The Roanoke Times: The Wild Life

Comments

# 1

[January 16, 2008 11:27 AM]

Taylor

Here's the big question: WHY? So it shows up at a food plot, and you shoot it... maybe we should should do that with humans - let's hang out around the local fast food joint, and when we see someone that doesn't belong... just shoot them. Controling the population, right? Keeping them away from our other prized animals, right? See, it fits - there's too many of us, and I don't want you messing around with the ones I want. You disgust me. And you, Mark Taylor and the Roanoke Times, disgust me for printing this picture. Will you post the picture of my "trophy" when I shoot it?

# 2

[January 16, 2008 12:48 PM]

Mark Taylor

Taylor,

First, we didn't "print" the picture. It's posted here, and here only. Obviously, this blog has a target audience. While it might help me get more page views if I could hijack people's browsers and direct them to my blog, it doesn't work that way. If you find its content offensive, feel free to not visit the blog. It's the approach I take to celebrity gossip sites. It works amazingly well.

Why shoot a coyote? Because state and federal officials have deemed them a nuisance species in part because coyotes like to snack on things like livestock and kitty cats. In essense, shooting (or trapping) coyotes isn't all that different from setting a mouse trap or putting a roach motel under your kitchen sink. It's pest control. If you can accept a mouse trap -- and maybe you can't, but most people can -- then you have to accept coyote control. An added bonus? Unlike coyote pelts, mouse pelts are pretty much worthless.

As for the comments about your desired "trophy," you should have more carefully chosen your words. I suspect you realize that by now.

mt

# 3

[January 16, 2008 12:51 PM]

chris

Mark, I'd just like to congratulate Taylor on single-handedly reducing us humans to the level of the coyote. This is a blog dedicated primarily to hunting and fishing. Thirteen of the categories listed bear this fact out. If Taylor does not like to particitpate in those activities, why spend time looking at it? What a mature response: "you disgust me". I bet he doesn't even know you. Another fine example of an over-emotional silly response using personal attacks because that is the only defense available. Keep up the good work, Mark. I look forward to your posts every day.

# 4

[January 16, 2008 1:46 PM]

Stu

You are entitled to your own opinion, but I would suggest you use a little more caution when choosing your words. There are NO similarities between hunting animals & shooting people. NONE AT ALL.

# 5

[January 17, 2008 11:16 AM]

jim

This has been forwarded to authorities to investigate; I personally see equating killing an animal with "shooting humans at the local fast food joint” very disturbing. And I think that everyone needs to know who you are so they may avoid you.

# 6

[January 20, 2008 3:19 AM]

Taylor

Well, Jim, my name is right up there for all to see, so avoid me if you'd like. Though I'm guessing you'll be reading this entire blog entry, so you're not doing to good of a job at avoiding me. And the "forwarded to authorities to investigate" bit - very nice. Let me know how that turns out. Once they've tramped on my right to freedom of speech, maybe they can lead me off to Todd Burton's food plot. And then you can all take turns doing what you do best. And Chris: "over-emotional silly response using personal attacks"? My, my. Since when did portraying feelings and opinions become personal attacks? Is this not a blog? When did it start that you have to know someone before you can be disgusted by them? Then again, maybe that's how it works in your world. Maybe you find Hitler all warm and fuzzy, and you become all giddy everytime you think about him. And I don't think I've single-handedly reduced humans - we're (and that's all of us) doing a pretty good job of that on our own. In fact (in my opinion, if I'm allowed to express it) sometimes in view of other people, I think the coyotes may be just be a step or two above some of us. And Mark: Actually, I did choose my words carefully. As for your picture - it was right there for all to see the day I logged on to the Roanoke Times website. I didn't go searching for it - the picture and the title were there on the main page. And this is an open, public blog - I have the right to comment on it as I see fit. If you don't like my comments, you don't have to read them. Or better yet, you can make your blog a private site - then you won't have to worry about people like me; you and Chris and Jim and Stu and all your buddies can gloat and guffaw over your so-called "trophies" and conquests, all to your hearts content. And another thing, Mark: "If you can accept a mouse trap...then you have to accept coyote control." What a silly, stupid statement. Whether I can or cannot accept a mouse trap, having to accept one does not mean having to accept the other. That's a ridiculous mindset, but I'm not surprised that that's how you view the world. It's like saying if you accept government -- "and maybe you can't, but most people can" -- then you have to accept George Bush. I seriously doubt everyone will follow that logic...

