Daily Dose of BS March 20

My 25th class reunion is coming up August 4th. I had a goal of doing 2 pull ups by then, I have been working on it for a couple of years, going to Snap, and taking boot camp classes. I am sad to say I will not be achieving that goal, but not for lack of trying. Last year I finished 3 5k’s by walking and made the goal this year to finish at least 6. Yesterday was my first step toward accomplishing that goal, I enrolled in a 5k class, a class that trains you in how to jog, or run in a 5k. If you know me I am not built for speed, and am working on the endurance part of it. What we started with last night was a 5 minute walk followed by a 60 second jog then a 90 second walk repeated many times, with a cool down walk. In my mind I was already crossing the finish line, umm no that isn’t what happened. If you want time to stop and the clock to run backward, jog for 60 seconds. I made it through the first minute of jogging and the 90 seconds of walking and about 30 seconds of the next one minute run, and then progressively less as the alternating hell continued. Only 46 days until the LaCrosse Fitness fest and my new found running skills will be put to the test, only 21 more classes before the race. The nice thing about this goal is I know I can walk the 5k but will push to jog toward the finish line, you know the weird thing about it, is I am looking forward to the next class on Wednesday.

Daily Dose of BS March 19

The crack of dawn comes early.  I am up by 4 most days for work; this is a big reason why I don’t like getting up early on weekends.  Sleeping in on a weekend is usually no later than 6:37.  Yesterday morning I woke up at 5:30 with a panicky scream and was reaching for the phone to call in late when I was reminded it was Sunday.  I was relieved and must have been tired since I then rolled over and started sawing z’s again and when I finally did roll myself out of bed it was 7:20, 7:20 what am I a teenager?  Never mind my teens sleep till 10 most weekends.  I don’t want to pull the when I was a kid card, but my Dad never let us sleep in any later than 8:30 and that is if we were lucky.  He used to say something like how can you soar with the eagles if you are going to stay up with the turkeys or something like that.  I have been an early riser for much of my adult life, and have been late for work less than 5 times in almost 20 years of morning radio.  Usually I set the alarm listen to the news, then get ready to take on the day.  

Daily Dose of BS March 16

When it comes to hiring someone to work around your house where do you draw the line? I hate painting, to me it is way worth bringing someone in who likes to do it and wants to do it. The few times that I have painted, I have stories to go with the jobs, for example when I bought my house I was painting the window frames around the screened in porch with barn red paint while up on a ladder I knocked the can off the ladder and splash, up the side of the house, over the screens and all over the deck boards. I admit it I yelled and dropped the word that curls your mothers hair, my neighbor ran out the back door, looked over to see me stewing asked if I was ok and asked me not to say that word again incase his wife heard it. It made sense to me and we were friends from that moment on. Painting to me ranks right up there with, changing oil, picking up dog poo, doing dishes, laundry and the countless other chores that are out there as a home owner. I don’t mind mowing, shoveling snow, cooking or grocery shopping, in fact I like doing these 4 chores, but where is the line and when do you hire out the job, isn’t that what kids are for?

Daily Dose of BS March 15

I was chewing gum yesterday and walking and then chewing gum and driving, talented I know. These are skills that most of us have mastered, I thought I was in the majority but apparently I can not chew gum and drive. When driving yesterday evening to a meeting I was enjoying the intense flavor of 5 rain gum when it happened, I looked away from the windshield and glanced out the side window at a motorcycle when all of a sudden the pain shot up and a tear welled in my eye. I drew blood, thank goodness I am a garlic lover and no vampires were around. The average 3200 psi bite of a human will pierce your lip and hurt like a found lego at night, or a stubbed toe. And once the lip surface is breached, look out ice water, coffee and every little flavorful morsel you indulge in, it will remind you of the unskilled bite you took. You would think a guy my age and my size would know how to chew gum.

Daily Dose of BS March 14

I was saddened this morning when I heard that encyclopedia Britannica is calling it quits and focusing on digital rather than hard bound information.  It was the 4^th grade Mr Gray was my teacher and encyclopedia was on my spelling list, I can still hear my Dad teaching me how to spell encyclopedia through song it was a song that he was taught when he was a kid and a song he passed on to me and my brothers.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cy2jWJtO3lE Remember it?  It’s the en cyclopedia e-n-c-y-c-l-o-p-e-d-i-a that was a song that was sang around the Schmidt household quite a few times over the years as I had it as a spelling word and so did my brothers.  I bet if you ask them if they remember the song that they remember it as well.  I also really enjoyed reading the encyclopedia especially the year book that my parents purchased every year.  It is too bad that such an icon is gone, but I guess I am partly to blame as I grew up with the World Book Encyclopedia and really enjoyed it but I do not have a set at my house.  What is the next to go the phonebook?  Never mind both the Eagles and Kelly Clarkson sang about the phonebooks fate.

Daily Dose of BS March 13

I heard on the news this morning that men who indulge in sugary pop or other sugary drinks increase their risk of heart attacks by 20%. I have also heard “If 100 drivers cause auto accidents, and they all ate carrots just prior to those accidents, that does not prove that eating carrots causes auto accidents.” I think you can slant anything, words can be twisted to say what you want, any data collected can be spun into just about anything you want it to say or prove. Do you want proof of that? Your proof is every time you turn on a news channel during an election year. How many sound bites have we heard or seen of a candidate taking the exact same info and make it say exactly what it is that they want it to say. After being in the media for so many years, I am a bit leery of absolutes, as there are very few of them unless of course you are in the liquor store then there are at least 13.

Daily Dose of BS March 12

I am lucky to have great neighbors not only in La Crosse but also at the family cabin. I have been lucky my whole life, never have I had the pain in the butt nosey neighbor nor have we had any bickering among the neighbors, if there has been a problem a phone call or conversation has fixed it, rather than a call to the cops, as they have better things to do than to be called for every dog bark or loud radio, ring the door bell, call or text your neighbor. We have no guarantee of who is going to live next door to us, my cabin neighbors probably thought oh great a city boy getting a cabin in the country, I didn’t disappoint I have had to call on my neighbors there as often as I have to call on my neighbors here. I am lucky that we are in the upper midwest and have people who are willing to put down what they are doing to help a neighbor in need. Yesterday for example, my neighbor who lives in La Crosse, went with me to the family cabin and we got my van stuck, I went to the cabin neighbor who was working on his fields to help me get my van unstuck, he did so with out complaint, and wouldn’t take any money either. It wouldn’t have been so bad but this is the 4th time he has helped this city boy out of a jam, and I can’t tell you how many times my La Crosse neighbors have helped me over the years. The more I think about it the more I may be that pain in the butt neighbor. Don’t forget Neighbors Helping Neighbors day coming up April 28th.

Daily Dose of BS March 9

Pat Robertson the televangelist said on his tv show that he believes that marijuana should be legalized. I guess that this surprises me, I have thought about this issue quite a few times in the past, and not because I am a pot smoker, because I am not. I think about the money that the government will be able to collect from the taxes on the marijuana and how the people who are in jail now because of it will be off the tax payers bill, not to mention the freed up courts and police time that is spent busting people for selling, buying and possessing the pot. Legalizing pot will help the country’s bottom line. I think if it is made legal that there should be strict laws governing the sales and consumption of the marijuana. I have heard that it is a gateway drug, but have also heard that cigarettes and alcohol are as well, yet both of these are legal. For these reasons I think that this may be something worth looking into. I however will still follow Nancy Regan’s advice and will just say NO.

