Been Thinkin'....Part 2.

I got up early and drove 6 hours to Polzin's just west of Minneapolis about 2 hours. I filmed all afternoon, ate a burger with the Polzin crew, and drove another 6 hours home to return shortly after 1 a.m.

I tell you this simply because it means that I had a lot of time to think.....and that's usually dangerous.  As I was channel surfing from rap to country to christian to rap to rap to country to rap......I kept hearing Chris Brown's new song "Look at Me Now" featuring Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes and was amazed EVERYTIME I heard it at just how FAST they could talk (rap)......to the point that it almost sounded like auctioneering.

Well that got me thinking that I don't think I've ever heard or even seen a black auctioneer. Have YOU?  I think that rapping probably pays quite a bit better (if you make it big).......and you'll probably NEVER see many "rappers" doing estate sales.  lol

I'm gonna talk to Bonham about potentially cutting an album. lol

Been Thinkin'....Part 1.

As I was pecking out a text I had a thought hit me.

In the 1800's Morris Code was used to deliver messages.  To me, it's very similar to texting when you think about it. (I'm still using a flip phone)  A series of touches spell out a short simple message.

Fast forward to the year 2011.  We can now pull up an app on a smart phone and stare at each other while talking as we drive down the road.  NO cords, NO dials, No problem.  Simply AMAZING.

What's the MOST POPULAR way of conversing with each other NOW though?????  You got it....the modern day Morris Code, texting.  Just like a dog chasin' his tail.

Plain, Cool and Different Pickup

Saw this pickup in a Walmart parking lot on my way to video in Minnesota.  I like different, and this is different.  Don't know if I love it, but I like it.

Spring Smackdown THIS WEEKEND.

http://www.maxanet.com/cgi-bin/mndetails.cgi?hunker24

Don't forget to check out ALL the southern Ohio sale offering this weekend and GOOD LUCK to everyone.  Thanks for the business.

Drake's Feed Time Find.

Drake and I were choring tonight in the pig barn and I told him to clean the water out of a feed pan in on of the pens.....and he did.

As I was walking by the feed room I saw him staring at something, and he hollered and had me come look.      Pretty cool huh.....might be a sign!  (a sign I need to by some waterers and quit using feed pans to water out of) lol

Filming @ Polzin Charolais 2moro.

I'm headed to Minnesota later today to film and picture some donors for Polzin Charolais and Thomas Charolais for an upcoming Breedsworld Online sale.

They've been on a roll lately and I can't wait to see their cattle.

Squeeler Shuttle Bus.

B Dub and Murt both bought pigs in Iowa South......I bought pigs in Iowa North......so we met in the middle at Hickory Park in Ames yesterday and pig swapped.

I hauled mine in a 20' Eby pulled by a 4 door King Ranch dually burning $4.10 diesel.  They hauled theirs in the back of a Ford Ranger under a topper.  B Dub bought lunch, and I still came up on the short end of the stick! lol

Fuel costs today REALLY take the FUN out of things!

Today's Soup.

Depression May Be Good for Us

(NEWSER) – It's a counterintuitive idea, but depression could actually be a good thing. TheIndependent addresses the question by looking at studies and talking to experts and depression sufferers. Though not everyone agrees, a surprising number seem to think the answer is yes: Those who suffer depression and come out the other side have "seen the abyss" and end up stronger. Of course, experts are cautious in their phrasing: "Depression can end in suicide, so it is not to be taken lightly," says one.

However, she adds, "many people say it helps them evaluate what is important," and in that sense it can act as a wake-up call, causing people to make positive lifestyle changes. One Dutch study shows that after depression, respondents had improved ratings of psychological health and other indicators; another study shows that women with depression were more likely to live longer. Of course, notes one former sufferer, "Not everyone can feel any benefit from depression. ... But there are others for whom it has been a turning point."

Katie Couric: Yep, I'm Leaving CBS Anchor Post

(NEWSER) – Let the Katie Couric bidding war begin in earnest: Couric confirmed to Peoplethat she is indeed leaving her job as anchor ofCBS Evening News to focus on "multidimensional storytelling" elsewhere. Exactly what that means is unclear, but TV Guide quotes sources as saying she's close to a deal with ABC, where she'd have a big presence on its network news programs and prime-time specials. TMZ, meanwhile, says she's in talks to stay at CBS with a syndicated talk show. And rumors of a reunion with Matt Lauer remain in the mix as well. Her contract isn't up until June, so don't expect to know much for sure before then.

