Some days just start earlier than others and not as well.  Today was one of those.  I did chores, checked babies and had to doctor a mature doe.  I then walked through the whether barn to do my morning check for snotty noses or worse.  Today was one of the worse.  One of Duke’s weathers had shat all over his hut, his blankets and his legs.  Duke got to wash a goat before school today.  The rest of the day seemed to run uphill.  Right up until he and I decided to vaccinate and band weathers.  No problems banding as the signs are right, but we needed more wethers.  

     Have a good day and a better tomorrow.

     I had to make a quick dash to Stillwater today.  So, I deciced to multi-task and take a load of does to get dropped off at Perry.  As I was driving east, my thoughts were mostly of what I need to do for the school and kids to get ready for the next month of shows.  I kept the sticky notes close by as the list is growing.  I stopped at the Cowboy Travel Center at the I35 and Highway 51 junction to get fuel.  As I was pulling out, I made a rare sighting.  Jerry and Kelsey Pfeiffer were there.  I guess Jerry is there numerous times of day.  Of course, that stop has about everything but a church and a barber.  Got to BS with them for a bit and then I hit the road.  The great thing about talking to Jerry is that you can hit a lot of different topics in a pretty short period of time and we didn’t even talk goats.  Got the proficiency apps dropped off at the state office, then hit a Braum’s for a double dip of chocolate chip ice cream.  Dumped does south of Perry, looked at buck prospects then headed west.  

      As I drove west, I mostly thought about goat business and showing.  I need to decide what buck prospects to keep and what to sell and where.  I need to sort through some flush babies and decide what to band.  I also need to start getting half way organized to have goats ready to sell in April.  There are already a lot of people calling.  Looks like good goats will be in high demand this year.  

      I also thought about this winter and how I have not seen as many goats as what I normally do.  I’m still trying to decide if I like it that way or not.  When you work for free, a person has to occasionally stop and question why they do it.  I’ve been told by lots of people that I respect that I am a dumb bastard for helping as many as I have over the years.  They are right.  But, I also kind of like it.  Most of the time.  I’ve done it, because I would like to think that as I help people, those people would help me in return, if ever need be.  Or better yet, they will help my kids.  Plus, the more I see and work with, the more I learn.  

      But, then you hit a learning plateau, and things kind of level off.  Then you get to spend time thinking and you realize, that some have just been riding coat-tails.  Learning, getting better and gathering wins without ever giving back.  I didn’t make money off of them, they used my time and knowledge and there has been no real benefit for my kids.  So why mess with it? 

      I will have to wrestle with this question more over the next month or so.  There is a big part of me that thinks that it is time to retire and just fart around with whatever project Duke has going.  Then, I think, is it actually retiring if you weren’t getting paid for it?  Hhmm.  Part of me thinks that maybe, I will just help a select few and there will be terms agreed upon upfront.  And then again, I look at a bunch of these dipshits that pay for help and haven’t won much, maybe, just maybe I ought to cash a check.  

     Basically after spending over 300 miles round trip, here’s what I now think.  I think it was fun to see the Pfeiffer boys in their natural habitat.  I think that I really like Braum’s chocolate chip ice cream.  I think Milligan has a buck prospect that really intrigues me.  I think that I might be retarded.  I think that I could continue to help people and that I would be pissed more often than happy.  I KNOW that I am glad that those does are NOT on my property anymore.  I think that there is a lot that I just don’t understand.  I think it’s a good time to call it a day.  Thank you and catch ya later.

     I was in dire need of a haircut.  Any longer, and I was just going to let it grow and then I could startup a Crue, KISS, GnR, AC/DC tribute band and I wouldn’t need a wig to wear. No worries as Duke and I both got scalped.  I don’t care how it looks as it feels good.  My hats now fit right.  Too much hair can just feel lethal.  Although it is gaining gray, I still have thick hair.  Kind of like a purebred Berk hog.  

