Daily Dose of BS June 14 getting old

There is something wrong with my mirrors in my upstairs bathroom.  I tell you there is something seriously wrong with them.  I used to wake up look in the mirror and say to myself good morning handsome let’s get ready to take on the day.  And I could always lie to myself and sneak that hello handsome in without feeling like a liar.  Lately I haven’t been able to say this in the morning, as the guy in the mirror is much older than me, he has bags under his eyes, and his beard is turning a few shades of gray, not quite 50 shades but many colors of old.  I don’t know what happened to that mirror, at first I thought it was my eyes playing tricks on me but when I get outside the beauty of living in Western Wisconsin is all around, it must be time to replace my upstairs mirrors.  

Daily Dose of BS June 13 Fathers Day

Father’s Day is Sunday.  It is funny we don’t do as much or say as much about father’s day as we do mother’s day, and I wonder why?  Dads are just as important as moms.  At least I hope that is the way they are thought of.  As a son of a great father I know that I often forget to let him know how much he means to me and how the lessons in life that he as shared and taught have been noticed and lived by, but I am guessing he knows.  If he has missed the clues, I just want my dad to know that I love him and am grateful for all that he has taught me and thankful for all he has given me over the last almost 45 years.  Dad I love you and Happy Father’s Day.

Daily Dose of BS June 12 smoking

I used to be a smoker, I look back at it now an wonder why.  I see many young kids picking up the habit and think the same thing, why.  One of the smarter things I have done was to quit.  I have a few friends who still partake in the habit but for the most part they have all quit as well.  I have been seeing the e-cigarettes more and more and in the weirdest places, like while walking through the grocery store and in the movie theater.  Why is it ok to smoke these in public but not a regular cigarette?  I think you are still adding chemicals to what I am breathing right? 

Daily Dose of BS June 11 jaywalkers

If someone is in the cross walk I will stop and allow them to cross the street.  I am very much not a fan of the stoplights controlled by the students by Jade,  lots of times they will push the button and then cross without waiting for it change, it changes when cars get up there and you have cars stopped on West Ave without any pedestrians.  Kind of irritating.  I went south on highway 35 the other day cruise set at 58 when an idiot walked out in front of me, I found this much more irritating than a car pulling out in front of me cause if I was not paying attention I could have killed this guy, if you have no regards for your life that is one thing but if you are putting me and my family in harm’s way shame on you. 

Daily Dose of BS June 10 fist bump

I very much dislike the fist bump, and I always get caught with it, meaning I bump back.  I think I am old school when it comes to hellos and meetings I like the good old fashioned hand shake and eye contact.  I was at a bunch of graduation parties over the weekend and saw a dad of one of my sons friends dads and said hi, he turned said hi to the other guy at the table shook his hand gave a few pleasantries to him looked up to me, gave me a fist bump and a nod then moved on.  I have been kicking myself since for allowing this to happen.  I think I am going to start saying I’m not comfortable with the fist bump, either that or just not do anything.  I know that this is rude, but isn’t a fist bump just as rude?  

Daily Dose of BS June 7 they are watching

Big surprise here a disclosure of two secret surveillance programs.  I am shocked, and outraged.  You are asking yourself is Bob for real?  No I am no, how can I surprised or shocked?  I have assumed that all of our communication is monitored when we are using public airways.  Heck there are pictures of all of us and all of our structures online, thank you google and satellite images, why would our verbal or written communication be safe?  I would like to think that they, and by they I mean big brother isn’t looking at what I am talking or texting about.  Also if the government is looking at what we are looking for on the internet, maybe they can help me, I am looking for some good quality used windows and an outside door for my cabins shed.  Also if they really are here to help, I am also looking for a rear tined tiller.  

Daily Dose of BS June 6 Shipped my pants

Advertisements are everywhere.  There are some I enjoy and others I can do without.  The new Kmart campaign that is I believe an internet only campaign is awesome.  Have you seen the “Shipped my pants” ad or the “Big gas savings” ad?  Those are some creative commercials getting lots of extra play because they have gone viral.  Are there any commercials that you think have ranked up there with either of these two?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWeKbh000nI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hL4lSavSepc

Daily Dose of BS June 5 couponing

I know I have talked coupons in the past, but I think it is important to talk food, and food savings every once in a while.  I admit I am a coupon and deal shopper.  I have gotten better on buying things that I need rather than buying things just because they are a good deal.  My brothers call me frugal, others may see me as cheap, but I don’t care.  I have been told in the past by men who I work with that dudes don’t use coupons.  I think that if you are not using them you are not a man.  What is the stigma of a couple of coupons?  The extreme couponing I don’t agree with, because who needs 150 bottles of anything, that is hording and another issue, but saving a buck or two with a couple of coupons in my opinion is the right thing to do.  

WHICH CAR GETS THE MOST COMPLAINTS?

Highlights of a new survey on customer loyalty and complaints …

• Nissan has the lowest loyalty among the large car brands; Ford has one of the highest.

• Most complaints have to do with powertrains, hardware, and electronics.

These are the cars with the most safety complaints …

5. Dodge … Model with most complaints: Grand Caravan.

4. Chrysler … Model with most complaints: Town & Country.

3. Smart … Complaints per 10,000 sold: 25.

2. Jeep … Model with most complaints: Wrangler.

1. Mini Cooper … No car brand received more complaints per 100,000 vehicles sold.

– Sourced from Edmunds.com

Daily Dose of BS June 4 safe in your own neighborhood?

In the past year there have been at least 4 homicides in my small town.  Four people’s lives have been ended prematurely.  There have been shootings, and stabbings and robberies, home break ins and lots and lots of drugs bought, sold and made.  The FBI have been here for drug busts and they have helped in murder investigations.  Welcome to small town America.  What happened to the white picket fences, and the neighbors helping hand?  When did the littler communities become a place for more than an occasional graffiti, toilet papering or shop lifting?  What is our country becoming?  Do you feel safe in your community, if not what are you doing to make a difference?  

Daily Dose of BS June 3 everyday extras

We all have them, the people in our lives that we don’t know but we see everywhere.  I saw a few of these people over the weekend and actually asked someone who that person was and they had no idea.  The weird thing is that I asked the host of a graduation party I was attending.  Do you recognize your extras?  Have you ever tried to engage them in conversation?  Some of the extras are the people you expect to see like the friendly face at Festival foods or at Kwik Trip, or they woman with the scarf and gloves, the anti-gravity lady that walks downtown, of the guy who rides his bike with the tank top and skirt on.  We all have them, don’t be the extra in everyone’s life be meaning for some.  

Daily Dose of BS May 31 craigslist

Craigslist is an amazing beast.  I have sold most of the things I put on there in just a few days.  I wonder the business model when it comes to making money on that site.  There is no advertising and no charge for listing.  What am I missing?  I am glad to see this business work because of what I was talking about earlier this week on how we want bigger, faster, and stronger.   This allows us to have this and to have it be new to us yet keeps it out of the land fill.  I also have found that people will be willing to pay a bit more for items on craigslist compared to if you were to sell it at a rummage sale.  Plus you can look for the bargains you are looking for and the best part of it all is you don’t have to have a rummage sale.  

Daily Dose of BS May 30 wants

We are on a constant quest to become happy, if only I had this or that or the other thing, always wanting bigger, faster and stronger.  When are we going to be happy with what we have?  I don’t know if that is ever a possibility.  I try for inner peace, I really do but with all the bright lights and constantly being bombarded with buy this, its newer, it can make you fill in the blank.  When are we going to say enough and be happy.  I am not sure if it is possible in world we live in, and that is too bad.  I don’t want to settle but when do we decide that we don’t need any more, that the widget we have is great and I can do without the upgrade.  I don’t think that that will ever be.  

Daily Dose of BS May 29 look me in the eye

I am a big fan of looking people in the eye.  I dislike when you’re talking with someone and they don’t look at you when talking with them.  That eye contact in business and personal relationship helps to build trust, and a bond with the person you are talking with.  I think that the smart phones are killing this with the next generation, just watch as your teenager has conversation with their peers and with adults, I’ll bet that they don’t keep that eye contact do they?  According to a survey that was just released adults make eye contact between 30% and 60% of the time in an average conversation they should be making eye contact 60% to 70% of the time to create a sense of emotional connection.  Try this at work today look everyone in the eye ( but don’t stare), ask questions and listen to the answers.  If you do this you will have a better work day I bet.  I interview people every day while at work and I sure prefer the face to face interviews better than the phone ones for this reason, I know that I have the person that I am interviewing’s full attention when face to face because of that eye contact.  

