luke's first ride that resulted in a reride option? He was bouncing all over the place and his rider scores were 20s! Oh, and I noticed Judge 4 (of the infamous 17 pt rider score) was tough on people all night. There was one really good ride where the rider (I forget who it was now) got a 23.5 and 2-23 pts from judges one through three, but judge 4 gave him a 22!

So, JB wins his second. Congratulations to him. Really. I've never minded him for the most part and when he's "on", he's great. And normally, if I was only luke warm about our leader, I'd love him for making it a real race, but not this year! I don't think I can handle the stress of the finals if JB (or anyone) is close enough to easily catch Guilherme. But, it's not me who has to worry about the stress--it's Marchi and I really hope he can handle it.

Yes, I did notice Luke's ride. I noticed several out of control rides where the cowboys got much better rider scores. I don't think Marchi was given anything over 19 for his was he? That still truly ticks me off. Only Guilherme knows if he'd have kept a score between 79 and 82 or if he'd have taken the re-ride and then fallen off. If he'd kept his score and not gone for the reride he WOULD have made it to the final round. I just hate that his score was so low that he figured he wouldn't have made it in without more points.

I was glad to see L.J. looking so well, considering. It still astounds us to hear them talking about racing into surgery so they can be back riding faster LOL. GAWD I'm such a weenie!

I am going to keep my fingers crossed that by riding his last bull so well, Marchi will regain his old confidence. I'd sure like to know what the hell has come into his kitchen that's making him burn dinner. I hope it's not the pressure of finals coming up because that's only going to increase.

Shannon · Honored Guest

Valdiron deserved a reride option!

Farm Goddess · Goddess

Shannon wrote:

Valdiron deserved a reride option!

I thought so too!!!! C'mon, what the heck is up?!

Shannon · Honored Guest

*sigh*

Will we ever understand the reride option?

I'm still shaking my head over Rocky getting one last night when his bull did the same thing as Valdiron's last night (although perhaps w/o the same amount of vigor).

Shannon · Honored Guest

I'm going to put this here. It's a link to some fan arguments over the rule about qualifying for the World Finals.

8 Second Addiction

The discussion starts with "Barney Rubble"--about 6 posts down.

Jaye · Old Hand

Shannon, this is weird. I just joined the 8 Second Addition message board two days ago and read that thread yesterday. I recognized you on there as teagan. As for how to qualify for the finals, I certainly don't have a solution but both Cthrash13 and Barney Rubble make good points. It would be a shame for Ednei not to make the finals but then again, he has ridden only a couple of short-go bulls. I hear he is reconsidering his retirement. A lot of things about the PBR don't make sense to me like the points versus money for finals qualifications, reride options, judging, favoritism...I could go on. I'm just a novice watching this sport, but if guys like the ones on 8 Second Addition can't figure out a solution, it probably won't get solved. I like that message board. I've spent some time reading past posts, and it helps me understand how complicated this sport is. Seems quite a few people on there know what they're talking about.

Shannon · Honored Guest

I'm glad you joined, Jaye! It'll be nice to have a friend on there instead of being the new girl in town.

Yes, they all seem really knowledgeable, which is nice, since I'm also still learning the ins and outs of the sport. However, it's common knowledge that Barney likes to stir up trouble. I fell for the bait once and should have known better. I plan on being more careful next time.

Jaye · Old Hand

Haven't I seen you on Probull.stats, Shannon? I like the Big Board on that one although I don't seem to get as much knowledge from it as I do 8 Seconds. There's always a rucus going on usually stirred up by someone named LittleGal. She is so obsessed with Reindeer Dippin' that I find that I don't quite like him as much anymore. It's all she talks about and man does she get dragged down by all the other members. It's her own fault though. There is one poster on there that I just love, Billy with a B. He writes all his posts on the Big Board phonetically. Kind of hard to read but they're hilarious. At first I thought he was just downright illiterate until it dawned on me he is nearly brilliant. It's hard to write phonetically.

-- Edited by Jaye at 16:52, 2008-10-13

-- Edited by Jaye at 16:55, 2008-10-13

Shannon · Honored Guest

No, I don't post on ProBull stats, but I do check it out occasionally. Little Gal does go a bit overboard sometimes. I know from other boards that even the riders don't like him that much.

