Daily Dose of BS Feb 3 budgets

Its budget time, across the county, nationally and budgets are being turned in for states as well, from what I heard this morning about new programs makes me think, how is this going to be paid?  Ever thought about all these programs that are in the government need to be paid for by someone or something, guess who that is, it is us.  I have a hard time keeping to my budget at certain times of the year, and I always want more things as do most of us, but here is the difference between me and the government , I save then buy, not buy, then tax, then buy some more and borrow.  We need to get these state and federal budgets taken care of.  The burden for every man, woman and child right now is nearly $56,000.  WOW and we are paying interest on that money.  We need to have a balanced budget and need to have it done soon, we can’t afford to continue this spending.   What happens when the bills come due?  

Daily Dose of BS Feb 2 super game

I think that the Seahawks now know how the Packers felt a couple weeks ago.  I am sure that the feeling among fans of Seattle was we got this, only a few seconds left in the game we are up and had the ball.  Time running down and intercepted all I can say is wow.  That was about the most exciting thing in the game was the final seconds.  I wasn’t impressed with the commercials this year.  The excitement of watching the game for the commercials may have run its course with me.  I can honestly say the only one that I really liked is one that won’t be able to play again, it was the one right before the big game when the tv signal went away and it ending up being a Chevy commercial.  I am guessing the there was a collective yell across America with the word that rhymes with my last name when that happened.  No wings at the Schmidt house during or before the game, just nachos and the family tradition of Waffles for Waffle Sunday.  Btw the waffle machine gets put away now till the next big game, the 50^th.  

Daily Dose of BS Jan 30 waffle bowl

This coming Sunday is finally Waffle Sunday, it is also big game day, a national day of tv, wings, other high calorie tasty treats and lots of alcohol. My family however has a totally different menu when it comes to the big game, it started many, many years ago. At the Schmidt house we have a family tradition of waffles, and sausage on the day when football plays its big game. I remember the year we started it, it was right after reading the Sunday paper I glanced at a glossy newspaper ad that had a waffle maker on the front page, we went to the store and bought it, as a family we have been making waffles every single Waffle Sunday since. I love Waffle Sunday, because even if your team isn’t playing in the big game you can still waffle back and forth and enjoy the plays and of course the commercials. I even left a party a few years ago when the Green and Gold was in the waffle bowl to go home to have the breakfast of hotels with my family.  Have a great Waffle Bowl Sunday no matter how you spend it and go team go. #bswithbob #wafflebowl

Daily Dose of BS Jan 29 facebook

Has social media become a sounding board for the too afraid to say something in public?  Have the pages of facebook become a finger pointing, lets air our dirty laundry sounding board?  Do the posts that lots of people make kind of give the preverbal middle finger to others around that cannot do what it is that you do, or are doing?   I say yes to this, but I also think that the social media platforms have a place in our lives as well.  For each of the times that I have seen someone upset with their relationship and down on everyone and the very next person to post is having the best day of their lives and nothing can go wrong.  I don’t know how many times I have read a negative post on a politician and then see the complete opposite.  I guess what I am trying to ask is, do you think that we are to _____ on social media?  (open honest/ closed fake) I like my social media time, in fact I sometimes wonder what we did before we could peer in on others’ lives?  

Daily Dose of BS Jan 28 walker

I would think that running a state would take all your efforts.  Governor Scott Walker announced yesterday that he had formed a political organization to help boost his potential 2016 presidential run, Getting this group together is the first big step toward a possible presidential campaign that comes as other candidates are also building up their efforts to seek the republican nomination.  Governor Walkers group called “Our American Revival” was formed earlier this month and will be able to raise and spend unlimited cash to help Walker push his agenda to a national audience.  I asked Governor Walker in an interview if he was thinking of running for president someday and he was pretty vague, I think that if I were to ask him again I would get an answer.  Do you think that Governor Scott Walker would make a good President of the United States of America?  Please try to play nice on your comments.  

Daily Dose of BS Jan 27 choices

We all have choices to make these choices will determine your day and the day of others.  Funny I was thinking about that while driving into work, that the choices I make will determine how my day will go and could determine how the days of my coworkers will be as well or others that I run in to throughout the day.  It is the little things that add up to be big things I think.  You choose to hit the snooze, or skip breakfast, return that last email, take the call.  All choices, all things you decide to do in a day can have an effect on your day.  You can choose to react or over react, or ignore.  However you choose to take on your day, best of luck with your decision and remember you will have to live with the consequences.   

Daily Dose of BS Jan 26 vape smokes

When the smoking ban was first introduced in the state of Wisconsin I was against it.  I was a smoker for much of my adult life (I have not smoked since August 29^th 2007) and damn it I am not going to have my government tell me what I can or cannot do.  Well that stand softened once it became law, in fact I think I hit up the bar more frequently now than before because it was nice to come home and not have to strip off the stinky clothes.  In Madison they are no talking about doing the same with the vape cigarettes and making them illegal indoors, and guess what I agree.  I understand that these are only water vapor or steam but I don’t want to smell it.  I get offended when I see someone walking through the grocery store puffing away at their vape pen.  You don’t like walking through my sneeze do you? 

Daily Dose of BS Jan 23 ballgate

With all the crap that goes on in the world each and every day, in the grand scheme of things does it really matter that the balls were under inflated in the Patriots win over the Colts?  What is the NFL going to do strip the AFC Championship and chance to play in the Super Bowl XLIX (or 49, I had to google it) I seriously doubt it.  And for Tom Brady to say that he didn’t know, really?  I notice when someone uses my headphones, or when the tires are low in my car.  I am guessing that he knows all about the footballs that he is playing with to claim ignorance I find that offensive.  What ever happened to taking personal responsibility?  Also wouldn’t the Colts have the same advantage with the under inflated balls?  America it is time to move on to something with more substance, to complain about, something like what ever happened to good Saturday morning cartoons.  

Daily Dose of BS Jan 22 rebate

Ever bought something because it was on sale and with the rebate it was an unbelievable deal?  I have and for the most part I have received the rebates back.  A Midwest based hardware store offers lots of rebates, and I have at times purchased a couple of items I was going to buy anyway because of the rebate, for example when you purchase a tape measure at $5 end up getting it free after rebate limit 3.  Well a few years ago while working on the cabin we needed tape measures for the guys helping out, I bought them, got the rebate back in good time.  On black Friday there was a deal that was so good with a rebate that it brought me to the store.  I purchased the cordless drill (that I needed anyway) filled out the paper work, and waited, and waited, and in fact still waiting for.  If this were you, what would you do?   And have you had this happen to you? 

Daily Dose of BS Jan 21 state of the union

Yesterday the president made his 6^th state of the union speech.  He offered up some ideas like two free years of community college, offering paid sick leave for all businesses, and reducing mortgage premiums as to allow more low income Americans to buy homes.  The funny thing about the state of the union is that all the networks cover it and only about 33 million Americans watch it.  Did you watch any of it?  And what do you feel is the state of our country?  

Daily Dose of BS jan 20 speed limit

As Sammy Hagar sang about in his hit from 1984, One foot on the break and one on the gas there’s too much traffic I can’t pass.  You know the song I can’t drive 55.  I hate driving only 55 when that is the speed limit in fact I don’t like the interstates in my own state because the speed limit in Wisconsin is only 65.  The states around us have a higher speed limit I googled Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan and Illinois and they each have a higher than us speed limit of 70.  I remember when the speed limit went up from 55 to 65 and am now ready for the limit to go from 65 to 70 hell let’s move it up to 80 but make it 80 not 85.  I feel as though we feel the need to push the envelope and if we raise the limit 70 you know that it will mean 75-80.  We have the technology for safety right?

Daily Dose of BS Jan 19 packers

For Packer fans the result of yesterday’s game was heart breaking, I was bummed by the outcome especially since the Packers were underdogs heading into the game and really dominating the first half.  Coming in and getting a few interceptions, a few field goals and a touchdown, I felt pretty good, in fact I felt amazing up until the last interception of the game when we got the ball played the 4 downs, only took about 25 seconds off the clock and then gave the Seahawks a scoring opportunity that they took.  I am not a coach nor do I play one on the radio but I wonder if cockiness came into play for the Packers with the game yesterday.  I am guessing that they were thinking we are heading to the Super Bowl and in reality they are just heading back to Green Bay to clean out their lockers.  