    I just parked my fat ass in front of the tube for a 2nd night in a row.  Lethal Weapon 2 is on IFC.  That was a killer good movie.  It came out in ’89. That was a good year.  They let me out of Shattuck and into Stillwater that year.  I’m about ready for a return to Stillwater.  Although, it could be lethal the 2nd time around.  Even though, it probably should have been the 1st time.  

   The 40th anniversary of Saturday Night Live is on the tube tonight. Absolute huge lineup of mega stars are making appearances & reprising legendary roles.  I never get sick of Will Ferrel as Alex Trebeck.  Le tits now or let it snow.  Turd Ferguson.  Jeapordy done right.  Of course, I wish Chris Farley, John Belushi and Robin Williams were doing live appearances.

     The musical guests, the comedy, the political humor, the characters, the comedy, the strategery and did I mention the comedy.  Tina Fey as Sarah Palin still kills me.  Schwetty balls.  But the best will always be Swayze & Farley trying out for Chippendales.  I gut laugh every time that I see that sketch.

    One thing about it, you know that you’ve made it when you get to appear on SNL. With all of the huge stars and comedians gathered in one place for this event, just think of how fun the after party could be.  Oh, they had to censor Bill effing Murray.  And here comes the Blues Brothers with James Belushi filling his brothers shoes.  I think they need a goat on SNL.

     As I sit here and watch this, I am trying to decide if it is meant to be comedic or if it is just ironic that the 40th anniversary special for Saturday Night Live is being aired on Sunday night.  

     It hasn’t been a scary day but has been a day that reminded me what I didn’t like about teaching ag.

–OYE online entries

–Dealing with unorganized parents that don’t have their crap together in order for the old, fat ag teacher to complete OYE entries.  Even though I gave the 12th as a deadline 2 weeks ago.  Yes, I know that they aren’t actually due until the 20th, but I don’t like things half-assed or late.  

–Proficiency award applications.

–Computer glitches in online record books/proficiency award applications that result in 4 hours of my life that I can never get back.

–Parent/Teacher conferences–What a monumental waste of time!! RUSM?!  The parents that come to parent/teacher conferences are the ones that are already helping their kids.  It is the POS, mouth-breathing, oxygen wasting parents that NEED to come to parent/teacher conferences, but DON’T.  

What I like about teaching ag on Friday the 13th?

–I worked in the ag building till 7 last night. Kids came and worked on speeches, record books and projects while I was there for “parent/teacher conferences”.  Today, these “conferences” were to last until noon.  Kiids were there till 3 this afternoon.  I had to tell them to leave because I had goat customers coming to the house.  

–The fact that I have all but 2 kids entered online for OYE.  Wait. Wait for it.  Yep, there it is.  I just got the text with the last of the needed info. Like a Michael Jordan jump shot with time running out in a championship series while he has the flu–It’s Good!!!

–Kids and parents that say magic words.  You know the words–Thank You.

–I don’t care where you live, there are good kids that want to work and try to (excuse me)  will succeed.  They just want the opportunity and for somebody to show them the way.  I’m not as good as I once was, but I still have a flashlight that can point the way to those in the dark.  

      I got home in time for some goat customers to bring their goats over.  The weather was perfect.  Duke had done most chores.  The goats that I looked at, looked good.  Condition– right on track.  Showmanship–getting close to being right.  Hair coat–some better than others.  Kids attitudes–GREAT!  You can tell that some of these kids are just going to make these goats their buddies.  Better yet, all of these families said, “Thank you” and were considerate that it was my time that we were on.  Nobody was writing me a check.  The only thing that was getting spent was my time.  I know how to make a dollar or two and I dang sure can count money.  But, I don’t lose sleep over trying to make money.  However, I do keep track of magic words.  No matter what day it is.

      It just so happened that today was my lucky day.  And tonight, even better.  Duke is at the movies with friends.  Oh, and Tammy is at the movies with friends.  I hope that they aren’t at the same movie!?!  Which leaves me at home alone.  Tesla, KISS, George & Huey Lewis & the News are playing.  The speakers are turned up to 11.  If it is too loud than you are too old.  Might even have to break a seal on some private stock.  I kind of like being alone.  Which means that I need to tell Duke and Tammy–THANK YOU!  I hope that tomorrow is this good.  Or even better.  Speaking of luck, here’s to hoping you clowns have nothing but horseshoes and shamrocks in your future.  