Jaye · Old Hand

I guess it was the PBR website where I saw you. Yeah seems like the cowboys don't like ole Reindeer because you can't score high on him if you do ride him. Last I heard Reindeer will make his final appearance at the PBR finals this year. I always loved watching him buck, so I will miss him.

Shannon · Honored Guest

Pardon me for getting all serious, but this is something that has been on my mind a lot lately and I thought since this was the "vent" thread, I would do it here. I was just going to sit on it for a while, but then I read this in Flint's blog:

" I'm not going to tell anybody how to vote because I don't really think this is the place. It would be more fitting to reveal my political affiliation here, however, than in the arena during a show.

Do celebrities and people in the spotlight really think they have more expertise than the average American? There are many celebrities out there that do help me decide which way to vote, though. THE OPPOSITE OF HOW THEY ARE VOTING!!"

Now, I don't want this to turn political--I have a different point to make here. The other day, I was on a board that is frequented by a few riders. There are a lot of heated discussions going on about politics that the riders have stayed out of--until the other day when one posted a not very nice joke about a certain party. Now, it wasn't scathing--there have been much worse on the board--but it definitely let us know where he stood in this election. So, I started thinking:

1. First off, I don't mind when a celebrity talks about their political affiliation (as Flint does) as long as it's tastefully done and they stick to the issues.

2. As celebrities (in this case our riders), should they have an *obligation to make fair remarks and not engage in anything that may come across in a negative light when in a public forum? In other words--no nasty comments or jokes, just the facts and their well thought out, respectful opinions of them.

#2 isn't just limited to politics either. I was discussing with a friend some of the rider behavior that's been reported by fans and I've seen some things myself online. We both tend to think that if they want to behave like fools (whether it's online or in person), then it should be done on their own time (and in the case of online--in private forums). That once they've hit the hotel (hotel, imo. My friend thinks earlier--like the minute they hit the airport), then they are now representatives of their sport/organization (whatever the sport may be. In the case of actors, since there is no organization, then they have the "role model" issue).

So, those are my deep thoughts for the day. Do I need to lighten up?

*When I say "obligation", I'm not saying that it should be a term in their contract--it is after all a free country. I mean a moral obligation. I'd like to think that I could raise my kids to think twice about what they do or say in public or online--especially when they are representing their company/organization/profession etc....

Farm Goddess · Goddess

hmm... well. I don't know. I think it depends upon the celebrity and the venue. Yes, there are some celebrities that I am not going to take very seriously. Paris Hilton for one, Britney Spears for another. I mean c'mon, I'm going to take a political statement from a woman who actually thought Chicken of the Sea was made from sea faring poultry seriously? I think not.

Then, of course, there are politicians in that same category that I cannot take seriously. A national politician who has only held a passport for barely a full year, only taken one short trip out of the country, took 6 years, and 5 colleges, to earn a 3 year degree in journalism and then can't name a single newspaper that they've read is not going to be high on my list of people to believe in or to vote for. Conversely, there are some actors with PhDs (from high level Universities) who would have a difficult time naming a country they have not lived in for 3 to six months that I would indeed feel compelled to stop and listen to nomatter what their political affiliation may be. Whether I agreed with them or not is another story, but I'd at least listen.

A writer I happen to be very fond of came out with a political statement "out of the blue", several months ago which astounded many people in her fan base. I was amazed at their reaction. They'd read the same books I had, and were somehow astounded at her political statement. I had to wonder at their lack of reading comprehension skills because her books, every last one of them, clearly showed how she felt about both moral and global issues.

As for not discussing political affiliation in the bull riding arena, it would be hard to imagine a more blatant showing of a particular affiliation, outside of NASCAR, than a PBR event. I'm frankly amazed they don't start each show off with a prayer, as that's the only thing missing. Then of course there are the occasional political one liners from Justin McKee, whose occasional blog posts do not paint him as a very well educated man.

So, I'm thinking that perhaps Flint is only complaining because a celebrity is pitching a political viewpoint he doesn't like.

I've also always thought that the PBR is somewhat misinformed about the political affiliations of their audience members. I know I was. I figured we were probably the only (dare I say it) Liberal PBR fans in the universe. Turns out most of my Liberal friends (and many of their liberal friends) have been "closet" bull riding fans for years. It's to the point now that I'd be willing to bet that at least 35% of their audience money comes from (gasp) Liberals. Liberals who probably would no longer hand over that ticket money (and it sure isn't cheap) if the events step any further over the line. On that basis, although it took a long time to get to this point, it would behoove the PBR, financially, to duct tape the mouths of their members when they are out representing the sport.