Daily Dose of BS March 8

As a radio guy I have been in my share of parades. When I was first starting out in the business 20+ years ago I hated parades. I rode in many in Scottsbluff Nebraska, and when I moved to La Crosse my boss told me of this parade that was watched by 200,000 people. What? 200,000 people come to watch a parade that is crazy. I didn’t believe it, the end of September came and so did my very first Oktoberfest parade, 19 years ago I was overwhelmed and fascinated by this super long, display of endless local businesses and service organizations marching to the beat of a different drummer, literally, dozens of bands, vehicles and marchers in a seemingly endless parade. Yesterday we heard that Oktoberfest USA would cancel the Mapleleaf Parade if the city requires the group to pay $18,000 in new parade fees. These fees are part of a revenue-generating system adopted by the city to help balance its budget. I am guessing that the city will fold and allow the parade to go on with out the payment of 18 thousand dollars. How many business would be hurt if the parade went away? All the hotels would, the bars would, the restaurants in town would, don’t forget about the businesses that sell party supplies, souvenir sellers, the list goes on. If the city wants to impose some new fees why wait until the last second to throw it on the organization, it could be something proposed for the next year, but this year…leave it alone.

Daily Dose of BS March 7

I handed out a bunch of pens at the Family Fest a few weeks ago that had the LaCrosseWisconsin.com logo printed on them. At the fest I ran into a friend of mine Jamie who took one and I joked that this would be your new favorite pen, and she said no it wouldn’t and proceeded to tell me about her favorite pen. I was just joking when I said it because who would have a favorite pen? I gave her a hard time saying what does it make you write better, feel more creative, pay off your bills sooner? She answered yes, yes, no. It got me thinking, if there are favorite pens what other favorites could there be, do people have a favorite pencil, pad of paper, paperclip? There was a guy a few years ago from Canada that traded a red paperclip for a house, and documented his quest. I had the chance to talk to the guy and the concept was pretty cool, keep trading up and finally reach your dreams. Back to the favorite thing though, I could see a favorite coffee cup, or place to sit at the table even a favorite pair of jeans, or underwear but a pen? I guess if I really think about it we all have something weird that is our favorite something, what is yours?

Daily Dose of BS March 6

It is amazing that a fresh coat of paint can spruce up the messiest of rooms.  We are getting that fresh coat of paint from nature with the melting of the rest of the snow and the budding of the grass and trees, I know we are quite awhile away from the full bloom but just the tease of the new colors brings forth the rejuvenated feelings of spring and what comes with spring, playfulness the joys of being outside and the opening of the windows.  Today we are getting a reprieve from the winter with expected highs of 57, time to turn off the heat and let some outside in.  Hope you have the chance to get some fresh air into your life today.  The deeply inhaled fresh spring air held for a moment deep within your lungs and slowly exhaled will do wonders for the day and the menial problems you have in your life.  The first breaths of spring air opening the passages for at least a relaxing moment, before you are back at reality.  

Daily Dose of BS March 5

If you knew that you were going to die in 29 years what would you do differently?  I got an age calculator as an email and it asks 12 questions, 12 questions to your life span kind of weird.  Some of the questions deal with how you eat, your height, weight, and age, how active you are and whether you are a smoker or not, do I ever drink more than 5 drinks in a night?  Am I active for 30 minutes 4 times a week, and a few more questions I don’t remember off the top of my head, but weird that you answer 12 questions and the crystal ball looks in the future to see how much time you have left.  I obviously need to change some things to move that age up from 29 years to 43 years.  I would like to think I am just starting off the 2 half of my life, and if the second half is like the first I better buckle up and hang on for one hell of a ride.  

Daily Dose of BS March 1

Ever seen anyone pick up a beer bottle with a staw? I can do it, or roll a pool ball under the pool cue that is laying across the table? I am intrigued when someone tells me I can’t do something, I try it anyway. Last night I was watching a show that said you can’t hold an egg in your hand and smash it when using equal pressure all around the egg. My kids tried it so I thought I would I used the same egg that they tried it on and succeeded, they cried foul saying that the egg was cracked so I tried it again and did it, they kept saying you did this wrong dad or you did that wrong, so I videoed myself doing it and you can hear the egg pop, from the pressure of my grip. I was thinking that I was the bmoc, till I got to work this morning and googled it and watched many videos of others who thought they had super powers. They don’t it was a wives tale. I then thought that the eat six saltine crackers in a minute could be done, of course I tried it, I couldn’t do it but again went to youtube and saw it done. When people say it can’t be done some accept that answer - while others of us accept the challenge, which one are you?

Daily Dose of BS February 29

You’ve heard the saying once in a blue moon right? I wanted to know what it meant so I looked it up, a blue moon a blue moon is actually the second full moon in a single month. Full moons are separated by 29 days. Because most months have 30 and 31 days it's possible to have two full moons. A blue moon occurs every two and a half years on average. So a blue moon is more common then a leap year, today we are blessed with an extra day in the calendar, today is the 29th of February and is my half birthday. I am 43 but this is only the 10th time in my life that I have been able to claim the fact that it is my ½ birthday, not something we celebrate but remember when you were a kid you would say I am 8 and a half? I couldn’t say that most of the years when I was growing up and be truthful. Think of the lucky people who are born on the 29th of February like those born 84 years ago today turn 21 today, or if you were born 64 years ago you can now drive at 16. We are blessed with this one extra special day every 4 years, make the most of it, do something you will not forget. Try something you wouldn’t normally do and make the most of your day. Happy Leap Day.

Daily Dose of BS February 28

The older I get the more like my parents I become, my Dad likes to point out his shoes, or shirt or what ever else he has that has been around longer than I have. I didn’t think I did that but was reminded a couple of weeks ago when walking through Scheels in Eau Claire when my sons mocked me when we walked past the Zubaz display. My youngest said dad there are those pants you had while you were in High School, your cabin pants. He was right, from the moment I first laid my eyes on the soft cotton loose fitting pants I was in love. I remember wearing my black and white snake skin print Zubaz all the time back in the 80’s and early 90’s then they got packed away because I wasn’t about to toss my Zubaz, when I bought my land in the town of Freeman they came out and became cabin pants. My love affairs with Zubaz has been rekindled and not only are they back to making comfortable loose fitting sweats, but they are also doing hats, shorts and shoes. I will bet that there are some articles of clothing that bring you back to a much simpler time in your life, and if you could put your hands on them and relive the glory days of your life that you would. Want to win a pair? Go to Daily Dose of BS with Bob Schmidt on Magic 105 and comment on the Zubaz posting. The Daily Dose at 5:15 on Magic 105

Daily Dose of BS February 27

I am guessing in all your years of life you have been to your share of trade shows and conventions, right? I have, and every time I return my kids ask me what goes on at a trade show, why did you bring home a bunch of pens, mugs, can coolers etc. They really had no idea what a trade show was until they went to Family Fest that was this past Sunday at the La Crosse center, there were over 5,000 men, women and children who spent part of their Sunday enjoying hearing about many different businesses in La Crosse also taking in some local talent with the two big stages. In fact there were four retired Green Bay Packers there signing autographs to raise money for the Gilbert Brown foundation. The kids had the chance to bounce in the Big E’s bounce house, climb in the police cars and on the fire trucks, I had to try out the fire truck, and the helmet, it didn’t matter your age, Family Fest was for the family. Maybe we will see you there next year.

Daily Dose of BS February 23

Nope, it is not going to be a bad day. In fact today is going to be one the best days ever. I try to have that as my morning thoughts most days. Sometimes I slip and go negative but if I do then the entire day seems to be lost. If I start with positive, then for the most part things stay positive. I was pulled over yesterday morning on way into work, I could have let this shape the entire day, I didn’t as a matter of fact I was thinking about it as the police officer was walking up to my car, I am glad I talk on the radio and don’t have to deal with people in that situation, they really never know what they are going to come up on. I know that I wasn’t drunk or hiding a weapon or drugs in my car, but did the cop? No, multiply my traffic stop by the 10-15 stops that are made each day, and I am guessing that they run into things that they don’t want or didn’t expect on a fairly regular basis. Not a job I would like. This morning when washing my hands, I must have pushed the soap dispenser a bit hard and the soap came out of the dispenser fast and slashed all over my jeans, I guess it is a good way to clean up my act. Again, if this is the worst thing to happen today then it will be a great day.

