Not that we saw it coming, but I apologize for our website problems the past few days. Maybe it’s the same bug that still has a few of us around the office coughing. In any event, it was a delight this evening to get this submission from our former paralegal Mary Harvill, whose wonderful dispatch from the Pendleton Rodeo last summer is one of the best Kitchen Table posts ever. Mary recently joined the Burke Law Group in Spokane and expects to take her bar exam next year.
What happens when you merge an 8-time rodeo champion with network television?
By Mary Harvill
Ty Murray, Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association bull riding champion has danced his way to the semi-finals of ABC’s popular primetime show Dancing with the Stars. America is learning what rodeo fans have known for years, that Ty “bears down and makes it happen” when the going gets tough. And, along the way, America is learning about that other rodeo tour in town, the Professional Bull Riders (the PBR).
In spite of the sagging economy, attendance at PBR events has largely been 
unaffected. This can be attributed to the PBR’s loyal fans, the rank and file of America-the regular Joes, regular Janes and their kids. Ticket prices at PBR events are affordable enough to take the entire family. While professional athletes in other sports such as basketball, football, baseball and wrestling dazzle us with their criminal behavior, hard-luck stories, lack of education and the like, America’s bull riders continue to show us the best qualities of athletic talent, sportsmanship and loyalty.
Ty’s journey to Hollywood for the Dancing with the Stars competition (with wife and singer, Jewel in tow) brings true grit, hard work and determination back to “la-la land.” What a refreshing change of pace from celebrity misbehavior, rehab, criminal charges, domestic violence and eccentric behavior.
The successful format of the Dancing with the Stars show is fairly simple whether you are a fan or not. A live orchestra under the capable baton of Harold Wheeler, Jr., live singers, an entertaining and wise-cracking host, Tom Bergeron, with his attractive, stylish co-host, Samantha Harris. It returns a true family show to the living room. Grandmas and teenagers can enjoy this show together and connect. I found myself calling my mother-in-law who lives in Virginia (3 television hours earlier) to find out who got kicked off the show so I wouldn’t have to stay up late waiting for the last 10 minutes of the show. One evening I scolded her (as we both laughed) because she forgot the name of who exactly got kicked off. She called me the very next morning, (quite early I might add) to amend the names of the dismissed dancers.
As Dancing with the Stars nears the conclusion of season nine (or is it season ten), I find myself voting every week for Ty just to keep him in the competition and in front of America’s television viewers. I hope through TY Murray’s dancing, America will be curious enough to seek out the PBR …………and I don’t mean Pabst Blue Ribbon beer.
No comments yet.