Free speech, whether I like the ideas expressed or not, is good. I'd like it better, however, if it was measured out on a more evenly weighted scale.

Jaye · Old Hand

I figure people are basically going to say what they want when they want. After all, as you said Jean, there is the freedom of speech.

It used to bother me a great deal when people spoke rudely or voiced different opinions other than my own, but over the years having grown up in a houseful of Conservatives being the only Liberal, I have more or less started taking it all in stride. The only time I get a little ticked off is when we're over at my Dad's for Sunday dinner and everyone starts talking about how "the world will end if the Democrats get back in power." I just walk out of the room. There's no way I'll change their minds, but there's no way they'll change mine either.

I agree with you personally, Shannon, that people should feel more compelled to be role models if they are public figures, but I don't think it'll ever happen thoroughly.

Political jokes don't bother me. I can laugh at either party so long as it's not too distasteful.

I guess sometimes I am just disappointed that more people don't feel the way I do about certain issues that seem so obvious. Also it seems to me there is a lot of hate and distrust out there in the world today especially amidst the more conservative right.

Farm Goddess · Goddess

Oh Jaye, if you were closer I'd have you over for coffee. My parents were big into politics. I currently have about a thousand Goldwater campaign buttons and worse, campaign buttons and coins from the Rubel Phillips campaign in Mississippi (look him up... he was really choice). After my dad died I found a speech he gave at a campaign rally in Mississippi where he stated how proud he was to be a Conservative Segregationist. My parents pulled me out of my Junior High School because black kids were going to be sent there. Dad voted for David Duke in Louisiana for god's sake. A distant cousin is the notorious republican behind the war on Clinton so I know exactly what that was about. I do know what your family gatherings must be like. Truly I do.

Speaking of role models. Can we talk "Reality TV" for a moment?? Things like "American Chopper" and such? I dislike "Dog the Bounty Hunter" and his tacky family so much that I get nauseated just thinking about them. The people on those car and motorcycle repair/rebuild/whatever shows do nothing but yell at and insult each other. I swear, if it's rude, tacky, greedy, beligerant and uneducated it seems to have a place and an audience in "Reality TV". Now what the heck does that say about reality? Aren't those people fine role models?

Actually, Shannon, now that I'm thinking about how horrid "reality" TV is, it almost seems a bit refreshing when a sports star or public figure lets their guard down enough for me to see what kind of jerk they really are LOL. At least I can say "Welp, I won't be helping to support that fool by buying their dvds anymore. Let his/her base group do it." In the case of bull riders, well, I mostly root for the bulls anyway. So I'll cheer a little harder for the bull and add a few suggestions for interesting injuries. That "Ivory Enema" comment of Donny Gay's comes to mind

Jaye · Old Hand

Wow, Jean, sounds like you got an earful in your house growing up! Segregationists, Aryans, extremists of any kind I just don't understand. My fervent wish is that we would all just get along.

I'd take you up on that cup of coffee if I was nearer. Would love to meet your horses. I used to ride horses a lot until 9 yrs ago when I was thrown off an Arabian that was still green. Flew into a split rail fence, foot got lodged in the railings and turned around backwards. Had to crawl out of the pasture. Was like a bull riding accident so now I have a permanent limp when I'm barefoot and screws in my ankle.

I hate those redneck reality shows. I figure the only ones that watch them are other rednecks. I have been known to watch American Idol and Hell's Kitchen, but to me they're not the trashy reality shows like you're referring to.

Shannon · Honored Guest

Wow! I didn't mean to start a political conversation here, but I'm glad I did.

Closet Liberal here!

I had it fairly easy growing up because my parents were liberal, too. Right now, the only ones I have to stay away from with regards to political discussions are the rest of my mom's family and my brother (God help you if you get him started).

"On that basis, although it took a long time to get to this point, it would behoove the PBR, financially, to duct tape the mouths of their members when they are out representing the sport. "

I'm all for freedom of speech--I just think that if you are in the public eye--especially when representing a company--you should keep the "role model" thing in mind.

"Liberals who probably would no longer hand over that ticket money (and it sure isn't cheap) if the events step any further over the line."

