No, this has nothing to do with NASCAR.  After thinking about that statement, maybe it does.  Many years ago I was a bull rider, hence the (xbulrdr).  No I don't ride anymore.  It hurts too danged much-I'm 43-but I have a story to tell if you are willing to listen.

I had been ridin' bulls with full permission from the military-I guess I didn't get enough punishment from them so I had to find more.

I entered up in this county fair rodeo and it was beautiful country in the Virginia country side.  I went and did my business about paying my fees, finding out what bull I had, and asking what the local cowboys knew about the bull.  I was told, "he's a good 'un Shorty, he'll come out and spin right there".  Good deal-my adrenaline is up and need to settle down-I already prepared my gear-rosined my rope-checked my spurs-chaps are on-glove hangin' on my rope-said my PRAYER.

I'm going to the stands and sit with my first wife and watch the the show till it's time to go to work.  I'm just sitting there and I start hearing whispering above me.  It's from a child to her her mother.   She was saying, "Momma that's him.  That's shorty-let him be honey-Momma that's him-honey don't bother him."  I turned around and said, "yes m'am I am shorty".   I was shell shocked-the little girl had a picture of me riding a bull at another rodeo and just wanted to talk to me.   Her mom told me that she had pictures of me all over her room-she was 12 years old-I did not know how to act-so I sat and talked and answered her questions the best I could-she was heart broken when I introduced my wife at the time-she tugged on her mom's arm and said, "Momma, he's already married".  I did not know what to say.

We continued to talk as the bull ridin' neared.  This was my first bull ridin' since my GRANPA  had passed away-my unit had taken up a collection for money so I could go home and present my GRANMA with the flag since he was a WWII VET-that hurt.

I wanted to ride this bull for my GRANPA.  I said my gotta goes as they wished me luck.  I did my routine of stretching and checking gear till they loaded the bulls-heart check-adrenaline rush-my bull's in chute number 1.

He's loaded and I get a cowboy to help me drop my rope and I get a feel of his back with my butt-checkin' to see if he's cranky in the chute-in other words, is he gonna try to kill me in this metal cage.  We're good-just one problem-I ask Jason why you cut off his left horn?   the right one is about 2 and a half foot long-wassup with the stub on the left?  "Shorty he was pickin' off too many cowboys with that horn,"  ThanX for that info Jason-specially since I'm gettin' on 'im-lol-Jason was the contractor-owner of the bull-let's go play....

I'm on and gettin' tied in-smile on my face-adrenaline-blood pressure-I hear the announcer state ,"coming out of chute # 1 is your number 1 cowboy in the standings".  I had no idea-I did not know that-I really did not-I had 2 seconds to process that and then I nodded my head-in half a heart beat I'm out in my playground on top of 1800 pounds-2 jumps and he turns back to that right-left free arm flies over my head to keep my butt in the center-keep spinnin'-keep diggin'-keep throwin' that free arm- you got a good seat- keep tryin'-hear the roar of the crowd- focus-keep tryin' -buzzer-you made it- keep tryin' he's still spinnin'-pulled my rap, pushed back onto his butt, and let him throw me away from the hell of the spin-bull fighters got the bull in the pen, I waved my hat to the crowd, and hit my knee to THANK THE LORD.

no these pics aint me-just wanted to show you a bit of something.

Race car drivers face it each day.  Truck drivers do too.  Xgames contestants perform some of the most unbelievable stunts...and don't quite hit their mark...a driver's tire blows and he hits the wall...a truck driver hits his brakes at 55, watching the wreck in front of him,  as his, or her, trailer starts jack knifing...drag racer spins the wheels, motor bike drag racer spins the wheel for .002 secs...The Preacher carrying home his family from church as that old tree fell...the soldier throwing down his weapon to grab a first aid kit for his buddy...the officer that's the first in the door of a drug house...the passerby that sees an officer fighting with several people and gets involved...

got your attention yet?