Daily Dose of BS Jan 16 learning

I graduated high school in 1987 got my first Associates Degree in 1989, have taken many adult learning classes and a Dale Carnegie class since but then, but that is about it.  Two weeks ago I started the next phase in my life and became a full time student at Western Tech College in La Crosse, taking the Sales and Management Associates Degree.  So far so good, I am not the oldest learner in the class room, but am probably the most talkative; I guess something’s don’t change.  I believe I have always been a talker, an out of turn talker, and as a youngest it got me in trouble, I hope that with this new adventure that I am able to remember that I have two ears and only one mouth.  Things are going great so far, I feel as though I am a better learner and a much better student now than I was in the past, building on the learning blocks from the past, with an eye toward the future. 

Daily Dose of BS Jan 15 waste of food

We waste a lot of food.  I always feel bad about the amount of food that goes wasted at the Schmidt house from leftovers that are forgotten, to bagged lettuce that goes bad before its time, to other veggies and fruits that get started but saved for a later time to the doggie bag from the family’s favorite restaurants.  We waste food.  I make most the meals at our house and I try to use the ingredients that are in the fridge from left over rice mixed with a protein to make todays meal to the creation from today mixed with some frozen veggie for tomorrow’s meal, I do try.  But for some reason we waste food.  Any sure fire ways that have helped your family to avoid throwing food away? 

Daily Dose of BS Jan 14 kids today

Yesterday I talked about customer service; today I want to touch on the younger generation and work ethic.  I had the chance to BS with a friend yesterday about the different generations and a theory was thrown out saying that today’s parents have screwed up the kids.  I wasn’t sure what was meant but we hashed it out and went on to talk about the fact that today the younger generation feels entitled to the best rather than working for it.  That the generation of kids that are entering the work force were never forced to win or think on their own that kids now a days are part of the quote ribbon generation that by just participating that they feel as though they need to be compensated by either a ribbon or with the carrot that was dangled in front of them to get them motivated.  I have to say I have seen this with each generation that I have been a part of from mine to the next and to the generation that is growing up now.  What are your thoughts on the generation that is being brought up now and is it the parents fault? 

Daily Dose of BS Jan 13 customer service

I know I  have talked about customer service before and I also know I have talked about my Tivo in the past, but never did I think that I would mash the two together, but I am.  I ordered a Tivo Mini a week ago as to allow my Tivo to connect the two tv’s in our house.  I ordered it and it came, I didn’t read the small print and failed to order a Moco Adaptor that allows my home to network via coax cable.  I wasn’t happy, I wrote a friendly note to the company and explained my failure to read, but touted my love for the Tivo, and their customer service responded with a thanks for your tenure and the sending of the adaptor at their cost.  Totally unexpected and graciously accepted, thanks for stepping up to the plate and hitting it out of the park.  Have you had a company that has fixed a problem with a home-run? 

Daily Dose of BS Jan 12 weekend

I got to work this morning and tried my door code and the door wouldn’t open.  I tried it again and again, a total of about ten times.  Oh oh I thought what if this is there way of saying, um you don’t have a job anymore.  I called one our afterhours line and John answered, I asked is the code the same, he assured me it was I tried it a few more times with him on the line, it wouldn’t open.  He came and got me.  Over the weekend I had the pleasure of going to my son’s basketball tournament at Cochran - Fountain City High School.  Funny I have lived here for the past 22 years and have never been to or through either of those communities, I am going to make it a point this next year to visit more the of the small communities around La Crosse.  What diamonds in a rough can you suggest?  And what needs to be seen in these communities?  

Daily Dose of BS Jan 9 upskirting

I am shocked to hear that an upskirt photo or video wasn’t a crime.  That makes zero sense to me.  One of the first measures filed in the Wisconsin chamber, would criminalize upskirting which is essentially taking a picture of someone’s genitalia without their knowledge or consent.  I don’t get why this wasn’t already a law.  It would make doing this a crime punishable by up to 3 and a half years in prison, a felony.  As of right now it is only an invasion of privacy.  It is nice to see the Wisconsin legislators working together to make this happen, now let’s continue this working together to better our state. 

Daily Dose of BS Jan 8 bad clock

I bought an always right clock with an outside thermometer gauge.  Well after brand new batteries and being placed where I wanted it placed, it was over 40 seconds off in 24 hours, and with the temperatures being well below zero yesterday and again today the reading for the current temperature is just a couple of dashes, I don’t know about you but I need to know the right time and the current temperature throughout my shift to make sure I say the proper time and temp.  With that being said, I am going to be returning my time and weather station.   So what is your ideal ambient temperature?  I prefer warm enough for shorts but no air conditioning.  

Daily Dose of BS Jan 7 sledding

Here’s a great idea let’s do something for our kids that will force them to stay inside even more, let’s take away an activity that gets kids out and exercising lets take away sledding.  Sounds like a great idea doesn’t it?  Nope not on my watch, sledding was the one activity that my brothers and I agreed on when I was a kid, the only argument was who got which sled, and that was figured out by age then turns, I am sure it was the same thing for each family.  There is a push nationwide to start banning sledding on public hills.  This is to stop lawsuits against municipalities because there are over 20 thousand sledding related accidents a year.  To me this makes as much sense as banning tag or dodgeball.  

Stress relief

• Give yourself an ear massage. Huh? Just trust us on this one. Massage your ears from lobe to top, using gentle pressure. Think of it as a needle-free acupuncture session.
• Take a posture break – Sit up tall, focus on your shoulder blades, trying to get them to touch each other. Then shift them down as far as you can. Hold for 5 seconds, relax and repeat.
• Release tension headaches. That pounding in your head could be due to an unlikely culprit … your jaw. Focus on unclenching your teeth and allowing the jaw to relax.
• Think of yourself. During the holiday season it’s easy to get caught up in wanting to please everyone. Try making a little room for yourself by being selfish. Even if it’s just for an hour.
• Stretch it out. Yoga experts encourage regular stretching to relieve your body of stress. That can be as simple as lifting your arms above you and stretching your fingers toward the ceiling.
• Just breathe. When things seem uncontrollable, breathe in and out of your nose using slow, deep, steady breaths. This calms the parasympathetic nervous system, which lowers stress.
• Don’t say yes, say maybe. If you’re feeling over-scheduled, there is nothing wrong with taking some time to see if you really want to commit to something.
– Condensed from @nydailynews

Daily Dose of BS Jan 6 congress

A new year, will it be the same old same old in the Senate and in Congress, and local government?  Our Governor took his oath of office again yesterday, congress and the senate are getting swore in today, are we in for the same stuff here?  We have made the calendar change but are things really going to change?  To me it is funny that we all get our hopes up at election, hoping that our candidate will win, if they win they are going to change the world, if they lose the world is going to hell.  In reality how much is really changed with the changing of the guard?  Are all the world’s problems solved, are things that are good all of a sudden bad and all the bad in the world is good?  I don’t think so, I try to be a realist and hope that all of our elected officials can work together for the common good – us, and not the special interest groups that are pushing their agenda through.  To all in government, good luck, to all us constituents hang on, I am guessing it will be a wild ride. 

Daily Dose of BS Jan 5 cops

On the day after Christmas I posted on facebook the simple sentence “All this anti-cop B.S. around our country needs to stop.”  I thought that it was pretty self-explanatory, I didn’t expect anyone to disagree with it, didn’t post it to make it a race or economic statement, I just posted it because all the anti-cop rhetoric all around the country needs to end.  I don’t care if you are black, white, green or orange.  It doesn’t matter if you are rich or poor or somewhere in-between, this type of anti-police behavior needs to stop.   I have friends who chose this as a profession and it is funny to watch cops in public when someone asks what they do, they rarely ever say I am a police officer, it is more I work for the city or  the county.  It is too bad that these men and women, who protect and serve, can’t without ridicule say I am a police officer and I am proud of what I do.  To all those who do the job of protecting us, I will say it loud and proud, thank you for putting your life on the line to make sure that we are safe.  

Daily Dose of BS Dec 24 Merry Christmas

Traditions are big this time of the year lots of fun, and family and holiday cheer.  We get together and celebrate our times of together, we wish for snow and inclement weather.  We like the cold this time of the year, to don the sweater with the big ugly deer.  I don’t know who thought of this weird little trait, but by gosh and by golly it sure is real great.  The uglier the better, the more beautiful the sweater, when you put it on you know what to do.  You smile and you say Merry Christmas to you.  This now ends my holiday rhyme go forth with your family and spend lots of time....talk to you next year.  