Daily Dose of BS February 22

Slug bug yellow, whack. I had that yelled into my ear countless times this past weekend, followed by the small but hard fist of a 10 year old and a 13 year old. Even wonder if the people who drive Volkswagen Bugs buy them just because they were picked on as a kid and want the picking on to continue each and every time that they drive their cars? I asked a lady in the Shelby Mall parking lot a few months ago if she noticed people slugging each other when she drove by, she looked at me with her blank eyes and asked me what in the heck am I talking about, I explained to her the age old game of “Slug Bug” she smiled and went on her way, I bet now she drives by grade schools really slow with her hand on the horn to draw attention to herself incase the kids didn’t see her. My kids also play the game “PT Cruiser red no returns” which is basically the same game with a new player. Every time I hear slug bug I tighten up and expect it, cause it is coming. I think I am going to drive by the Volkswagen dealership someday and call slug bug Dad fight.

Daily Dose of BS February 21

I finally did it; I cleaned the inside of my car. It has been bugging me for a while now and yesterday I finally broke down and sprayed Windex all over the dash, the steering wheel, the panels and the windows, I let it soak and went through 5 or 6 paper towels. I also used 6 or 7 q-tips to clean the cracks and crevices. My back window got blown out last year during the tornado and with the tornado came wind and rain and flying stuff, I did a quick clean up when the back window got replaced, but never really got to the root of the mess until yesterday. It is amazing how a clean car will make the day seem brighter, well that and I can now see through my windshield. If I vacuum my car it will seem brand new, well besides the fact that it has over 337,000 miles on it. Heck it just getting broke in.

Daily Dose of BS February 20

Every two minutes we take as many photos that were taken in all the 1800’s.  Over 140 billion that’s billion with a B photos are now stored on facebook, if the old saying is true that is equal to a lot of words.  Most of us have a camera with us at all times, wondering what I am talking about check your phone.  We are becoming chronic over sharers, this is why I quit following twitter, I don’t need to know that you are brushing your teeth, getting to work, or eating a salad somewhere, if you were eating bugs or some weird thing, then maybe I would want to know, but why is it that we feel the need to post every little meaningless thing in our lives to social media?  I mean does anyone care?  Also we feel the need to be connected, do you really need to carry on a phone conversation with anyone while you are in line at the grocery store?  Here is something new hang up the damn phone and talk to the person in front or behind you in line, just smile and say hi.  Your hello may make that persons day.  Could you go a day with out being plugged in?  From tv, to phone, to internet could you do a day, two, a week?  I go lots of weekends without checking emails, on the computer, but feel naked with out my phone.  

Daily Dose of BS February 17

I believe I have earned my right to bitch, I vote every time and I think I have only missed a couple of primary election in past 17 years, and no general elections since I was able to vote. Before buying my house in La Crosse, I floated around for the 8 years from High School to home ownership, having worked in Mason City Iowa and Scottsbluff Nebraska. In both of those communities I found out where to vote and voted. The reason I bring this up is that there are some major things coming up both locally, statewide and nationally, locally there is the issue of a city administrator, statewide is the possible recall of the Governor and nationally this is an election year. We soon will be bombarded with lies on the radio, the tv from the different pac groups and via automated phone calls. I thought that if you signed up for the no-call list that these would stop, they didn’t. They are exempt, nice since they are the ones who make the laws, very convenient, allow a back door for their own agenda. Two days ago I got notice that my election place has moved, I live a couple of blocks away from the South Side Public library and now will have to vote at the Hogan Administration building a whole lot further away than the library. The funny thing is I just did a search of the new boundary lines and people who live next door to the South Side Library will have to vote at a new location also, while people who live further south in La Crosse will now vote at the Library. Now if I forget my ID it will take me longer to get home to get it, leave it to the government to make a simple thing more difficult.

Daily Dose of BS February 16

My dad just got back from vacation he spent the last month in California visiting my little brother and his family, my step mom’s family and just some general traveling. I have asked my dad to stop sending me forward emails, he seems to go in streaks of sending them, I talk to him, they stop for a while, he goes somewhere and returns with a box full of email and he finds the need to send the emails on. First of all I do not have the time to go through and watch every video, read every news story or every joke that he sends. I do like the emails that have some thought to them, you know the personally written ones, but these forwards have to stop. At least someone told him how to take the other addresses off the forwards, as they used to be 4 pages long of just addresses of half of America. Does anyone have any ideas for getting these emails to stop? I don’t want to be rude since it is my dad, but enough is enough, the madness needs to stop.

Daily Dose of BS February 15

Food is the sustainer of life. We all need it and some of us crave it. I am not sure about your family but I am the primary cook at my house, when I was younger I used to make lots of kit foods, easy to put together stuff, from there I moved to Hot Dishes (for those of you that don’t have friends from Minnesota, Hot Dish is Minnesotan for Casserole) I used to work with a guy who had a cooking show and I learned a lot about cooking from him and his guests. The best advice I got was to try “refrigerator door cooking” meaning grab bit of this and a bit of that with a dash of this to make the meal. I have been doing and experimenting with this way of cooking for many years now. I always love when the kids say Dad make that chicken, pasta, chili thing you made a couple of weeks ago. Um, impossible since it was a bit of this and a bit of that mixed with left over chicken from the other day. Most days the breakfasts that I bring in to work are a mix of the past few nights dinner, sometimes it is great, sometimes not so good but for the most part if you start with good and add good to it, good will be the outcome. Remember when refrigerator door cooking if you are in doubt add a bag of mixed veggies, and garlic then at least it will have color and flavor.

Daily Dose of BS February 14

When it comes to romance LaCrosse is the tops according to movie rentals from the Redbox DVD rental company. From number 2 last year to the top spot this year, we collectively lead the nation when it comes to renting chick flicks, funny how the top 10 renters of romantic dvd rentals are all in the upper midwest. I don’t think that we are just known for our movie rentals but also the places for romance in La Crosse, like a wait a minute I am a guy I know nothing about romance. I think that buying lunch once in a while or saying nice things is romantic. I have never been the candle light dinner walk, on the beach guy, and to hear sweet nothings from me is what you will hear, heavy on the nothings. I admit that I am not a catch, but I have a nice smile and a Redbox account. Happy Valentines Day, or as I like to say Happy VD. Hope your cured of it soon, with a shot from cupids arrow.

Daily Dose of BS February 13

I joined the LaCrosse Jaycees shortly after I moved to town at the urging of a boss I had. He said as a radio guy you should be part of the community. Guess what he was right, the friends that I have to this day most were friends that I met through the La Crosse Jaycees. I am also part of other groups like my church, all the organizations that my kids are involved in, and my Improv group Sum Assembly Reekwired. This past weekend I was involved with most of these groups including being a part of the Old School Entertainment show at the Grand Ball Room with my fellow improvers, btw there are many talented people here in La Crosse. After my show I went on a pub crawl with some of my friends from the Jaycees. If you have never done one of these I would suggest you get a designated driver and take in some local flavor. One of the bars that we hit Saturday night was one of the few in LaCrosse I have never been to, Tailgators, a diamond in the rough if you will, a good jukebox, inexpensive drinks, a diverse group of patrons, including another group on a pub crawl and Bernie the dancing bartender. Take in some local culture and be a visitor in your own community, visit like you have never been in town before. As DMI says about Historic Downtown LaCrosse you can apply to the entire city, Look, Live, Love…speaking of Love don’t forget Valentines day tomorrow.