"I have decided to step down from the CBS Evening News," Couric says. "I'm really proud of the talented team on the CBS Evening News and the award-winning work we've been able to do in the past five years in addition to the reporting I've done for 60 Minutes and CBS Sunday Morning. In making the decision to move on, I know theEvening News will be in great hands, but I am excited about the future."

Iowa Student Graduating After 19 Years of College

(NEWSER) – She’s been in college since Bill Clinton was elected, taking approximately one class each semester—and now, she’s finally graduating. “I've been doing this so long, I don't think I'll know how not to do it,” says Kathy Vitzthum, 48, a senior accounting major at Iowa State. She’s already seen her daughter graduate; her son will finish a nursing degree this week. But after promising her sick father that she’d complete her schooling, Vitzthum couldn’t give up, the university's news service reports.

She entered college at the encouragement of her boss, who promised her a promotion if she took some classes. She didn’t plan to graduate, but then her father developed cancer. “He said to me, 'You know Kathy, you're this far, why don't you just keep going and get your degree?'” Her parents gave her an early graduation gift: an antique curio cabinet she’d had her eye on. “After that, it wasn't an option to quit school," though she had kids and a job, she notes. "Every time I looked at the cabinet, I was reminded."

Sage n Her New Boyfriend.

He's really ANIMATED.

Lacey Caffee's Easter Basket

Heat Seeker Steer Does It AGAIN....TWICE.

Congrats again to Bailey Core for winning both rings of the Oklahoma Beef Expo this past weekend.  I was talking to O'Leary's yesterday and had about forgot that they raised this steer.  This got me to thinking that I'm pretty sure I posted a calf picture of him on this blog last fall.

What a weird turn of events that little cell phone pic of a steer that I took while announcing the Ia Beef Expo has taken!  Thanks to Russ Harkema for texting me this pic.

Ceiling "SOGGA" Continues.

I didn't misspell saga....this word is derived from the root word SOGGY.....as in rain damage!

After Shawn left to pick up the kids yesterday, I tore into the ceiling to get the wet drywall and insulation out, as we needed to do according to the contractor. WHAT A MESS!

"Statue-tory Rape" or "Gomer Bull...Moose".

BIG Announcement.....B.S. 2 PRINT.

Thanks to Roland and the entire Show Circuit CREW for taking Brad Hook B.S. to a print version starting next month.

What Ever U Do...

Joke From My Sister-n-Law.

Guy goes into a bar, there's a robot bartender.

The robot says, "What will you have?"

The guy says, "Martini."

The robot brings back the best martini ever and says to the man, "What's 
your IQ?"

The guy says," 168."

The robot then proceeds to talk about physics, space exploration and 
medical technology.

The guy leaves, but he is curious...So he goes back into the bar. 
The robot bartender says, "What will you have?"

The guy says, "Martini."

Again, the robot makes a great martini gives it to the man and says, 
"What's your IQ?"

The guy says, "100."

The robot then starts to talk about NASCAR, Budweiser and John Deere 
tractors.

The guy leaves, but finds it very interesting, so he thinks he will try it 
one more time..

He goes back into the bar.

The robot says, "What will you have?"

The guy says, "Martini," and the robot brings him another great martini.

The robot then says, "What's your IQ?"

The guy says, "Uh, about 50."

The robot leans in real close and says, "So, you people still happy you 
voted for Obama?

Bank Robbers Busted After Facebook Boast

(NEWSER) – Four bank robbers in Houston were so proud of their hard work that they boasted of their accomplishments on Facebook—leading police right to them, reports theTelegraph. "IM RICH B****" and "WIPE MY TEETH WITH HUNDEREDS" were two of the brilliant, all-cap Facebook messages posted two days after they allegedly made off with more than $62,000. It turns out two of the alleged robbers were tellers at the bank in question, and made sure they were the only ones working when a boyfriend and a brother entered wearing masks to "rob" the branch on March 23.

The bragging actually started two days before the robbery, notes the Houston Chronicle, when a bank teller involved in the heist wrote "Get $$$" on her Facebook page. "I've always heard that you shouldn't post pictures of yourself on Facebook smoking pot or drinking because employers are now looking at Facebook pages," said a lawyer for one of the robbers. "But I never knew there should be a warning not to post about a bank robbery that's been committed." 