Daily Dose of BS May 28 friends

Friends are a great asset.  I have always known this but over the weekend I had a few step up and offer a helping hand.  I am so blessed to have a great group of friends who are willing to add expertise in just about any situation brought to them.  I have wanted to get a shed built at the family land and my friends hit it out of the park again.  From planning to the tools to leg work, 7 guys gave up part of their weekend to help with the task at hand.  The weather was a bit of a deterrent but after a 3 hour rain delay we accomplished quite a bit of the job.  I also got some apple trees and raspberry plants in the ground.  Who would have thought the last weekend before June that we would need stocking hats and gloves? 

Daily Dose of BS May 24 freedom is not free

Freedom is not free.  We have all heard that, and as a younger man I didn’t get it.  I do now.  Our freedoms are a gift to us from the generations of yesterday and our brave men and women who are currently enlisted in the military.  As we kick back and enjoy a few beers, and food grilled over the open fire this weekend, as we take in the three day unofficial start to the summer let’s spend a minute remembering the sacrifice that many before us have made, and let us not forget about the young men and women who are serving our great country now.  Without the bravery of so many, we would not be as free as we are.  God bless the people who work day in and day out to keep us free.  Remember freedom is not free, someone made a choice.

Daily Dose of BS May 23 big changes

Big changes in the Schmidt house, my oldest graduates from High School tomorrow and then off to his next stage in life, not only is he graduating but all my kids move on to the next step in their career.  My middle son graduates from middle school and on to high school, and my twins move from grade school to middle school.  Big changes.  I am excited for my kids as they embark in the next phases of their lives; I hope that they each find the path that is best for each of them.  One of the things I have tried to teach is that life isn’t easy and it is what you make of it.  That only they are in charge of their own destiny, and to think ahead, as my dad used to say to me that your head isn’t just a place to hold your glasses or hang your hat.  I think that is the best advice that I got.  Think.  

Daily Dose of BS May 22 oktoberfest

Big changes for Oktoberfest next year.  The fest is going from a 9 day celebration to a 4 day party.  I am not sure how I feel about this, I moved here in 1992 and have enjoyed fest for the past 21 years from the opening day parade all the way through to the end, multiple parades, lots of brats and you can’t forget the beer.  I moved here right after the beer throwing ended, for that I am glad, but the traditions of fest are changing.  I guess that things need to change or face doom, and I hope that this is going to be a step in the right direction.  I have been a part of enough organizations to know that there will be people bitching about these changes and bitching loud, but what I have found that most of the people who complain the most are not really even a part of the organization, because if they were they would have stepped up at a planning meeting and said something.  I for one and not sure of the changes but I also don’t have enough time to devote to keep things the same.  I am looking forward to the change and wish the Oktoberfest USA folks nothing but the best.  Because after all you can’t end September in La Crosse without Oktoberfest.

Daily Dose of BS May 21 tornado

Two days short of two years.  It is a sad situation when there is a tornado that rips through a community.  Just about two years ago the tornado that ripped through La Crosse and caused millions of dollars’ worth of damage was on the same day as the horrible tornado that killed at least 158 and injured over a thousand in Joplin Missouri.  I live in the La Crosse neighborhood that got hit the hardest, I was lucky that only a little damage was reported on my block but 3 blocks away trees were down, garages were tore from their foundations, and houses and businesses were damaged.  We were lucky here that no one was killed or even severely hurt.  Joplin wasn’t so lucky, their whole town was affected.  Now two years later almost to the day Moore Oklahoma has a twister that devastated this community.  My heart goes out to the families who have lost loved ones.

Daily Dose of BS May 20 medicine cabnet

My sons graduation party went well over the weekend, you could not have asked for any better weather and getting together with many family members was nice.  It was funny to hear our relatives from Minnesota say we better fill up here before we leave since the gas prices are usually cheaper there than here.  Having a party puts you in a vulnerable position.  I read that 39% of guests look in the medicine cabinet of the host of a party.  I just read this stat this morning after our party had I read beforehand I would have maybe added a surprise for the guests like a jar of marbles or a fake rat, or some weird fake something or another.  Then again who said I didn’t. 

Daily Does of BS May 17 idiot drivers

Idiot drivers.  Do not pull out in front of someone on a highway then not get up to speed and then turn at the next driveway.  If you ever wondered why people flip you off or honk at you this is the reason.  That is the clean version of what happened to me last night when headed back home from the cabin.  I had some idiot pull right out in front of me…ugghh.  I am sure I had a moment of happiness that there were no kids in the car with me.  Pay attention. 

Daily Dose of BS May 16 fuel costs

What the heck?  Gas prices are creeping up to where they were last year.  We are close to 4 bucks a gallon again, in fact in La Crosse we are 15 cents from that 4 buck gallon.  To me this does not make since, as we are using more wouldn’t the processing of gas be more efficient?  It happens every year about this time and we as consumers just take it.  The sad thing is that now when it dips to about 3.25 I have found myself and heard my kids say look at the cheap gas.  That gas is not cheap, because the cost of fuel is creeping ever higher it is taking away from the things in our lives.  Come on lets lower to cost of fuel.

Daily Dose of BS May 15 take responsibility

If you do something wrong man up-take responsibly for your actions.  I had some cans of paint out by the garbage and some kids went by and kicked the cans over and had the paint spilled all over the driveway and the alley.  I caught it within 5 minutes and worked about an hour on getting the spill contained I had a bag of sand that I used to soak it up also threw dirt on the paint also to aid the soak.  I worked a bit but its not as clean as it was.  I found out from a couple of the neighbor kids who it was, I asked them to have the kids responsible for it to come talk to me.  They did.  I am mad but not as angry as I would be if they wouldn’t have come and talked to me.  They told me they would clean up the mess, I believe that they will after school today.  About 20 minutes after I talked to the kids a man showed up at my front door.  Oh oh I thought, it was one of the dads, he came to apologize for the kids messing up and told me that it would be fixed.  I can't be that mad if the kids manned up and the parents are involved, things are all good, I just hope that the paint gets cleaned off the driveway. 

Daily Dose of BS May 14 manners

I remember when I was a kid my mom and dad always told me to say please and thank you.  My kids are 17, 14, and twins who are 11, I tried to teach them the same thing.  I think I may have got through to them as I will once in a while hear from someone on how polite one or the other are.  As a parent this is a feel good moment.  I think working in radio I have the chance to see the best and the worst, take for example the Wisconsin Dells season opener cards a couple of our radio stations are giving them away and they cause quite the stir, people will line up for hours before hand with the hopes of getting passes to the Dells.  I did a broadcast, and a giveaway last Saturday, and there were over 400 people lined up for the 300 free tickets.  I would say only about half the people who got a free Dells pass said thank you.  Now wouldn’t you think that if someone gave you a free no strings attached coupon book that you would say thank you?  Please remember your manners.  

Daily Dose of BS May 13 Moms

Yesterday was a celebration of Moms everywhere.  It was Mother’s Day, a day to either send your mother flowers, candy, cards, or all of the above.  It is unfortunate that this day is only one day to celebrate your mother by taking mom out for breakfast, lunch or dinner, a day to treat your mom like the queen that she is. I hope you were able to do that.   I think that many of us take our moms for granted, in fact we take a lot of the moms in our lives for granted.  The love from a mom is tenfold that of any other love out there.  I am blessed with many Moms in my life from my own Mother, to my Step Mom, my Wife and all my great friends who are Moms I hope you all had a great day.  The reason for the day late writing is I wanted to share my disgust of the cowards who shot up a block party in Louisiana.  I heard early this morning that 3 gun men were seen running from the crowds after the shooting.  19 people were injured.  Come one, why in the HELL would someone do this?   

Daily Dose of BS May 10 stuff

Got a few things on my mind today, first of all how come the two brothers in Cleveland, the Castro brothers are not being charged?  Aren’t they guilty by association?  Did they never watch the young ladies?  Why didn’t they call the cops?  I don’t get it.  I ordered pizzas last night for the kids cause I had a meeting, I asked what they wanted and the old standard sausage, peperoni and extra cheese was asked for and my youngest son said dad get that one that you like so I asked the chicken, jalapeno, pineapple pizza he said yes.  He ate a half a piece.  I guess I will be having lots of leftover pizza for the next day or two.  Finally when it comes to tv show what is the best all time tv show in your opinion?  

HIGHEST-PAID COLLEGE MAJORS:

A new listing of the best-paying fields of study and their average starting salaries …

10. Finance: $57,400

9. Engineering Technology: $62,200

8. Management Information Systems/Business: $63,100

7. Electrical/Electronics & Communications Engineering: $63,400

6. Mechanical Engineering: $64,000

5. Aerospace/Aeronautical/Astronautical Engineering: $64,400

4. Computer Science: $64,800

3. Chemical Engineering: $67,600

2. Computer Engineering: $71,700

1. Petroleum Engineering: $93,500

(And coming in at #9,628 … Radio DJ.)