Daily Dose of BS Dec 23 rail

According to an article I read in the La Crosse Tribune there are 16 million gallons of volatile crude that pass through our area daily via rail.  16 million gallons, that is a whole lot of crude that is a potential problem for the environment and anything that is in the way if the train can’t stop or tips over, that is a huge mess for any community to deal with, and we are doubling the tracks through the city.  Trains are moving through the country at a picked up pace, chugging through towns and if you listen to the commercials they are pretty darn efficient a ton of freight 423 miles on a gallon of fuel - huh.  What scares me is that they want to even make them more efficient for the rail companies and knock the number of people on a train from two employees to one.  Huh, there are only two people on a mile and a half train and they are both in the engine compartment?  What happed to the caboose and the breakmen and the others that were responsible for keeping that train on the tracks.

Daily Dose of BS Dec 22 gift cards

You know it isn’t too late to teach an old dog new tricks.  I used to be of the belief that gifts should be special – that you went out and purchased a gift that you contemplated for a time and then bought.  I used to not like gift cards, not at all.  Life is short and busy we don’t have time to go out and buy exact thought out gifts for everyone on our lists, we can for our spouse or kids but that is about the reach of it, right?  Unless you have a friend that you know will love that item isn’t a gift card just as good or even better because then that person will be able to get what they want.  We all know that the 26^th of December everyone who got the wrong size or the wrong item will be standing inline trying to either exchange or return that item that crazy aunt Ruthie bought for you.  This old dog has changed, have you?  

Daily Dose of BS Dec 19 gift of time

What do you really want for Christmas?  I was asked that a few times over the past couple weeks.  You know something I really don’t think there is anything that I really need.  I think the sometimes we get caught up in the getting during the holidays rather than the giving.  If I am asked again what I want for Christmas I think my answer will be for you to volunteer a few hours somewhere, it doesn’t matter where just volunteer your time helping someone else out.  This way we can pass on what skills we may have, or give someone a break when they need it.  The gift of time, it is funny that we really don’t know how much time we have so to me it is one of the most precious of gifts.  

Daily Dose of BS Dec 17 life too short

I was reminded yesterday that life is short. I think that all too often we take people for granted and just assume that they will be around as long as you need them. If you have experienced loss, you know that this is not the case, we lose friends and loved ones far too fast. I was saddened when I found out my neighbor for the past 19 years Mike Michael E Hansen Artie had passed, it opened my eyes as we have kids the exact same age, we live in the same neighborhood, we are close in age and we talked when we ran into each other at different events, around the neighborhood, and at school, and lended a helping hand when needed. I couldn’t imagine what his family is going through, the kids, Michelle Cooper-Hansen, Mike’s extended family. He was far too young to die. This unfortunate death makes you think, that we need to embrace those around us and really let them know how we feel. It also reminds me to live life, not to put off till tomorrow what I can do today, to experience all that is around and to enjoy those around me. In case I don’t get the chance to say it, thanks for being in my life. Now go live yours. 

Daily Dose of BS Dec 18 sony

I always thought that we are not to cave into the terrorists.  Isn’t this what Sony is now doing?  Word came down yesterday after the big movie chains backed out of showing the movie “The Interview”.  What I don’t understand is why they even used a real dictator name when making this movie, I think that just asks for problems.  Former presidential candidate Mitt Romney has suggested that Sony release the film online for free with a voluntary contribution to help to fight Ebola.  Did Sony do the right thing by caving to the terrorists?  I don’t think so, but if my back were against the wall like theirs would I do the same thing?  I don’t know.   Circling back to my first thought about not caving in, isn’t any strong negotiation for a raise or a new car kind of a smaller attack on a business?   And once we give in there have we lost? 

Daily Dose of BS Dec 16 Santa

A kid sitting on Santa’s lap goes against everything that we teach our kids. Yesterday I got to help with North Pole duties and saw first-hand how some kids are afraid to go sit on the big guys lap, yet other kids are up and ready for the challenge. We are constantly telling our kids to stay away from strangers yet here we bring our kids to sit on the lap on a big loud man wearing red proclaiming Ho, Ho, Ho Merry Christmas. The thing about being a fly on the wall at the North Pole was that the old school toys were the ones that kids wanted the most, don’t get me wrong there were lots of asks for an Ipad or tablet, but legos and barbies were the most consistently asked for presents, the weirdest ask that I heard was for a Hillshrie Farms Smokies, cause the kid wanted to make something he saw on Pinterest.  Also was nice to see a few kids ask for a surprise present.  It is also nice to see that kids still believe and they were there with a smile and I also noticed when Santa said Merry Christmas that kids and the parents smiled and said Merry Christmas back. If you have not been through the Rotary Lights yet this year, bundle up grab some canned goods, and take a stroll through the park to enjoy the sights, the sounds and the atmosphere of the Rotary Lights at Riverside Park- and don’t forget that Santa and the reindeer are there until December 23.

Daily Dose of BS Dec 12 gas

A few months ago you couldn’t buy gas 3 gallons for ten bucks, this morning you can buy 4 gallons for under ten bucks.  Personally I think this is great, however it makes me wonder why did we have to pay the inflated prices for so long.  How long will we be privileged with the lower priced gas?  Are these prices because the oil sands fields in North Dakota are starting to take a bite out of the opec nations strong hold in the oil business?  Are fuel prices being manipulated so to manipulate the American economy?  Are we being flooded with crude?  Can we save it for a rainy day?  When are the prices going to stop, when they do are the prices of other goods and services going to drop as well?  AND finally with the prices being lower are you living a more meaningful life?  Don’t get me wrong I love the lower priced gas, but what is the true cost? 

Daily Dose of BS Dec 11 spend local

I am assuming that you have a commute into work every day.  Day in and day out, in your car, back out of the garage, down the driveway and off to work.  I do this every single day.  On my drive in today I started thinking about the economy and how many businesses that I drive by each and every day, and for the most part I just drive by.  I don’t think about who is doing what inside each of these businesses that get thousands driving by daily.  Today my thoughts were on these businesses and how our local economy is tied to their existence.  If we spend money at a business owned by our neighbors it helps them out, their kids and their employees, in turn the money we spend at these local businesses gets spent here and there and there and we see these dollars turn many times.  On your way into work or way home from work today take notice at the businesses around you, stop in and say hi and spend some dollars local.  

Daily Dose of BS Dec 10 end of the year

We are fast approaching the end of 2014, at the beginning of the year I made the resolution to work out more and to eat better.  I can honestly say that I have followed through on both of these things, and I plan on doing the same for the next year.  My dad used to always say the getting old isn’t for the faint at heart, I didn’t know what he meant – at the time, it is weird how at 46 I am starting to understand.  I used to be able to sleep without a cpap machine or hear without hearing aids or not hurt the next day after having beers the night before, those things have all changed.  As the year wraps up and the Christmas cookies get set out, my goal of moderation is being pushed and tested, but I can really truly say that for the most part I have succeeded in my year long quest for better health. 

Daily Dose of BS Dec 9 salvation army

Have you walked past the Salvation Army Bell Ringers and not made eye contact?  I was watching people yesterday afternoon walking by one of the bell ringers and lots just walked right on by with their heads hung low.  I don’t get it.  I understand that we are inundated with people with their hands out asking for help with this that or the other thing but a charity like the Salvation Army helps many in our community.   You don’t have to give each and every time that you walk by a bell ringer, because I am guessing that you have given at another red kettle, even so, if there is someone out ringing the bell don’t feel as though you have to walk by with your head low, say hi, and give a nod of thanks and a wish for a great holiday season for their time ringing the bell.  Most of the people who are out ringing the bell are doing so as a volunteer.  By the way if you are looking to help out with the red kettle campaign bells2ring.org 

Daily Dose of BS Dec 8 travel

I read a story over the weekend about most disappointing travel destinations.  I was shocked that Los Angeles was on the list as was the pyramids, according to the story you can see the pyramids from a fast food restaurant.  I guess when I have gone on vacation I have an idea in mind of where I would like to go, and really don’t have much in expectations because when you set them up in your head you most often are disappointed.  A few years ago, my wife and I decided to take a trip to visit our friends in Nebraska, on the way we stopped at all the places we drove by every time we traveled through South Dakota, we had stopped at Mt Rushmore a few times when traveling back between Nebraska and Minnesota but never stopped at Wall Drug or the Badlands, there was also the Corn Palace and other drive by spots.  We hit many of them on that trip and honestly didn’t have much expectations going in and wasn’t too disappointed in the Corn Palace or Wall Drug, they are just as expected tourist places.  The Badlands on the other hand I could have spent a week there.  Have you ever had the disappointing trip that you looked forward to? 