Daily Dose of BS February 9

Social media, maybe it should be called time sucking media. Some love it, some hate it, most of us tolerate it. Since social media became big a few years ago, it seems to be the way that kids and even adults communicate. I am guilty of it, and if you are reading this on facebook, I am guessing you are also (especially if you respond). It has brought out the voyeur in us. How often have you clicked on someone’s profile to see what they are up to, even if you didn’t know them? We can check up on our old friends without them even knowing. Follow our favorite celebrity, our kids, or even the local radio guy. I am not saying it is bad, because it is not, it gives many of us an outlet, in fact I never knew I liked writing until I was challenged to come up with something everyday to post to my facebook account for my job.

Daily Dose of BS February 8

I am set on auto mode in the morning.  I have my alarm set.  I listen to a bit of news, and then get out of bed; I never hit the snooze button.  I have my mornings set to a specific time.  I go from bed to letting out the dog, to checking my emails and playing a game of farkle on facebook.  Next I take care of the 3 S’s, get my lunch, and a cup of coffee ready.  While the cup of coffee is brewing I put in my hearing aids.  I am set on autopilot.  This morning I put the water in the Kerig coffee maker set the mug next to maker and when the last bit of water was pumped through the Kerig I went to get my coffee, guess what I forgot to put the mug under the maker.  The good thing is that the catcher of extra spills under the maker is big enough for an entire cup of hot coffee, so I only had to dump the drawer, lucky.  If that is that is the only thing that goes wrong today then it is going to be a good day.

Daily Dose of BS February 7

I grew up in Minnesota, the land of 10,000 lakes. I never fished. My first time out was with my buddies Tom and Randy about 16 years ago here in La Crosse. I have loved fishing ever since. I went ice fishing about 13 years ago 1 time and it was cold and we didn’t even have a bite, tried it again about 7 years ago and same results. Anthony from Coulee Region Adventures invited me out to try ice fishing again late last week. It wasn’t so cold and we had quite a few bites and I learned a lot. Its not dirty pool to go where others are and to use a hole that someone else drilled, keep your back to the wind, and if the fish is too big for the hole you can drill a hole next to the existing hole to extract the fish. We didn’t have that problem, but if it ever arises, I will know what to do. My oldest son went ice fishing with his buddies over the weekend, the got 13 keepers, 20 over all, my two other boys want to go out and try it also. Living where it is cold for about 4 months a year does have its advantages if you like winter sports. If you don’t do what they say and wait 15 minutes it will change.

Daily Dose of BS February 6

Waffles they are not just a warm breakfast at a hotel.  For the past umpteen years my family and I have enjoyed a waffle supper on Super Bowl Sunday.  It happened when my oldest was a baby, I was reading the paper that Sunday morning and saw a waffle maker at some store, went to the store and bought one and have made waffles every year since, one time a year.  I have turned down going to Super Bowl parties because of the family tradition.  As a matter of fact I was not going to make them yesterday but the kids all said I gotta.  Last year was tough as my buddies had a Super Bowl card party since the Packers were in the big game.  I showed up for the card game prior to kick off then headed home for waffles and the Packers victory.  For me it is hard to watch the game when I don’t know the players, I watch it when my team isn’t in it for the commercials which is odd since I usually skip past them with my Tivo.  What was your favorite spot in the big game yesterday?  I liked the Hyundia cheetah one and the Dorritos sling baby.  I even liked the half time this year, I usually go do something else when the half time is on, there is some controversy over the MIA slip of the word that rhymes with Schmidt and the Flip of the Bird.  I didn’t see it till I went back and looked at it, and had to watch a few times to get it.  The waffle maker is put away and the buttermilk waffle recipe is too till next year when the Packers win Super Bowl 47.

Daily Dose of BS February 3

Ever leave the house without something and remember about two blocks away and then contemplate going back to get said item? I have many things to remember to do everyday like glasses that is a no brainer no glasses can’t see. I recently got hearing aids from Beltone and again getting to be a no brainer, in fact I have been forgetting to take them out before bed every once in awhile. But every once in awhile I will forget to put my hearing aids in. I remember getting my first real watch for my first communion when I was in first grade, I still have that watch but don’t use it I got another watch that my Mom gave to my Dad that I wear everyday, everyday but today that is. I left the house this morning without my watch. It is a weird and eerie feeling being without my watch, my wrist feels light and I find myself looking at my blank wrist almost non-stop. I am guessing if it was on my wrist I wouldn’t even notice it being there. Ever heard that time flies, not when you don’t know the time.

Daily Dose of BS February 2

Do you ever have those days like in the movie Ground Hogs day? When you wake up and repeat the same boring as hell tasks day after miserable day? I know when I was younger and had other people looking over me, I had days like that, gotta do what the man says. Guess what you don’t need to be stuck in the same remedial job, the same dead end place the most boring existence, you don’t need to and I will tell you why. You and you alone are in charge of your own destiny; unless of course you are under 18 then it’s up to your parents. You can get the ball moving in the right direction though. You can not and should not blame others for your failures. Cause guess what it is your decision to do this that or the other thing, quit blaming your spouse, boss, kids, parents, your social standings etc because you can get up and move, take off and never look back or take off and help those in need with a hand up. I have had one good quote in my life and try to live by it everyday so that I do not have a ground hog day moment. As I try to live by, "Life is too short to hang out with people you don’t love, work at a job you don’t like, to eat foods you don’t want and to drink s#!ty beer."

Daily Dose of BS February 1

Those three little words that made a difference in someone’s life. You know the three words I am talking about right, the 3 words that are right on the tip of your tongue, the words that mean more to you if you are in my age group than if you are young. The three words that the young have heard, but don’t truly know the meaning of. The three words I am talking about are, wait a second lets say them together, in 3, 2, 1. Ok here we go those three words are "where’s the beef" amazing what picture those words brought to your head right. You can now picture the old lady saying those ever famous words where’s the beef. It’s amazing that those words were written by someone we may never know, some nameless copy writer that put those words out there for us all to enjoy, like the other famous three words "hold the pickles, or hold the lettuce". Since today is the 1st of February there are 3 other words you should be thinking about since it is coming up in 13 days, you should practice these and make sure you have them down well and can say them with out stuttering, lets all practice saying. "Here’s your gift"

Daily Dose of BS January 30

If you do any traveling you are going to see the inside of a restroom or two.  There are the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to restrooms.  In 43 years I have been in my share of all.  I get grossed out at dirty ones, I am impressed at the clean ones, laughed at the one when I saw the Blue Man Group in Chicago and think it is weird when you go in to one and there is an attendant on duty.  When I went to Jimmy Buffet a few years ago at Alpine Valley there was a guy in the restroom handing out paper towels looking for tips.  There is a joke there but will let it go.  What a job, hanging out in the can and watching people at their most vulnerable.  Not only does that job kind of have the creeper quality to it, your sense of smell has to be shot for you to do that for a job.  I remember when my kids were young and they walked into the home bathroom after use and they would make a comment, they were told it was roses.  It is amazing that telling your kids that as a joke and to have them put that together with practical knowledge for example having the family go the conservatory at Como Park and in to the rose room and have the kids say we don’t want to go in there because they were afraid of the smell of roses.    

Daily Does of BS January 27

The dumbing down of America. You have heard that phrase before haven’t you? I have many times, and started to thing about what is the cause of the dumbing down? Is it the countless hours of so called reality tv that pollutes our air waves each and every day? There are people who are stars because of these shows. Like the Kardashians, I still have no idea who these people are and why they are stars, can someone fill me in? Kate plus 8 to me that equals 9 and about the amount of people that I would think would even watch these shows. I found out the other day that Jersey Shore has been on the air since 2009 and has been the most watched show ever on MTV. Isn’t MTV music television? It was when I watched it. There are shows about Hell’s Kitchen, Hoarders, Gene Simons and his family jewels, huh? I have never seen a whole episode of American Idol, millions of people have though. Why not put yourself out there and be on Bachelor and Bachelorette, I am sure you will find true love there. On your way to finding your true love you can be 16 and pregnant, go Dancing with the Stars, then after you find true love you can go on Wife Swap, there is the new version of this show that has celebrities swapping their wives, I am guessing with some this isn’t the first time that has been suggested. Are you a Survivor?(of what, most of us are of one thing or another) I have to admit I do watch Undercover Boss, and at times I must have been chopping onions when the reveal comes in.