So. What else? Oh, wait, hold on. Hey Jim, the authorities are here.....

# 7

[January 20, 2008 2:57 PM]

Mark Taylor

Yeah, Jim. His (her?) name is Taylor. Supposedly. So he (she?) should be easy to avoid. Right?

I'm glad to hear my blog was getting some promotion on our home page. But, Taylor, that still doesn't mean you(or anyone else) are forced to click on the teaser.

But you did, and great. Thanks for the page view. I absolutely agree that you have a right to read it or not, or comment or not.

These other guys don't have to read your comments but, actually, I do. That's because I'm the one who approves them or not, based on whether or not they violate our user policies.

I don't agree with your opinion, obviously. I don't think your crack about hunting humans reflects well on the animal rights movement, many members of which approach these debates civily. But that's your choice. Your post didn't violate our policies (or any laws) so I approved it. Again, pretty simple.

If you want to keep reading and commenting, you're welcome too.

In fact, I could use a more detailed explanation of how you connected accepting George Bush and government out of my likening the killing of two pests. Reading that gave me flashbacks of the SAT test...

21. George Bush is to government as...

A. A coyote is to a mouse B. A cow is to a herd C. A plate is to a hamburger D. Simon Cowell is to the music industry. E. All of the above F. None of the above

I've got a copy of William Hovey Smith's "Crossbow Hunting" book for whoever provides the best explanation to their answer to that question. If you win, Taylor, I'll send you a copy of "When Man is the Prey." Seriously.

mt

# 8

[January 20, 2008 10:39 PM]

Seth

First off, good job Todd!

Second...

What does Bush have to do with dropping the hammer on a coyote?

Did I mess up and not buy the "W" endorsed box of .22-250's?

Maybe I missed something.

# 9

[January 21, 2008 1:21 AM]

Backlash

Taylor

I believe you and I have clashed before over another subject on youtube Grizzly Bear hunt. There are some similarities in your babble more to point."I seriously doubt everyone will follow that logic... So. What else? Oh, wait, hold on. Hey Jim, the authorities are here....."

Let me get to the facts: Coyotes can become a nuisance pest coyotes can grow accustomed to buildings and human activity and associate them with a dependable food source. Coyotes spotted near homes or in residential areas sometimes threaten human safety however coyotes see our pets, especially cats and small dogs, as a food source and should be protected.

Yet coyote attacks are steadily rising for instance 12/24/7 Erie, CO Woman bitten, two dogs dead after coyote attack. On Christmas Eve. Coyote attacks on humans and pets have increased within the past 5 years in California. Forty-eight such attacks on children and adults were verified .

Even with that said the last human to be killed by a coyote was a child in the Los Angeles area around 1980. Even in all fairness 49 people were killed by dogs in 2007. That is nearly a person a week.

What's the difference irresponsibility to the community with out checks and balances these animals get out of control and attack our loved ones. And since there is no natural predator in this part of country, but man it's our responsibility to bring the numbers under control.

And since Cyber bullies like yourself find the courage to make condescending remarks from your home or from a crowd of eco-terrorist trying to save God knows what. Most hunters find your rhetoric more disturbing that helpful.

There is only one question what do you suggest we do about the growing population of coyotes trap and move them so they can deplete the food source in an area so they can revert to canabillism.