Daily Dose of BS Dec 5 Christmas

Dear Santa, All I want for Christmas is to skip church I am too old for fairy tales.  From American Atheists.  Those are pretty hard hitting words.  I wonder how many true atheists are truly out there or how many people say they don’t believe in God because of the social pressures of not fitting in.  I am not going to change any minds by telling you that I believe in God, nor am I going to make anyone switch the way they greet you in the Christmas season.  I get that it is a choice I can choose to say Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays, I choose to say Merry Christmas, and in doing so I am not pushing my religion on you nor am I expecting you to change to my way of thinking.  I am just wishing you peace at this time of the year.  I really don’t get the war on Christmas as the day and I also don’t like the expectations that we have all come to require during the Christmas season, why are all the gifts exchanged, between people then with the stores.  You know that is happening, right?   Merry Christmas season.  

Daily Dose of BS Dec 4 cameras

Another week another grand jury decision, I think that this is the reason that police would want to wear a camera while at work.  The cops have a job that I would not want to do, there is no respect from lots of the community at large they are called names and they are yelled at and they are not respected, but if someone does you wrong, who is the first people who get called.  I don’t get it.  These brave men and women take an oath to uphold the law, and they do, I will admit that there are some bad cops as there are bad you name it, not every group has everyone good.  But for the most part the people I have come into contact with that carry a gun and a badge are great people.   Everywhere we go there are cameras on us, from stores, to atm’s to walking by people’s houses, to your walk in the woods.  We are on camera more than we know.  This is why I don’t understand the concern over cops wearing cameras, they say that storage is the issue; what if when they bring on cameras on cops that the video is kept for only a month, unless there is something brought up on a certain piece of video then it is kept indefinitely.  

Daily Dose of BS Dec 2 spices

I just read this morning that spices last for about a year if left whole and about 6 months if grounded up. I will bet that your cupboard is full of out dated spices. I know that mine is. I get a wild hair a few times a year and buy a new spice mix an use it a few times then off to another flavor. I was making chili the other day and noticed that the spice cabinet is getting a bit full with this blend and that blend I did end up using the last of my cumin for the chili. I posted on facebook the other day about what I like putting in my chili as a garnish I like fritos, a little cheese and fresh cut onions. I was surprised at the variety of other toppings that people liked some of what I found weird but want to try are avocado, cinnamon, blue cheese, chipotle and bacon. I also like to add noodles on the last day with a few cut up hot dogs, I think my mom used to do that when I was a kid. 

Daily Dose of BS Dec 3 girl scouts

Back when I was in Scouts I went door to door to sell first coupon books then popcorn.  I was one of the top sales people in my pack then troop I had a goal.  I really wanted this cool pocket knife and I worked for it.  Knocking on doors and ringing doorbells, it taught a skill, one that to this day I use daily.  Make eye contact and don’t mumble.  Getting in front of people helps to build confidence, and teaches you think on your feet, if not for learning those skills back in the 80’s I am not sure what I would be doing today.  I heard that the Girl Scouts are going to open up cookie sales to online selling, great but don’t expect me to buy any cookies from a website.  I don’t even buy from the sheet that is brought to work and put up with a note asking you to buy.  Want me to buy your cookies or popcorn come and sell me your stuff.  I buy from almost every kid that comes to the door unless my kids are selling the same item.  Getting the confidence built up is not a bad thing, but teaching kids that the easy way to go sell is online, that to me is a mistake.  

Daily Dose of BS Dec 1 shopping

We had Gray Thursday otherwise known as Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, NFL Sunday now Cyber Monday.   Wow that is a lot of consumer spending.  Oh wait the big sales didn’t bring in the masses like they used to also Sunday saw less people at those Masses.  What’s wrong with this picture?  I added money to the economy Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.  I did as was suggested in the bible on Sunday I rested.  Wednesday was the toasting of what I am thankful for with friends, Thursday brought the last minute trip to the grocery store, Friday I attempted to pick up a few deals with Black Friday and was surprised at the lack of people, and Saturday did some local shopping.  Cyber Monday sorry I got nothing left to give, it is back to work after a four day weekend.  Am I weird but by Saturday afternoon I was ready for work and by 2 the morning I was waiting for my alarm to ring as to start the day.  Happy back to the grind Monday.     

Daily Dose of BS Nov 26 tipping

I partook in one of my guilty pleasures yesterday and I guess didn’t tip enough.  Yesterday after work I went and had a pedicure.  I love them, not that I get them all the time but over  the past several years I have had on average 2 per year, my favorite part is the calf massage, if you have never had one I suggest getting one.  I tipped the woman who did my pedicure three bucks, a friend of mine yelled at me telling me that three bucks is less than the 20 percent that I leave for someone bringing my food and they didn’t have to touch those disgusting feet.  I responded they get paid for doing the job where does tipping stop?  Do I need to tip each and every person who does their job?  Aren’t the employers expected to pay at least minimum wage?  I get and know that food servers get a bit less but they make it up in tips, I didn’t think I need to supplement everyone’s wage; I don’t get tips for doing my job.   

Daily Dose of BS Nov 25 ferguson

Do you believe that there could have been an outcome in the Ferguson Grand Jury announcement that wouldn’t have led to violence?  Last night at 8:15 the verdict was announced that the Grand Jury decided not to indict Officer Darrin Wilson in the death of Michael Brown.  I would have hated to be on that jury as there was never going to be a peaceful outcome.  If a guilty verdict would have been handed down rioting in the streets would have happened, look at most major cities after their team wins the big game, there is always a disruption.  The verdict that did come down caused pandemonium in the town as well.  When it boils down to it how is this protesting going to help the cause?  What good can possibly come from violence?  And doesn’t this just add to the negative stereotypes?  I promote peace and communication not sticks and wars.  

Daily Dose of BS Nov 24 no deal

It’s funny I haven’t heard too much about exclusive black Friday deals this year in comparison of other years.  I love a bargain but this year seems well, a bit over saturated when it comes to quick come into my store and buy some junk that you don’t need or stuff that you think you need.  I have heard ads that say check out black Friday deals all week or a week of black Friday bargains but have yet to see a deal that will get me up at the crack of dawn to fight the crowds of people.  This Thursday is my favorite holiday, as there are no expectations, only family and fellowship, some people spend that time after dinner before dessert planning the black Friday hunt, we are just going to kick back, play a game or two, watch a movie and call our family that we couldn’t be with.  

Daily Dose of BS Nov 21 the hunt

You can feel the excitement of the people headed to the woods this weekend.   In Wisconsin the official state colors change from Green and Gold to Blaze Orange for the next nine days.  We will be hearing stories about the elusive thirty point buck, and hopefully tales of great sportsmanship and stewardship in the woods and at deer camp.  I go to deer camp for the camaraderie and the fellowship, I grew up in a non-hunting family and didn’t go hunting for the first time until about 20 years ago, since then I have only missed a few deer camps, the funny thing is I don’t hunt.  Two of my three boys do and the third is interested, so he will be spending time in the woods with some of the more experienced hunters.  If you are going to be out in the woods this weekend or at any time in the next 9 days, please be safe, and remember it’s about the memory, make those memories and go back and relive them when needed.  

Daily Dose of BS Nov 20 Spark

It has been a sad month at the Schmidt house, we found out about a month ago that our trusted loved companion Spark has lymphoma.  He is the first family pet for our kids and he was the greatest springer spaniel that you could have.  Always eager to please and offer up kisses and unconditional love.  As I write this a lump in my throat is forming and the warm tears are rolling down my face, my lip is also quivering.  I would have never thought that a dog could bring so much love and joy into a household.  After the diagnosis of his cancer we asked our vet and our friends how will we know when it is time, they all said you would know.  Well last night we knew.  We all spent time holding and crying with Spark last night, we even all went out for ice cream.  I am going to miss my tail wagging buddy, he was my sole companion every afternoon, he heard the good and the bad.  For almost 10 years Spark brought life, love and smiles to all of us.  I miss you already buddy, and I love you.   We will be together again my friend.  

Daily Dose of BS Nov 19 walker

Governor Scott Walker is considering a run for president.  Really?  This is such a shock to me.  Note the sarcasm in my voice.  I asked him straight out during an interview quite a while ago if his aspirations were to be President of the United States, and his answer was his wife would like to see him as the president of Harley Davidson more money and a lot less work.  I would think that even having your name in the hat for office of the president would be pretty cool.  We are still a couple years away from the next presidential election, but, if we were to measure that time in mudslinging and bad political ads I guess we are not that far from it.  Who would you like to see as the Democratic and the Republican candidates for the next election?  