New Poll Added....What Do U Drink?

The human body is largely made up of liquids......so I offer up this question.....what do you drink the MOST OF daily?

NO.....BEER is NOT an option! lol

Really Twisted BUT Funny.

Another "Fail" from Click Attack.

Stolen From My 12yr old's Blog..

Drake has been doing a better job on his blog than I have lately.  I wonder where he gets his twisted sense of humor?....  www.clickattack.blogspot.com

One of his favorites is the "fail" website.

Real Good Run of BAD Luck.

SO......on top of ALL the previous things that have been stressing me out.....the kids and I go to feed the show pigs the other night and when one of our better barrows turned around......he had a SLIGHT problem.

You guessed it.....he had a rectal prolapse.  I let out a scream and the kids came running to see "what now".....and boy did their eyes get big.  They'd NEVER seen anything quite like that before.  I had Shawn bring down some warm soapy water and tried to put it back in myself......of course to NO avail.  

It was after hours, and the vet on duty was the new young vet (son of the current vet).  I've known him since he was a baby, and he's matured into a very talented young man, so we discussed strategy first, before the battle.  The pig we're working on weighs about 140#, so we know it's NOT going to be easy.

We catch the pig and place him over one of the gates.  Tanner's got ahold of the pigs rear legs, and I've got his head between my legs, and bear hugging his chest, trying to hold him still.  After numerous tries, we have to call in reinforcements.....MARVIN to the rescue.

After Dad got there, I had to catch him AGAIN, and assume the position.  You can about imagine how this  140# pig is reacting to a needle and thread going into his "disposition"(as Drake called it).  You can about imagine how I'm reacting to this 140# pig reacting....trying to keep my legs clamped as tight around his head, and my arms around his chest as I can, while Dr. Tanner cures the problem.

I discovered I'm really NOT in as good of shape as I once was, and every muscle in my body started burning, and evidently my grip on the pigs head with my legs loosened a bit also.....'cause all the sudden his snout starts crashing into "my disposition"....and let me tell you, that's NOT COOL.  I explained to the young vet that I was "about done" and hoped he was too.....and he was.

The pig never missed a beat, and you'd never know anything was wrong now, so mission accomplished.

The next day, Dad and I was eating lunch together, and he said "That young vet needs to learn a trick or two".....  I said, "What's that?"  He said,  "We always used to just hang pigs like that by their legs from the ceiling, and all that will just go right back in".....

You can imagine the look on my face.  The pig's stitches stay in his "disposition" for a month......I get mine out next week! lol

Congrats 2 My Daughter.

Congratulations to my daughter Sage for being selected to attend the annual Wayne Optimist Club's Academic Honors breakfast....again.  

This is a great event for grades 7-12 who qualify academically, the only thing bad about it was that I had edited video until 1a.m. and had to be in there at 6:45 a.m.  I think I scared some people.....I know I scared some people!  Not good.

Go 2 fatsteer.com 4 pics.

If you'd like to see just how much fun I had judging, go to www.fatsteer.com and click on the pictures of the Northern Exposure Show.

I'm serious.....that was a GOOD set of cattle.  Nice job picturing Quint!

Visited an "OLD" Friend.

After the show was over, I went out to eat with some good folks that you might recognize......Quinton Huncovsky(fatsteer.com) and his family, and another "old" friend, Greg Stewart and his son Tucker.  We ate at a steakhouse owned by a buddy of Greg's that used to fit cattle, and had a pretty famous Hereford bull in the 80's (picture hanging on the wall big and bold).  The food was great and it's always good to visit with friends.

After we finished, I had to kill some time before another meeting, so I went to the home of Mid-Continent Farms, and visited a while longer with Greg and Debbie.  It appears by this picture that Greg was showing me just how big the "fish that got away" was (I assume).  He obviously (until now) had NO idea I took this.

Had Fun Judging.

I know this is a week late, but I wanted to say thanks for the opportunity to judge the Belleville, KS Northern Exposure show last Sunday.  The quality of the cattle was absolutely TREMENDOUS.

I had always wanted to get to this part of northern Kansas, but had never until now.  Belleville is a neat little town that reminds me of my hometown.  The Feathered Nest is DEFINITELY a place my wife would like to visit.  It's owned by Lynae Austin's mother, Lynette.

The picture below is a cool looking old theatre that is located on the square.

A LOUSY Reminder.

