Monkey Mask, Stay Classy, One Last Thing
July 7, 2013 at 7:30 PM
By Pete Burmeister on www.mattlautnercattle.com
Gorilla Man On Twitter | @GorillaCows
Was it just me, or were the folks behind the monkey mask refreshingly clever, funny and family friendly. Unfortunately, it’s been close to a month since @gorillacows last tweeted, and May 31st marks the last of the posted videos on their Twitter account I’ve grown to love, I guess that makes sense… brush monkeys do usually get busy the tail end of May each year to grow the best hair for the summer shows!
Still, I can’t help but hold out hope for a new round of bloopers and blunders from the Gotham City show barn. Until then, I’ll continue to replay some of their best skits, be it a “Near Death Experience” “Gorilla Mannz Cooler Jamz” or my personal favorite “Tucking them in at Night!” I would like to see these guys/gals get their acts back together, AND SOON, what with the County and State Fair season all but upon us in the Midwest, there’s certain to be a wealth of new material that’s assured to give a chuckle and bring a smile to your face.
Consider this your call back to action @gorillacows!
I believe it’s a safe assumption that most folks reading/viewing this website have been directly involved with club calves in their lifetime. I won’t even begin to guess when, how or why they are, as everyone starts and stops at a different place, on a different level, and has a different goal about their outcome. Be that as it may, if you’re around the ‘show business’ long, the astute person can quickly figure out that there is always an “elephant in the room”. A different angle, if you will, at which to analyze a topic and come to a decision as to which side of the fence you’ll be on. Subjectivity is the name of the game when it comes to livestock evaluation, always has been, always will be. Again with the assumptions, but I believe it’s almost certain everyone is “on board” with the inkling that we all can make our own decisions. If you’re not, the Supreme Court has again recently shown it will do it for you…5-4.
With this great decision making ability though, is another critical element that some people just can’t ever quite seem to figure out—that being to hold yourself to a higher standard, become a better person each day, perhaps even embracing Ron Burgundy’s motto of “Staying Classy!”
No doubt, we’ve all seen the folks bouncing along trying to make a quick buck and a name for themselves in the “livestock world.” Their out to win at any cost and the hell with anyone that gets in their way. You’ve probably also noticed those who have become a little more seasoned from years of hard knock experience and who have a deep appreciation for the livelihood they’ve created. I’m not pointing fingers, just describing a visible pattern I have come to notice over the years. In simple terms, there seems to be a great divide in classiness between the two. Here’s a quick definition if you’re still not following me:
Definition of CLASSY : having or showing class: as a : ELEGANT, STYLISH
b : having or reflecting high standards of personal behavior
c : admirably skillful and graceful
— class·i·ness noun
The key component behind the business, industry, hobby (call it what you will) of club calves is YOUTH, 4-H club projects aimed to develop young people so that they can contribute to the agricultural community and society in general in a progressive fashion. These 4-H kids also happen to be a point in their lives from ages 9-18 when they are extremely impressionable. We’ve all seen the kids who pick up bad habits and bad attitudes from others in the blink of an eye. The same can be said for the kids and families that have figured out that they can be successful showing calves while promoting positive attitudes and respect for others. As someone who is directly involved with the youth livestock industry you should take it upon yourself to, always stand for, react to, and represent yourself in a classy fashion. I’ve found this can be best accomplished when personal agendas are set aside.
Remember… small minds discuss other people, average minds discuss events, and great minds discuss ideas.
One last thing. I judged a County Fair this past week here in Iowa. Under extremely tough and unusual circumstances the fairgrounds flooded, the fair was cancelled and the livestock shows were moved to a neighboring county. From that point, it seemed the show went off in customary fashion until I was captivated by the young man who won the steer show.
He couldn’t have been more elated for his first ever win at the fair and in visiting with he and his family afterwards, couldn’t have been more deserving. It quickly became abundantly clear that this young man knew his cattle, worked hard on his cattle and the entire family had a passion for his project. As a judge, it excites me when there is a payoff for the folks who work hard toward a goal and succeed with confidence. I’ll leave you with a few short quotes.
“It seems the harder I work, the more luck I have.” – Thomas Jefferson
“Hard work doesn’t guarantee success, but improves its chances.” – B.J. Gupta
“Confidence is the result of hours and days and weeks and years of constant work and dedication.” – Roger Staubach