    OH, OH!  I almost forgot.  I was so lucky today that I was included in a group text that started with a “Voice Message”.  It was a perfect message for a late Friday afternoon.  A great American that was included responded to this group text.  Big I, yes, THE Big I replied and I quote–accurately and with exact spelling–“Djsysbznzkshxhs”.    I’m pretty sure that Bryan Kennedy was the only person in this group text that was talking the same language as Big I.  As for me, I was like a lot of the Mexicans in this part of the world.  I understood what he said, but I couldn’t put it into proper English.  I laughed and laughed hard.  At least he spelled his comments correctly.  Have a great day and a better tomorrow. Get Bent!

     Not that I needed one, have time for another one or for that matter want one, but I am retarded and therefore, will tackle this new challenge. I have never operated a greenhouse before.  I think that they are an essential part of plant production and an excellent learning tool.  BUT…I haven’t done much with them.  Sure, when I taught at Fairview, there was a greenhouse.  Mindi used to tell people that asked if I help in the greenhouse, “He fixes what we need fixed.  Other than that, he walks in, pets the plants and leaves.”  

     I have been marking stuff off my list of $h!t to do at the Shattuck AgEd department.  I am about done with the list.  The greenhouse is in need of management.  It’s been lacking, but we are about to get it fully operational and properly stocked.  The limiting factor is myself.  I don’t have time.  But there is work ethic amongst the kids and a retired teacher that used to maintain the greenhouse is helping.  The next week is going to be elbows and buttholes as there are new parts to the kool-cell, new tables, new pump and a butt-load of plugs and cuttings being delivered.  People want to work and people want to help, so therefore, I will gladly accept this challenge and learn what I need to know about this project.

      Here’s what I will tell you will happen. 

1–This greenhouse project will work.

2–We will spend a pile of cash.

3–I will learn.

4–I bet you that we kill some plants.  

5–I will dang sure guarantee that we make money.  

It doesn’t matter the project, if you have willing help and knowledgeable/willing advisors then you get after it, get it done and gladly accept the challenge.

Did I mention that the “retired” teacher taught myself, both of my brothers and since Shattuck talked her into teaching tech-ed last year, she also taught Duke?   I guess she knows what she is dealing with on this project. 

Duke and I recently ordered seeds and plants for his garden.  The garden sport is expanding south of Fargo, OK.

I saw an interesting facebook post about “41 things you will naturally understand if you’re from Texas”.  I’m not born and bred Texas, but have a lot of roots in the Lone Star State.  I read through the list of 41 and easily identify with about 39 of them.  #35 still makes me cringe as I remember that one on SportsCenter.  I like Nolan Ryan, but dang that is the best college player ever, Okie State’s own Robin Ventura getting his donkey whupped by the old man.  CLASSIC!   The pitcher just stood his ground and waited, then kicked ass.   #6–Keep Shiner on hand and the old man has 1or 2 and is in a good mood, 8 (TX, OK, AR, LA, MS, AZ, NM, etc. but I like it) and 13 for sure.  Fordangsure #21 (I don’t know what Comal actually means, but to me, it’s like Heaven on Earth)–float all day, then go to Greune and eat supper.  And #1–Yeah, that makes me want to head to Llanno.  Last I checked, Llanno is an hour from anywhere in Texas.  Once you head south, somehow, some way, it IS on the way.  

Have a good day and a better tomorrow.  

      Yes, yes it can be too nice.  And I am worried that this weather, right now, is too nice.  The pig show on Saturday was absolutely perfect weather.  85 degrees–no wind–TOO NICE!  The hogs were getting hot.  The kids did well, placed as they should have and we were happy.  We needed a learning show and other than the heat, it was perfect.  