the little short bull rider weighing 150 pounds getting on 1850 pounds of fury-stock contractor told me,"shorty, these bulls all just came off the PBR circuit". yep the stuff you all watch on tv---I got on one in the chute and tied my hand in,as my buddy pulled my rope, adjusted my hat, shuffled my feet and clinched my ####...I was dumb enough to nod my head...I had  a good holt, but he was stroooong and jerking me off my rope...I had to reach with every jump and get a new seat...he was stronger than I thought but I couldn't let him know that-with each jump I tried to reach forward and get a new hold with my my spurs and trying to stay in the center...he rocked me to that left and he was going right...kept throwing my left free arm over and diggin' with my right spur, still tryin' to adjust my #### in the center...he had me a bit off the center as the buzzer went off and I knew I was in trouble...right handed rider and he keeps going away from me becuzzz that bull knew I was on the left and in trouble-bull fighters knew it too...they came and tried but he just tossed them away...I just made the whistle on a bad #### bull and now I'm hung up on him...I tried the best I could, but he kept buckin'...I slowly slipped till I lost my feet-no bull rider ever wants that-my hand is still in the rope-now I'm being dragged and beaten-bad day at the office-the punishment finally ended when he stepped on my left knee, which extended my arm length a bit-I had been underneath that bull being drug, my rope had slid with my hand still tied in...I seen his  manhood in my face,  as well as his hooves, and somewhwere in that hell I told GOD "I'm sorry, because I know I'm gonna die".

GOD did  bring me out of that mess.  I took first place at that bull ridin' but I couldn't walk right for 4 months.  And I had permission to ride from the military.

1.  Jimmy- A champion-he will be hard to beat

2.  Carl- I am glad he was not driving the 5 ton military truck in front of me when we went through the minefield in Kuwait in the first gulf war.

3.  Biffle-His day is coming-good racer and attitude- other drivers beware.

4.  Burton-Good man-he's got a real shot at winnin' this thing.

5.  Bowyer-don't remember much about him after he took me out drinkin'.

6.  Harvick-what a pair of boots he had to put on-I like his attitude.

7.  Stewart-smoke-I like Tony-he's got a temper like mine-I aint gonna talk about the prize fish he caught while he knocked his fishin' partner in the lake.

8.  Gordon- I aint sure what's happened to him after Ray left.

9.  Kenseth-I like Matt-I believe he was treated unfairly after being a champion.

10.  Junior- I can't put my finger on it, but I don't think something's clickin' just right yet.

11.  Kyle Busch-what the heck happened?

12.  Denny-I was relieved to see him walking to the stretcher-that hurt like hell.

Thank you for reading and I await your comments.

I don't have too much time, so I will make it brief.  I like Tony but my attitude has been changing.  I think Regan got screwed. Now that being said,  I have a WHAT IF  scenario for you to ponder.

What if Tony was leading, with Dale Jr., Jimmy , and Gordon ,all in line, and Junior went under that line? 

Tell me what you think.

If it's been covered already, my mistake, I'll take the hit.

I wasn't listenin' to my mom, in the back of the Pontiac

Just jumpin' and frolicin', like a little maniac.

I wish like hell I could go back in time

Those choices are not yours, and especially not mine.

Somewhere in the wreck, the windshield found me

Later I learned, it was just a bumblebee.

As the deputy carried me, bleeding and scared

I saw my brother's body, lifeless and bared.

I could only ask,"Is he alive?"

You're dammed right I want to burn that bee hive.

I was 6 and he was just 4

My brother was in a coma for several months more.

They ducked taped me down to that hospital bed

To take out the glass imbedded in my head.

Mom was injured, but ok you see

Who the heck else would care for Mike and me.

She hit a telephone pole, trying to roll the window up

I'm sure I helped, not shuttin' up.

As the days wore on, life gave me a scare

Get your dad mad , only if you dare.

I have no recollections of the beatin's you see

Don't hit my brother, take it all out on me.

Slowly but surely, I gained some age

With every day, came with more rage.

One fine fine day a recruiter you see

Introduced me to the USMC.

They straightened me out, and I learned YESSIR

The past of my life became a blurr.

I fought for this country and would die for you

Those that are able number a few.

After the war, I thought life would be pleasure

Simple and easy, nothing but treasure.