There is nothing wrong with Todd Burton trophy he is doing his part as well as I must inform you that I am doing mine.

I take all threats toward my fellow hunter serious so I have forward you email to the local FBI office in Richmond and I suggest if any other hunter find these comments posted alarming to copy them and send them to the proper authority to be dealt with.

As hunters and fisherman we owe it to our community to safeguard each other truly "our brothers keeper".

Backlash

# 10

[January 21, 2008 2:09 AM]

taylor

Well, okay, Mark...let me try to simplify for you. Your statement saying that if I accept a mouse trap, then I have to accept coyote control is ridiculous and flawed. In essence, it's the same as saying that if we accept government, we have to accept George Bush. Now, you can't tell me that everyone accepts ol' Georgie boy, but I'm pretty sure that just about everyone is accepting of our government, even if they abuse it. But the concept of of "having" to accept coyote control just because someone accepts a mouse trap is...well, sort of dumb. But maybe I'll pick G instead: George Bush is to government as cancer is to smoking. However, I doubt that that's your "winning answer." And I'm sure I'll be terribly disappointed when I don't win. Seriously.

By the way, it's he. Just thought I'd help you and Jim out a little bit - but I don't want to make it too easy on you. Just show every Taylor you meet a picture of your most recent "trophy" and maybe he'll help you figure out if he's the one to avoid. My guess is...he's already avoiding people like you. And by "he" I do mean me (in case you needed help figuring that out).

Wait - you mean I wasn't forced into this? I didn't "have" to click on that picture? I didn't "have" read it? I didn't "have" to comment on it? Wow, well thanks for clearing that up for me. I guess now it's left up to my choice, right? So, of course I'll keep reading and commenting. I'm not bored yet. And if you're posting it, it must be civil. In fact, I could use a more detailed explanation of what animal rights movement you might be referring to - there's lots of them out there, many of which approach these sort of topics...uncivily.

Oh, and the "When Man is the Prey" book? Thanks, Mark, you can keep it, I don't need it. I'm just getting ready to start "The Growing Relationship Between Food Plots and Fast Food Joints." Seriously.

# 11

[January 21, 2008 11:15 AM]

Keith Davis

Coyotes are not, and never have been native to Virginia. There is valid research that when coyotes move into a habitat, native red and grey foxes are eliminated.

Others have pointed out the danger coyotes pose to domestic animals, both to livestock and to people's beloved housepets.

I support elimination of coyotes in this area. They belong in Arizona, not in Virginia.

Keith Davis

# 12

[January 21, 2008 3:59 PM]

Mr. P

I think the most troubling thing that I've read out of this longwinded account, is that our boy Todd couldn't get a shot on the second one!

Wise fella told me once, "It sure is easier to ignore an idiot, than to try to understand one."

Mouse traps, GW Bush, and human trophies...all out of a coyote story. All we need now is a spotted owl and a ban on toilet paper and my Monday would be complete.

Keep up the good work Mark.

# 13

[January 22, 2008 1:33 AM]

Backlash

This is some information I generally come across before I post a comment in case my fellow hunters like to check the lay of the land. Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Good hunting By Bill Steigerwald

Q: Is hunting an endangered pastime? The number of hunters has dropped from 19 million in 1975 to 12.5 million last year.

A: It's a fading pastime because we're becoming more of an urban nation than ever before. Even the rural states. You go into the red states and those people move out to get the jobs in places like where I am now, Fairfax, Virginia.

Though there are some bright spots. The number of women is up 72 percent in the last five years. ... Some of the youth programs now just coming on are bearing fruit.

When you talk to a non-hunter, they may have a real compassion for wildlife but they don't often understand what the wildlife need, what they eat, what they're doing.

Q: What are three top reasons hunting is good for America?

A: I'd start with money. Hunting and fishing pay for conservation in this country. If you add taxes on our sporting goods (10 or 11 percent depending on what product it is) on the consumer and the manufacturer with hunting license fees, it's just over $1 billion a year just going into habitat restoration and all the other things game agencies do.