Are you talking about the prayer at the beginning?

"Political jokes don't bother me. I can laugh at either party so long as it's not too distasteful."

Thankfully, this one wasn't too distasteful. It just made me shake my head. Thankfully, he, for the most part, and the others (so far) haven't gone near the more questionable posts.

I really wish there was a way for all of us to get together for tea.

-- Edited by Shannon at 13:45, 2008-10-15

Farm Goddess · Goddess

Shannon wrote:

"Liberals who probably would no longer hand over that ticket money (and it sure isn't cheap) if the events step any further over the line."

Are you talking about the prayer at the beginning?

"Political jokes don't bother me. I can laugh at either party so long as it's not too distasteful."

Thankfully, this one wasn't too distasteful. It just made me shake my head. Thankfully, he, for the most part, and the others (so far) haven't gone near the more questionable posts.

I really wish there was a way for all of us to get together for tea.

-- Edited by Shannon at 13:45, 2008-10-15

Either we don't get a prayer at the beginning or I've somehow missed it. I'd be able to ignore a prayer. Last year we got the parade of the military recruits and this year we got the parade of the Border Patrol which about turned into a rodeo because their horses were spooking all over the arena. We always get the National Anthem thing which is always cool to me except that many republicans seem to think it's a show of republican solidarity rather than our nation's theme song. If they start breaking out with ignorant slams or campaigning for candidates, I'm outta there.

Jaye, I'm really lucky in my neighborhood. Almost everyone on our street is republican. The things that divide us, however, have nothing to do with politics. The divisive issues here are a dispute over a shared well and an ongoing gripe about the gravel road. One woman kept sending me ridiculous internet forwards and how horrified or ticked off she was that they were true. Well, I'd spend an hour fact checking at government websites and in a very friendly and polite way I would explain the actual facts. After 4 or 5 more times with her sending me trash forwards and me proving those forwards were not true, she stopped sending them to me. I have since added FW, Fw, fw, Forward, etc., to my spam filter and I no longer receive forwards at all.

Another neighbor flat begged me to vote for McCain and I told her in a very kind way that I could not in good conscience do that. Our conversation drifted to the issues and, of course, we found that we have many common concerns. She just believes, because Fox tells her so, that McCain is the answer to those concerns.

The rest of our neighbors all just focus on the things we all have in common like where to get hay, how to sew shade screens, horse training issues, what to feed for what issue, how to get pet odors out of tile and carpet, critters that eat vehicles and landscaping, etc. Thus proving that we all have much more in common than the campaign jerks that try to keep us divided. My neighbors know I don't have horns and cloven hooves and other than thinking their political views are misguided I like them all very much as well.

I'd bet money that the republican strategists keep their base so whipped up and anti-liberal just because they know the only way they can win is to give the people us as an enemy. "Divide and conquer."

-- Edited by Farm Goddess at 18:38, 2008-10-15

Jaye · Old Hand

My mom died 2 yrs ago suddenly. It wasn't long before she died when I was up visiting her that she said something I'll never forget. Unfortunately it wasn't one of those profound, positive things but something that many Republicans, the ultra-conservatives, believe wholeheartedly. We were watching TV, and Alec Baldwin was talking on some entertainment show. She said that she had read where Alec's brother, Daniel I think, had devoted his life to Christ now and that the rest of those Baldwin brothers were surely going to hell. I immediately asked her, "Mom, do you think all liberals do not believe in God and are going to hell?" At that moment she realized what she said and began backpedaling and said, "Well, I know you're not, Jaye."

My mom was very religious, and I was brought up that way. I haven't been to church in years and don't really trust organized religion, however, I do believe in God. But that conversation will always stick with me because it captures the belief of many conservatives, that somehow we are evil or "going down the wrong path" because we don't see the world from their point of view.

I feel sorry for people like that. I don't really know how to put this into words, but I cannot understand how some people believe that just because you feel differently on certain issues or don't agree with them politically that you are going to burn for eternity.

Guess that's why I'm a liberal.

Kapitan Mors · Supreme Being

My mom is aggressively liberal - she's part of a group of old ladies who march back and forth on the main road through the part of town they live in protesting the War in Iraq. "Grandmothers against War" or something like that. My dad wasn't particularly political, but if pressed, I suspect he would have identified himself as an Johnson liberal.

