Watch out for bad, fradulent and misleading information on the internet!

from a post to the Extensioncoffee shop by Ron Torrel for some Nevada cattlemen.

"Apparently “Craigslist” is an internet site where information can be posted, items bought or sold. I understand this site is very popular. Since the running of this post “Craigslist” pulled the listing, obviously because it was a hoax. The contact number they listed is from what I am told is that of Senator Ensign’s office not the Carson City BLM number as indicated."

RECENTLY POSTED ON (and removed from) "CRAIG'S LIST"
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FERAL / UNBRANDED CATTLE HUNT THIS WEEKEND (FALLON)

This weekend the BLM is allowing a feral / unbranded cattle hunt on public lands in and around Fallon, Nevada. The purpose of this hunt is to reduce the negative impacts to range land and wildlife health caused by an overpopulation of cattle on public lands. This time of year all legal ranchers are required to have their cattle on private grazing lots. Any cattle left on public lands are considered abandoned or feral. This is a 24 hour hunt. The hunt begins at 7 am Saturday the 16 th of January and ends at 7 am the following Sunday morning.

Cabela’s is offering two $1,000.00 gift cards. One for the largest cow and one for largest bull.

All participants are required to check in with their harvest after the end of the hunt period at the Churchill County fairgrounds. You keep what you kill.

For more information please contact the BLM office in Carson City at 777-885-9111
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While I would expect virtually all western cattlemen to reject this advertising, hoaxes like the one above as well as dozens of other "urban legends" are constantly circulating on the internet. These often play on our heart-strings or to our fears or prejudices, which make it very easy to "forward" them to all of our friends. Before you forward inflammatory or derogatory material, take a minute to think about whether it could be true.

I received an email with the purported copy of a letter from a service man who claimed that Starbuck’s corporate office had returned a letter requesting donation of coffee to overseas servicemen, saying that not only did they not donate coffee, but that they did not support military personnel. The plea of the letter was for everyone to stop buying and drinking Starbucks coffee. I have to admit that it made me mad!  After a little thoughtful consideration, it occured to me that no self-respecting corporate officer is likely to say this, even if they didn’t support servicemen.

"No Coffee for Marines in Iraq"

Another “urban legend” is that McDonalds buys large amounts of beef from South America, is largely false as well.

McDonalds Buys South American Beef

If you want to satisfy your curiosity about a story that is circulated to you, or just amuse yourself with what people will believe, try using snopes.com. This outfit traces the origin and history of circulating rumors and urban legends...You’ll be amazed what folks will believe!  Try not to be one of them!