Daily Dose of BS Nov 18 sleep

How often are you so tired that you fall asleep doing whatever it is you’re doing?  I often fall asleep in the afternoon, not often but daily.  I am an early riser and I don’t keep regular hours, but I supplement my daily sleep with a power nap.  There is very few days a month that I don’t nap.  With that being said there are people who walk thru life as a zombie, they never get enough sleep, even if they are getting 10 hours a day – look at most teenagers.  Why would people not get enough sleep, why do this to yourself?  What is your sleep cycle?  Can you survive on 6 hours a night, or do you need 9 hours or something in between.  Do you have a time of the day that you shine?  I prefer mornings and late nights, see my problem.  Weird thing is if I don’t nap I have a hard time sleeping at night.  I would guess that most of us have some weird sleep thing.  

Daily Dose of BS Nov 17 Bill Cosby

I feel as though I didn’t do my job.  I interviewed Bill Cosby a few weeks ago, in fact the day before I got the interview I noticed the allegations against him from several women made it on to the Google news feed.  I dismissed them as quackery, there often are career harming allegations spread about famous people in cyberspace, and in the human rumor mill.  Because I dismissed those stories as allegations and because I didn’t ask the tough question of Mr Cosby I am sorry.  If you heard the interview you know that he must have been in damage control mode, as he was guarded and didn’t really stop talking to allow me to get a word in edgewise.  About tree thousand people along with my wife and I went to the show on Friday and honestly he is a great story teller, his facial expressions are still hilarious and many laughed at his stories, including me.  Afterward the conversation was had how could you support someone accused of such a heinous crime, my response was this is still America.  

Daily Dose of BS Nov 14 sexting

According to a professor at the University of Colorado, there is no harm done with consensual sexting.  She goes on to say “If there’s no harm or privacy violation, then there’s no need to hold anyone accountable”.   Up to 28% of teens are sending sex pictures or sexting with each other on their cell phones.  What we as parents think that kids are doing with their phones is surely different than what is really going on.  Getting on the old man soap box now but the once-innocent “I’ll show you mine you mine, if you show me yours” game has gone digital, and with digital pictures out there floating in cyber space you really have no control in who is even seeing these pictures.  I guess what it boils down to is put away your phone and don’t take pictures of anything that you wouldn’t want everyone to see, today, tomorrow or in the future.  

Daily Dose of BS Nov 13 health care

Last year at this time there were all kinds of problems with HealthCare.Gov now new issues.  The market place opens up once again Saturday, the new feature on the website, window shopping.  I have talked to many people over the past year about their issues with getting health insurance; it was supposed to be affordable right?  Have you found it affordable?  I have heard from many who said that what they have now is a catastrophe plan, meaning high deductible and low payout.  Wasn’t the whole reason behind the roll out of healthcare.gov to make that different, to offer good quality health care at an affordable price?  I have yet to hear from anyone who got that.  What have you heard? 

Daily Dose of BS Nov 12 black friday

A Valley View Mall employee is petitioning the mall to have them not have the mall open at 6pm on Thanksgiving.  I totally agree with this petition.  Where do I sign it?  Last year after our Thanksgiving meal we went for a drive and did stop at one of the big box stores and got a great deal on a computer, would I go out in the massive crowds again?  I don’t think so.  Unless, of course there is a need that I have that I don’t know about yet.  Have you ever gone out shopping on either Thanksgiving evening or Black Friday for those awesome door buster deals?  What I don’t like about the new earlier and earlier times for Black Friday is that when it cuts into the Thanksgiving meal that often this is the only time that some families get together, this is camaraderie of friends and family, a great meal, good fellowship and plenty to be thankful for.  Oh yea and football and pumpkin pie too.  

Daily Dose of BS Nov 11 freedom

If you have served our great country, thank you.  If you are thinking of serving our country, thank you.  If anyone in your family is or has served, thanks to you as well, there have been sacrifices made by all of the above.  I feel as though we are more thankful to our Veterans now than we once were.  I heard stories from men who returned from the Vietnam War where people have spit on them when they returned states side and had people calling them names.  Really?  These brave soldiers have sacrificed not only life and limb but family and career advancement to fight for what they believed to be right.  I have many friends and relatives who have served and to them and their families thank you.  When you see a Veteran today or ever thank them for their service to our country.  God Bless America, and remember that our freedom is not free; someone paid the price for your freedom.  

Daily Dose of BS Nov 10 hackers

I hate hackers.  There I said it.  I really don’t like that word but hackers are making our world a tougher place to live.  Last year about this time Target got hacked and credit cards were compromised, this last April Home Depot got hacked, and I just got an email from them this past week saying that my email may have also been compromised.  We hear of other compromises in banking about every other day.  I am not a fan.  These all compromises all hurt us, especially the attacks on small businesses.  Lots of hackers are breaking into small business websites and emails.  This is costing us all, time, effort and energy.  And what are they getting out of some of the hacks?  I don’t get it.  

Daily Dose of BS Nov 7 welfare

Want welfare pass a drug test, want food stamps pass a drug test, want unemployment pass a drug test.  Governor Scott Walker wants to make that law.  Guess what he isn’t the only one talking about it, twenty other states are talking about enacting drug testing for welfare, unemployment and food stamps.  I think this is something I can stand behind.  I look at it this way, you have money for the illegal drugs, right?  Why not use your money that you were going to be spending on the drugs for food, shelter and clothing?  I spend my money on those things, and my budget doesn’t leave enough money for me to use illegal drugs even if I wanted to.  Doesn’t a lot of this boil down to supply and demand?  Or even the basics that I learned in economics class back in high school, wants are unlimited and resources are scarce?  Meaning we budget for the things that we need, save for the things we want, and borrow for the luxuries.  

Daily Dose of BS Nov 6 heating

44 for the high today.  Our first real cold day of the season.  I was hoping to not turn on my heat until November 1 I ended up turning it on Halloween afternoon.  Heating season is now on and my guess is it will be on for the majority of the next 5 months at least.  In my house I keep it between 67 and 72.  I used to have my thermostat set to move it between those two heats but the clock got off on the thermostat and it kept drifting so now I just turn it up or down based on if cold or not.  What have you done to save money on heating your home?  

Daily Dose of BS Nov 5 elections

One more Schmidt with his license, my son passed his drivers test yesterday.  That was the biggest change, well that and no more robo-calls and no more negative ads, at least for the next little bit.  Not much changed when you look at the big picture here in Wisconsin and also across the border.  I guess even though there were many complaining about the way our states were going, I guess we weren’t upset enough to change.  From the looks of it we elected most of the incumbents.  I guess it goes to show you once you are in a job of power, you keep it unless you really screw it up.  I guess it will be back to politics as usual for Madison.  Also do you believe that if you don’t vote you don’t get to bitch?  As an American I think it my right to bitch but I vote, if I didn’t maybe I wouldn’t bitch as loud, then again maybe I would bitch even louder.  Happy day after election, I hope you are happy.  J

Daily Dose of BS Nov 3 rally

A few things about this weekend, got the leaves raked, went out with some friends, took a road trip, stopped by as a reporter to a political rally.  Three of the four items went as well as planned even better than planned, one however leaves me scratching my head. Over the weekend both of the candidates running for Governor for the state of Wisconsin were in town.  Both candidates were here stumping for themselves and for their party.  I only happed to hear of one of these stops from a friend of mine who is a Walker fan, he forwarded me info.  Both were covered by local tv and newspaper, I was the only radio person at the rally I attended as a radio reporter.  I tried to get an interview with the Governor, was told there was no availability, that’s odd, both the tv stations that stopped by got one on ones.  Another thing about this weekend it started alternate side parking and also the time change.  Uggh.  Even though there were a few downfalls it was a great weekend.  I also don’t understand the Governors bashing of the media, if it wasn’t for the media none of the candidates would get any air time except for the time bought. 

Daily Dose of BS Oct 31 no masks

Today is Halloween and many will don masks, but maybe today we are really showing who we really are.  Have you ever given that any thought?  I am guessing that many will dress up as they really see themselves.  I think what would be better if we took off those masks and be who you are all the time.  It isn’t an easy task, but I believe that it can be done.   I do try to be the same person on air as I am in life, but it has been pointed out that sometimes I too put on that mask.  Being who others want us to be can put a strain on who you are, and who you have become, I think that today we should all enjoy the day being the person that you are with your mask on then next week try to be the person you are without that mask, live life who you are and have no worries.  Be proud of the person that you have become, and if you are not happy with that person, work on changing yourself to be the person you want to become.  Happy Halloween 

Daily Dose of BS Oct 30 faith restored

Ever misplaced money?  I went to the post office yesterday to pick up my mail for my business and ended up with a bunch of junk mail and a couple of checks.  I had to go up to the postal desk to ask a question about my home delivery and while waiting in line opened the checks and put them into my pocket, the same pocket as my keys.   Asked my question, headed to my car, unlocked the door and drove home.  After I let the dog out I noticed that my checks weren’t in my pocket, the fear of what happened to my money went through my head, I looked in the car, rechecked my pockets, checked my pockets again, checked the car, got back into the car and drove back to the post office with panic rushing through my veins, got on my hands and knees and looked around where I parked and found one of the envelopes now the panic really sets in, head back into the post office stood in line, and it couldn’t move fast enough, finally got up and asked the question if anyone turned in any envelopes, no one did, a guy Keith in line said yea I found them and was going to return them to the business on the envelope.  Thanks Keith for making my day and making me realize that there is good in the world.  If you know Keith from Dynamic Recycling give him a pat on the back.  

