Cell Phones: Not That Great

By: ccollins2009

Last week I had some cell phone issues. As in it wasn't doing what it was suppose to do. A new phone later and all is well in my world again but this got me to thinking.

It wasn't all that long ago when cell phones weren't a common thing. I didn't grow up with them. Most of my friends didn't own cell phones, either. We had house phones and answering machines. We planned stuff ahead of time and we actually saw our friends. I also remember no phone calls during dinner and no phone calls after 9 pm.

Life was simpler then. You knew when your friends were upset because you could actually see them. People didn't die because they were texting and driving.

Friends? By Scotty Plowman

In this marvelous time of electronic conversations, web sites and other media.. It has been said we are no longer making any "Real" friends.. The circumstances of the last few days has proven just the opposite to me!
For many of you,, it is apparent the the Tornado season is in full swing in the Midwest.. The awful reality of what happened in Joplin, Mo... and the Southeast is ample evidence of that.. My phone started ringing the other night with individuals calling and checking on my safety and warning me of terrible weather conditions.. Friends I had met strictly through social media!
As hours and days progressed,, I saw people dispersing information, helping in the search of loved ones, mobilizing relief efforts,, and several agreeing in prayer.!
Are electronic friends real friends..? Oh yes.. close friends,, friends concerned about your well being,,, I am quite thankful for these special folks!

I got it Rough! By Scotty Plowman

I tell ya,, this hear entertainer thing is highly overrated at times... Take this weekend as a case in point!
First thing,, I had to pickup a bunch of bullfighters and rodeo judges on my way to a rodeo in Wisconsin... The stories, joking and laughter on the drive.. Was torturous.. Then,, we get to where we were heading.. Found out they didn't have our hotel rooms.. We had to sacrifice by staying in their 7400 square foot cabin..made with hand hewn logs from their own property! Then next morning,, I was rudely awaken by an aroma coming out of the kitchen...Those people had the gall.. to fix us a huge breakfast of eggs and homemade bear sausage!! Then later that day... they drug us to this scenic lake front restaurant...where they bought us a scrumptious lunch! Later that night,, they hired a bus to take us to various clubs,, and even had a poker tournament for us!
The next day brought more hardship.. as we did the rodeo they hired us to do... through out the performance,, they were continually bothering us with offers of cold drinks and other things... Later that night,, they forced us to go to a barn dance.
The pain continued through the next day ... as we were preparing to leave,, They stuffed cash in our pockets and loaded us down with gifts..Then we faced a long drive home through some scenery we had to stare at for hours...
I am constantly getting treated this way... all over the country.... at times it's almost unbearable...
" I tell ya,,, I got it rough!"

Lesson Learned

By: ccollins2009

Life lessons are those things your parents teach you when you're old enough to listen. Things like: "Becareful what you wish for" or "If you don't have anthing nice to say don't say anthing at all." My parents were no different but like most of the people in my family I'm hard headed. Most of the time I have to learn things the hard way.

I was 18, at the time, and had just been in another argument with my mom. I was pissed. Not just kinda mad. I mean full blown Irish temper pissed. Not wanting to fight anymore I went outside to take a walk and vent.

I can't tell you what all I said, I don't really remember but I'm sure it wasn't nice. And most of it probably wasn't true. I was just talking to myself and being mad.

Finally, I calmed down enough to go back into the house but when I turned around there stood mom. There was no doubt in my mind she had heard everything I'd said. You could see the hurt in her eyes and for the first time in 18 years I really understood why she'd always told me to, "never speak in anger cause you can't take those words back."

Ten years later I can still remember the hurt in her eyes and how I felt like crawling under a rock. From that day on I vowed to do my best to never speak in anger again because words really do hurt and you can't take them back.

Feeding The Beast! by Scotty Plowman

I had the privilege to be raised around animals.. At an early age I was given responsibility to care for the critters around the place... The baby orphaned lamps were bottle fed by us youngsters...Lambs which my Dad lovingly called lamb chop.. At times the question what was for dinner was answered by the resounding word " LAMB CHOPS"! I remember the pride I felt in knowing that I had help put food on the table.. That philosophy was expected to be adhered to...
I remember the Winter I was Thirteen, not long before Christmas, an old Hereford cow we owned died shortly after giving birth to a bull calf ,, which was promptly brought home , and I was given the job of caring for him!
At the age of thirteen,, I thought I was ALL cowboy,, I rode steers and bareback broncs at the little youth rodeos around the area,, I rode my horse everyday,,,normally for most of the day,, and chased every victimize and terrorized cow on the place with a rope.. One day, I realized this calf had grown to the point that I could get on him and use him for practice,, This action took place SEVERAL times a day,, To the point I had him broke to ride!
Over the next three years,, me and the bull calf,, now referred to as EL FONZO.. were a common site around the place.. and at the end of each ride,, he was given a healthy dose of ground corn,, he always rubbed me with his head trying to coax me to feed him faster!
One day, My father, who was also a loan officer at the local bank, was feeding before work.. trying to sneak the chores in on his way out the drive.. as I came from feeding the horses.. I heard words I did not think my Father was capable of using, I rounded the corner to find my Father sitting in the mud.. wearing his best three piece suit, covered in cornmeal... El Fonzo had up ended him as he pushed him with his head.
My father spoke not a word.. went to the truck and hooked up to the trailer... He loaded El Fonzo inside and gestured for me to join him in the truck.. A twenty mile drive later found us backed to the dock at the local locker plant, and El Fonzo taking his last steps through the door.. As we got back into the truck my Father finally spoke,, " That ought to show that S*% of a 8!(@H!"
My sadness at the loss of my friend was quickly resolved.. Because he sure tasted good...And... At least Dad had a little consolation in that!