Daily Dose of BS January 26

When you got to sit down and write something everyday, sometimes the pickings are slim, you are scraping the bottom of the barrel. There are days when I have no idea what I am going to write about till I sit down and start typing then an idea shows up out of thin air. If I start typing something usually comes to me, today however I am at a loss, the proverbial cat has got my tongue better yet my brain. I sat down with no idea what to write and as I am just typing nothing is filling in the space the only thing I can type is about how I have nothing to write about, I may as well been a writer on the show Seinfeld, since that show was about nothing and they made a career off the show, if my blatant attempt of filling space was as successful as the 22 minutes of nothing that they had week after funny week, I could have made a living off my writing, but it is not. I wish I had something to write, however I have brain freeze and not a dang thing I can do about it but to keep typing and hope that the old monkey theorem that states if you put a monkey hitting random keys for an infinite amount of time we most certainly will type the complete works of Shakespeare, today not so much just a monkey flinging poop.

Daily Dose of BS January 25

You’ve heard the saying “Tipping is not just a city in China.”  Guess what it really isn’t.  There is no city in China called Tipping.  I grew up in Minnesota, got my first radio job in Mason City and my buddy James told me about cow tipping.  We attempted it after a few bottles of liquid encouragement, the farmer came out with a shot gun and fired in the air, it was more than air that I passed that night.  I later found that you can’t tip a cow, I tried, they are big animals, you can’t moo-ve them.  I have been called frugal at times, by more than one person.  I like to hang on to my money and there is nothing wrong with that.  I do however tip well (at least 20% for a meal, not as much for just beers), I get embarrassed when I go out with someone and I offer to pick up the check and they offer to leave the tip and they don’t tip well, leaving only 10% or so.  I guess if you are getting good service and service with a smile, drinks topped off, and the little glimpse into the life of the person serving you, its gotta be worth something, right.  I have been out with people that pull the tip card out of their wallet to figure out the tip.  How hard is it to figure out a tip?  Move the decimal point over to the left one, if you have a $23.45 bill and you wan to leave a 10% tip it is $2.35, a 20% tip is $4.70, the ten percent tip doubled, and for a 15% tip spilt the difference.  Not rocket science, its rent, a car payment, groceries, etc. 

BS water cooler question of the day

We all know that youtube is huge but how huge is it? 

YouTube users now upload over 60 hours of video per minute!

A really funny but offensive criagslist posting.  Lots of swearing http://imgur.com/gallery/KqIme

Daily Dose of BS January 24

We got reminded again Sunday why celebrities should not sing the National Anthem. If he would have been a contestant on American Idol, he would have been chastised and put in the same category as William Hung, I am talking about the singing if you want to call it that of the National Anthem, by Idol Judge Steven Tyler before the Patriots-Ravens NFL playoff game. Besides Tyler’s screeching, he gave us his best guess of the lyrics, singing "as bomb bursting in air" instead of "the bombs bursting in air." Areosmith front man Steven Tyler's National Anthem ear plugging event isn't the first time a celebrity has butchered the Francis Scott Key tune. I know when I am in the stands of a game it is a hard song to sing along with, but if you can’t do it, don’t. Some other notable celebrity mess ups include Christiana Aguilera’s mess up at the Super Bowl last year, the July 1990 Padres game when Rosanne Barr not only did she sound like my neighbor kids garage band but, she grabbed her crotch and spit after being boo'ed by thousands of fans. How about when Michael Bolton completely blanked out and froze, legendary jazz singer Anita Baker hit a bad note with the National Anthem during the NBA Finals. Mike Eli of the Eli Young Band completely blanked on the lyrics while singing the anthem at a Kansas City Chiefs game. Or Olympic gold medal winner Carl Lewis, not only did he forget the words and sang off-key he had the audacity to stop mid-anthem and talk for a moment stating "Uh oh, I'll make up for it now!" before delivering the final line. Since we are on the topic of the National Anthem, when you hear it, please stand up straight, take off your hat, put your hand over your heart and reflect on what this great Nation means to you.

Daily Dose of BS January 23

The more things change the more they stay the same.  We used to have big cars then small cars then big cars now small cars again.  Records went away with cds then the big format in music, then mp3’s now people are buying albums again.  People used to sit at a typewriter and type out letters to send off, now people are using computers to do the same.  But what got me thinking about how backwards we have become is that lots of us are texting.  I just started about a month ago, I know late in the game, and to me it seems like a backward progression from where we where before texting.  Didn’t people used to send carrier pigeons to send messages?  It seems to me that we are going back to those days in a conversation that used to take a few seconds on the phone is now  dragged out into a half hour of texting.  I find it to be a distraction in life as well as many are doing it when they should be working, driving, paying attention - you name it they are texting instead, in fact I saw a lady at church texting the other day.  It has also made us oblivious to spelling when does l-8-r spell later, or b-r-b mean be right back, or semi colon parentheses mean smiley face.  And the sideways v with a 3 means I love you, It has been a lot of years since I had math class, now is that less than 3 or greater than 3?

Daily Dose of BS January 20

Everyday we get bombarded with hundreds if not thousands of junk emails.  I for one am sick of it.  I have a few email accounts, my yahoo one, my business one and my radio station one.  Between the different accounts and texts and various things that we get everyday I am guessing that we are reading a book a day, and that is just the messages that don’t get kicked out of our message in box from the spam filter.  After the first round of defense, I for one look at my inbox and delete about ¾ of my emails before even opening them up.  Who is reading this email?  Who is thinking this is a really good idea, send our account numbers to some Nigerian Prince so that they can smuggle money out of their country?  Why would I want to buy counterfeit prescriptions from Canada, Mexico or Alabama?   Why is some company in India trying to sell me SEO products for my business?  This type of marketing must be working because they are still trying to get us to pony up and buy this that and the other thing, or to send our social security numbers so that we can claim our 4.6 million pound prize from Google Belgium.  I hope your smarter than to send your information to someone asking for your info via the internet with a Dear Sir or Madam, or a phone call, but  if your not please send your check or money order to Daily Dose of BS 1407 2^nd Ave N, Onalaska Wisconsin 54650. 

Daily Dose of BS January 19

We have all done it, made a line in the sand and said I am not going to cross that line.  I promise myself I will never do..fill in the blank.  I wonder if it is a sign of the times, the society or that we are weak or maybe we make the lines that can’t possibly be kept.  There are some that are hard and fast rules that we should not do, but some do.  Every day we hear of people who have killed someone or robbed a bank or even embezzled money from you name it work, club, church, school..the list is as long as my arm.  When I was young and would get disciplined by my Dad I remember saying I will never yell at my kids.  Guess what if you have kids sometimes you yell.  Does this make a failure?  No way.  Sometimes we make the “nevers” in our lives unattainable.  If you say you will never lie, speed, kill someone, etc.  You can have each of those things happen, at the blink of an eye, with out even realizing you did it.  For example kill someone seems the harshest of the 3 I listed, lets say God forbid, someone runs veers their car into your lane to avoid hitting a deer and has a head-on collision with you, not even your fault.  The line got moved.  As the movie said, maybe we should “Never say Never again”, but instead say I don’t ever plan on doing that.

