Huh?

Bullfighters and such

I've often wondered what inspires a person to take up an occupation like bullfighting. I know that for some of the more adventurous within our population, the normal risk of just living isn't enough. So they do things like bungy jump, motocross, cliff jump, and so on. But bullfighting? I mean, what gives? I snow ski, but that really isn't comparable to being in front of a 2000lb, ill-tempered, wild beast whos only goal is to skewer you on his horns. Not only did the bullfighter find himself there ( in front of the bull), he put himself there. I've wanted to talk to one of these guys (sexist, but is this an integrated sport? I suspect not, women are usually smarter than this.) for as long as I've had the thought...even though I've only had the thought for a couple of years.

So imagine my delight when I found out that I have a cousin who is, in fact, a bullfighter. He even wears the suspenders and makeup. I haven't gotten in touch with him yet, but I'm looking forward to it with enthusiasm. His name is Chris "hodgie" Aman, and he works in the Worlds Toughest Rodeo (WTR) Association. No information is available on the "hodgie" part of that name as yet, but I'll find out about that.

I think that this WTR is the Rodeo association where they allow people who have only one leg to compete. Otherwise it couldn't be called the WTR. It's either that, or you have to have one arm tied behind your back before you can get on a bull. Or maybe, if you don't complete your ride, they whack you in the shins with a broom stick or something. Or maybe they hang you by your toes overnight. I jest, rodeos are brutal without handicapping anyone involved. But you must admit that any group calling themselves the World's Toughest Rodeo is making quite a claim.

There is part of me that kind of likes the idea of excelling at something like this. By pure testosterone, it is hard to find something that tops bullfighting.