Non--hunters don't pay that stuff when they go hiking or mountain biking and those kinds of things.

No. 2, hunting actually saves lives. Two hundred people are killed a year in deer-auto collisions and 25,000 people injured out of a 1.5 million accidents nationwide. That's a big deal -- and that's with hunters killing 8 to 10 million white-tailed deer every year. You're five times as likely to hit a deer in urban American as you are in rural America, because you just cannot control deer populations in those areas.

The third -- and this is one thing the environmental movement is starting to understand -- is the ecological disaster that occurs from an un-hunted population of deer or elk and other species.

Q: How do you reverse the downward trend of fewer and fewer hunters?

A: To tell you the truth, it's happening. I don't know if you can completely reverse it. But there are youth programs in many states. I think 11 states now have passed different laws to bring more youth into the sports -- by basically lowering some of the age requirements, and taking away some of the course requirements for the first year; they can try it with a hunting mentor for the first year.

# 14

[January 22, 2008 5:31 AM]

Mark Taylor

Taylor, At least I'm clear on your gender now. Thanks for clearing that up.

While the advice Mr. P passes on is good, I have to give this one more try.

On the mouse control vs. coyote control, 'll take the blame for not being clear. I used the term "mouse trap," which is a thing. But I meant mouse control, which is an action. I was, in fact, likening mouse control to coyote control. Two similar actions: killing pests. I figured that would be clear by the context.

Government is not an action. It's a function. George Bush is not an action. He is a participant (elected leader) in that function.

Maybe Stephen Hawking could find a parallel in the comparison you're using, but I can't. Come up with two similar actions within government or performed by George Bush and we might be getting somewhere -- toward supporting my logic.

Keith and Backlash, thanks for the informative posts.

mt

# 15

[January 22, 2008 9:36 AM]

Julie

How are Bush and hunting alike?? I look forward to Dubya's departure from DC as much as I look forward to having a cold beer when I get home from hunting or fishing.

# 16

[January 22, 2008 11:29 AM]

chris

What a condescending, pompous attitude you have, Taylor. It is obvious from your responses that you believe yourself to be superior and enlightened compared to the rest us engaged in this blog. You make completely illogical comparisons, and attempt to explain yourself in a manner that conveys your belief that you have all the answers and we’re all morons. I’d really like to know how you made the jump, particularly in my case, that I would be a fan of Hitler. Oh, that’s right…I like to hunt. And according your twisted logic, if I like to hunt, then I would obviously condone the slaughter of millions of innocent people by a sick tyrant, simply because he disagreed with their race and religious heritage. But wait, you’re the one who would like to kill people hanging around fast food restaurants. And based on your previous comments, you would no doubt single out the people who hunt as your “trophies”. Sounds like you might have more in common with Hitler than me. This whole thing started with a picture of a guy with a coyote he killed. And from that, you turned me into a Hitler sympathizer? Like I said before, over-emotional and silly. But I do agree with you on one point. You don’t have to know someone to be disgusted by them. You’ve proven that point perfectly.

# 17

[January 23, 2008 1:44 AM]

Backlash

Julie

I take it that you are a hunter, that's dislike the President?

When you consider a Senate committee voted down a bill Monday that would have allowed hunting on Sundays. The committee apparently agreed, voting 13-2 to pass the bill by for the year. Sen. Phillip Puckett, D-Russell County, voted against the motion to kill the bill, while Sens. Creigh Deeds, D-Bath County, and Roscoe Reynolds, D-Henry County, each voted to kill the bill.

Yet I reason that your dislike for the President is of your party affiliation. Let's consider this President Bush stands be hind a moral compass unnerving and steadfast to his convictions as father and a man.