My mom is actually a Baha'i, and because the Baha'i Faith started in Iran, any Iranians who came to America in the 1970s could count on hospitality from the Baha'is - dinner and a place to sleep for the night, if nothing else. Then in 1979 the Fundamentalist Revolution overthrew the Iranian government (which was, admittedly, as Fascist as Nazi Germany, but they were "our Fascists"). Anyway, the new religious authorities in Iran directed all these Iranian students and travelers to return to Iran immediately so that they could be re-educated. Contact with the West had tainted them, and the instrument of re-education was almost assuredly a bullet in the back of the neck.

I remember the Baha'is trying to get these poor people political or religious asylum from the US government, and when that failed, they helped these fellows simply drop out of sight and stay in the United States illegally. It was either that or watch them go back and know that they'd be shot.

So that was my education in fundamentalism: Iranian Shiite fundamentalists who wanted these decent, warm, witty, educated men dead simply because they'd been in the United States, and fundamentalists in the US government who felt that it was a "Moslem problem" that they, as Christians, couldn't solve for them (you could almost hear them mutter "the heathens...").

I can tolerate politics and ideologies that I don't agree with. But as soon as it turns into fundamentalism, I'm done, because to my mind fundamentalism takes the greatest instruments we as a people possess - our gigantic brains - and turns them off. "No need to think, no need to wonder, we'll supply the answers." At least if a Republican has thought about his position on public policy we have room for discussion, but if the mind is fundamentally closed, nothing can be done.

And with that crabby screed off my chest, I feel better.

blackboots · Pooper Scooper

After reading your wonderful posts, I think it's safe to post this link. I Just got it from one of my best buds (and if I shouldn't post links please somebody spank my hand and put me in my place):

http://palinaspresident.com/

Turn your speakers up, roll your mouse around and click on objects in the Oval Office. Be sure to click on the red phone. Enjoy!

Farm Goddess · Goddess

blackboots wrote:

After reading your wonderful posts, I think it's safe to post this link. I Just got it from one of my best buds (and if I shouldn't post links please somebody spank my hand and put me in my place):

http://palinaspresident.com/

Turn your speakers up, roll your mouse around and click on objects in the Oval Office. Be sure to click on the red phone. Enjoy!

Thank you Black Boots. There went a good 30 minutes of my evening. I particularly enjoyed the water boarding of Katie Couric (wheeze), the empty frames, and, of course, the red phone. Then I had to send the link to some email buddies which, of course, began an hour of hysterical back and forth emails LOL.

I needed that laugh.

Farm Goddess · Goddess

Kapitan Mors wrote:

My mom is aggressively liberal - she's part of a group of old ladies who march back and forth on the main road through the part of town they live in protesting the War in Iraq. "Grandmothers against War" or something like that. My dad wasn't particularly political, but if pressed, I suspect he would have identified himself as an Johnson liberal.

My mom is actually a Baha'i, and because the Baha'i Faith started in Iran, any Iranians who came to America in the 1970s could count on hospitality from the Baha'is - dinner and a place to sleep for the night, if nothing else. Then in 1979 the Fundamentalist Revolution overthrew the Iranian government (which was, admittedly, as Fascist as Nazi Germany, but they were "our Fascists"). Anyway, the new religious authorities in Iran directed all these Iranian students and travelers to return to Iran immediately so that they could be re-educated. Contact with the West had tainted them, and the instrument of re-education was almost assuredly a bullet in the back of the neck.

I remember the Baha'is trying to get these poor people political or religious asylum from the US government, and when that failed, they helped these fellows simply drop out of sight and stay in the United States illegally. It was either that or watch them go back and know that they'd be shot.

So that was my education in fundamentalism: Iranian Shiite fundamentalists who wanted these decent, warm, witty, educated men dead simply because they'd been in the United States, and fundamentalists in the US government who felt that it was a "Moslem problem" that they, as Christians, couldn't solve for them (you could almost hear them mutter "the heathens...").

I can tolerate politics and ideologies that I don't agree with. But as soon as it turns into fundamentalism, I'm done, because to my mind fundamentalism takes the greatest instruments we as a people possess - our gigantic brains - and turns them off. "No need to think, no need to wonder, we'll supply the answers." At least if a Republican has thought about his position on public policy we have room for discussion, but if the mind is fundamentally closed, nothing can be done.