I just wanted to remind everyone of something that was brought to my attention while filming young baby calves......don't forget to de-louse them.

Huh?  I remember from my nearly 20 years of Pasture to Purple sales just how lousy baby calves get, and lots of times that's the furthest thing from your mind.....until patches of hair start to disappear off those cute little things.  

That REALLY aggravates you.

Out Foxed the FOX.

I was checking cows on foot the other day and passed through my corral on the way to the calving barn, when something didn't look right.  Upon further inspection, on top of the big bale of hay, I found this young pup all curled up.  I instantly went for my cell phone camera.

After he awoke from a SOUND sleep, he was as surprised to see me, as I was him.

Adjuster Just Left.

The adjuster just left and it appears everything is covered and is even going to be included with the original claim (as it should have been).  I always get nervous when dealing with insurance companies.  So much of the coverage depends on the adjuster's interpretation, and if he's having a bad day.....look out.

How do I know?  I was an insurance adjuster from 1983-1986....made a whoppin' $14,000 a year......go figure.

Current Status of Show Pig Barn.

Pretty isn't it......about drives me NUTS!  It could always be worse though, at least it wasn't a tornado.

Good MONDAY Morning.

Sorry for being MIA for a while....last week got a little stressful around the ole' ranch here, and you guys drew the short straw for getting my attention.  Between trying to make the fastest online sale turn around, and finishing up a weeks worth of filming in Ohio, I knew if I allowed my A.D.D. infected mind to shift away from the most important issues, then NOTHING would get done.

Probably the biggest kick in the pants came at 10:30 pm Friday night.  Shawn and I were in bed, when we heard a thud in our living room.  This is what we found.

It appears that the wind that damaged two of my barns, ALSO damaged the shingles on the house around a dormer, allowing the huge rains that we've had lately to come through onto the living room ceiling.

Now my wife is OCD about "HER" house! (we're just allowed to live here) So you can imagine how she nearly fell in the fetal position in shock when this happened......THIS, on top of TONS of video work that HAD to be completed, nearly put me in the LOONEY BIN last week.

The insurance adjuster is going to be here any second to look at the damge.  The dry wall estimate was $2,400 alone.  Wish us luck.

Lot 18.....NICE!

Tony Austin Sale - April 20-21st

http://www.maxanet.com/cgi-bin/mnlist.cgi?hunker22/category/ALL

I thought we absolutely SMOKED these videos when I was filming them.....and once edited, they were even BETTER than I thought.  Dang NICE set of cattle.

Check them out at the Breedersworld link above.

Snow. White.

Brad White sent this picture of the snow they got AGAIN, this morning in Estherville, Iowa(NW Iowa).  We got a real gully washer rain here instead.

I'm so READY for GOOD weather.

I Want Some CHEESE with MY Whine.

A full week in southern Ohio filming, home on Monday night.  Then fly out Wednesday night for Texas....go to bed at midnight.  Film ALL day Thursday....to bed at midnight, then up at 5:00 am to catch a flight home.

Home editing until Saturday night, then drive 5 hours to Kansas to judge a show.  Get home and to bed at 3:00 am Monday....up at 8am and edit until 1:00 am this morning to finish Austin's sale.  Up at 6:00 am for Sage's honor club breakfast this morning.

My wife thinks I'm grouchy.....I think I need some cheese with my whine. (and a good nights sleep)

Joke I Heard on the Radio 2Day.

What do you call a man with NO arms and legs, laying in a pile of leaves?........


RUSSELL

What 2 Do When the Work Is Done.

What does the official ear getter and the cameraman do when the work is ALL done?.....yep, life's rough.

Only problem was my body hurt so bad after a long day of shooting, I could hardly get up out of the lounger!

Official "Ear-GETR"

One of the official "ear getters" yesterday was Clint Petzold, who also is a Breedersworld representative.  He only lives a couple miles away, so he was there to lend moral support......and get ears. (lol)

He jokingly told Tony he was charging him an extra percent on the sale for his help......after he sees the videos, he may have under bid himself!

Perfect Day Yesterday.

We had an absolutely PERFECT day yesterday to film.  A slight breeze, strong sun, and about 80 degrees.

Tony had a great crew assembled and we rolled through 31 head.....not a bad days work.  I'm anxious to get to work on the videos....I think we smoked'em.

Grab UR Bag.

I got up about 4:45 am to try and catch my flight back home.  Tony's a little over an hour from the airport, so you need to leave some room for traffic.