Hell, I'm home and it feels so good

The govt hurt me like I knew they would.

One thing that I do have to say

I still have psychotic thoughts of my dad today.

I'm ok because I have the LORD

I won't be the one who jumps overboard.

By the way, my brother,smaller than me

Was six foot tall when I came home from Iwakuni.

Mike is great and better than me

He is married with a great family.

He overcame and so will I

I'm gonna fight this till I die.

I love my family that I am fortunate enough to have.  I know there is a whole lot of hell in front of me-I'm not fighting this battle just for me-it's for every vet that did not get a fair shake-If I can change one little thing for the better, then it is worth it-I am happy to hear any suggestions to help our veterans-thank you

For those that don't know I am referring to disability benefits from the government.

The poem you need to figure out...

Let me tell you about my day.  I woke up this morning in pain as usual.  I limped, moaned and groaned my way to the pain killer bottle and popped a handful.  Then my sinus drainage started and I went on the back porch and hacked, gagged, and threw up for about 15 minutes.  I cleaned my face and went back to bed.  Slept, tossed and turned, for a couple hours, wanting the pain to go away.  Finally had enough and made myself get up and face the day.

Around noon I saw the mail truck out front.  My heart raced, anxiety came up, and I checked the mail-there was my letter-the letter that informs me of my disability benefits-I walked into the bedroom and turned off the tv that my wife was watching without saying a word to her.  I hit my knees as I realized others don't have knees to hit.  I placed my hand on the BIBLE as I realized others don't have a hand to place.  I said my prayer and showed my wife the envelope without either of us saying a word.  When she saw what I was holding, she simply asked,"It's here?"

We opened it up and she could read the expression on my face as I read the letters of the alphabet containing DENIED....

Just something to think about-thank you for your time-GOD BLESS

If you good people will allow me, I would like to explain something.  I used to love playing pinball-pushing buttons, hitting flippers, slamming the machine, trying to make the purty silver balls go and do what you want them to-and then you hit TILT-game over-pushed a li'l too hard---May I continue?  If you follow these letters with your eyes, then I would conclude that means YES.  I have felt like that pinball recently---Now to my post.

I loved what Carl Edwards did-he gave it all in one shot-I thought it was cool as iced tea.  Yes, I'm referring to the last lap.

Tony Stewart had another team's crew member on his hood-No, I have not had the chance to read all about it due to the fact that I just got released from my white jacket-It did fit pretty good-I like Tony's attitude.

I guess Carl also hit, or got hit, or had a pit road altercation with another car-

Please enlighten me to the number of the other car because the drugs at that time were  doing their job, unlike certain paid professionals.

I also heard, or at least thought I did ,through my hallucinations, that a particular numbered car was involved in several minor misunderstandings or something to that effect.

Please feel free to enlighten me to the truth-I can't wait.

I love talking with all of you.  I enjoy your viewpoints, whether or not I agree with them, it's refreshing, and it is my outlet.  I try not to start a fight or argument.  One war was enough for me.  I'd like to take the time to say thank you to those of you who have taken the time to write about, answer, read, and sometimes enjoy what I have written.  I thank you all.----

But I can't always keep my mouth shut.

In less than 10 hours I get to talk to a psychologist about why I'm angry, depressed, irritated, and why my brain's broke-I get a half hour of his precious time.

I spent 7 years in the Marines, 6 months in THE FIRST GULF WAR, 4 days of ground war where we slept with one eye open, 3 months in a VA hospital trying to figure out why I was dying, 1 year in a back brace, totally disabled, and told that I could never continue the life I knew---I get 30 minutes to explain to a government appointed doc-I'm fine with that.