Things to Ponder By Smallonesmom

As inappropriate as it may appear to post such inane ramblings after the death of Osama, I find that my views on terrorism are just that, mine. As relieved that I am that a monster, who slaughtered the likes of men, women, and children is no longer a threat to our country, I am incredibly torn as well. I watch as crowds of people gather to celebrate this day, relieved that this chapter of US history is over; waving flags and chanting. I understood, related to it even, but it made me remember the crowds of people standing outside, chanting, and celebrating the fall of the twin towers and the lives taken from many Americans.

Dance Puppet Dance by Scott Plowman

May 1st brought incredible news to the People of The United States.. News that terrorist master mind Osama Bin Laden, had finally been cornered and killed..
The celebratory reaction was at once exhilirating,, and disturbing..
Some friends of mine decided to engage in a little social experiment, by changing the verbage to " Breaking News- Obama administration Orders killing of Homeless Religious Leader with kidney Problems" an entirely other action was observed..Many people even going as far as to blame the Bin Laden news for the ability of the Obama White House to pull such a dastardly act off!
I would like to encourage my fellow Americans to think for themselves and NOT be lead like sensless sheep by what ever is offered by the media..
Perhaps,,, just Perhaps... We The People,,, can gain control of our out of control goverment!

Self defense for Women Part 1

By: ccollins2009

As many people can tell you, politics isn't something I get really fired up over. Just not my thing. I do, however, get fired up over women's rights and the right to defend yourself, as a woman. The world is changing but woman are still prime targets for violence. Be it a family member or a stranger, it's no longer a matter of if she'll be attacked but a matter of when. So, here's a few handy tips in protecting yourself.

First off, ladies unless you know how to use a knife, in self defense, forget it. Thats a sure way to get it used on yourself. Stick to what you have and you have a lot. What you have God gave you and an attacker can't take it away.

Second, understand that you will very likely get hurt. Getting hurt, though, sure beats raped or killed. Also, know very clearly you will hurt your attacker.  I'm not talking going toe to toe with a man. I'm talking becoming such a pain in the ass you're no longer an "easy" target.

Ladies, the BIGGEST thing you can do to help yourself is to plan for an attack. Such as: If this happens I'll do this. Fail to plan. Plan to fail.

Attackers are looking for easy targets so don't make yourself one. Pay attention to whats going on around you. If something doesn't feel right get out of there! If you do get attacked use those lovely lungs of your's. Scream like your in a horror movie. Kick, scratch, punch whatever you have to do. (I normally don't recommend biting but if you have to than do it.) This isn't the time to be a lady.

Once most attackers realize you aren't going to go quietly they will run away. It all goes back to the "easy" target. A kicking screaming fighting woman isn't an easy target. She's drawing lots of attention to the situation and the attacker doesn't want that. Attention means a higher chance at being caught.

Ladies, I know some of this has been colored with a little humor but this is as serious as it gets. Part 2 will come next week.

Remember: The difference between victim and survivor is you and the choices you make.

bin Laden dead!

By: ccollins2009

Today I woke up to hear the news that bin Laden was killed by our troops. It was 5:20am. Naturally, I turned my t.v. on to CNN and watched in amazement that it was true.

Ten long years and thousands of American lives later we got him. Was it worth it? Absolutely! Will it bring back the people we've lost over the last ten years? No. Will it bring some closure? Maybe.

However, here's what it does mean. A monster is dead. He can no longer hurt innocent people with his radical hate. This "big man" in the world of terrorism died hiding behind a woman. His death showed him for what he was, a coward. Grated, a dangerous coward but a coward none the less.

I wish I could say this means our fight, in the Middle East, is over but its not. There will be others who will try to take bin Laden's place and we will continue to fight. Even with bin Laden's death there will be no easy end to the war on terror.  His death will likely enrage his followers and while there will be no grave site they will still use him and his death as a symbol for their cause. Things are going to get worse before they get better.

The one great thing bin Laden's death had brought us is an out pouring of support for the men and women who serve this country. It's important they know we care and we do. Lets not wait for another big thing to show the world we can unite, as a country. Let us show those that are bin Laden that they too will meet the same fate as their leader. As my friend, Brandi said, "This is not a victory for Obama. It is a victory for Americans!"