And with that crabby screed off my chest, I feel better.

good grief honey. I had no idea. I guess being cloistered in my own brand of Mississippi h e l l, I wouldn't have had an idea, since the last thing that would have been discussed in our house, or our schools, would have been Baha'i. I came to the same conclusions, just by different harrassed minorities.

Shannon · Honored Guest

Oh my, Kaptain Mors. I'd never heard of that movement before. How scary it must have been for them. I, too, can live with different ideas--as long as they are put forth in a preferably educated manner and in a tone of voice that's not nasty or condescending towards me and my ideas. Like I said--for me, it was religion that wasn't discussed because the people in my mom's family had closed minds in that area. I heard some mind boggling things over the years. Thankfully, mom broke that circle.

"Mom, do you think all liberals do not believe in God and are going to hell?"

I saw a bumper sticker the other day that I really want. It says "Proud to be a RELIGIOUS Liberal."

"Either we don't get a prayer at the beginning or I've somehow missed it."

Really? Huh. I've heard one all 6 nights (over two events) that I've gone. I'm ok with them marching out the military because I have family members who served in the war (Grandpa enlisted during WWII and dad joined the navy and later served in Vietnam) and both dad and my brother are Border Patrol agents. I'm grateful to them and others who do what they do. However, I can see where parading them out at events all the time would make a few things rather obvious. Oh and please don't take this to mean that I think you don't appreciate our soldiers. I know better than that. I'm just explaining why I don't take too much issue with it.

Black Boots, I'm going to check out that link later today when I have more time. Welcome to the board!

Shannon · Honored Guest

To the two or three Justin fans on Keith's blog:

Go back and read the posts! Almost every single one of them talk about what a great rider and person Justin is and it's the PBR publicity that we were getting sick of! It is not our fault that your guy is retiring. I think Justin is stronger than that and quite honestly, he never seemed like the type to enjoy the entertainment portion of the sport anyway.

I know I said in another post here that it's possible he got tired of all the fans vs non-fans vs publicity vs possible judge favoritism cries, but I seriously doubt that even if that was part of it, there was wasn't more to the decision.

Jaye · Old Hand

Shannon, you should post what you said above on Keith's blog.

I'm also glad to hear Justin will be in the announcers' booth next year. Unfortunately it probably won't be Hummer that goes since he is the "technical" person. I like J.W. too, so maybe they'll alternate the color commentators like this year. I imagine Justin McKee will still be around.

Liked McKee's comment this weekend: "Beat him like a human pinata."

Farm Goddess · Goddess

woah hey wow what did I miss this time?!

Hummer... I swear... "technical" in what way? Works for VS? William watched some of the Tour du Steroids this year and said Craig actually sounded like he knew something about the sport, or at least enough to not make an idiot of himself every time he opened his mouth, unlike his work with the PBR. I have two suggestions for VS regarding Craig:

A. Fire him and hire Justin

if they can't do that then

B. Tell him to stop trying to be amusing! That's Justin McKee's job. Stick to the facts and let the others provide deeper background and color.

okay. Now I'm running over to Keith's blog to see what the heck is going on in lala land.

Kapitan Mors · Supreme Being

Farm Goddess wrote:

woah hey wow what did I miss this time?!

Hummer... I swear... "technical" in what way? Works for VS? William watched some of the Tour du Steroids this year and said Craig actually sounded like he knew something about the sport, or at least enough to not make an idiot of himself every time he opened his mouth, unlike his work with the PBR. I have two suggestions for VS regarding Craig:

A. Fire him and hire Justin

if they can't do that then

B. Tell him to stop trying to be amusing! That's Justin McKee's job. Stick to the facts and let the others provide deeper background and color.

okay. Now I'm running over to Keith's blog to see what the heck is going on in lala land.

Craig did seem to know a bit about cycling, but maybe he's just such a relief after their usual gibbering blunderbuss I'm inclined to be gracious to him. The old guy (the memory of the pain is so severe I still can't remember his name) was such a lunkhead he was an acute embarrassment, like not really understanding the difference between Rhodesia and England...

I enjoy the job Justin McBride does as a commentator. I also like JW Hart, though perhaps not as much. It's Michael Gaffney that wears on me. I have great respect for him as a bull rider, and I'm sure he's a much better human being than I am, but ye gods the man simply cannot shut up! There are times when I catch myself leaning toward the TV, kneading my hands and thinking "Michael, in the name of all that is good, please SHUT UP!"