       Sunday brought another hot day with a bit more wind.  It is nice, but I am afraid that we will pay for these beautiful days at some point in March.  I wanted to go fishing today.  I actually was trying to work towards going fishing as one of my brother’s buddies told me that the sand bass were hitting off the dam at Ft. Supply.  25 miles away–so close, buy yet, too much to get done before dark.  It was after 8 pm when I got home and unloaded.  Then, goats to feed.  I have a busy week planned, but if some time opens up before dark, Duke and I will be gone.  

     Laverne is a town in the very far NW corner of the great state of Oklahoma.  It isn’t in the panhandle, but you can easily walk to the panhandle if need be.  This town is about 30 miles straight north of Shattuck.  Much like Shattuck, the town of Laverne is an agricultural and oil based community.  The Laverne school has a long history of successful athletics and FFA.  Historically, the Laverne FFA chapter has a tremendous record.  Laverne and Shattuck have always been rivals.  Not bitter rivals, but very competitive rivals.  

       For as long as I can remember, the Laverne FFA has hosted jackpot shows.  They always have a cattle show the last weekend in January and then host a pig jackpot.  They later added a goat jackpot to the swine show.  I have a lot of memories of these shows at Laverne.  

–In 1983, my very first stock show was at the Laverne hog jackpot.  I showed a Duroc barrow that I raised out of a bred-sow purchase from Weldon Walser.  His name was Wilbur.  He didn’t win anything.  We later ate Wilbur, probably because he didn’t win anything.  “Son, welcome to the real world.  I know that you watched Wilbur come into this world and he was your first show pig, but it’s time to eat him.”  And people wonder why I am a callous human being now.  

–1985, I had my first ever breed champion at a jackpot show.  Champion Berk at the Laverne Jackpot.  “Burk Reynolds” was a Berk hog that Dad and I purchased at the Shattuck pig sale from Byron Ames.  “Burk Reynolds”  did well at several other jackpots as well.  But then, whack!  Here came the pseudorabies quarantine of 1985 in Oklahoma and we will never know actually how good Burk Reynolds was since we didn’t get to have a county, district or OKC pig show that year.  But that was an all-time great name for a berk show pig.  Of course, it is a little out of date now.

–Fast forward to 1998.  I am now an ag teacher at Waynoka.  We took a big group of heifers to Laverne.  This was the first time Chancey Redgate went to a show without her dad.  Max had a deal that he had to go to.  Chancey had the grand champion heifer.

–1999.  Cattle show.  We had a big crew of heifers and one prospect steer.  It was 60 degress in the morning during the heifer show.  Then they started the steer show–markets first.  The weather men had been calling for a blizzard to move in that evening.  Guess what?  It came about noon.  We were already there so we showed.  Prospects showed last.  Chancey had a good prospect steer.  Her parents had stayed home, this time to prepare for the blizzard.  This was back in the days before blow & show.  We glued, painted and fitted to the hilt.  The only problem, I didn’t want to have to break all the glue down and then wash this steer.  I wanted to load and go East towards Waynoka.  My buddy, Mike Robison was teaching at Ringwood.  His son had a good prospect steer also.  He asked if I was going to fit legs.  I said, “Yes.  But I’m not going to use any glue.”  WHAT?  HOW?  I said, “Mikey, it’s so damn cold in this barn, I’m going to mist water on the legs, comb it in and let it freeze.  The hair will set.  Then, we are going in to win this show, pick up a trophy and a check then walk straight out and get on the trailer and head home.”  Guess what?  Chancey had grand prospect steer and Tobey Robison had res. grand.  And yes, we used ice as adhesive.  

–2000.  Pig show.  This was Kela’s first “FOR REAL” pig show as a 4-Her.  She had her Chester barrow named Mitchell.  I knew he was good.  I just didn’t realize how good.  Kela and Mitchell were champion Chester.  My Dad was there to watch.  He asked with seriousness in his voice, “Do I need to stick around to watch the grand drive?”  I said, “Nope. She’s done all she can do.”  He asked increduously, “You sure?”  Now imagine my tone–“Damn, Dad.  She had champion Chester.  We’re just happy to be in the grand drive.  Go home and feed cows.”  He went home.  I later had to call him and explain that Mitchell the Chester was Reserve Grand Champion.  He was pissed.  We don’t keep many trophies, but we still have that one.  Mitchell went on to be shown 10 times–he was champion chester 9 times, res. chester 1 time–res grand 3 times.  Yes, he was champion Chester at OKC.  That pig was a pet and there is a book full of Mitchell stories.  He was the kind of animal that makes you love showing. 