Daily Dose of BS Oct 29 scary stuff

Election day is just under a week away.  Last night was a heated debate with the 3^rd district candidates Congressman Ron Kind and challenger Tony Kurtz.  There was more interrupting than I have seen at other debates, some finger pointing and raised voices.  I guess that the debate did exactly what it was supposed to do, get some questions answered, and show how your favorite candidate does under pressure.  Besides the Election Day coming up another scary event coming up this week Halloween and this year it is on a Friday.  I am guessing that the local bars will be hopping and there will be lots of scary customs and some sexy ones as well.  Halloween is a whole different beast now than it was back in the day when I put on my Dads old work clothes and my Mom used eye liner to give me a beard, I used to go as a hobo and once in a while as a plain ghost, depending on if we got new sheets or not.  

Daily Dose of BS Oct 27 bullying

This is National Bullying Prevention Month but I don’t think it is sinking in.  We are still seeing bullying going on.  When I was a kid they used to say suck it up, sticks and stones may break your bones, but words can never hurt me.  I know this is not true, words can and do hurt.  Especially if these words come from someone that you either look up to, or is an authority figure.  Which brings me to the terrible situation that happened in Washington last Friday, why are we seeing on a yearly basis school shootings, kids dying at the hands of other kids?  We need to think this through and put a stop to it, is the cause bullying?  Or is it something bigger than this?  What can we do to make sure that our most precious of people can be safe when away from home?  The first step that we must remember is that words can and do hurt.

Daily Dose of BS Oct 24 cmnh

Day 2 of the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals radioathon in La Crosse.  The goal this year is lofty $100,000.  Over One hundred thousand dollars to help families with kids, last year 8,000 local kids were helped by the Children’s Miracle Network Hospital  and every child served has a story of courage and perseverance.  Please dig a bit in your pockets, your seat cushions and piggy banks and help the La Crosse Radio Group reach this goal to help thousands every year.  The phones are manned 6a-6p today and 8a-3p on Saturday.  Help the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals radioathon.  The number to help is 608-781-1477 or toll free 800-853-6889.  100% of your donation goes to help the families.  Please Help!

Daily Dose of BS Oct 23 CMNH

Today marks the start of the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals radioathon in La Crosse.  The goal this year is lofty $100,000.  Over One hundred thousand dollars to help families with kids, last year over 8,000 local kids were helped by the Children’s Miracle Network Hospital  and every child served has a story of courage and perseverance.  Please dig a bit in your pockets, your seat cushions and piggy banks and help the La Crosse Radio Group reach this goal to help thousands every year.  The phones are manned 6a-6p today and tomorrow  and 8a-3p on Saturday.  Help the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals radioathon.  The number to help is 608-781-1477 or toll free 800-853-6889

Daily Dose of BS Oct 22 voting

Last night I was on a panel for a couple of local debates, I asked the question “Early voting started this week, the opportunity to vote is a great privilege, however many don’t vote.  How can we get more people to the polls?” I was corrected that voting is a right, I agree that voting is a right but a right that many refuse to partake in so in my mind it is a privilege.  Be it a right or a privilege there are far too many people who beat the drum of democracy and still refuse to partake in this event.  With presidential elections at about 60% turnout and midterm elections at 40% this is far too many people who take this right seriously.  Please vote on November 4^th. 

Daily Dose of BS Oct 21 parking

The one thing you hear people complain about most in La Crosse is parking and that will soon be at the top of minds when alternate side parking is implemented next month.  We always have alternate side parking November 1^st through April 1^st if there is snow or no snow.  I personally dislike this law, and I have in 22 years of living in La Crosse only had 2 tickets for parking on the wrong side of the street.  The city will be talking parking tomorrow at 4 at city hall, not about alternate side parking but about the parking ramps and what the city charges to park in the ramps.  I for one think we have a bargain when it comes to downtown parking.  A couple of free hours of parking then only 75 cents an hour maximum of 6 bucks per day, big city folks would jump at the chance to only pay that little.  Is it perfect, no, but is it doable, yes.   

Daily Dose of BS Oct 20 random act of kindness

On facebook I got invited to participate in Random Act of Kindness day.  I was intrigued so I googled it and found that there are a few of them out there, however since I never heard of it before I am going to participate in the 2nd annual Random Act of Kindness day tomorrow.  October 21st this date was picked to honor the persons Mother and her Mom’s birthday.  So I challenge you to participate in this day tomorrow, and maybe do it a few times per year on dates that are important to you.  The acts don’t have to be big, you could buy coffee for the person behind you in line, or you could hold the door for someone, rake the neighbor’s yard, call and take a friend out for lunch, do something and make the day great.  I am guessing that your random act will not only feel good to the recipient but to you as well.

Daily Dose of BS Oct 17 street crossing

Don’t you hate when the websites that you are a member to doesn’t work, by allowing you to log in?  I went to one this morning to get some quick reading done and it wouldn’t allow me in.  It said wrong user name and password, it can’t be it has worked for a long time and I haven’t changed it this is irritating.  You know what else bugs me is when you are driving down West Avenue by the University and the students cross the street but push the button for the cross walk before they go causing the flow of traffic to stop.  Or when you stop when there are students in the cross walk and you stop to allow them to cross and they don’t give you the wave.  I am not asking for much just a common courtesy of a nod, a smile or quick wave.   

Daily Dose of BS Oct 16 ebola

Nurse number two now has Ebola and she flew, with a low grade fever.  I think she should be held responsible for the cleanup cost of the plane and for the testing of the people that were around her.  If you knowingly spread disease or virus shouldn’t you be held responsible?   The claims I heard on air said she contacted the CDC about the flight, I wonder who at the CDC approved her flight?  And should they be held responsible for the extra panic that we have all felt also? Also didn’t she fly from Dallas to Cleveland and then back?   I think we should do like other countries and we should shut down travel with countries that have the Ebola virus and focus on eradicating this virus. 

Daily Dose of BS Oct 15 roundabouts

I sometimes feel like I am running around chasing my tail, (no I really don’t have a tail) you ever feel like you are as well?  The government is now adding to that feeling, well even more than they usually do.  More and more communities are getting the run around and the turn around with the roundabout.  I don’t mind when they are in a neighborhood since there are no other cars around when you approach plus you can try for the world record of laps in a quiet roundabout, my son drove laps around the one on the south side 16 times before he got bored with it.  I get anxious when I approach them, what if I do it wrong, it stems from when I first approached one in the Dells, I didn’t know what to do I got off too early and ended up having to go out my way to get back on track.  Personally not a fan of the roundabout, I also wonder if they are called roundaboots in Canada?  

Daily Dose of BS Oct 14 pay attention

I am going to put on my preachy Dad hat now.  You know I mention it all the time to pay attention when doing things.  I saw an adult yesterday at my sons football game texting and walking while avoiding puddles walk into a table.  He didn’t fall but come on people pay attention.  This goes for all aspects of life, from driving to walking to what you do on your computer.  I recall when I was a kid my Dad would say to me use your head for something other than to hold your glasses or your hat.  It must have done something for me cause I don’t like to wear hats.  Seriously though I think we need to put away our phones and enjoy what is around us we need to live in the here and now not what could be.  I too am guilty of this, but I can honestly say to this point I have not walked into a table.  Pay attention. 

Daily Dose of BS Oct 13 choices

Life is about choices.  We make good and bad choices all the time.  I went to the Ark game on Friday, it’s the game between the two local high schools, this year the Logan Rangers dominated the Central Red Raiders.  The bad choice there was at half time a Central student decided to shed his clothing and go for a job across the football field.  I think the best hit in the game was the coach tackling the kid.  I found out after the game that most of the students knew that this was going to happen, which surprises me that it was able to be pulled off.   As a parent I would be mortified if my kids did something such as this, you know we work our lives to teach our kids right from wrong and when they get the chance they make their own choices.  Speaking of choices, we have our choices to make in a few weeks with the mid-term election, the first of two debates was last Friday night, who do you think won?  