Daily Dose of BS May 9 zombies

Are we raising a bunch of zombies?  Are the stories of the apocalypse zombies talking about us?  If you drive anywhere or go on any transportation or have kids or work with anyone you know what I am talking about.  We are all turning into a bunch of mind numb and dumb zombies.  I challenge you to go a day not without your phone or even texting anyone but to go a day without looking at your facebook, twitter, texts etc when someone else is around.  We used to have conversations with people face to face now we text our ideas and put them on the web in hopes of grabbing someone else’s opinion, it seems as though we care more about someone miles away or even someone we don’t even know more than the opinion of those around us.  I know cause I am guilty of it as well.  I do not want to be a zombie or brain dead or lose the ability to talk with those around me, so if you see me texting, facebooking or tweeting when I could be talking with someone else, please point it out.  We need human conversation. 

Daily Dose of BS May 8 3 Cleveland woman

In the past 24 hours we have all heard about the three women who were found in Cleveland.  Hard to believe that these 3 women were found just blocks from where they were taken.  This story gives hope to other families who have been affected by kidnapping and missing loved ones.  I have a difficult time grasping the fact that there are people out there who would do something so bad to another human being.  This is appalling, but the end result has been amazing.

Daily Dose of BS May 7 online taxes

Sales tax on things bought online?  Really we are going to do that now?  It’s about time.  I think that having us as consumers pay sales tax online will even the playing field for many of the businesses that are struggling out there.  My question is how do we pay tax on things we buy from out of country?  Maybe a better way would be to have the business who sold the items have a set of books that show where whatever they sell is shipped to and then have the seller pay tax in that state, this way it would be up to them to figure out the tax and incorporate it into their price.  Not that I support paying more taxes because I don’t but it only makes sense since you are supposed to  be paying sales tax on things you bought online directly to your state anyway.  You are doing that right? 

WBA Award audio

I have had a couple of requests for the audio that won the awards, here is a link to that audio.

Soundcloud Audio for WBA Awards

Daily Dose of BS May 6 WBA

I had a surreal weekend, I got to represent the La Crosse Radio Group at the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Awards in Madison.  We as a group were up for 4 four awards and won two first places and two second places, not too bad considering we were up against the rest of the state’s medium markets.  While standing in the reception area, it hit me that a lot of the voices that we hear from around the state on the radio are standing in this room and lots of the tv personalities from around the state are here as well.  There was an open bar for about 45 minutes then off to dinner, and the food was good.  I had no idea what to expect at the awards, they started promptly at 6 and there was basically a breakdown of music, talk and tv.  When your category is up you sit at the edge of your seat, they announce the first place winner then your heart beats your hands shake and you go up and collect the award, it was surreal to be awarded the best in the state for your profession.  Back to the meal they served a steak, salmon, a salad and a cheese cake for desert.  Oh yea and asparagus I love asparagus, I wonder if Lynyrd Skynyrd did too?  

Daily Dose of BS May 3 garage sales

We are coming up on the big garage sale season, well if we ever reach a nice weekend we will.  When I was a kid my parents were frugal, and did lots of our family clothing shopping at rummage sales.  This wasn’t so bad as we always had clothing that fit.  I remember one time that my folks brought home some corduroy pants that looked brand new, now being a bigger guy and I was as a kid too you had to worry about the legs rubbing together especially when rocking the corduroy well, these pants didn’t make the swish noise when walking, nor did they have any rips and they felt like a million bucks that is a huge feat considering that these were garage sale pants.  I wore them to school on Monday, funny I was proud to wear corduroy, it was the 80’s after all.  Well long story short someone came up to me and said those are the ugliest pants I have ever seen my Mom just sold some like that at our garage sale, needless to say that was the last time I wore my really cool great fitting no noise cords.  Do you rummage?

Daily Dose of BS May 2 school

Are we pushing kids into post-secondary schools?  How many people that you grew up with had an education?  How many people that you used to know are doing what they wanted to do when they grew up?  I am guessing not a whole lot are doing what they set off in life to do?  Are we pushing education down the throats of the newly graduated?  Kids now days have to weigh out the risk versus the pay off, as school is not the affordable choice that it once was.  I have taken a handful of classes at Western Tech College over the past 5 years and the classes I took, had people my age in the classes, and I will tell you I was more open to learning in my 40’s than I was right out of high school.  By the way when I asked how many people you know are doing the job they wanted to do when in high school, as far as I know I am the only one out of my friends.  

MAKE MONEY ON YOUR LUNCH BREAK:

Thanks to the Internet, your midday hour off can offer numerous ways to bring in more bucks. Such as …

✓ Freelance – If you’ve got a skill, whether it’s writing, coding, designing or something else, chances are you can find some piece work. There’s even a board to advertise your expertise …

NET: http://www.freelancer.com

✓ Express an Opinion – People are willing to pay for it. SliceThePie, for example, will pay you to listen to and rate unsigned musical acts. You can also get paid to fill out online surveys.

NET: http://www.slicethepie.com

✓ Offer a Service – There are lots of online marketplaces where you can offer your services for a fee. At Fiverr.com, you can offer to do anything that will fit into your lunch hour for $5.

NET: http://fiverr.com

✓ Sell Your Stuff – Selling your unwanted bric-a-bric via eBay is an old trick but still a good one; you might get more than you think for that unused router sitting at the back of your closet.

✓ Try Your Luck – Entering online sweepstakes and contests usually costs you no more than an email address, but the prizes can range from weekends in the sun to the latest gadgets.

Daily Dose of BS May 1 health

Somethings that you know about your health just are not true.  Like taking a multi vitamin is good for you researchers' say getting the vitamins and minerals from fruit and vegetables is better for you than capsules.   How many times have you heard "Stop drinking coffee and alcohol?" "Take an aspirin daily." to add years to your life? Turns out, lots of long-held wisdom just aren’t true.  According to researchers, more cups of coffee means a lower risk of strokes, diabetes and heart and respiratory disease.  A daily aspirin can lead to bleeding, allergies and upset stomach, while a glass of wine not only can help your heart but also add years to your life.   I love my afternoon naps cause I only get about 6 and a half hours a night research suggests sleeping less than six or more than nine hours a night raises your risk for dying sooner, everyone has different sleep needs you may need only 6 ½ hours while your spouse needs almost nine.   

Daily Dose of BS April 30 streets

I think that La Crosse has the cleanest streets in the world, for a day or two.  We have street sweepers out cleaning our streets in fact they came through my neighborhood yesterday at the same time I had some people parked in front of my house.  So I should rephrase what I said, La Crosse has the cleanest streets in the world except in front of my house.  Funny this is exactly what happened last year also, the street sweeper made the trek through when there were people parked in front of my house too.  The rest of the street looks great, at my house not so great.  The funny thing is by the time I got home the entire street was clear of cars, but too late.  Have you had to make the drive up by the mall yesterday?  I went out there last night at about 5 I think cause I am a glutton for punishment.  Wow is it a mess.  If you can avoid the mall area by car for the next bit I would. 

Daily Dose of BS April 29 neighborhoods

I am lucky I have neighbors that I really like, we for the most part get along and look after each other.  As with every group there are a few bad apples but for what its worth pretty good.  We had some renters move in across the street within the past month and the cops have already been over there a few times and the young teens there have been giving the other kids in the neighborhood a hard time, I hope that these hoods do not change the dynamic of the neighborhood.  What’s your biggest neighbor pet peeve? According to a recent survey in “Redbook”, the biggest dispute among neighbors is over parking, the playing of loud music, barking dogs, and garbage.   Is your neighborhood what you would like it to be?

Daily Dose of BS April 26 opening plastic wrap

Why is it so hard to open up packages?  I worked on getting a new pack of gum open this morning for a couple minutes before I finally broke down and grabbed a scissors and used that to open it up.  I am lucky I didn’t grab a knife as the scissors slipped a bit and if I would have used a knife I for sure would have severed something.  It got me thinking, since when do we need to have Fort Knox guarding our gum or for that matter cereal.  Have you ever tried to open the wrapping that is in the box of a brand new box of cereal, you stretch the plastic before your thumb finally gets a small whole in the bag then you use your magic to make it big enough to pour cereal through that whole.  What about chips you try to open those by pulling the bag apart at the top and chances are you will pull the bag apart.  Now don’t even get me started on the molded plastic wrap on new electronics and the hell that is the wrapping on kids toys that’s enough to send you to the garage for a hammer. 