Daily Dose of BS January 17

I know looking at me I may not come across as a fan of shoes and comfort, but I am.  I am a huge fan of "clog" type shoes.  My love for them began about 15 years ago with a pair of Airwalk's that I bought, I ended up going back to the store and purchased 3 more pair that day.  I was in love, in the past 15 years I have burned through those pairs of Airwalk, when I couldn't find the same show moved on to the Keen slip on (didn't care for that one) then began wearing the the Merrell a few years ago(I wore them so much my friends started calling them my potato shoe, because of the color, they look like potato skins), this has been a good shoe, but can't find that shoe anymore, I happened across an ad on facebook for the shoe “The Todi Original” I looked over their site. (The Todi Original looked to be exactly what I like about the "slip on, comfortable shoe")  Could it be have I stumbled upon the next great shoe?  I ordered a pair, waited with anticipation, when the shoes finally arrived, I was about to burst with excitement, was I going to be in shoe heaven or shoe hell?  I wore them one day, then the next, and continued to wear these foot hugging backless wonders.  From their website “The Todi Original offers insole with the support to help the foot relax and the versatility to gradually conform and accommodate to the wearer’s unique foot shape..a roomy toe box enhance comfort, fit and style”  Could it possibly live up to the hype I built up in my head?  Well if you like the non-tie, slip on built for comfort, with great foot support and looks good as well, I would suggest picking up a pair of the Todi Original.  From www.todiusa.com I am looking forward to checking out the Todi Shane when they are rolled out mid year.  

Daily Dose of BS January 13

When I get a wild hair and want to get a few projects around the house done, it usually requires a trip to the hardware store, 9 times out of 10 one or more kid likes to go with. And when they do go I get called over to the candy shelf it started out as my kids saying hey Dad can we get this box of this or bag of that..as a Dad you say sure cause that is what you do. What started out as the kids asking, became me wandering by those shelves looking to see what caught my eye..even when they weren’t around. The kids started my addiction that I thought was put to bed long ago, the addiction of candy. I like chewy Spree, there I have said it, and admitted to it, that I think is the first step in concurring an addiction. I am not sure if you have ever tried these chewy discs of sour goodness. They come in Five bold fruity flavors: Strawberry, Grape, Orange, Lemon and my favorite the lime..weird since when it comes to candy I usually like the red ones. With a candy coated outer shell with a tasty chewy center. These are awesome, and they leave your mouth watering. That brings me to the reason for this writing. I believe that these candies tried to kill me, they are so good that they leave your mouth with excessive saliva production, so much so that it can be used as a form of water boarding. Now remind me why I like these again?

Daily Dose of BS January 12

You’ve heard of the 411 that is the info, named after the phone call to information.  411, I dialed that a bunch of times when it came out because of my poor spelling.  My parents got mad..it is not free to call 411 at least it wasn’t.. I am not even sure if it is even still an option as almost everyone had a computer or a smart phone and phonebooks really aren’t used anymore.  Today we had our first snowfall of the year..not of the season mind you but of the year.  We have had a few inches of the stuff before today but none that measured to much, in fact I think I only shoveled 2x so before this morning.  Today we will run in to and see multiple instances of idiot drivers we live in Wisconsin we should have the winter driving season ingrained in our DNA, unfortunately it is not.. we forget what that white stuff is every year and every year we think we are driving in perfect conditions with the perfect roads.  Well my friends that is not the case, we have snow and blowing snow today and we also have people that shouldn’t be driving, out there..driving.  So when you are out today make sure to give yourself plenty of time to stop, and turn, don’t tailgate and don’t ride the bumper of the person in front of you.  Also if you are going to be doing any traveling, don’t forget the 511, that is the Department of Transportations info number (and this is a free call), find the road conditions before you travel.  Remember snow means slow.

Daily Dose of BS January 11

Yesterday I combined two of the Schmidt Christmas gift for one big mess. We got one of the brew by the cup coffee pots and some travel mugs for Christmas. I really like the coffee pot, I can have a fresh cup of coffee when I get up, and when I want one later in the day…during the day I am tethered to the coffee pot at work while putting in my hours there. The one thing I don’t like about the coffee pot is that the individual coffees are kind of spendy, and they don’t quite fill up my to go mug that I have with me at all times. It takes about 1 ½ cups to fill the mug, so I run the water through the k coffee filter 1 and a half times to fill my mug and it turns out great. The travel coffee mugs we got are white and have the no slip grip, they are similar to the ones we got last year. You would think that a white cup with a white lid from the same company would have the same lid, not so much…the lid fits and I thought it was a tight fitting lid. It worked all the way to work, when I took off my coat and started drinking coffee at work, damn if I didn’t spill on my shirt, I re set the lid, and a few minutes later another spill. I am blaming it on the lid…too bad the lids don’t interchange. And I hope that coffee stains come out of my Drinks well with others t-shirt.

Daily Dose of BS January 10

Clamshell or blister packaging… the packing stuff that stuff is packed in these days.  You know the heat formed kryptonite layer of impossible to open plastic that stands between you and pretty much anything you buy these days.   I bought a part for my front door the other day and went to open the package with a scissors, I started by cutting around the edges, figuring that cutting three sides should be good, I can then pry the plastic off the brass piece that was engulfed in the wrap.  Guess what, not good enough, I then had to use the scissors to pry the pieces of magma welded plastic apart, finally a small tear in the wrap, success, I can get my finger in the slit and can now rip the rest of the plastic off the piece, well the plastic ripped all right just not off the part, somehow it managed to rip a gaping hole in my thumb and if you think a paper cut hurts, imagine a cut 3x wider and as deep, who ever heard of a plastic cut?  I never have till the other day.  Since we are on the topic of packaging, who is the lucky person who packs boxes these days, ever bought anything in a box with Styrofoam, then tried to get the same stuff back in to the box…impossible.  Or since Christmas has now come and gone, any kids toy is shackled to the cardboard box it comes in with twist ties, not one or two but 30-40 metal shackles like the manufacture was thinking that the toy would try to make a run for it, I am guessing that the toy won’t…I’ve seen Toy Story and toys live to be played with.

Daily Dose of BS January 9

Why is it once you reach a certain age that you think you can say anything to anyone you want? I think that this line of thinking is rude. I ran into a guy that used to call me on the air years ago at Menards last week. We exchanged pleasantries and talked for a bit then he felt the urge to put his hands on my belly and tap it while saying it looks like you’ve packed on the pounds. I told him that was rude and walked away. Well if you know I have lost weight, and been working on staying healthy by doing Boot Camp Classes with LaCrosse Park and Rec. This isn’t the first time that I have had people from an older generation blurt something out that was rude, and when I shared my story over the weekend with a few of my friends they too have had unfiltered comments from people their grandparents age. When did it become ok to be rude to someone? Is it once you reach 80+. Could you imagine if you said what you thought to everyone that you came into contact with? Not only would I get slapped but also kicked and punched …but I am sure I would get a few thank yous as well. Lets all try this, filter out the hurtful observations and share the positive ones…it would make a better place for us all.

Daily Dose of BS January 6

Your going on a trip overnight somewhere….doesn’t matter where next door or across country.  Picture what you have to bring.  Why is it as Americans we feel the need to bring everything we could ever think of for the trip?  You have to pack your toiletry bag, a book, a swim suit, a change of clothes, a laptop,  some snacks, my cpap machine, an extra pair of shoes….what else did I forget?  Oh yea camera, charger for my cell phone, the gps, coffee mug, winter hat, gloves, oh my goodness.   Why do we need to bring so much crap then if there is more than just you, you need to multiply all that by however many are traveling with you, and if kids are along you need toys, videos, games more snacks etc.  We have too much stuff.  I feel bad for the people with those little cars, how do you get all your stuff for your overnight in the vehicle?  I think this is why airlines started charging by the pound either downsize or buy lighter stuff.  Downsize, now there is a novel concept, would you NOT like fries with that? 