I made it in to Kansas City at 9, and home by noon.  The weather went from 80 and sunny, to 42 and a GULLY WASHER rain.  NICE! (not)

ACA Staff Announcement.

We regret to announce the resignation of Samantha Winter, Administrative/Membership Services Coordinator. Samantha has been offered a new career opportunity and her last day with the ACA will be April 29. We thank Samantha for her work at the ACA and wish her the best in her new endeavor.

New Poll Added.

I've noticed an increased popularity of new cattle industry (breeder) blogs starting up, so, I'm asking your opinion on this issue.  The More the Better.....or Only Gonna Read a Couple?

I think if the truth be known, blogging is considered "stone age" now in the current techy world, but that means we're right on schedule as an industry.  I don't mean that negatively, but it simply holds true.  It generally takes anywhere from 2-5 years for  "hot" trends to become implemented into our way of thinking....

p.s......I just cut off my MULLET!  lol

Critical Mass - Red Gene Carrier

HELLO HEREFORD and SHORTHORN COWS! 

Critical Mass Now Available Thru GENEX.

Also AVAILABLE through EVERY OTHER Major Distributor!

Going ON 2Day.

This is DEFINITELY going on my head today.  After last week in south Ohio I absolutely fried myself.  It felt like it had been laminated for the next three days, and then the lamination peeled OFF!

I Just Asked About Him.

Not too long ago I just asked a country radio DJ buddy of mine about Billy Dean, and if he was still performing. I used to love his songs.

I'm sittin' here in Tony's living room, waiting for the sun and the cattle to get ready, and on comes Billy Dean, live and in person on the local Fox TV station.

I still like his music, but like me, he's startin' to show a little age,......that's BETTER than the alternative though!

Beautiful Day in Weatherford.

I got in last night about 11:30 at Tony's place.  Driving by Dallas, Arlington, and Fort Worth at night is a cool site.  I even saw the dome roof of the new Cowboys stadium.

Hope the cattle cooperate today, they were very easy last time, but you NEVER know.  At least the weather is perfect, as long as it doesn't get too hot.  They're talking possibly 85 degrees.  Sounds good in theory until their tongues start hanging out.

Remember My Hunch @ the Ia Beef Expo

HEAT SEEKER STEER

Hi Brad,

We saw you had liked our steer at expo and just thought we would send you a picture and some updates. We've taken him out 4 time since expo and won three shows  and was res at one.

Tipton Day 2: Reserve Champion Animal

Iowa Falls Day 1: Champion Market Animal

Iowa Falls Day 2: Champion Market Animal

Donnelson: Champion Market Animal

 

Hope everything is well!

 

Bailey Core

Finally Got the Picture.

Congrats Cuatro and family, along with the Tony Austin crew.

My Turn x Landslide/Dictator/SmAn

Sold by Tracy Goretska to Austin and Raised by Bill Alley Cattle Co.

Unbelievable COMMUNITY Support.

I walked into a convenience store in Hillsboro and had to stop and pause at what I was seeing.  This area has unbelievable support for their 4-H youth, not just during the fairs, but year round.  A true genuine support, and not only in this store, but everywhere.  Also on the radio.

That's cool.

Highland County Cattlemen's Banquet.

While in Rome, I did as the Romans, and went to the annual Highland County Cattlemen's banquet.  When I looked at my program and saw who the President was, my mind raced back to the good old "Pasture to Purple" days.

Brian and Jake used to come out every year and generally went home with a couple of calves.  I'll NEVER forget Brian introducing me to the movie Van Wilder, as he was watching it on his laptop while I was bidding off calves.  I never looked at a bulldog the same after that movie. lol

COOL Pickup.

While filming calves at the Cluxton's, I couldn't help but admire Jeff's NEW pickup, tweeked just the RIGHT amount.

I love how they custom lift the front ends up on these new trucks.  Gives them a totally different look.

Easter's Coming.

Talk About TAIL....

I generally stay at the Dwight Hamilton residence when I go to the Hillsboro area, mainly for two reasons.  (1) I'm CHEAP.  (2) Bertha Hamilton's cooking!

Friday night I had STRICT ORDERS not to be late for supper.  The following pictures are obviously why.

"Wrapped Tail"

"Ready 2 Cook Tail"

"YAHOO TAIL"

It's a WELL KNOWN FACT that I'm SPOILED.