Do you know why I'm fine with that?  Because it aint just about me-  It's for those that can't still fight-  It's for those that never could-  It's for those that never had a chance-

I'm still fighting to make a difference- And yes I'm asking for your help-

IF YOU BELIEVE IN THIS COUNTRY, TALK TO ME-IF NOT ----GET THE   HELL OUT-

Do you spend American dollars and coins?  It's printed and stamped on bills and coins-

"IN GOD WE TRUST"- If you don't like it-------LEAVE IT- GET OUT-PERIOD

EITHER THAT OR QUIT USING OUR MONEY

-----------------------------------------------
--------------

NEXT........I love you all-that's why I fought-please bear with me and if you have it in your heart-send up a prayer for those kids  and men still fighting-they need it-and if you find an extra one, send it up for me and the psychologist-Thank you

I've raced bicycles, motorcycles, and go carts too

Those midgets and modified might be fine for you

Dragsters and speed boats, I've tried 'em all

That airplane race was a heck of a ball

Bobsledding was fun , till I hit that curve

I just closed my eyes and saved my last nerve

Went bungee jumpin', what a bummer

Spent it all in traction, just last summer

Went off roadin' in my buddy's truck

Me and my  girlfriend just got stuck

Snowmobiling is a fine path to take

Still don't know what happenned to Jake

Jet ski's are fun, till you run out of gas

When you see that fin, you wish you're on grass

Sky divin' was cool , till I found out

All the money for parachutes had dun run out

Football was neat, but boring to me

I just had to run without blowing out my knee

Went to the court and played a little ball

Found out an official had bet on the call

Pitched on the field, of baseball the game

A few innings in, my arm came up lame

Tried my leg at soccer, the ball I could steer

Got my butt arrested for underage beer

Got outta jail for good attendance you see

I do for them and they'll do for me

Bull ridin' in prison aint as bad as it seems

Maybe the crowd will drown out your screams

A few years later, walkin' by a church

Who did I see, sittin' on a perch

Mikey, Jimmy, Carl and Kyle

Sittin' all together in professional style

They asked me if I needed a good friendly ride

I shrugged it off and took it in stride

I knew it all and you can't tell me a thing

If I would have listened, I'd have the BLING!

I believe I love talking to good people here on this site-I have talked with alot of you-I believe that I have conversed with some of the most professional writers in sports-

I can't begin to rub shoulders with most of you-I believe that

I believe that you taught me alot

I believe that I fought for my country- I believe that I'm going to the doctor today, for the first time in 13 years- Yep, you read that right-I believe it is time

I believe I have read some of the most humorous and hilarious writing on this site

I believe that I can't start naming names for fear of leaving someone out

I can barely pronounce my doctor's name- it took me 2 weeks- you can believe that

I believe Jr should be doing better

I believe I've been very wrong in the past

I believe people spend way too much money to watch a boring race

I believe that if I would have kept my mouth shut, got all the info and intell, I would have been correct

I believe gas prices  should come down- Put Tony Stewart in charge

I believe this next statement might anger a few select readers- If this does anger you, please read the caution statement-------------------------

CAUTION------RED FLAG----ALERT---------KYLE AND CARL BETTER BE CAREFUL

I believe that if we put GOD, prayer and the Plegde of Alliegience back in school-we would be better off----hear me out -PLEASE-------------------IF WE CAN PUT A MAN ON THE MOON-why can't we find a way for all of us to pray-to GOD-no matter what you may call HIM-if you don't believe, why can't they have a room for silence instead of all of us shooting and killing each other---------------------------------------------
--------

I believe because I came out of a danged war-yes I am trying to watch my language- you may not like me----but always remember-we fought so you can complain-people died so you can complain about this country-DON'T EVER FORGET IT- BUT THOSE WHO COMPLAIN, WHO HAVEN'T FOUGHT, WILL FORGET-I KNOW-SEE IT EVERY DAY

Thank you all that I speak with here from time to time-I love talking with all of you- just had to say my peace-I wish you all well

Carl could win and Kyle could not

Kyle hit the wall & Carl gave him a shot.

Kyle got loose and gave Carl a chance

Carl saw an opening in which he'd advance.

In the days of old, that's just racin' boys

Maybe not now with million dollar toys.

Kyle's just a kid showin' his age

Can he be a champion with that kind of rage?

The days of Allison & Yarborough are behind

In this day and age you'll danged sure be fined.

Used to be days when you're drug out the car

And he just said, boy meet meet me at the bar.

He meant every word and went stompin' mad

The kid out the car is really thankful and glad.

He doesn't want the fans to look and see

Any other driver beat the heck out of me.