But it's hard to tell a world champion to shut up, really.

Shannon · Honored Guest

Jaye wrote:

Shannon, you should post what you said above on Keith's blog.

I'm also glad to hear Justin will be in the announcers' booth next year. Unfortunately it probably won't be Hummer that goes since he is the "technical" person. I like J.W. too, so maybe they'll alternate the color commentators like this year. I imagine Justin McKee will still be around.

Liked McKee's comment this weekend: "Beat him like a human pinata."

I did post something, but I was a bit nicer and made it short and to the point. Then I went on to wish Justin well--that sort of thing.

Where did you hear that he'll be commentating? I liked him as a commentator. Maybe it's because I don't listen to them as much as you all do, but I don't really mind any of the regulars. I could do w/o JW, though.

Jaye · Old Hand

I heard about McBride being on Versus on Keith Cartwright's blog. A comment Keith made himself when defending Justin to some of the fans who had made what he considered negative comments.

Shannon · Honored Guest

Thanks! I was just skimming his comment, so I must have missed that one.

Shannon · Honored Guest

He's so gracious!

From the Las Vegas Sun

:08

Before he stepped away from the podium to check out his likeness carved from a watermelon, McBride said he would have no regrets about calling it a career. Well, maybe one small regret. The money records that Ive set will not last very long, he said. I think I will see guys who were nowhere as good as me make a lot more money than I did. But thats definitely a good thing for our sport."

Kapitan Mors · Supreme Being

Shannon wrote:

He's so gracious!

From the Las Vegas Sun

:08

Before he stepped away from the podium to check out his likeness carved from a watermelon, McBride said he would have no regrets about calling it a career. Well, maybe one small regret. The money records that Ive set will not last very long, he said. I think I will see guys who were nowhere as good as me make a lot more money than I did. But thats definitely a good thing for our sport."

You know you've made it when they make a likeness of you in watermelon. Marble? Pfft. Bronze? Pfft. I prefer to be immortalized in watermelon.

Farm Goddess · Goddess

Shannon wrote:

He's so gracious!

From the Las Vegas Sun

:08

Before he stepped away from the podium to check out his likeness carved from a watermelon, McBride said he would have no regrets about calling it a career. Well, maybe one small regret. The money records that Ive set will not last very long, he said. I think I will see guys who were nowhere as good as me make a lot more money than I did. But thats definitely a good thing for our sport."

Well now. Didn't THAT just suck back every nice thing I've been trying to think about the boy.

I wonder if it ever dawns on him that Adriano would have made TWICE the amount Justin has in career earnings if they'd been getting paid when he started what they're being paid now. Princess McBride would be retiring without that as his main claim to fame.

blackboots · Pooper Scooper

Farm Goddess wrote:

Shannon wrote:

He's so gracious!

From the Las Vegas Sun

:08

Before he stepped away from the podium to check out his likeness carved from a watermelon, McBride said he would have no regrets about calling it a career. Well, maybe one small regret. The money records that Ive set will not last very long, he said. I think I will see guys who were nowhere as good as me make a lot more money than I did. But thats definitely a good thing for our sport."

Well now. Didn't THAT just suck back every nice thing I've been trying to think about the boy.

Ain't THAT the damn truth! But that's how I've always felt about Princess McB. He'll say or do something to gain redemption in my eyes then WHAM! He'll come out with an outrageously arrogant comment like the one above and all good thoughts are gone.

There's just all kinds of sweet justice about his likeness being carved into a watermelon, though. Thanks for sharing, Shannon!

I would loved to have been a fly on the wall in the PBR's offices when he first came forward with his intentions on retiring. Randy Bernard's spray-tan probably faded at least three shades. I'm sure the marketing folks had already worked up an entire campaign to push McB's name out to the general public as the "face" of the PBR's Greatest Athlete Ever. I've always gotten the impression that he was marked a long time ago as their golden boy. Just my opinion, though, YMMV.

Shannon · Honored Guest

" I've always gotten the impression that he was marked a long time ago as their golden boy.

Young, blond hair, blue eyes, fairly well spoken w/o a really thick accent, all-American, great at what he does............How did you ever come to that conclusion?**

Glad to see I wasn't over reacting. I had a feeling you would all fall in line with me on that one.