Daily Dose of BS January 5

In my 43 years of being on this earth we have seen a lot of changes from our cars, and houses to the things we buy and eat…heck about 10 years ago I would have never bought bottled water, now water is one of my favorite drinks.  I would have never thought I would be able to have a phone with me at all times let alone a computer attached to my belt, heck when myspace came around I jumped on it as a chance to promote my radio show to the  “new crowd” and thought what could ever be bigger and cooler than myspace.  When facebook came into existence I avoided it like the plaque now I post on facebook everyday, It is kind of weird when I don’t.  The reason I bring this up is because I was thinking I don’t know any kid named Bob, when I was growing up there where about 15 of us in my class from Rob, to Robby, and Bob to Bobby and don’t forget about Robert.  I was born in 1968 and then the top names were Michael, David, John, James and Robert….for the boys and Lisa, Michelle, Kimberly, Jennifer and Melissa for the girls.  Number one for 2010 was Jacob for boys and Isabella for girls and Robert was no where in the top 50.  Michael is still in the top 5 for boys and none of the girls names from 1968 made it to this generation.  To see where your name ranks check out the Social Security Administrations website http://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/

1968

Rank	Male name	Female name
1	Michael	Lisa
2	David	Michelle
3	John	Kimberly
4	James	Jennifer
5	Robert	Melissa

2010

Rank	Male name	Female name
1	Jacob	Isabella
2	Ethan	Sophia
3	Michael	Emma
4	Jayden	Olivia
5	William	Ava

Daily Dose of BS January 4

Losing is not an option.  2nd place is the first loser, if you don't win it, then whats the point.  That is what the conversation was this morning with a guy at work.  We were talking about the Badgers and how the Badger lost the Rose Bowl...I was saying they did well even though they lost, after all they made it to the Rose Bowl.  Some people not so much a loss is a loss as I mentioned in the first sentence, the first loser.  You are playing to win and if you don't then you failed.  I guess I like to win but to me winning isn't everything, for some it is the only thing.  With the outcomes of so many things win or lose, I guess that I have come to the conclusion that we will lose some and  we will win some, I prefer to have more wins than losses but it is not the end of the world for me.  I guess that why I don't let things bug me when my team loses...when their opponent makes a great catch, has a great hit, a super block an awesome pass, I will say great play.  I play to win but if I don't it isn't the end of the world.  Right or wrong, upbringing or competitiveness...I wonder if when you need to win all the time if you are playing darts, pool or tic tac toe with your kids if you walk around pissed the rest of the day.  I guess be a good loser and even better winner.  

Daily Dose of BS January 3

I remember my first job and not being able to get business cards unless I bought them myself, I declined buying them cause I was just starting off in radio and didn’t have any money and I am glad I didn’t cause I moved up and on from that job within a half year.  I didn’t get them when I worked in Nebraska because they weren’t offered and when I finally got into a management position and my own cards I had thought I made it.  Since that time I have had many different cards from different radio stations and for my own businesses.  I don’t remember ever handing out all the cards before something changed.  I remember being warned not to buy too many cards especially for my own business because something will change, and it did from email addresses to cell phones to addresses, to the name of my business.  I think the cards I have now are the longest running cards I have had, and they will need to be changed again as I LLC’ed my business recently.  I just read a story of how business cards are now a thing of the past that people will look for you online, but I am all for the handshake and the passing of the business card.  After all how is someone going to remember your url?  In my opinion the business card is not dead maybe just the boring ones are.  Here is a link of 100 really cool cards.  http://www.webdesignerdepot.com/2009/05/100-really-creative-business-cards/

Daily Dose of BS December 30

OH NO!!!! It’s going to be 2012, the world is coming to an end.  According to the Mayans the world is going to come to an end in December of 2012.  What should I do?  Get all my ducks in a row, by stock in Rolaids, and bunkers are us?  Do you think that worrying about the end of the world is going to do you any good?  Do you really think that the world is going to end in December 2012 because the Mayans got tired of putting together their calendar 5000 years ago?  Are you going to be surprised when you wake up on December 22 next year?  I mean in my lifetime there have been many dates that have come and gone where the world was to end, and guess what, it didn’t happen.  I remember as the year 1999 was coming to a close, there were many who were worried about the world crashing around us and the preverbal stuff hitting the fan, with computers crashing and the world starting to rotate backward, and people taking shelter in bunkers with pallets of bottled water and boxes upon boxes of mre’s.  Guess what they never needed them.  I don’t think it is bad to have a plan for emergencies but to change your life and waste your time worrying about the impending doom and gloom of 2012.  Someday your life will end, and it may well be in 2012, but is it worth the worry and wasted time when you could be doing something more productive? 

Daily Dose of BS December 29

We live in a pretty safe area, why do so many people lock and alarm their cars?  I very rarely have anything of any value in my car and if I do what is to stop someone who really wants what I have from taking it?  The reason I bring this up is a few weeks ago, I locked my keys in the car.  Stupid right?  I had to walk back in to the store where I was shopping and ask for a wire hanger, I luckily had the window open a crack so it was easy to get in.  Awhile back a co-worker had locked her keys into her car, so I did a bit of internet research to help her to break into her car.  No luck, I did find lots of bad advice on the internet and lots of myths that are out there to be busted.  She ended up calling a tow truck to break into her car.  Lesson learned….at least till the next time.

Daily Dose of BS December 28

Are you ready for your yearly lie? Lots of us start the year ready for failure. How often have you said to yourself this is the year I am going to...it doesn't matter what the ... is since many of us have filled in the blank with some unrealistic goals. Like this year I am going to Start Exercising, Eat Better, Spend More Time with Family & Friends, Quit Smoking, Enjoy Life More, Quit Drinking, Get Out of Debt, Learn Something New, Have a positive frame of mind, Be Real, Think to the future, Smile more often, Respond to all emails in a timely fashion, or do things for me....I am not buying that in your mind you think you are going to do those things, but lets get real. How often have you made those little promises to yourself? When I was a smoker I made that new years resolution countless times.  I finally made the decision to quit and haven't had a cigarette for over 4 years.  I didn't do it as a New Years resolution.  I did it as a birthday gift to myself and was good for one year, each year I have given myself the same gift.  To make your resolution better obtainable I would make it realistic, plan ahead, reward yourself, talk about it, remember that most people think that if you make a mistake that you've blown it...use your setbacks as a stepping stone or a learning experience.  Don't beat yourself up and understand that you will have set backs...it is not the end of the world to take a step back when your eye is on the end goal...basically quit lying to yourself and set realistic goals and have a plan of attack.  Good luck in your endeavor to become a better person. 

Daily Dose of BS December 27

Now that Boxing day is done, I have a few observations of the past few days.  Lets start off with last Friday, my mother came for a visit, I love my Mom and enjoy spending time with her...but she likes to sleep in and when they come for a visit, they sleep till at least 8, by 8 I have 3 plus hours of my day in the bag...that and when they come they sleep in the front room which is between the rest of the house and the front door.  I enjoy reading the paper on weekend mornings.  Christmas Eve was Saturday, we went to church as a family, amazingly the kids offered to do the dishes for Christmas Eve dinner...I think the last time that they offered to do dishes was last Christmas.  We then unwrapped gifts, it is amazing that 2 months of planning and a years worth of saving for can be done in less than 30 minutes...30 minutes to unwrap all those gifts...WOW, and this year we went slow.  Kids went to bed in hopes of a visit from Santa.  He arrived with bells on...no really I heard them.  The kids were happy when they came down at 6:30 Christmas morning.  Got the goods hooked up, played in harmony for about an hour when the screams of unfair could be heard from downstairs and then the tattling of he's doing this and she's doing that...Christmas breakfast was served and not one of the 4 kids offered to do the dishes.  I guess that they got what they wanted.  Mom left Dad then came, I love my Dad but he is opinionated and we clash at times (I guess I am like my Dad)...Christmas dinner and then back to the rotary lights with Dad, open more gifts and watch the Packers.  Bringing us to yesterday and again the kids arguing from the basement about who knows what.  Went to a couple of stores to get a few things with the kids...you know gift cards need to be spent right away after all.  I now know why yesterday is called Boxing Day, as the parking lots at the stores you feel boxed in and in the big box stores you are overwhelmed with people...back to work and no boxes and no "Dad would you tell him to share!"  Happy back to work Tuesday.