Daily Dose of BS April 25 Take your daughters and sons to work

Take your daughter to work day has been around since 1993 and has been called take your Daughters and Sons to work day since 2003.  I have been a father for almost 18 years and have never had one of my children ask me if they could come to work with me for that day, that is until this year.  My daughter asked if she could come and spend the day with Dad.  I ran it through my boss and am excited to say that my daughter and her twin brother have joined me on starting at the radio station bright and early today.  It was weird I was a bit nervous going to bed last night, kind of like when I have a big interview planned for the next morning, kind of tossing and turning and double then triple checking the alarm.  Here are two kids that I talk with every day and I was nervous I would over sleep and not make it in to work on time.  Weird since I have been in the radio business and working at the crack of dawn for almost 20 years and have only over slept once and have been late to be on the air once, as I sit here writing my daily dose, I began to wonder why I kept tossing and turning.  It’s because my guests this morning are 2 of the most important people in my life and I don’t want to disappoint.  If you are lucky enough to bring your child to work today or any day, enjoy and remember that they really do look up to you and love you.

Daily Dose of BS Reality Tv April 24

Reality tv.  Is it truly reality?  I have seen a few of the so called reality programs and there is no way that these people are really this way.  How can you be that hard partying or that you name it for that long?  I am guessing that many of these so called reality programs are stories that are pieced together from many, many days and multiple weeks’ worth of shooting.  Have you ever noticed that many of the characters wear the same clothing all the time?  This is so they can piece the different stories together.  I do get a kick out of the Duck Dynasty guys but there are definitely set up experiences.  I like to watch the Undercover Boss show, but come on why would someone do such stupid things first of all infront of a camera and secondly pour your heart out to someone you just met.  I don’t think these programs are reality tv but maybe scripted mayhem. 

Word smith I am not..... Shakespeare however is

http://www.buzzfeed.com/lukelewis/words-you-didnt-realise-william-shakespeare-invented

Shocking that Shakespeare came up with these words.

Daily Dose of BS April 23 eye for eye

The big question plaguing my thoughts today is an eye for an eye or is it turn the other cheek?  The Boston Marathon bombing has me questioning my stance on the death penalty.  I wasn’t sure where I stood before but I am really not sure.  At first I was thinking I lean toward the death penalty because of the cost associated with keeping this criminal in prison then I in the same thought think, death is too good and too quick.  I really dislike being on the fence on this issue, it should be an easy answer, as my friends who like to quote the bible like to say if  its in the bible then that is the answer sometimes it isn’t so easy, isn’t both and eye for and eye and turn the other cheek in the bible?  Is your justice based on justice or is it based on revenge?

Daily Dose of BS April 22 mp3's and movies

A few things on my mind today, yesterday while working on cleaning the garage for my oldest sons graduation party I did something that I have never done before I got rid of lots of cassettes. Music has always been the soundtrack of our lives the trigger that brings memories flooding in, and since I got rid of all my old cassettes, all those memories that can never be played again. Kids now a days have no idea about b sides or stretched tapes or the 4th song on the album or cassette. I am guessing lots of great music never gets listened to with all music as mp3's. Last night I brought my kids to see the movie 42 what a great movie, it is hard to believe that such a short time ago that blacks were treated so poorly. I hope and pray that someday we can ALL get along and all have equal rights, I look at the gay marriage issue and hope that this too will be something that our kids look at in the future and think what took so long for this to be solved. And finally when is this rainy cool weather going to go away, having snow yesterday and puddles today made for wet feet and I really dislike wet feet.
Daily Dose of BS weekdays on 1490 and Magic 105

Old People texting

Young people have theirs, now Seniors have their own texting codes:

* ATD - At the Doctor's

* BFF - Best Friends Funeral

* BTW - Bring the Wheelchair

* BYOT - Bring Your Own Teeth

* CBM - Covered by Medicare

* CUATSC - See You at the Senior Center

* DWI - Driving While Incontinent

* FWIW - Forgot Where I Was

* GGPBL - Gotta Go, Pacemaker Battery Low

* GHA - Got Heartburn Again

* HGBM - Had Good Bowel Movement

* LMDO - Laughing My Dentures Out

* LOL - Living on Lipitor

* OMSG - Oh My! Sorry, Gas

* TOT - Texting on Toilet

* WAITT - Who Am I Talking To?


Hope these help.
* GGLKI (Gotta Go, Laxative Kicking In!)

Daily Dose of BS April 19 Cameras

I was not a big fan of the cameras going in downtown, I understand why they were going to go in and didn’t have a problem with them, but I wasn’t a fan.  I am now a fan.  I think I am a big fan of the cameras going in downtown now, and mostly because of what has unfolded this week with the bombings in Boston.  You look at how quickly these two men were identified and how swiftly the authorities are taking care of this problem.  I am not a fan of big brother but if you think about all of the things that we do, there is a thread of pretty much everything that we are doing every day from getting gas at your friendly neighborhood gas station to a gallon of milk at the grocery store there are records of us at each place, there are also hidden cameras and surveillance cameras all over the place.  I guess it is good that we live in Wisconsin so we can always walk around and say cheese.  

Daily Dose of BS April 17 Heroes

They do walk among us, the unsung heroes who in the face of danger run towards the issue rather than away.  We saw this in full force on Monday as the cowards who caused the bombing at the Boston Marathon, the 3 deaths, the dozens of injured, the millions of Americans who are now questioning their own safety.  Think about how lucky we are to be among the everyday heroes who looked past the danger and saw people in need and took action.  I am not sure how I would react in such a situation, I would like to think that I would be a helper but I hope and pray that we never have to find out.  For those of you heroes both professional and situational, that are out there, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Daily Dose of BS April 16 Boston

Bastards whomever is in charge of the cowardly bombing in Boston here is some words for you, make a fist with both your right and left hands now start punching yourself in the face.  What were you thinking?  Why would you do such a horrible act on innocent bystanders?  The sidewalks were paved with the blood of innocence.  The photos of the runners being pushed away in wheelchairs with exposed bone churned my guts.  Domestic terrorism there is a special place in hell for those responsible.   

Daily Dose of BS April 11 Vegas

I know some of my faults I don’t think that anyone knows all of them.  I am going to be conquering some of them this weekend.  I am not good by myself, I thrive on people and like to be around people, that I know.  I will be taking a trip with a friend of mine this weekend to one of the cities that never sleeps.  I always assumed that were I was going was the city but a quick google search showed me that New York is the first preferred.  I am going to Vegas with a buddy that is meeting up with his siblings for get together.  The weird part for me is that another couple of people were going to go and they ended up not being able to go, so I will be exploring the city mostly by myself.  Any tips on doing Las Vegas?  Another thing I am going to have a hard time with is the “What Happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” mantra, cause I like to talk.  

Daily Dose of BS April 10 daydreaming

Ok I am guilty of it, and it is shown to be worse than texting and driving.  New research show that it’s five times to do while driving than texting or talking on your phone.  And I bet that you do it every day either at work or while driving, in your free time it is something that each and every kid does and most adults.  They say that 62% of distracted driving accidents and are caused by it while 12% of distracted driving accidents are caused by texting.  The big distraction, is something you would never even think about being a problem.  The distraction is day dreaming.  

Daily Dose of BS April 9 insurance companies

I hate insurance companies….they think they rule the world.  Oh yea they do.  If the insurance company says to jump you work hard to try to jump however high they want you to jump.  If they say to stop eating green m&m’s by gosh and by golly you are going to quit eating those green m&m’s except for an occasional handful on the 3^rd Saturday of the month when you’re out with your buddies.  They tell you that you need to exercise you get the membership at the gym, just so you know just getting the membership isn’t good enough you should go to the gym.   Insurance companies rule the world in fact I wouldn’t be surprised if what I am about to write next won't be edited by some insurance company, the secret to  

Daily Dose of BS April 8 words

People judge you by the words you use.  There is no avoiding it, but there is changing it.  I was out for a birthday party on Friday and found out that a couple of my friends hate a few words from the English language.  I would have thought that these words were going to be reminiscent of the old George Carlin routine you know the seven words you can't say on TV, but no the words that they had issue with included one that is a marketing tool for Betty Crocker the word moist which incidentally is one of the least favorite words out there, and the other word these friends of mine had an issue with was the word panties, and they weren’t even brought up together.  I wonder if they were compounded if they would have more of a revolting reaction?  This conversation made me think, I know that is a chore in its self and I really do not think that there are any words that conger up the feelings of disgust that these friends of mine felt by hearing the words mentioned above, I don’t care for slang words for any groups of people, I am not a fan of labels that people place on people but they are words, and I always remember my mom telling me that sticks and stones can break my bones but words can never hurt me.  What words do you dislike?  

