Max Armstrong

FIRE THREAT persists. Extinguishers and chisel plows on standby again today. IN farmer I know put out a fire yesterday…this friend in NW Ohio wasn’t as lucky.

NFL-PUMPKIN FARM EFFECT. Grower friend was grousing a bit about this season. “Packers and Bears have hurt on Sundays.” (One could imagine Vikings (6-0) and Chiefs (5-1) region sales took a hit too.) Seven Sundays in autumn can account for 20% of annual sales. Games offset some of the positive effect of dry October weather, he said.

Could have been worse. 480’ tv tower came down near Danville, Illinois after guy wire was hit. WAND-TV, Decatur, lost a translator tower that boosted its signal along the state line. It’ll be a little fuzzy there now for Channel 17. @wandtvnews pics.

FOREIGN OWNERSHIP OF AG LAND. @FarmBureau @Faith_Parum

Looks like it, in a field, alright. Called the “Harvester.” Scouts to be made by @VW, usage licensed by @navistar. It’s electric with a small gas engine to recharge the battery. (500 mi. of combined range, they say.) Spend any time in an IH Scout, made from 1961-1980?

Ship this. Guy in post office line had something more exotic than my little book box. (Recalling when grandfather unloaded baby chicks at the train station.) Ever ship or receive birds?

Anybody check cattle with one (No, it wasn’t needed, but…)

Windshear or runway congestion? Have been on 3 flights (that I noticed) where this happened. Pilot yesterday was just about to land, then goosed it and climbed for a go around. “Thanks for your fine work up here,” the passenger said, passing the cockpit door.

RetroAg. Squirting sunflower seeds from #Mycogen circa 1996.

“Grind it ‘til you find it, Maxie.” Those Korean War Era trucks have brought home the expression.

Survey was prompted by the more numerous calls the past week. And it brought an Orion memory: A few times I heard him deflect a survey call by quoting his fee to the pollster. “You’re being paid to make this call. I should be compensated for my expertise you’re seeking.” CLICK.

A personal first, I think: “You probably didn’t know that your name came up in Federal Court testimony the other day,” said the guy who won the case. “Uh, no sir…and I have an alibi.”