Two things published in recent issues of the Globe and Mail ought to make ranchers feel pretty good about themselves. On that basis alone, they are worthy of repeating.
In the May 5 issue, Michael Kesterton found information for his Social Studies column indicating the top 10 most popular professions for heroes in romance novels. Cowboys came in at number two and ranchers at number 5. Out of 10 listed professions, cattle folks garnered 20 percent. 
Read Also
Worrisome drop in grain prices
Prices had been softening for most of the previous month, but heading into the Labour Day long weekend, the price drops were startling.
1. Doctor
2. Cowboy
3. Boss
4. Prince
5. Rancher
6. Knight
7. Surgeon
8. King
9. Bodyguard
10. Sheriff
If you think about it, ranchers are also bosses and bodyguards, and occasionally even sheriffs. That means they make up fully half the list of heroes that romance novel readers dream about. Oo-la-la!
The other item worth a chuckle is found in Robin Esrock’s May 5 review of tourism at Skyline ranch in southern Alberta’s Porcupine Hills.
The part that made me laugh is Esrock’s admirable and creative description of Moynihan: “Bill looks like he chewed on Jack Palance and spat out Sam Elliott.”
I get the picture.