Daily Dose of BS April 5 monopoly

It is weird for me to think that a company that once ruled the computer world is being forecast to be obsolete by 2017.  The reason that the report says that Microsoft will be obsolete by then started when governments from around the world complained that it was too big a monopoly about a half decade ago, now there are a few open source internet browsers such as Firefox and my favorite Google Chrome they are better and faster and free. As a result, millions of computer users changed software and started to change their computer habits. The latest computers don't need to run the new Windows operating system. Today, most people are satisfied with their current version of windows, I have 7 on my machines and have no desire or need to upgrade.  I don’t understand how a business that was once at the top of its game was broken up by the government and then allowed another company to come in and start their monopoly.  Oh wait this happens all too often.  Do you think that we need to bust the monopolies or accept them for what they are?

RENT-A-CONSCIENCE:

The concentration of wealth in the finance industry has spawned a boom in high-end services, from chefs to chauffeurs, from kids’ soccer tutors to standardized test gurus. Now the bull market has given rise to expensive ‘babysitters’ to keep high-powered adults out of trouble. Investment bankers, attorneys, and other professionals are now shelling out up to $1,900-a-day to employ a 24/7 ‘Sober Companion’, a live-in coach who spends every waking minute making sure the client doesn’t use drugs or alcohol. That means commuting to work with the client, sitting in on boardroom meetings, and even taking a seat at family dinner.

Daily Dose of BS April 4 excuses

There are a lot of jobs around the house that we hate doing, I for one hate doing dishes, I despise doing dishes.  I did it for a job while I was in high school and hated it then, I did it as a chore when I was a kid and that is where my hate for dishes began.  I got stuck doing them cause I was the oldest kid in the family, my brothers got off easy by either clearing off the table or putting away the dishes.  My kids have it easy and they complain about having to either load or unload the dishes.  Wow.  My parents used to always say that excuses are like bellybuttons that everybody’s got one, what is your favorite excuse for getting out of a household chore.  Mine for getting out of dishes is it’s the kids job, that and it hurts my back to bend over to do the dishes, btw neither of those excuses work, do you have any that do?  

Daily Dose of BS April 3 brush with greatness

The world is much smaller and keeps getting smaller by the day.  We are addicted to the shows TMZ, and want to know what this celebrity is up to or that celebrity.  We are world travelers and not afraid to invade someone’s personal space.  With that being said, have you ever met anyone famous, and if so who?  I was a guest of the Milwaukee Brewers back when Miller Park first opened up and was on a tour of the new stadium with my family when Sammy Sosa walked by us, and I turned to my kids and said there is Sammy Sosa, I got the look from the tour guide.  I have had the chance to meet many bands and politicians over the radio career but the one who stands out most was when I got to be on stage with the President of the United States, that was a surreal experience.  Bill Clinton had the crowed eating out of his hands.  My buddies son got married a few years ago and one of the family friends was another Billy, remember Billy Hayes, the guy the movie Midnight Express was based on?  Hearing his story from him was pretty cool.  Have you ever been around greatness?  

Daily Dose of BS April 2 vote today

I know I keep beating the drum of vote, vote, vote but it is important.  I know in Wisconsin we have had an unprecedented number of elections in the past 18 months but, the ability to cast a vote is a privilege that is opened to most people over the age of 18.  The sad thing is that so few people take the time to go to their polling place to exercise their right to vote.  When the United States was founded only a select number of white men were able to vote, we all need to exercise our voice to be heard.  Today is the non-partisan Election Day in Wisconsin.  We get to vote for mayors, city council, Supreme Court, and many other local issues, and seats.  Please take the time today to help to write history.

Daily Dose of BS April 1 april fools day

Lots of great April fools jokes out there from the hey Dad you dropped your pocket, one that I have fallen for many times over the past 17 years to the infamous bag over the phone so that the phone company can blow out the lines.  When I was going to radio school 25 years ago they were talking about this guy Brucie Bumchuckles and how he got people to put a bag over their phones so that they could blow out the phone lines, I wish I would have been here for that.  I did have the chance to talk to Brucie about this years later.   What are some of the best April fools jokes that you have heard of?

Daily Dose of BS March 29 Easter Candy

Each year, about 90-million chocolate Easter bunnies & 16-billion jelly beans are made... How many of each are nibbled on by sneaky parents on the sly after Easter?  I remember reading the comics and seeing how parents in the cartoons would eat the bunny ears.  I don’t recall my folks ever eating my chocolate bunny and I don’t recall what part of the bunny I would eat first.  I also don’t think I have ever eaten my kids chocolate bunnies.  I do take black jelly beans though, none of my kids like them.  I think my favorite all time Easter candy is the reses peanut butter egg, for some reason they taste even better than the peanut butter cup that is available the rest of the year.  What's your favorite treat to steal out of your kid's Easter basket?

Daily Dose of BS March 28 reading into stuff

Why do people like to argue and point out the flaws in others?  It seems as everyone is cynical, myself included.  I wonder why?  It seems as though people read into everything and try to turn nothing into something, and something good into something bad, and I don’t understand why people feel the need to do this.  We have all seen news story of some Good Samaritan doing something positive and then to immediately have the masses find fault.  You personally may have posted some good thoughts and have had people jump down your throat.  I have been chatting with some friends from around the country over my recent posts on facebook a few of my past posts have taken on lives of their own people read into your words and try to make it into something it isn’t.  I guess if you are going to cast the first stone, maybe you should pull the shades in your place.  

Daily Dose of BS March 27 love

I think we can all agree that life is short.  Too short.  In fact it is so short and there is so much heartache and turmoil why should we fault or deny someone love?  Have you ever found true love?  Have you had the privilege of loving someone so much that you would do anything for them?  Most parents have this feeling the day make that the moment that their child came into their lives, as the child ages the love just grows.  Think back to your first moments of what brought that child into the world, the love that you and your partner felt.  The, I can't live without this person bond, you were able to create your family, you were able to wake up next to someone and have that feeling day in and day out.  The issue of gay marriage is big in the news these days, I don’t know why we should deny anyone that feeling of love that undying love of another person, the commitment if you will.  In 2002, Gallup polls asked Americans and the estimates were that 21% of men are gay and 22% of women are lesbians.  Don’t we all deserve love?

Daily Dose of BS March 26 woman bosses

Would you be able to have a boss of the opposite sex?  I wasn’t sure if I would, but I tell you what my boss and I work very well together.  Here is the thing I am not up for a raise or a talking to for messing up, but I heard from a few acquaintances how can you have a women boss?  Now do not take this the wrong way but she handles me better than I have been handled by a boss before, she listens to my concerns and works to fix them, she seems to care about me as a person my boss is great person, and an even better boss.  Don’t get me wrong I had some good bosses that were men, so I was worried about working for a woman, taking orders from a woman, reporting to a women, etc.  I will tell you what it makes life at work a whole bunch better when you love what you do and you like your boss.   I have had my boss for the past 3 years and it has been the best working environment I have had.  Would you be able to work successfully under a boss of a different gender?  

Daily Dose of BS March 25 Christmas Syndrome

I think I have self-diagnosed myself with Christmas Syndrome, I did a search for it and the Urban Dictionary is the only place I can find anything close to what it is.  Here is their definition of the word Christmas Syndrome - When you are looking forward to something constantly, to the point of obsession, causing the actual event to seem short and dull in comparison.  Here is why I think I have it if I have to wait for the results for anything or a meeting with my boss or someone calls me and wants to get together to talk about something I worry about it or think about it.  It sometimes bugs me and I don’t know why.  I am thinking that most of it was brought on when I got canned a few years ago cause the boss called me into his office, and then when I broke my leg the Dr. says we will have to wait and see.  I wore my cast for 7 weeks then last week I had to have a cat scan on the leg, the few days wait was a killer, ya know it could have stemmed from when I was a kid and my mom would say wait till your dad gets home.  

Daily Dose of BS March 22 heres your sign

I have seen a few news stories about parents who made their children stand on a street corner or in front of a store holding up a sign saying something along the line of I did something wrong, I stole this, I broke the law, I got drunk, smoked pot etc. I have not seen any of these signs locally but they have been all the rage around the country. I think I like this punishment, it puts a face on the perpetrator and like a good punishment it will hopefully make the child think before they do said crime again. It has been compared to the new spanking, guess what when you get that whap on the butt you are more likely to think twice before you do the punishable action again. Sometimes I feel as though we as a society are too soft on our kids, I am glad to see some parents who feel strongly about helping to get their kids on the straight and narrow by having them admit their mistakes and hopefully learning from that mistake.

Daily Dose of BS March 21 dream job

We all have a dream job, a job that we have always wanted to do, your rock star job if you will. When I grew up I wanted to be one of 3 things, and I am doing one of those three jobs today. I wonder how many people actually do what it is that they wanted to do as a child? I found the right job for me early as I have been in the radio business since 1988, in fact I recall having conversation with my Dad about 15 years ago when we went out for breakfast after one of my shifts when he looked me in the eye and said Bob I am glad you found radio because your mother and I had no idea what you were going to do with your life. I have taken a few breaks thinking maybe I wanted to try something else, but the gravitational pull of radio was just too much. I look forward to my job each and every day as it is different every single day. You really have to love what you do to get up and be to work by 5am. Here’s hoping that you have the job, no career that you always wanted.

Daily Dose of BS March 20 clothing

Hi I’m Bob and I wear clothing that sometimes is offensive to people who see it, not that it says anything wrong but I like to dress for comfort.  I have been a wearer of Zubaz since the 80’s in fact I still have the first pair that I brought with a snake skin print.  They have lots of miles on them and have become cabin pants, I do have a couple more pair and have introduced them to my kids and 3 of the 4 wear them.  My question to you today is this, if you are out somewhere and your partner objects to what you are wearing would you change your clothing?  For me I am not too sure I would, I guess it depends on where we are going.  I did once turn a radio station shirt inside out when I was helping out with an event because it was sponsored by another radio station.  

Daily Dose of BS March 19 Pizza

Living in La Crosse we have a gem, a treatment, remedy, or cure for bland pizza.  I just read that the top pizza topping is pepperoni followed by mushrooms.  I had a girlfriend when I was in high school that only liked peperoni pizza she wouldn’t try any other kind and we had pizza a lot.  Needless to say we ate a lot of peperoni pizza; I ended up taking off the peperoni’s off and still continue with that practice.  When my Dad would go out of town for work my Mom would take my brothers and I to a place for taco pizza, what a great concept take two of my favorite foods and combine them, they did it with great success.  Fast forward a handful of years and while working in Mason City Iowa at a radio station one of the pizza places had a fake pizza call and they had an extra Canadian bacon, pineapple pizza and called the station to see if I wanted it.  I figured I love both ingredients what the heck, a new favorite pizza.  Bringing me to our local cure for bland pizza, have you tried any of the different concoctions of pizza that Pizza Doctors has to offer?  I still love the Hawaiian and the taco but have fallen in love with the spaghetti and meatball, the chili dog, the gyro, the Denver omelet and my favorite the skittle pizza.  I do miss the spam and beans za though.  What is your favorite pizza topping? 

Daily Dose of BS March 18 want it now

We are in a want it now society, I am just as guilty of it as the next guy.  I saw it in full force over the weekend.  My youngest son wants to get a remote control car because his buddy has one.  He did the research and started on the sales job to him Mom and me.  I tend to stand firm and do as my Dad always used to do, take a piece of paper and write down the positives and the negatives and you have to have at least one negative.  He did the work, did the sales and has the money.   What I don’t know is why these machines are so expensive and why would you need to have a remote control car that goes 60 mph?  I am proud of the fact that I got him to think about the purchase and the fact that he saved his money for this.  How many times have you had your eye caught by something and stopped and made the impulse buy?  From the grocery store to the convenience store to the department store, jewelry store and my downfall the electronics store.  We are a want it now society but we should also know that if we work hard that we can succeed at the purchase of what we want, either buy used, save up or go into debt.  Where do you fall?

Daily Dose of BS March 15 tsa knifes on a plane

I always thought you just needed the tip of a knife to kill someone.  About an inch and a half, but you know what I am ok with the new rules that will allow a pocket knife of up to 2 ½ inches that doesn’t lock.  I thought that that was always a dumb rule anyway, I don’t think that now-a-days you would get too far with a short knife.  I also thought the banning of fingernail clippers was ridiculous how are you supposed to  take over a plane with those?  Stop and let me into the cockpit or I will throw my dirty fingernails at you.  Speaking of fingernails, I find that when people cut their nails in public are rude, I was at church about 10 years ago when the person in front of me started cutting their nails, at church, what is wrong with people?  I guess I should be glad that they didn’t flip off their shoes and start on the little piggies.  

Daily Dose of BS March 14 smart products

Things are supposed to be getting easier but in some ways they are getting harder, take my new phone for example, the first phone I had well, was attached to a wall, but my first cell was the same shape as my new phone and it had one function, to make calls, then came the flip phone that, made calls, I then got a couple BlackBerrys now my new phone is way more than a phone.  Same goes for refrigerators they used to keep stuff cold now they do way more than that, I think the new ones have video screens on them.  They keep your food cold for crying out loud.  Are our household appliances getting too complicated? What are some of the hi-tech features you’ve never used (or maybe don’t even understand) on your dishwasher, refrigerator, clothes dryer, washing machine. What pretentious settings have you seen? (‘Reduced Grease’, ‘Allergy’, ‘Hand Wash’, etc).  How about this on, off buzz when finished.  

Daily Dose of BS March 13 things my parents said

At this moment right now, you are the youngest that you will ever be, and at the exact same time you are the oldest you ever were.  You don’t know and you don’t even know that you don’t know.  Use your head for something other than to hold your glasses a place to put your hat.  What are some of the things that your parents used to say to you that you looked at them with that blank stare?   My parents had a ton of them like you can't make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.  Wants are unlimited and resources are scarce.  It seemed that there was always a saying to go with whatever it was that I was getting in to or doing.  Like when I was a kid I walked 10 miles to school uphill both ways in the snow, I guess I now know why I am the way I am the way I am, I was always told to quit or I will go blind and don’t make that face or it will stay that way.  I guess I should have listened better.  

Daily Dose of BS March 12 killer dog

A 14-month-old Wisconsin boy has died after a brutal attack by a pair of pit bulls last week.  This is the first fatal dog attack in Wisconsin in a decade.  If anyone is killed by a dog it is too many.  I thought that dogs were supposed to be man’s best friend.  I have a springer spaniel and I bet that he would either lick, wag his tail or love you to death.   I am not sure why people train their dogs to be killers, unless you are up to no good.  I can see having a dog as a guard, and if there is a threat to the homeowner but to train a dog to go viciously after a child, that is a line that should never be crossed.  

Daily Dose of BS March 8 cell phone

Cell phones are a huge part of our lives, yesterday I upgraded my life, ok I upgraded my phone.  I went from a Blackberry which is the type of phone I have been using for the past 4 years, it was easy for me to type since it had buttons for texting.  Yesterday I entered the unknown when I switched over to the Galaxy 3 and so far so good.  I have had a chance to play with my kids tablet and this is a lot like that.  I have successfully answered it when it rang, I have made a call and texted on it, so, so far so good.  I downloaded a few games and apps yesterday as well.   I have no idea what kind of apps are out there and how these apps can help to simplify my life, so if you know of any gotta have apps please let me know, also is there a better than the supplied facebook app that is out there please let me know.  Now I got to remember my ring tone, and how to answer it without asking my kids what do I do now?

Daily Dose of BS March 7 tipping

I know I have talked about tipping more than once in the past, but I just saw a national story about where a guy ordered 85 pizzas and only tipped 10 bucks.  Wow.  I must say that I ordered 8 pizzas for my twins’ birthday party and I tipped 10 bucks.  You are hearing more and more of people stiffing the wait staff, and this bugs me, not that we need to tip everything out there because we don’t but we should toss a bit to the people who go above and beyond.  If someone brings you food you should tip them, and I am not just talking about at a restaurant.  If someone brings you food to your table at home, you should not take them for granted.  If you work at a job that is not a service related industry you may not get tips, but I bet you make more than the below minimum wage that the server at Lenny’s gets, and if you have this big job, I bet that you get compensated for what you do and I bet that you get a bonus of some sorts, either vacation, or sick days or insurance or a 401k or cash or a combo of all or most.  Think about the person waiting tables or bringing you food, chances are they are not getting the perks you are and the extra pay that you have been taking for granted.  Reach deep and tip right.  

Daily Dose of BS March 6 patients death

I thought if you worked in health care, as a doctor or a nurse that your job was to work directly with patients and their families. I also thought that a nurse was the primary point of contact between the patient and the world of health care.  I also thought that the job of a nurse was to perform frequent patient evaluations, including monitoring and tracking vital signs, performing procedures such as IV placement, phlebotomy (draw blood), and administering medications.  I really thought that the job of a nurse was to work to keep a patient alive.  I guess I thought that would be the job of any caring person.  When I saw and heard the stories from earlier this week about the 87 year old nursing home patient that died back in February while she was a patient in the care of a nursing home, she died because a nurse there refused to give cpr that bugs me and bugs me more than usually things bug me.  

Daily Dose of BS March 5 thank you

I am lucky I have great friends who help me out all the time; especially since I broke my leg I have needed more help than I usually do.  I am sure I have forgotten to say please and thank you.  I think this starts when we are little, asking Mom or Dad for this that and the other thing, as a Dad I try to remind my kids to say thanks, I even try to each and every time that something is delivered to the table when out to eat.  I believe that when you are polite to people it disarms them, if they are crabby and you say please or thank you, you have them in your hand.  The power of polite I believe is huge and for that I thank you for spending the time to read this, and for all those who have helped me in the past and I forget to say thank you for that I am sorry.  Have a great day. 