–2003–some Saturday in January.  The pig show was early that year.  This was probably my best day ever as an ag teacher.  I wasn’t at the Laverne pig show.  I was an older, wiser ag teacher.  I had too many irons in the fire.  I had one student that wanted to go to the Laverne pig jackpot.  On Friday afternoon, I clipped Chancey’s heifer for a a different jackpot on Saturday.  Friday night, I clipped Ashley Clapper’s home raised Yorkshire barrow.  I gave them feeding instructions for the next day.  I then listened to Blake Bixler practice his speech for a contest the next day.  Ashley and Darin Clapper headed to Laverne on Saturday morning.  Max and Debra hauled Chancey to the cattle show.  Stan and Rodeana hauled Blake to Enid to the speech contest.  I stayed at Waynoka and trimmed hooves and rough clipped heifers for the Laverne cattle jackpot the next week.  This is where the ag teaching day got good.  I just answered my phone as they called with results.  Ashley had grand barrow with a home raised hog.  Chancey had grand heifer with a home raised heifer.  Blake won a $1,000 scholarship at the KNID agrifest speech contest.  I never left Waynoka.  Either I was one helluva an ag teacher or I had really good parents with great kids.  I think, actually I know,  it was a little of the first and a whole lot of the next two.  

–2009–I judged the hog show.  I don’t get giddy, but there was bit of it in me that day.  The same barn, same show that I first entered a show ring.  Yeah, I felt it.  I distinctly remember this show.  Galen McCune was teaching at Woodward and he had assembled a heckuva set of barrows.  Kade Lamle was a senior and his dad had a really nice set of barrows on feed at Beaver.  The Balko crew was still rolling out good barrows.  There was a pile of hogs there that year.  The top end was really good.  I will normally try to beat a friend, but on that day, it was an honor to use Kade Lamle as grand barrow.  Of course, that hamp barrow went on to win Beaver County, Woodward District and was a class winner at OYE.  When it’s the right one–you use the right one.  It’s also the only show that I will admit that I would like to change.  I should have used the Berk barrow for reserve grand.  I hedged it and used a good York gilt for reserve.  That was a dang nice Berk barrow and it is NOT like me to pass on a hobby breed to get a piece of the action.  The dust in the barn must have gotten to me.  

–2010–goat show.  Duke is now 9 years old.  He has two wethers on feed for OYE.  Most people didn’t realize that Duke was of age since he never jackpotted any until he turned 9.  He was at all the shows with Kela, but he was busy digging in the dirt and eating corn dogs with Jerry Pfeiffer.  I was clipping Tori Sessions does to go to this jackpot.  Duke was with me.  Tony asked, “Duke are you showing your wethers at Laverne? ”  OH CRAP!  “Dad, can I show Superman and Slick at this show?”  Crap!  I hadn’t told him about this show for a reason.  So I asked ,”Are you ready?”   “Yeah, Dad.  I’m ready.  Can I win?”  I looked at him and said, “I don’t think the judge will like your goats.  You will probably be 2nd at best.”  This now became one of those “stock show parent moments” that happen.”  He said, “Dad, I don’t care if the judge likes them or not.  Superman and Slick are my friends.  We’ll do good.”  