Yet we look at Bill Clinton with morals tailored to fit his needs. And a history of womanizing as Governor and President and this is perfectly find when it comes to our children following in this fashion. Have we looked at the divorce rate when Mr. Clinton was President. How about unwed mothers is there a link to teen pregnancy's.

How about a Democratic plan to teach our teens to use condoms instead of teaching abstenace. And what about oral sex isn't sex. When do we as parents have a say so in our children social development.

What about Mrs.Clinton she didn't cry when the scandal of her husband broke publicly, she didn't cry when she passed the dead Marines caskets publicly when the fallen soldiers families did, yet she cried when she was asked a hard question during the debates.

You can dislike and vote for whom best suits your needs as President, but when you look at past Democrats they have a tendency to leave their morals at the door... If you know what I mean.

# 18

[January 23, 2008 9:26 AM]

Mark Taylor

Presidential approval is about more than party affiliation, as it should be. Bush's approval rating among Republicans is quite poor. Just as Clinton had plenty of detractors within his party.

Both Democrats and Republicans have done great things for hunters and anglers, and terrible things for hunters and anglers.

If you have one primary criterion on which you judge a president -- perceived morality, for example -- that likely requires you to accept their positions on other issues -- gun control, the environment, the economy, war, for example -- even when those positions do not mesh with your own.

Julie isn't the only hunter looking forward to Jan. 20, 2009, just as Backlash won't be the only hunter dreading that day if another Clinton is taking Bush's place.

That's our system.

That said, as the only person to attempt to answer my SAT question, Julie is now the frontrunner for the crossbow book -- whether you like her answer or not.

The deadline for answers is today (Jan. 23) at 5 p.m.

Thanks for the comments.

mt

# 19

[January 23, 2008 10:30 AM]

Mike

Mark, Wow! This all started with a simple photo and story about coyote hunting. This has been an interesting thread, but thanks for trying to get if back on track. O.K., here's my 2-cents...George Bush is to hunting as a sabot is to muzzleloading. At times it can be difficult to work with but in the end is fairly straight and true. LOL.

Mike

# 20

[January 23, 2008 10:47 AM]

Mr. P

A challenge from Mr. Taylor...

21. George Bush is to government as...

A. A coyote is to a mouse B. A cow is to a herd C. A plate is to a hamburger D. Simon Cowell is to the music industry. E. All of the above F. None of the above

Mr. P's answer: F. None of the above. If meaning George Bush as President, our govt is led by this office. Now if you are getting really deep here, I may have to have another cup of coffee and try to remember what in the devil this has to do with Todd knocking down a coyote!

A. A mouse and coyote have nothing to do with each other, other than the fact that a coyote can eat a mouse and they are both pests to a degree. If you are asking who's the bigger pest...I say the govt in general, not Bush. And I don't think anyone would agree that Bush has "consumed" the govt...he's been eaten alive himself here lately.

B. A cow is to a herd. Well, this one is pretty much as close to a real answer as you could get. If you had said a bull to the herd, may be even getting closer. But is Bush following the herd, as a cow does? Sometimes, but more often than not, nope. Is he there in the field with his head down just munching on clover? It may seem that way sometimes...but nope. Does he get swept up in the herd at times? You bet - may have what ultimatley landed us in Iraq - that herd may or may not have given the cow the right path to follow. Politics aside...nah, I don't think B is the pick here.

C. A plate is to a hamburger? You must have been hungry when making this an option. You can have a hamburger without a plate. I mean, I've knocked down a Whopper or two in my day with just a wrapper to hold on to. Govt can't really function without a President. Some may agrue it has been already...I wont' throw a bone into that fight.

D. Simon Cowell is to the music industry. I missed last night's episode. Got caught at the K&W cafeteria with the wife and kids and time just slipped up on me. San Diego I'm sure had some freaks just like the rest of the country. Simon has little impact on the music industry. He's comic relief....wait a minute...I better back away from that comment...GW has never been accused of that! Again...no bone in that fight...walking away quietly...