"I wonder if it ever dawns on him that Adriano would have made TWICE the amount Justin has in career earnings if they'd been getting paid when he started what they're being paid now."

Ain't that the truth?

The watermelon thing was funny, though. I was so steamed about the comment, the humor in that one thing escaped me at the time.

**Since emotions don't usually come across well in print, keep in mind, I'm not being sarcastic or mocking you--I'm agreeing with you. I think he was chosen because of all those things. Sadly, I think the American part was the deal breaker.

-- Edited by Shannon at 14:43, 2008-10-26

blackboots · Pooper Scooper

Shannon wrote:

Young, blond hair, blue eyes, fairly well spoken w/o a really thick accent, all-American, great at what he does............How did you ever come to that conclusion?**

**Since emotions don't usually come across well in print, keep in mind, I'm not being sarcastic or mocking you--I'm agreeing with you. I think he was chosen because of all those things. Sadly, I think the American part was the deal breaker.

-- Edited by Shannon at 14:43, 2008-10-26

Oh helltotheyes, I totally get it! wink

I've been reading a lot of links about McB's retirement and I've noticed a trend. Whenever the reporter (or blogger, or whoever) needs a quote from another rider they go straight to the Americans. Not a single comment from anyone outside the US of A--except for good ol' Brendon Clark (of the Australian whine.) Personally I'd like to know what Adriano or Guilherme thinks, since Adriano has competed against Princess for so many years, and Guilherme is first in the World standings and is often mentioned by HRH himself as the next great bullrider.

Shannon · Honored Guest

Ok, I got a giggle out of this, but am putting it here because it involves Justin. Ty Murray has written another blog and towards the end of it, he starts talking about the difference between Guilherme as a new, young rider and Guilherme now. He then starts talking about Justin's attitude and how it's a great one--the attitude of a champion. Then he states:

"I'm just using Justin as an example, but if you go down the list of champions than I can give you a whole bunch of names. I think that's a trait you can see-that and the confidence."

hee! Make sure you cover your a** there Ty.

You're learning.

Shannon · Honored Guest

To the creators of 24:

Moving it back to Sunday?! Why? Why?! This is one of two shows that my husband and I watch together (never miss it) and since he doesn't care for bull riding, I can't say "Sorry honey--I'm going to tape it and watch it later in the week because my show takes precedence over anything you might like to watch." Can you see how that might create a problem? Everything was great when it was on Mondays, but you had to mess with it this year. *sigh*

I guess I watch the first hour of PBR, tape the second half while we are watching your show, then watch the second half afterward. What a pain.

*(&^%$#

Thanks for letting me vent,

Shannon

Farm Goddess · Goddess

ARRGH! I hated when TV shows did that. I wonder if "24" isn't doing as well as it used to so they're going to start trying it on different nights and time slots. The TV gods used to do that to my favorite shows. I'd end up having to hunt them down all over the dial until I'd lose interest and give up. I finally just gave up regular TV. Cop dramas haven't interested me since the days of Starsky and Hutch and really the only reason I watched that was because Paul Michael Glaser was great in one of my favorite movie musicals, Fiddler on the Roof. If P M G hadn't been Starsky, no way would I have put up with "Huggy Bear".

I've been a patient and had too damned many things go wrong due to people that graduated at the bottom of their class in nursing and/or med. school to enjoy Medical dramas. The "humor" of sitcoms escapes me, they just don't make them like "Frasier" any more. No one has managed "Quirky" to my standards since "Picket Fences" and "Northern Exposure".

So, if bull riding isn't on, I'm on the computer or outside, or have my iPod plugged into my brain listening to the Harry Potter books until I drift off to sleep.

Jaye · Old Hand

Shannon, do you have satellite TV? If so, see if you can invest the $5 or so a month and get a DVR. That way you can record one show while watching another.

Shannon · Honored Guest

Jaye wrote:

Shannon, do you have satellite TV? If so, see if you can invest the $5 or so a month and get a DVR. That way you can record one show while watching another.

I have a dvr. I'm just venting (ok, ok---whining) that I have to put PBR on hold to watch 24. When they were on Sat and Sun (PBR) and Monday (24), I could watch them in real time and not have to wait.

I'm just impatient, thats all. *blush*

Jean, I haven't watched a sitcom in years, either.