Daily Dose of BS Oct 10 voter id

The US Supreme Court has blocked the State of Wisconsin from requiring the use of photo id to vote.  I waffle on this decision as I used to believe that you should have a photo id to vote but can see how there really weren’t that many people who cheated the system.  I understand that having only one fake vote spoils the whole process, but really requiring a voter id kind of puts a damper on voters anyway.  I look at it this way Election Day is coming up on November 4^th.  I bet that most of the people reading this do not even know outside of the Governor’s race who is running and what that person stands for.  I think instead of worrying about if someone has the proper id we should really worry if people have the proper education to make a good choice.  Once we start getting more people who take their job as an American seriously and get out and vote then and maybe then we can worry if there is someone pretending to be someone else, till then lets just work on educating the voters.  

Daily Dose of BS Oct 9 flu shot

I am not afraid of getting a shot, or blood drawn.  A couple weeks ago I got the phenomena shot, today I will be getting my flu shot.  Funny when I get a shot or get blood drawn I like to watch, I mention it to whomever is doing the shot as to not make them uncomfortable, about a month ago I was in for my health screening physical for insurance and mentioned it to the lady doing the blood draw she said she doesn’t like to watch but she gets paid pretty well, we both had a laugh.  I wonder what makes people afraid of getting shots?  Out of my four kids only one of my kids hates it, maybe it is a percentage thing.  Do you get a flu shot, why or why not and are you afraid of needles, or dislike shots? 

Daily 8 Dose of BS Oct advertising

Pretty cool to see a lunar eclipse this morning on way to work, my work buddies and I took a few moments out of our days to enjoy it together.  Gas prices are down again 3.26 per gallon, I am glad we never hit the 4 bucks that they were calling for.  All our prices are going up and wages are staying the same, who is making all the money?  I am not.  A restaurant right next door to the radio station closed, the weird thing is that they spent the spring and most of the summer working to get this restaurant open, I wonder how many thousands of dollars they spent?  They were open for less than two months, I guess it goes to show you that you do need to advertise your business.  We come across much advertising in the course of a day, what advertiser stands out to you and what caused that business to be top of mind?  I keep thinking of the old jingles like plop, plop fizz, fizz – or libbys, libbys, libbys on the label, label, label.  Or Wettstein's  wow Wettstein's  now.  What advertiser has done this to you? 

Daily Dose of BS Oct 7 selective service

 Let me start by saying I know I really have no right to talk about equal rights since I am a white middle class, middle aged male, the world was set up for people like me.  But I have been hearing lots of the register for selective service public service announcements on the radio and I also think I have seen a few spots on tv about registering if you are about to be an eighteen year old young man, you know the tag line it’s quick, it’s easy it’s the law.  With all the equal rights things that we as a society have been talking about over the past decade I believe that it shouldn’t only be young men who register, open that up to have young women register as well.  Either do that or do away with it all together.  We haven’t had a draft in my lifetime, and I really don’t see us having one anytime soon.  Don’t take what I am saying as a slam toward the military, or the government because it is not, or a slam on women and women’s rights, because it is not, I am just wondering out loud in a public place if first of all do we need to have 18 year old young men register for the selective service and secondly if needed why not make all 18 year olds register.  

Daily Dose of BS Oct 6 apples and chili

I didn’t even miss my favorite team not playing Sunday football, did you?  lesIt was a cold but great fall weekend.  The last few weekends have brought station promotions with parades and other station events, this weekend no different, there were four events that the 2 stations I am on were involved with helped with, including the Glow in the Deke glow run and walk.  For the 3^rd year now my family has participated in this awesome event, and every year more friends and neighbors do it as well.  Yesterday brought a day of family activities including apple picking, we headed to the Shefelbine Orchard for our Honey Crisps this year.  This is our second year in a row going there not only do you get to learn a bit about the apples you get to sample while you pick.  After hitting up the orchard we did some grocery shopping and chili was at the top of the list for what was wanted for dinner, a huge pot of chili was made and I don’t know about you but mine changes every time I make it, there are some constants like meat, beans, tomatoes and brown sugar but after that every time is different.  Do you have a kickin chili recipe? 

Daily Dose of BS Oct 3 football

NFL football should be on Sundays.  I don’t have time to dedicate more than one afternoon a week for football.  With the way life is now there isn’t time, we gotta do this, that and the other thing.  We have deadlines for work and life.  With that being said, I think the NFL should reconsider having games on other than Sundays.  Since I am talking about it now I also think that the games should be played on network tv, over the air, free network television.  Here is why, we as fans are invested in a team, we have our routines, our superstitions etc when watching a game, and when the delivery system changes the outcome of the game can as well.  I bet that Viking fans thought that they were going to march into Lambeau Field last night and beat the Packers, it could have happened if were a Sunday game but peoples mojo was off because it was a Thursday game, after all it isn’t known as any given Thursday, its every given Sunday.  And now what am I supposed to do Sunday afternoon, work?

Daily Dose of BS Oct 2 zoo

I remember the cry for save the monkeys from many years ago.  Now the city of La Crosse has retained the former Myrick Hixon EcoPark and will be calling it Myrick Center.  If you recall 2006 and the grand plans for a new zoo, the monkeys, prairie dogs, bear, and caged deer all got new homes, I think the monkeys got jobs in the government but I am not sure.  I remember the plan was to bring in Wisconsin based animals and that all fell through, then the plan for different parks at the parks, and I am not really sure what happened there.  I do think that the building down at Myrick is a nice building and I hope that the city finds something the will be suitable for that structure to put in down there.  I also hope that the parks can be finished and what the heck since we are wishing, I hope the monkeys come back.

Daily Dose of BS Oct 1 ebola

This is how it starts isn’t it?  This is how the zombie apocalypse starts.  Illnesses and sicknesses from all around the world converge on the United States and we use all our resources to combat them.  Are we on a crash course for doom?  We now have a case of Ebola in the good old USA.  And this isn’t the ordinary run of the mill Ebola that has made its way quickly through Africa, this is the new let’s sit in a body for a few days before presenting itself Ebola, a strain that makes us question even going outside and coming in contact with people.  Of course I jest about it being the zombie apocalypse but how far off from that are we, how close are we to following the path of the dinosaur and becoming extinct?  Could you imagine what the next world humans would be like?  And what they would think about our technology?  

Daily Dose of BS Sept 30 stuff

My goal today is to have a super day.  I knew yesterday that today would be a challenge.  It started with a few of my scheduled events getting moved and changed but worked out.  I have a morning ritual on my way to work and timing of the lights, they didn’t work my way this morning, I got into work a few minutes later than usual.  Every morning I put my backpack in the office, grab my computer, my big water glass and fill it up with our bottled water and head to my studio, well the water cooler was leaking last night so they took the water out and grabbed the fan from-you guessed it my studio so now no water or fan.  Most people would just shake their head and think first world problems and if you do, you would be correct, but I like most people like things to fall into place, but if they don’t I can and have to move on as to we all do.  So laugh at these issues or not but know I will not let these or any problem stand in the way of me having a good day, cause that falls on me.  Enjoy the day.  

Daily Dose of BS Sept 29 Oktoberfest

Well we did it.  We made it through the shortened Oktoberfest celebration, what did you think of the new shortened fest?  I liked it, I didn’t find myself at fest any less than other years, in fact it looked as though there were more people out each of the 4 days, as to not miss anything.  I walked the Mapleleaf Parade on Saturday, it was typical we were number 124 in the parade and supposed to line up by 8am for a 10am start to the parade, we didn’t even start to move until after noon, which made for a long morning.  At least the weather was awesome.  I did have fun seeing many people that I haven’t seen in quite a while.   My biggest issues with the fest isn’t with fest at all but with the get as drunk as possible mentality of too many.   The drunk and disorderly folks especially around the college area left their garbage strewn all around.  I thought that West Avenue looked like a dump site.  Pick up after yourself.  And remember a community fest isn’t about getting a drunk as possible and wrecking the beauty around you.  

Daily Dose of BS Sept 26 toilet paper and crying

I hate having a cold.  My eyes have watered more in the past week than they did the last time I cried.  Yes I am man enough to admit that I have a cry once in a while.  I don’t think there is anything wrong with that.  One thing I do find wrong is the toilet paper companies and the smaller rolls and the process that they are attaching the beginning of the roll to itself, what kind of herculean process are they using to press this paper into itself?  I put a new roll on this morning and thought I had the flap going in the right direction, over the top in case you were not sure.  But the roll had me fooled, after busting thru the first couple of sheets, I finally got the roll free, and guess what it was on the spool backward, of course I corrected it.  Also when it comes to these rolls why is it that the process now goes through to the next layer also?  I don’t ever remember this being a problem in the past.  