      So we went to show at Laverne.  Tori wins the doe show with Ketchup.  Now, for the wether show.  Let’s just say that Duke and his two buddies did well.  Slick won a class.  Superman won a class.  Then Superman was grand.  Slick should have been reserve grand but the judge was NOT going to let Duke have grand and reserve.  The judge jumped me after the show.  “First of all, I didn’t know that Duke was 9.  Second, I didn’t know he had wethers on feed.  And why in the hell did you bring him to show under me?  Anybody else would have used him for grand and reserve.  But dang!”  I apologized to Tommy Milligan and explained that Duke wanted to show and what do you do?  Then on the way home, Duke wanted to know why Tommy liked Superman for grand, but didn’t like Slick.  How come both goats can’t win?  Can I win more shows?  How come they give checks instead of real money?  Did he like Superman better because he had a red cape?  How come that big guy that drinks beer wasn’t with Milligan?  Do I get to keep Superman and Slick or do we have to get rid of Superman because he won?  

      Even though a buddy judged the show, there was no buddy favors.  He should have been grand and reserve.  For the record, Slick was only beat once in class–at OYE, he was 2nd.  Superman went on to be a class winner at Enid and 2nd in class behind the grand at 2010 OYE and was 6th overall in sale order.  

     Which brings me to 2015.  The hog show is tomorrow.  I hate this show.  The barn is dirty.  I hate jackpots unless they pay a pile of cash.  There isn’t a killer good restaurant in Laverne.  I don’t want to show a pig tomorrow, but I am taking some great kids.  Most of these kids have never seen a hog show.  We are literally going to learn.  The weather is going to be in the 70s.  I distinctly remember that May 2014, I left a really good job to deal goats full time.  Now, here is a Saturday with perfect weather.  I could be pimping on goats getting them ready for shows and sales.  Try to get ready to cash a check.  NOOO!  I’m going to Laverne to show some pigs.  This show is literally costing me money, but…… but there is a tinge of that giddy feeling.  I know, it’s stupid.  But, I want to see these kids in the show ring with their pigs.  Go watch the best golf movie of all time–Tin Cup.  “You feel that tuning fork go off in your heart…”  Yeah, I know.  I’m retarded.  

      And then, I realize, there is a chance for a story.  This show might be a highlight memory for somebody.  This is the kind of show that reminds us why we do this.  Oh, there is a goat show tomorrow.  But WE ain’t doing that deal.  I’m out. Great judge, great weather but the goat showers are now old-hands.  We’ll do that deal at a later time. Have a great day and a better tomorrow. 

     There are a lot of things in life that are labor intensive.  Raising goats is very labor intensive.  Excelling at sports–labor intensive.  Growing vegetables–lots of labor.  Anybody can puts lots of labor into a project.  But still, it just might not be right.  We all know those people that were “gym rats”–they worked hard, harder than anybody, but no matter what, they couldn’t make it to the NBA, NFL or MLB.  It just wasn’t meant to be.  They weren’t tall enough, fast enough, or whatever.  But, they learned skills, drive and can put that work ethic into life.  Normally, putting lots of labor into a show project can pay off.  Not always, but the harder you work, the more apt for a payoff.   

      Sometimes, work isn’t the missing ingredient.  There might just be that little bit of knowledge on how to show, how to feed, how to manage the week of the show that is the missing ingredient.  That’s what I like about the show ring.  Lots of us notice those that are close to being in the winners circle.  We see who is doing the work and paying their dues.  And it is nice to be able to help.  It is fun to see it all click and come together for a family when the work comes together.  However, some just don’t get the message.  

      Food is a lot like showing.  I know, there isn’t much of a segue here, but trust me, it works.  It’s not a hidden fact that I am of German/Irish/Catholic descent.  Heavy on the German part–both sides–Kelln/Schneider–who’d have guessed the German parts with names like that?  I love German based foods.  Why?  Lots of meats, breads, taters–pretty straight forward and to the point kind of food.  And it normally has a lingering effect or two.  My favorites are wurst served with noodles and butta glaze (butter balls).  I only get to eat this meal about once a year as it is very labor intensive for my mom & dad to make the wurst.  And even more labor intensive for mom to make the noodles and butta glaze.  There is a reason that you don’t see this listed on many menus as it takes time and effort to make properly.  But dang, it’s good. REALLY GOOD!

