Category Archives: Opinion/Editorial

A couple of weeks ago, Doc Tales celebrated the 50-year anniversary of the moon landing by revisiting Neil Armstrong’s famous quote, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” I heard from a couple of you about how that brought back childhood memories. Russ Nugent pointed out, however, that no one ever bothers to recite the entire conversation Armstrong had during his first venture onto the lunar surface. As an aficionado of all things space, Nugent provided the following transcript of that lost exchange. Armstrong: “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” Houston: “That’s incredible, Neil.” Armstrong: “Oh crap, I just stepped in a pile of dog poop!” Aldrin: “Leave those boots outside, Neil. I just swept the floor. Now, it’s time to come back in. I just made some Tang. And, don’t slam the screen door!”

“That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” Neil Armstrong, July 20, 1969 from the surface of the moon.

Ok, this week it’s a two-fer. It’s a holiday week and the 30th anniversary of arguably the funniest sitcom in television history — Seinfeld. As a matter of fact, I’m retracting the word “arguably” and just declaring it to be the funniest ever. And, you can’t argue with me because it’s a fact. As George Costanza once said, “Jerry, just remember, it’s not a lie if you believe it.” So, in honor of this special week, enjoy the holiday with family and friends because, as Kramer once said, “That is what the holidays are all about. Three buddies sitting around chewing gum.” If I might propose one great family activity you could do this week it would be polishing up the aluminum pole because Festivus is just around the corner!

As I bumble through (I mean navigate) the challenges of my new position as Executive Director at AASV, I’m comforted by the realization that over the years I’ve learned so much from my mistakes that I’m looking forward to making a few more.

Dr. Chris Deegan, veterinarian with Suidae, shares this week’s Doc Tales. Following a lengthy “conversation” with one of his clients, the client stepped out of the room. He returned a few moments later, handed Chris a coffee mug and said, “This is SO true!” Chris turned the mug around and on the side was written, “Arguing with a veterinarian is like wrestling with a pig in the mud. After a few minutes, you realize the pig likes it.”

In charge of AASVSince 1994.It really fit to a teeAnd was never a bore. The secret of his success,He was oft heard to say,Is to always hire good folks,And stay out of their way. Though he never took credit,It was often deserved.At the pleasure of the boardHe said that he served. Although he is retiringHis […]

We recently met with a group of USDA researchers to discuss the importance of swine research and offer some input regarding topics of importance to swine producers and veterinarians. One of the leaders of the research group said, “I totally agree with the importance of supporting swine research. In my mind, a life without bacon just isn’t worth living!”

I was recently visiting with a group of our AASV leadership and the topic of how the AASV demographics have changed over the years came up. In an effort to emphasize the impact the increase in female membership has had, Dr. Mary Battrell observed that, “When I first started attending the AASV Annual Meeting in the early 1990s it was like going to a tractor pull – the bathroom lines were in front of the men’s room!” (She gave me permission to quote her.)

After work on a recent Friday, I happened to bump into one of our colleagues leaving the office. She seemed uncharacteristically harried causing me to ask where she was headed in such a rush. Her reply: “The grandkids are coming for the weekend – I’ve got to buy more tape!” Ah grandparents. Spoil ’em and send ’em home.

I have an annual physical coming up in a couple of weeks. Stop laughing, that’s not the funny part. In order to prepare, I decided I should start working out a little so I at least wouldn’t get winded climbing up on the exam table or pass out after having to take 3 deep breaths. Fortuitously, my apartment complex invited a local personal trainer to come in and offer some free advice. After I introduced myself and described my fitness goals, he offered the following words of encouragement, “You’re not exercising until your nose bleeds, you have a headache and it shows up on social media.” As I turned to walk out the door, he asked me where I was going. I told him, “Heck if that’s exercise, I had my workout this morning when I bent over to tie my shoelaces!”