Daily Dose of BS March 4 weekend

How was the weekend?  I enjoyed the days off and rested for the most part with my leg up.  I got some bad news on Friday that the fibula that I broke on February 2 shifted and now I can't put any weight on my leg.  I am a big man and to not put any weight on my leg is pretty much impossible.  I’ve been trying though.  The bright spot is the knee scooter I got, zipping around without having to use crutches makes it a bit easier.  On Saturday I emceed the Rocking Out Hunger, we have lots of great local bands and two of the best took the stage Saturday, The Executives and The Remainders, I got to rock the Cow Bell for The Executives, my Mom would be proud.  While BS’ing with some friends who were there they explained how some idiot passed the stopped school bus in front of their house and thank goodness the kids were kids and taking their time to get off the bus, if it would have been a few seconds later things could have tragically different.  I am guessing it was someone texting they looked up saw the stopped cars and thought what to do, slid around the cars and could have killed a couple of kids.  You got to ask yourself is your text worth a life?

Daily Dose of BS March 1 Sleep

I won.  I won the game of sleep.  I went to bed last night when I was tired, fell right asleep and made it through the night, the game winner was I woke up one minute before my alarm.  I felt rested, and ready to take on the day.  To be honest, I do not remember the last time that I had the trifecta of sleep, bed when I wanted a full night without waking up and up right before my alarm.  I really should buy a lottery ticket today cause a good night sleep is the foundation of a great day right?  Which makes me think about sleep, we all need it but rarely do we get all that we need, I went to bed last night right before 9 and woke at 4, 7 full hours of uninterrupted sleep, most of the time I shoot for 5-6 hours.  Do you have a sleep ritual?  I start on my back then lay on my right side then to my left this is before I even drift off to slumber, I have no idea how much tossing I do when I am actually asleep.  I just have to remember what I did last night to cause such a great nights sleep.  

Daily Dose of BS Feb 28 pot smoking

There seems to be more drugs on sitcoms, when they had that “70’s show” and the camera that rotated in the circle of smoke, there were some funny things said, they never really talked about the smoking of pot but it was assumed especially once they brought in Tommy Chongs character.  Plus the 70’s to me seemed like the time when they did more pot.  Fast forward to some of the biggest sitcoms of today and there is the pot once again, in the tv show that I find the funniest “How I met your Mother” they always reference it as eating a sandwich but on the highly inappropriate for kids “Two and a half men” it is blatant and is smoked by more than one of the characters.  Not that I am a prude cause I don’t think I am but, I also believe that these tv shows shouldn’t make light of smoking pot because it is illegal.  Here is the twist, I think that marijuana should be legalized our country is in serious debt, and I believe that we will never get out of this debt and I think that the taxes from marijuana alone could make a huge dent in that debt.  

Daily Dose of BS Feb 27 Kiss

I doesn’t matter how much money you make, it’s how much you save and how smart you are with your money.  I heard that the guitarist for my favorite band of all time Ace Frehley from KISS is definitely not back (BACK!), back in the New York groove, word is that his home is getting foreclosed on. It seems like the people who make the most money the fastest have the hardest time holding on to it.  I was thinking about this and it seems to make since to me, how can you be responsible for millions of dollars if you cannot even keep track of your minimum wage jobs cash.  If you were to come into lots of money quick either from investments that went well, to winning a lottery or got a job that pays you way too much you got to start with what you know about money and budget, remember there is a limited supply.  Ace Frehley isn’t the only famous singer to go from rags to riches to rags again, Meatloaf, Ted Nugent, MC Hammer, Billy Joel, as well as Willie Nelson and Marvin Gaye.  Just because you have the cash doesn’t mean you can hang on to it.  If you come in to a windfall, find people who can help you out. 

Daily Dose of BS Feb 26 bathroom wastes

About every ten days I have the same problem the bar of soap is too small to use, I have tried morphing the smaller sliver of soap into the bigger new bar of Irish Spring but nope it doesn’t work.  What are we supposed to do with those little slivers of perfectly good soap?  Think about the wastes that go on in the bathroom alone.  You’re on the thorn you look at the paper and damn there are about 3 squares left for you to finish your job, three squares have you seen what I sit on three little squares are not going to make a dent.  What do you do with those 3 extra squares?  I don’t know, I leave them for the next guy, not really, ok sometimes I do.  Think of tooth paste, if you squeeze from the middle you miss lots at bottom and sides,  I squeeze from the bottom then about half way done I start the roll of the tube, then try to get the last drop out, but there is still the bit at the top that you can't get.  Which leaves me with the deodorant pack, if you make it down toward the end of the deodorant you will either break the piece off at the bottom or you will hit the sides of the container with your armpit.  You just can't win in the bathroom.  

Daily Dose of BS Feb 25 knee scooter

If you were at the La Crosse Center yesterday you saw thousands of family members enjoying what lots of local businesses had.  Family Fest took over the entire La Crosse Center yesterday from schools, to skating and education to physical activity there was a ton to see.  You probably did as I did as well it is a great time to people watch, and enjoy the diversity of the families in our area.  You may have noticed the guy zipping around on the knee scooter, that big bald guy was me and I will tell you what using one of those to move around the center made it so much easier to be mobile.  I rented the knee scooter from Hilton Medical supply by the way no relation to the hotel people I asked because that is who I am.  The reason I bring this up today is because it got me thinking what newer inventions have made your life easier?  The scooter started off as a great toy for my kids and the adapted knee scooter has been a great way for me to exercise some freedom, since I broke my leg.  

Daily Dose of BS Feb 22 uwl confessions

UWL’s chancellor Joe Gow got better than his wish, we wanted the creators of a Facebook page to take down an image of a woman face down on a tile floor, with shoes strewn about her limp body. That image was on a popular Facebook page called UW-La Crosse Confessions, where people, supposedly students post anonymous descriptions of life including sex acts, alcohol consumption and drug use.  To be honest I never even heard about the UW-La Crosse Confessions twitter or facebook page until I read it from the La Crosse Tribune.  The page was followed by more than 3,000 users, it was taken down yesterday and 2 copy cats popped up and within a few hours one had over 1000 fans.  The sites say that they are not affiliated with the university, and asks visitors to “enter your anonymous confession here.”   One of the pages is https://www.facebook.com/pages/LAX-Confessions/415514135208127?fref=ts  the other is https://www.facebook.com/pages/Uw-Lacrosse-Confessions-20/295756247219391?fref=ts should these types of pages be allowed to be up on a forum where the public can see, should they be covered by the1st Amendment?   The original facebook and twitter page has disappeared.  The Facebook page may not have violated the fb Statement of Rights and Responsibilities...but what about social responsibility, Is this just another way to bully individuals and groups of people. 

Daily Dose of BS Feb 21 Barron Island

La Crosse County has received an offer for the vacant Barron Island property (the former Holiday Inn across from Petibone Park).  If you remember the controversy over that property about a decade ago when they were talking about putting in a casino and the city overwhelmingly voted it down.  I hope that something good goes in there, something that would add to the charm of La Crosse, like a Wisconsin Dells type hotel with a water park, it would be a great draw to the area, they could also add an outdoor bar/restaurant with a stage and really use the area and showcase the beauty that is here.  There could also be high end condos built there with access to the River.  I for one wonder why some of the land that sits empty does.  I also think with some cleanup and a developer we could have something nice in the old Mobile site.  With a changing of the guard at city hall in La Crosse what would you like to see the new guard work on getting developed in La Crosse?

Daily Dose of BS Feb 20 pain

We have all been to the doctor’s office and seen the pain scale faces up on the wall.  I just don’t get it.  Not that I don’t understand, but how do you rate your pain.  I have taken my kids to the doctor with sore throats before and for them it is a nine or a ten, for me it has always been a one or a two at the most.  I broke my leg a couple of weeks ago and when I was checking in to urgent care they were taking my vitals and the nurse pointed to the wall and the infamous smiley to sad face chart of pain.  For me the pain was a 4 or a 5 and that is because I walked on it.  When I cut my finger tip off it was a 1 or a 2.  I guess when I am thinking of a sad face with a few tears it would be getting shot in the junk with a nail gun right in to the bone of your leg then trying to take that nail out with a kids sized claw hammer, then and maybe only then would we have a ten.  I hope to God that I never have to experience that kind of pain, the closest I got was about a six, two days after I got my cast one of my kids accidently banged the bottom of my broken leg foot when I had it out of the cast icing it.  It kind of brings up the sad faced teary eyes just thinking of that. 