        But, several times of year, I get to eat another German dish, that has strong hints from Russia–the Bierock.  This is not an uncommon dish in this part of the world.  Heck, I was lucky enough to grow up in Shattuck where the school cooks–Mary Schick and Rose Bender presided.  They made good bierocks.  People, as in adults, paid to come eat at the school cafeteria.  There are quick stops that serve Bierock and restaurants that have a special day for Bierock.  But very few do it properly.  Like showing, too many people half ass part of the recipe.  While others try to put a new twist on it.  Some just use a thin bread wrapping.  Others put too much cabbage and others put too much meat.  I look at some bierock and think it looks flat, stale, kind of like a crappy meat pie.  They almost look like a fat sweaty guy in a wife beater tank top.  It doesn’t look right.  

      It ain’t bragging when I say my mom makes the best bierock.  PERIOD. The bread is so dang good that the extra gets used for cinnamon rolls.  The meat/spice/cabbage mix is a meal by itself.  But when she puts all the stuff together….yep, at that point it only needs one thing.  Smear some mustard on top and it’s good to go.  This is a labor intensive meal, for mom, not me.  But, I think well worth it.  

      Years ago, when we lived at Fairview, the Milligan wanted a Bierock.  “I’ve heard about them.  I like the sound of them.  I think I need a bierock.  Do I use both hands to eat it?”  My mom came to the house to teach the Dragon Lady how to properly make bierocks.  The Milligan clan was there.  I don’t remember how many he ate, but it wasn’t just one.  

       Even though, I love a good bierock, I still do NOT like to reheat them.  Although, EVERYBODY I know likes to freeze them and reheat them.  Me, I’m just spoiled.  When you know how to obtain perfection, why mess with it?  Kind of like showing.  

Work hard, play hard.  And here’s to that next bierock.  

    I watched Dan Rather interview a guy tonight.  I sat there watching the interview thinking to myself, “That dude has put together a really unique, albeit succesful career”.  I also wondered if this interview would just be interesting to somebody of my demographic or if the younger generation would even know who this guy is.  At the end of the interview, I strolled down the hall to where the younger generation has a habitat.  I asked Duke, “Do you know who Weird Al is?”  He cocked an eyebrow, gave me that RUSM? look and said, “Yeah.”  I then asked, “What’s his last name?”  He replied, “Yankovic.”  I then asked, “Do you know any of his songs?”  Once again, “Yeah.  A bunch of them.  Have you heard the Yoda song?”  

      When you realize that Weird Al was doing this gig back in the early 80s and he is still relevant, that my friends is an amazing career.  He’s done parodies of rock, rap, pop, country, you name it.  Many of the people that he made fun of use his songs as a badge of honor.  “You know you’ve made it when Weird Al does a parody of your song.”  Michael Jackson, Madonna, Nirvana, Coolio, and the list goes on.  Ironically, only he,  Michael Jackson and Madonna are the only artists to have a top 40 hit in the 80s, 90s, 00s and 2010s.  

     The dude has had numerous hits, won video of the year awards, had a #1 album, grammy(s) and is working on a 40 year career.  Yet, he still admits that he plays the accordian and is a nerd.  Classic.  His true skill is putting new lyrics, that actually fit the song, into a comedic fashion while keeping the music legit.  He has also understood how to use the newest medium from MTV to internet to social media.  Go watch his “Word Crimes” video.  He slays that song and video.  Of course, in my opinion, the all time best parody of a song and video is and always will be his version of “Smells like Nirvana”.  I was in college at the time, MTV was HUGE and Nirvana and their song “Smells like Teen Spirit” was all over the place.  But his version was stellar.  I’d still rather watch Weird Al’s video instead of the original.  And the great thing, he can do these parodies without being nasty or dirty.  They are just clever and funny.  Basically, Weird Al Yankovic might be one of the most under-rated geniuses of our time.  Plus, think of the royalties that the original artists have continued to cash as a result of Weird Al using their work.  

      It just goes to show that a person needs to explore all opportunities for success.  You never know which path might take you some place that you never expected.