So Mark - great question. Dad has taken up the crossbow over that last few years due to both rotator cuffs being worked on. I've inherited his Mathews - so I'm not sure if I'm too qualified to answer your brain tickler.

"When Man is the Prey"??? Now I would bet a dollar to a donut that's been written by a fella that had a bad experience at Blueberry Hill one Saturday night...

# 21

[January 23, 2008 11:43 AM]

Mark Taylor

Now those are the kinds of answers I was hoping for!

This will be tough. I think I'm going to have to start digging around for some consolation prizes...

Let's see, here's a Berkley Frenzy Flicker Shad crankbait, and a Mossy Oak camo disposable camera, and a gently used Sportsman Channel Coffee mug (which I promise to wash)...

mt

# 22

[January 23, 2008 11:56 AM]

Backlash

George Bush is to government as...

As a deer is to the forest, hard to get there yet easy to get lost among the trees.

# 23

[January 23, 2008 3:56 PM]

Dave : →http://Dave

George Bush is to Government as... A Game Warden is to Hunters and Fishermen.

Thanks Mark for providing me with news and stories of the outdoors, I look forward to reading your blogs and looking at your pictures of wildlife daily

# 24

[January 23, 2008 4:28 PM]

Joe C.

Although you could answer E or F, depending on your opinion of GW, I would have to answer D.

George Bush is to government as Simon Cowell is to the music industry.

Both of them make an occasional appearance on television, albeit GW is on every channel and Simon on one, to express their 'expert' opinions. Both are liked by some and both are disliked by some. When you think of government, you think GW, and when you think of American Idol or who's going to be the next star in the music industry, you think Simon once the nausea recedes. If the government screws up, we blame it on Bush. If American Idol turns out a loser, it was Simon's fault. In the end though, it is a larger entity making the decisions about what goes and who wins. Bush and Simon are just the faces that are associated with the larger entities.

As for coyotes, good luck in your quest to control the population. I wish I had some advice but that is something I've not seen or heard in Virginia. On a recent hunting trip to Alabama, a pack started cutting up one evening right at dark less than 100 yds. from me. This was also about the time I realized my flashlight was dead and I had a long hike back to the truck. That was somewhat of a nerve racking experience so I say eliminate all of them before the population gets to that point.

# 25

[January 23, 2008 5:10 PM]

Mark Taylor

Thanks for all the great answers. The phone lines are now closed...

They were all so entertaining I don't think I can pick a winner. So Julie, Backlash, Mike, Mr. P, Dave and Joe C. -- you're all winners. Just like junior sports!

If you want a prize, just e-mail me your address (don't worry, I won't share your actual names or addresses) and I'll drop you all something.

Oh, Chris, I'll also send you something for submitting the 500th comment on the blog.

Thanks again for the comments. The laughs did me good today.

mt

# 26

[January 23, 2008 5:52 PM]

Julie

Backlash, Yes, I hunt; I used to hunt way more than I do now, but I do fish most any chance I get. I pay taxes, I support Sunday hunting, and I am a parent, too. I am raising my son (9 1/2) to love and respect the outdoors and all of God's creatures (yeah, I'm a Christian, too!). He hunted for the first time this year. I am a registered Republican but I mostly vote based on issues/stance rather than party lines. I don't support either Clinton partly for the reasons you noted. But I do I think Bush has made a travesty of the situation in Iraq. I've actually enjoyed (and agree with) your posts, Backlash, so please don't see me as the enemy. I'm not! Mark, I'd love a prize - I'll email you my address.

# 27

[January 24, 2008 1:45 AM]

Backlash

Julie

Please accept my apology, but there is one thing about Sunday hunting it may never be resolved until your son reaches voting age.

Democrat Targets .50 Caliber Revolver for Nationwide Ban By Michael L. Betsch CNSNews.com Staff Writer

It's hard for me to rationalize any particular need or purpose" for the 500 Magnum, said Rep. Danny Davis (D-Ill.). "I think guns are made to kill people. That's my opinion."