Daily Dose of BS Feb 19 vote

This is the day that we as voters in Wisconsin decide who moves on.  Think of today as the Survivor day, we get to vote 1 off the island for State Supreme Court and vote 9 from the La Crosse Mayoral pool.  And a handful of city council and village boards seats are up around the listening area also slimming their larger pools of candidates down to just 2.  Over the past 6 weeks I have had many conversations with all 11 of the mayoral candidates for the city of La Crosse and like cream a few have risen to the top of the milk barrel.  I know who I am going to be voting for today, who do you like as a candidate?  And are you going to vote?

Daily Dose of BS Feb 18 don't want to hear

We have all come across people saying things that we just don’t like to hear or don’t want to hear.  What are some of the things that you don’t want to hear?  Like the boss wants to see you and bring all your stuff, or  we’ve installed webcams in your studio and you are a really horrible dancer, and you can't carry a tune even in a backpack.   My least favorite is Umm sorry with no added explanation.  What are some things you don’t wanna hear?

Daily Dose of BS Feb 15 glasses

I got new glasses in December and the prescription didn’t change a whole lot, but the stigmatism did.  You know I am not the best test taker and I am always worried when I take those tests what if I am not paying that close attention; you know what is better one or two, one, two.   You pick but how do you really know?  Sometime they are so close.  I have had good luck with most of my glasses looking all the way back to the 2^nd grade when I first got them.  I have broken a few pair, got the glass hit out of one into my eye, and had small scratches in the lenses from time to time.  Which brings me to my question today, how do you clean your glasses?  I mostly use the cloth that came with my glasses that has an advertisement on it from the company they got the lenses from.  Yesterday I noticed that there is a little void of the anti-scratch coating on my glasses, and when they transition to sunglasses that there is also a little void there as well.  Hopefully the void doesn’t void the glasses warrantee.  

Daily Dose of BS Feb 14 Happy VD

I choo’choo’ choose you.  Best Simpsons episodes ever.  I used to feel like Ralph when I was a kid as we handed out store bought valentines cards and put conversation hearts into a little place baggie or cellophane cut into squares and synched together with a bit of ribbon.  I remember making sure that the conversation hearts had to match up with your thought of the person cause you wanted that special someone to know how you felt.  I didn’t like that they had all lovey dovey hearts not like guy sayings.  Could you imagine what those would say.  I also remember taking an old shoe box and covering it with construction paper and putting it on my desk, I am feeling a bit nostalgic these days and put one on my desk here, I wonder if I will get any Valentine’s Day cards.  By the way if someone wishes you a happy vd today don’t shoot them a dirty look smile and say you too.

Daily Dose of BS Feb 12 dog eats spinach

When I was growing up I never had any animals except for a couple of turtles, and a few fish and the turtle choice surprises me as I look back because they really smelled.  In my adult life I have had two dogs, the first was Jake and I really didn’t mind walking him until one day one of my smart alex friends said hey look its Jake and the fat man.  Paying homage to the tv show of the same name I guess.  My current dog is a great dog; he is a loyal companion and loves the kids.  It’s funny when we got the dog I said to the kids there will be three rules, number one the dogs name will be dog, a friend suggested d-o-g, number two I won't walk the dog that will be your guys’s job and thirdly I will not ever clean up the doggie mess.   Guess what none of those rules held, when we got the dog he already had a name, I don’t mind walking him, and have you ever got kids to pick up poop?  If you want it done, lots of time you gotta do it yourself.  Last night I dropped some spinach and my goofy dog ate it, now if you drop chips or cereal on the ground my four legged friend won't touch it oh no, but I have seen him eat broccoli, carrots and now spinach, don’t get me wrong he likes most stuff we drop on the ground as long as it has meat on it but the veggie thing really surprised me.   

Daily Dose of BS Feb 11 Pope Benedict

Big news out of Rome today Pope Benedict XVI or the 16^th announced that at the end of February he is stepping down as the Pope - the first pontiff to do so in nearly 600 years.  The 85-year-old pope announced his decision in Latin during a meeting of Vatican cardinals this morning.  He emphasized that  being pope - the spiritual leader of more than a billion Roman Catholics worldwide - requires "both strength of mind and body.  The last pope to resign was Pope Gregory XII (12), who stepped down in 1415.  His Excellency Pope Benedict XVI called his choice "a decision of great importance for the life of the church."  

Daily Dose of BS Feb 7 Postal Service

Did you know that the cost to mail a first class piece of mail is 46 cents?  I have almost a whole roll of 44 cent stamps I bought a bunch of 1 cent stamps to supplement them the last time that the price went up now I am going to have to put two 1 cent stamps on a letter, if the costs keep going up I won't have room for the address.  I am sure you heard last night or this morning the U.S. Postal Service announced plans to end Saturday mail delivery starting in August, It will be the biggest change in mail delivery since the post office ended twice-daily service in the 1950s.  “We are mothers and fathers. And sons and daughters. Who every day go about our lives with duty, honor and pride. And neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night, nor the winds of change, nor a nation challenged, will stay us from the swift completion of our appointed rounds. Ever.”  I think doing away with mail on Saturdays and offering mail delivery Monday – Friday, will save the postal service.  I for one think I can do without the weekend mail delivery, and think about the money it would save us and the business of delivering mail.  I feel bad that it is a job cutting move but many businesses are doing with less people, I like that it will save us over 2 billion dollars.  Your thoughts?  

Daily Dose of BS Feb 6 Donald Driver Retiring

Car 3.54 where are you?  Never mind I see you with every service station I drive by.  The prices of gas are up once again.  Can we all put together a hell ya.  I guess it shouldn’t surprise me the election is done and we have 4 more years, and don’t read into that, it doesn’t matter who would have won, the prices would still be high.  I want to turn my attention to a story that begins today, well ends today and then starts today.  Donald Driver good old number 80 hangs up his cleats today in a classy act that no other player has ever done, in front of his fans.  I think that Driver is a class act, a person who cares about his fans, and himself, heck he is retiring in front of the people who love him and on his own terms, and as a Green Bay Packer, unlike what we have seen before.  During the playoffs asked to be on special teams in order to play the game that he loves rather than be a prima-donna arrogant ass like we have seen from many other sports super stars, refusing to play after being put on special teams.  Donald Driver is a super star best of luck to you and your future number 80.

Daily Dose of BS Feb 5 debate

On Wednesday February 13 from 6-9a we will be holding a mayoral forum-debate on Today’s Talk 1490 we have invited all 11 of the mayoral candidates, I have heard back from 10 of the 11 confirming their participation.  I think it is a big group and an important election, because it whittles down the number of candidates from 11 down to 2.  I have 3 questions that I would like them to answer, here are my questions. What specifically will you do to reduce property taxes in La Crosse? How will you corroborate with our neighboring communities? Because many see La Crosse as the bully....and What can we do to better the economic development in La Crosse?  I know there are many more issues that are facing the city of La Crosse, like crime, including drugs.  The north south corridor, inter-turmoil at city hall, what questions would you ask the candidates if you could?  

Daily Dose of BS Feb 4 broken leg

I almost made it 44 and a half years without a broken bone. On Friday I broke that streak.  I went out with a few buddies, it was snowing when I left, I stepped out the bar, walked down the ramp and landed on my hands and knees, after the quick look around to make sure no one was looking I got up, well I tried to get up thank goodness for the ramp rail and the garbage can right there, I was able to prop myself up, swear to myself and trek off to my car.  With each and every step the pain intensified, I thought I sprained it, so I was thinking buck up bucky and off to the car, I brushed it off started it up and went on my way.  When I got home out of the car up the back deck and off to my favorite chair.  The family wanted to see the ankle I was complaining about my son said I have never seen that color before.  Wrapped it with ace, watched some tv then went to bed, up the stairs with every painful step.  I tried to sleep but was up every 20 minutes or so with a throbbing leg, up Saturday morning, thank goodness the walk in is open at 6.  X-rayed then fit with an aircast and sent home to rest.  Just so you know it hurts like hell and I am horrible with crutches.  Plus how are you supposed to shower and sleep with this thing on? 

Daily Dose of BS Feb 1 technology

With the cold weather some of us are enjoying old school heat, while driving to work this morning I smelled at least 2 wood fires, the smell brings you to warmer days and sitting by a crackling fire.  Technology has made the wood stove obsolete, most of us have electric, oil or gas heat, and oh how easy it is to go to the thermostat and set the temperature to make your home comfortable.  Technology has made its way into much of what we do on a daily basis.  For example at the radio station we got a new automation system, a huge upgrade, with an upgrade comes a learning curve and they say you can't teach an old dog new tricks.  I have faith in our team we have all made it from albums to carts to cds and wav files, bring on the new stuff.