Maybe one of these days I'll grow up and see

ALL THE GIFTS THAT HAVE BEEN GIVEN TO ME.

AFTER SEEING THE INTERVIEWS-NOW-I DON'T KNOW-YOU TELL ME -I'M GOIN' TO BED

I feel the drivers need to be more enthusiastic, sympathetic, and understanding when they are slammed into the wall.  I spoke with NASCAR officials pertaining to implementing this new concept-They accepted the propsal-with some stipulations...

NEW RULES PERTAINING TO DRIVERS, OWNERS, CREW CHIEFS, CREW MEMBERS, NASCAR OFFICIALS, SPOTTERS, ANNOUNCERS, SECURITY GUARDS, POLICE OFFICIALS, AND ALL SPECTATORS

1.  Each and every individual that passes through the gate (not passed out) shall be required to show the ticket, ID, BADGE NUMBER, or proof that your butt should be there.

2.  Once proof is shown, all individuals are prescribed (by medical doctors of course-factored in) to take their dosage upon entering.

3.  NASCAR did state they would cut the dosage in half for those children still in kindergarten-they know more than we do and can drive us home.

NEED A BREAK- MY PILLS ARE TAKING AFFECT-BE BACK

4.  All Dale Jr. fans are required to take a double dosage.---NO ACCEPTIONS-MAYBE

THE RULES ARE STARTING TO BE A LITTLE MORE LENIENT NOW

Dang it Dale I told you to take them pills--"I know, I didn't listen"-"I'd be happier."

I want to show you how he reacts with happy pills...

5.  With happy pills you have a good day at the office-yes-experimental  at the brick yard- NASCAR found that with happy pills, a grown man will kiss anything.

6.  SEE BELOW- The pills do tend to have an effect of conversing with fellow competitors and then making them either your team mate or your driver or your best bud-I really don't think these are rules anymore-

These pills are pretty good

I THINK I'M READY FOR THE RAAAACE- ANYBODY GOT A MAGNET??

I crawled up to the Church last Sunday, didn't spill my beer, and saw Tony coming out- I said Holy Smoke-He said "You got that right"!  He asked if I needed a ride- I jumped in and he bet me 50 bucks  if I put my beer on the dashboard he could make it spill- I LOST 50 BUCKS....

Me and Carl were drinkin' the ottthhher nniigghtt and I axed him what would happen if you broke your ankle doing that back ffllippp- He said, "Shortyyyyy, I'll give you the keys and uuuuuu can drive it for meeeee....

Me and Dale Jr. discussing pit strategy

The boy can drive-gotta give him that-I walked up to him the other day as he was pouring Kellogg's corn flakes into a bowl- he asked if I had any milk- I poured my beer in his bowl- I did check his driver's license first of course....

STILL WORKING ON IT-MORE TO COME....

Hey--- That guy in my rear view mirror: Is he gonna stop? 

Dog gone it- where did that tire go?I just seen it!

HOLD ON- just a minute-didn't I say I wanted 4 fresh tires? I'm sorry, my mistake, I forgot who was in charge...

I heard some drivers say the COT is like driving a tank-Interesting-Did your car come with a barrell?

A driver or two has said my fresh air vent aint working...hmmm...

Here or there a driver has said he didn't have a spotter looking out for him-That's the United States Marine Corps above....

http://www.pbase.com/kirksfotografix/image/284419
83/medium

That's called doing your job- change those in 15 seconds

Glad to know he is ok

I'm done- I've been fightin' through tears and anger through this dag gone post- It comes from the heart-that's all-If you read it,  and comment-ThanX and I'll talk when I can...

The owners, drivers, crew chiefs, and fans

They all rely on one special man

If I screw up, what wil become of me

My mistake is there for all to see

I do the tires, the fuel, and the jack

When I make a mistake, I won't be back

I know the driver got too close to the wall

But who do you think will take the fall

I tried to fuel it up but it just wasn't right

Who do you think got cussed at that night

The lugnut got hung & it wouldn't come out

"I need another gun" is all I could shout

As he spins the tires, mad as can be

Why in the world did this happen to me.