Asked if he would seek a nationwide ban on the 500 Magnum, Davis replied, "Yes, indeed."

Billed as the "most powerful production revolver in the world today," S&W claims its new 500 Magnum cartridge produces nearly three times the muzzle energy of the .44 Magnum round, one of the most powerful sidearm cartridges available.

He claimed handguns in general are specifically designed kill fellow human beings, whereas rifles and shotguns are typically relegated to hunting animals.

With ignorant thinking in control it's a wonder camouflage hunting gear isn't banded.

# 28

[January 24, 2008 5:52 PM]

Julie

Backlash, Apology accepted! My dad has a degree in gunsmithing (and engineering - guess which one he was able to make a living with) and I've been raised around guns my whole life. I've had many great hunting days and target shooting afternoons with him, memories I will treasure. You know what? We never once discussed using guns to kill people. It was always understood - that's not what they are for. And, my dad is a WW2 and Korean war veteran. The best I can hope for my son is to instill the same message.

# 29

[January 25, 2008 12:52 AM]

Backlash

Julie

When our young people are introduced to firearms at early age with positive instructions statistics show that the kids are almost never involved with gun related crimes.

By being that positive roll model and stability in the home your son will be the next Space Shuttle Pilot.

I am a veteran as well being involved with Operation Just Cause, Desert Storm/ Desert Shield. and numerous overseas tours.

While being in the Navy there have been one thing constant the great people from Virginia I would meet and the hunting stories they would speak of keeping you entranced for hours. After saying that we should always teach our children of political views and the impact it will have on the future. Try this article.

Whitewash: What the Media Won't Tell You About Hillary Clinton, but Conservatives Will by L. Brent Bozell III and Tim Graham

liberal mainstream news media have helped Hillary Clinton advance her political career and put her within reach of reclaiming the White House for her and co-president Bill. Despite the many books and articles written about Hillary, Bozell says, the news media have covered up, downplayed or ignored Hillary's biggest blunders and personal, political and financial scandals. The secret weapon of Hillary's political success has been a coddling news media, says Bozell.

# 30

[January 25, 2008 4:14 PM]

Mr. P

So Mark...nobody wins the "When Man is the Prey" book???

Sounds like a book you could have picked up on the magazine rack down at the old cigar shop across from the Corned Beef!

Funny stuff and a wild thread...went from busting a coyote to Hillary Clinton in a week. I love it.

# 31

[January 25, 2008 5:01 PM]

Lindsey : →http://blogs.roanoke.com/fridgemagnet/

Yo Mark, if you need an extra prize, I've got a copy of a cookbook called "Poor Man's Cookbook: Old-Fashioned Country Cooking for Today's Budget." It includes some good-looking recipes for all sorts of meat, including turkey and beef (which, as you know, we venison lovers love to swap out for deer meat). No coyote recipes included. Although if my mom had shot those coyotes that snuck up behind her in the woods that day, I might've had a reason to dream something up.

# 32

[January 25, 2008 5:43 PM]

Mark Taylor

Mr. P,

So far Julie and Chris are the only ones who have sent me their addresses, and neither requested "When Man is the Prey." So, it's yours if you want it. And, no, it didn't originate at Milan's! Sorry.

And it looks like my pal Lindsey has offered up another goodie if anyone's interested. Thanks, L.

mt

# 33

[January 26, 2008 1:46 PM]

Julie

Backlash, As a Veteran, I'd like to personally thank you for your service to this country. While I do not approve of many of the government's policies or initiatives in Afghanistan or Iraq, I fully support every single man or woman that puts on a military uniform - and the civilians that support them - as part of their 'daily job' and who also manage to put themselves in harm's way on our behalf. I do NOT take it lightly that my freedom depends on the efforts of folks like yourself, so I sincerely thank you. 'Nuf said.