Daily Dose of BS December 23

Merry Christmas, there I said it.  I hope to not get shot over my wishes for a great season.  When I grew up everyone said Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.  Now we need to ask if it is ok to say Merry Christmas, and which New Year are you celebrating?  Call me old fashioned or naïve, I am wishing you good cheer for this time of the year, for me it is the holiday season.  I am not trying to push Christianity down your throat.  I was raised saying Merry Christmas, and I believe in the Christmas season.  I know that this time of the year is difficult for some and joyful for others, I am also aware that this time of the year is also a Holy time of the year for people with other beliefs, and if someone wished me Happy Chanukah I would not be offended, in fact I would embrace the fact that someone had good wishes for me.  I think that we as a whole have been too into the political correctness of the day.  It runs from those who won’t budge on the Merry Christmas and saying it’s Christmas damn-it and you should say Merry Christmas, to those who refuse to say or recognize the birth of Christ and the reason for the season.  Even the people who refuse to take part in any of the celebrating that is going on this time of the year.  Is it bad to enjoy the joy, the lights, the camaraderie of your friends and family, the smiles on Christmas morning when Santa delivers his goods?  I will continue to say Merry Christmas, for those that are non-believers please don’t take it as me trying to be political, it is a wish for good cheer, and by the way Happy New Year. 

Daily Dose of BS December 22

The guys I play cards with and I have a Christmas party and we exchange gifts and these gifts are the worst of the worst.  I think some of the guys lay up at night trying to think of the worst possible gift ever.  Last year one guy gave a padded toilet seat that he decorated with corn and chocolate bars.  It was hilarious...every year we try to out do the worst gift ever.  I found the perfect website for the white elephant gift person on your list.  Check out stupid.com, some of the stupid gag gifts that they have are a pooping reindeer sweater, a toilet coffee mug, a remote control whoopee cushion, a countdown clock, a doomsday calendar, a dashboard pole dancer and so many more stupid Christmas or white elephant gifts.  If you are looking to get the crowd to laugh at your January company Christmas party or to give the best gag gift for your gift exchange, I would check out stupid.com.  Back to my card playing friends, we have bah humbug friend, I will call him Tom...he hates Christmas, the whole Christmas season.  Well a bunch of my buddies decorated a 16 foot Christmas tree with lots of lights and a string of red solo cups, a huge Noel sign and put it on a timer all while Tom was out of town....I wonder if he'll send the electric bill to the card group....scrooge.   

Daily Dose of BS December 21

Hi my name is Bob and I have a hearing problem...I never get sick of hearing the jokes...what or huh.  The past 4 months have been great thanks to Beltone Hearing Center.  Last night I was watching tv with the volume at eight, when all of a sudden there rose such a clatter...I jumped from my recliner to see what was the matter, I opened the front door and to my surprise there was a small car with their hearing close to demise.  The bass was pumping so loud and so true...it was so loud I knew not what to do.  I wanted to run out and say turn it down, but was in fear that my voice would have been drown.  The kids were in the car, doing what I don't know.  I am sure that their ears were soon were to blow.  I wondered aloud and said to myself those speakers didn't come right off of the shelf, they scripmt and their proud...of the thumping of bass...it's too damn loud I wanted to yell in their face.  But thought once again about being young when I could hear, if they keep it that loud, they could be deaf by next year.  The season is among us to celebrate and be glad...having them turn it down would have them thought me their Dad...Merry Christmas to all and to all lots of cheer....and turn down the sound so that we all can hear.  

Daily Dose of BS December 20

My family and I made quick trip to Eveleth Minnesota (where the US Hockey Hall of Fame is) this past weekend, we left on Saturday morning and got back Sunday evening.  We went for a get together for my wife's family, for Christmas and such.  It was kind of fun as a couple of my brother in laws opened up and started telling stories about the trouble that they caused when they were kids.  I guess the statute of limitations ran out, that and their kids are old enough now to not try the stupid things that they did ( I am still holding a bunch of stories waiting for both those things).  The hotel where we stayed wasn't bad as they had a bar, and not on the windows.  The weird thing about the hotel is that they had ear plugs next to the beds and a card attached to them that read, please enjoy a quiet nights sleep, use these ear plugs to stop the trains noise.  It worked for the train but not for my kids snoring.  I Tivo'ed the Packers Game not Teeboed the game, meaning I DVR'ed it so that I could watch the Pack once I got home...my brother ruined my drive home and my Sunday night enjoyment of watching the game buy texting me this...It's all about the Chiefs...they beat the Pack.  I had avoided my buddies texts up to that point since they were at the game.  I figured my brother wouldn't be texting about the game right????  I was wrong.  

Daily Dose of BS December 16

Having friends is a good thing, there are so many ways to meet new people from the old school way of....school, to work to other friends to meeting people at a bar to online and all the ways in between.  I am very blessed I have many good friends, people who would do anything for either me or my family or other friends.  It is funny if you think about the way that we become friends, it all starts with the simple task of just saying hello.  Making eye contact and the ability to carry on a conversation.  This basic art of conversation is often lost with the way we are all now connected via the internet and texting.  What happened to the sit at the bar with a friend and being introduced to some of their friends and then carrying on conversation with them?  I got the chance to do just that last night.  One of my buddies who is an entertainer that travels the world has a friend who is an artist the two of them a retired guy and I got together for a few Downtown Browns at a local tavern last night.  We didn't solve any world issues, but did talk smart, told some stories and learned some about each other.  The art of conversation may be lost with modern forms of communication, but set me down with just about anyone and a beer and there will be conversation.  

Daily Dose of BS December 15

I have about this much patience...especially since I am getting older.  I don't know about you but sometimes it is the little stupid things that bug me like there is no tomorrow.  Like rude people, or people who talk on their phone at a volume 10x what the normal volume would be.  It is a piece of equipment with a microphone...microphones amplify sound, you don't need to yell in to the phone.  I am also irritated by people who say certain things for example this phrase "You just don't understand."  Really irritates me, it grates on my last nerve...I think it is because my son uses it all the time when he is trying to negotiate with me and is loosing the  argument.  What gives anyone the right to say those words you just don't understand.  Maybe I don't but do you need to point out that I am not that bright?  Maybe try to inform me with some words and ideas I do understand.  My Dad used to say you don't know and you don't know that you don't know.  I challenged him on that also by pointing out that he didn't know either, he quit using it.  I don't know what it is about getting older and not being as flexible but I am trying but please quit being stupid so we can get along.   

Daily Dose of BS December 14

Rain, Rain go away come again some other day.  I always thought it was April showers that bring May flowers.  I don't remember a nursery rhyme that has anything to do with December rain, do you ( how ever there was a A Gun's and Rose's song called November Rain)?  I for one am sick of the puddles in the back yard and the ground being just frozen enough to keep the puddles there and grass just dead enough to have the dog tear up what is left of the brown grass...we have a lovely stew of mud, a few leaves, some grass and what dogs leave behind mixed the right amount of kids toys in our yard for a wonderful fall / early winter backyard stew.  What good is living in a colder climate such as Wisconsin when you can't enjoy what the snow has to offer from skiing, to snowboarding to tubing and sledding, to ice skating, fort building and snow ball fights.  My oldest wants to get a snow mobile this year and I told him to wait till it snows...at the rate we are going it is going to be awhile.  While I am not a huge fan of the white stuff I do enjoy shoveling every once in awhile.  I know weird right, but there are people out there that enjoy cutting wood, so I stand by my enjoying shoveling...snow.  So for what it is worth, I wish we would get some snow, and be done with the rain at least until rain season.  As Bing Crosby sings...I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas.