"it's a rich man's world"

I got the chance to see my friend Leigh perform in a play called Enron last night. I really enjoyed it translation: (IT WAS AWESOME)! As I was only 12 when the whole scandal happened, I was more concerned with my childhood than the demise of one of America's largest corporations. Last night gave me a chance to learn the story. I also have gotten to thinking about the Occupy Wall Street campaign and what it means to society. I don't have all the answers but I have come to one conclusion. Folks seem to hate folks that make money.


Occupy Wall Street is attempting to correct the wrongs of corporate "big dogs" that continue to make a huge amount of money while individuals go jobless. Don't get me wrong, I hate corruption, but I also hate the idea of equal wealth distribution. Life isn't easy, and sometimes people have struggles from a financial standpoint, but blaming the people who make more money than you isn't the answer. There is nothing wrong with being successful and earning a living (provided you and your conscience can sleep at night). Simply put, I not the 99% or the 1%, I believe that making money is your own personal prerogative. I'm responsible for earning my own living, and refuse to blame others for my own tough times!

Farmers and Ranchers are caring individuals with a passion for growing food, but they are also business people. Meaning they work everyday to earn money. Whenever this is mentioned the term "factory farm" is brought up. Farming is a business, many are incorporated. It's a business just like entertainment, clothing, housing, and anything else. The romantic idea that farmers live off the land is not only non-existent, but impossible. Organic farming will NOT be able to feed the world! Sure it's a great niche, but it's not an ideal for the entire agriculture industry. The majority of modern farms aren't cruel to animals, using dangerous hormones or chemicals, or destroying the environment. They may not be as aesthetically pleasing as in the past, but they do feed the planet.

'till the cows come home,

Ellie

Kick the Can (a practical guide)

Last night a large number of my friends gathered at home without me.  I was unable to participate in their festivities that included this childhood game (yes we are all over 18, but that doesn't mean we can't have fun).  [side note: friends do not feel guilty for playing without me (I better not hear any sorry's)].  On to my actual point, this game is fun, laugh your face off kind of fun! I want everybody to be able to play so I'll outline it then go on to share my strategy for victory.

You will need
5 or more friends (any less is just kinda lame)
Can (coffee or other)
Playing space (preferably a house in the middle of the country sorrounded by fields, barns, or other easy-to-hide-in places)

To Play: This game is a hide and seek/ base tag hybrid
1. Select a base and place can in plain sight near base
2. Select someone who is 'it' (usually "nose goes" works well)
3. Non-'it' individuals have a set amount of time to hide in playing space
4. After set amount of time has passed 'it' begins to hunt them
5. Once found/tagged by 'it' individual must sit by base
6. Non-found individuals may run up and kick the can thus setting free all their captured allies on the base.
7. Game continues until 'it' is tired or all individuals are trapped on base.

Special Circumstances
In case of injury: report to house.
Jail Breaks: can be decided upon by entire playing audience (or at least those not in hiding) including 'it' to keep game going and so nobody has to sit on the base for the whole night

Ellie's Super Secret Strategies
*"Nobody puts Baby in a corner"- always have some way to easily escape your hiding space so you have a chance to run once you are spotted.

*"Silence! I keel you"- no matter how hard, it is keep quiet.   Remember that what sounds like whispering to you is loud enough for the entire county to hear (unless your bored and really want to get caught).

*"We're the 3 best friends that anybody could have"- hide with at least 1 other person, unless you are the Yoda of hiding, chances are you will be spotted.  Having 1 or 2 people to distract the 'it', helps you escape (although it is now your moral obligation to kick the can so your friends can be freed).

So embrace your inner child give Kick the Can a try and see how it goes.  I'm by no means an expert, but I do alright for myself.  I played it for the first time at age 17 so you're never too old to start.  It's a great excuse to drag those city friends out to the country and show them your farm, and make them want to come back too! 

'till the cows come home
Ellie

caN U feel it?

We are well into Husker football season here in "the good life" and it shows.  The sea of red takes over Lincoln, NE, and creates the 3rd largest city in the state.  Although I'm sure there are individuals in other states at other colleges that have a passion for their team, the Huskers hold a dear place in my heart (right next to Angus cattle).

My brothers and I are the 3rd generation to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.  My grandfather received a degree in what was then called "animal husbandry," and played Cornhusker football.  Otto was a small town kid from Hemingford, Nebraska whose passion for agriculture stemmed from time spent on his Aunts' and Uncles' farm outside of town.  While at the U he met, his wife Delores (where my outrageous middle name comes from).  Once he graduated and began raising cattle, Otto made a unique trade with the Huskers.  He provided a steer every year for the football team's beef, and in exchange received season tickets to watch the team.

My mother followed her father, and older siblings to UNL and there met my dad.  Again Husker football played an important role in their lives.  My parents' first color TV was purchased distinctly so the Huskers could be watched in their glorious red and white. 

The Cornhuskers are as much a part of my heritage as the cattle that graze in the pastures at home.  Standing with my fellow students, I still feel the excitement and passion I felt as a freshman.  Husker football is a big deal in Nebraska, but it's not just about the win-loss record or National Championships (by the way we have 5).  It's about connecting with the people in our lives, both the folks in the stands and the generations before. I'll always be a Nebraska fan, and an agriculture advocate, it's in my blood!

GO BIG RED!

'till the cows come home,
Ellie