Daily Dose of BS Sept 25 Oktoberfest

I finally finished watching the series Dexter, I think this is the first time I have seen a series from first episode to the last, at times I liked this series but by the end I was ready for it to end.  Have you ever watched an entire series of a show without missing an episode or watching out of order?  Another chapter of La Crosse Oktoberfest begins today with the Torchlight Parade that winds through the North Side of La Crosse.  We are also seeing a few less days but the same amount of things jam packed into the days.  Oktoberfest runs today through Sunday, maybe Oktoberfest could end like Dexter, with Ice Cream.  

Daily Dose of BS Sept 24 wednesdays

We are at the half way of the work week.  Good old Wednesday, a downhill slide to the weekend if you will.  I personally like Wednesday because it is a half-way point, and at our house it is CCD night.  Productive I read a stat that said Wednesday is the 3^rd most productive day of the week it goes like this Tuesday is the big day with 51% feeling productive, followed by Monday then good old Wednesday at 15%.  For me Wednesday is my longest day at the office I have to stick around for a brainstorm meeting then off to take on the day.  It is funny that Friday has only 1% of the population being motivated, for me I am pretty motivated on Fridays too, motivated to get my stuff done and get out of work that is.  

Daily Dose of BS September 23 ageing

Ageing is not for the faint at heart.  Those that used to know me knew I used to have lots of hair, natural curly black hair and a baby face.  For many years I shaved my head bald on a daily basis, and would grow it back every year or two just to prove to myself that I am not getting old.  Guess what the last few times I grew my hair back the male pattern baldness was there but not too big, the bright spot was that my hair wasn’t greying but my younger brothers hair was, both of my brothers heads of hair was speckled with grey hair, but not mine.  Well not mine until September 1^st when I decided to grow my hair out for my annual old man check.  What the heck happened?  I used to have long natural curly hair, no bald spot and only distinguished grey hair in my beard, now I got greys creeping in to what few hairs I have left.  I think I will blame the kids as I never had grey hair before children.  I also didn’t used to have bags under my eyes.  I guess I found the secret of getting old, it’s the kids fault.  

Daily Dose of BS Sept 22 parade season

Well it has begun.  The parade week has begun with the King Apple Parade yesterday, had the chance to with the rest of the La Crosse Radio Group and Bauer’s Market hand out thousands of apples.  Up next lighting up the vehicles on Thursday night for the Torchlight Parade on the North Side of La Crosse kicking off Oktoberfest 2014.  The Edelweiss Parade is Friday morning leading to the tapping of the Golden Keg, then the gran-daddy of all parades begins on Saturday Morning with the Mapleleaf Parade.  Rumor is that almost 250,000 people line the streets of La Crosse for the Mapleleaf.  I like our celebrations of fall for the area with Applefest and Oktoberfest, what are your favorite memories of fest?  

Daily Dose of BS Sept 19 driving

When you have a vehicle that you drive with your work info plastered all over it you tend to drive more cautiously because your contact info is all over the place.  Yesterday afternoon I was driving the radio station Scion Ion, and yes I do fit in it, to a remote to sell Oktoberfest tickets, when I needed to switch lanes, I looked around there were a few car lengths in between the truck in front and the car behind that I wanted to slip in between, I put on my blinker to move over then did.  Waved to the guy behind me to say thanks, and he flipped me off.  I did the shrug shoulders thing he did it back, and then flipped me off again this time while on the horn.   I then had to turn into where I was going to be doing my remote and the guy followed right behind me, I am thinking ooh ooh I am in my station car and really can’t do much, thank goodness he continued on, as I glanced to make sure he was going away I noticed a bumper sticker from another radio station holding his bumper together, maybe he was just saying hi.  

Daily Dose of BS Sept 18 live for today

There is a new poll that was just released that asked which decade of the 20th century people would most like to go back to, the one most people pick is the 1950s. It was an age of stay-at-home wives, novel household appliances, and suburbs.  Most people surveyed seem to yearn for their youth. Over 50% of those over 65-plus want to revisit the 1950s or 1960s, while those 45-to-64 look towards the 80s.  It makes sense to me as when I think of the good old days I yearn for the 80’s a time in my life where things were much simpler, a time when I didn’t have to worry about life as it was run by my folks.  I really don’t miss those days but look back to them as a simpler time.  I try to live in the moment and not live in the past.  It is funny that my 16 year old said that to me last night when we were discussing some issues from his past.  Live in the moment and do not dwell in the past, Dad.  I guess we can learn by listening. 

Daily Dose of BS Sept 17 nlf in news again

The NFL in the news again for abuse, this time Adrian Peterson suspended from the Vikings for using a tree branch when disciplining his 4 year old child.  The Vikings have now reversed course on its handling of their star running back now putting him on the exempt commissioner’s permission list, this means he is suspended indefinitely from all team activities while the running back’s child-abuse case is under investigation.  I wonder if he was suspended because of the pulling of advertising dollars that the Vikings pulled their star running back?  I think it is pretty sad that the team didn’t just say when it happened that they would cut ties until all these issues are worked out.   I said it a few weeks ago and will say it again today, it is not ok to hit.  Men, women, children and animals are not a punching bag, if you are looking to punch someone or beat someone up join a boxing gym. 

Daily Dose of BS Sept 16 be on time

In sales I think it is important to be on time early in fact but not too early.  Being on the radio I am used to being at a place on time.  If I am not here to push the buttons or hit the top of the hour there is a problem.  In most businesses schedule it important, why is it that medical is different?  I am not busting the chops of all in medical but very rarely is an 8:30 appointment started at 8:30.  I was scheduled for a health assessment for 5 this morning so that way I could get on with my radio day, I got there at 4:50 tried the doors, walked over to another building, walked back tried the doors, sat in my car listened to the top of the hour news rechecked the doors and had to abort my appointment cause as I mentioned before I got a schedule to keep.  I know that this isn’t the end of the world or anything, but it is a start to the day with an irritant plus I am now going to have to do another 12 hour fast, and for a big guy that isn’t the most fun thing.  I think I just figured out why the magazines at the clinics are so old they are on a different time than the rest of us.  

Daily Dose of BS Sept 15 binge tv

When I was a kid binge tv watching was pretending to be sick to stay home and watching “The Price is Right” then catching the reruns of “Gilligan’s Island” and “I Love Lucy”.   DVR’s have changed that so has Netflix.  My wife and I started watching Dexter a few months ago kind of on and off, in the past two weeks we have watched two seasons.  That isn’t the binge part on Friday night we sat in front of the boob tube and watched 5 episodes of Dexter.  Thanks Netflix that is five hours of time I will never get back.  Then on Saturday we sat down and watched 2 more.  At least yesterday there was no binge tv watching oh yea it was Sunday and with Sundays this time of the year it means football, at least the weather is getting cooler. 

Daily Dose of BS Sept 12 credit cards

Another big box store with another credit breach.  I also heard that hackers got access to over 5 million gmail account passwords.  What can be done?  What can we as consumers do so that way we are not taken advantage of by these crooks?   Reports say that the latest data breach at the Home Depot could end up being one of the largest ever for a retailer and could affect consumers as far back as April.  Last year when we heard about the breach at Target we were shocked as it was the first of the big boys that got hacked now it is just getting to be common place.  I want to know what happens to these numbers once they are hacked?  Does someone end up using these for evil?  Are wars paid for by the stolen credit cards?  When the Target hack was announced we got a new credit card because we used it at Target getting ready for Christmas last year, with this hack, I am not sure if I used Home Depot since April of this year?  Are we ever going to be totally credit safe?   Is this just something that we are going to have to learn to live with?  Can you live without your credit card?  

Daily Dose of BS Sept 11

We will never forget.  We will never forget.  How often have we heard those words, how often do we reflect on what it is that we will never forget?  I think that with each passing day we tend to forget a bit more about what happened on that Morning of September 11, 2001.  Here it is 13 years since that day, at first we were all patriotic then as the calendar pages turned the patriotism waved and today we are back to the complacent ways that we had prior to September 11.  I think on this day we should reflect and think about the freedoms we have as Americans and not about the hassles that we now have to go through to keep ourselves safe since that day.  September 11th will always be a day of remembrance, and a day of reflection for me.  

Daily Dose of BS Sept 9 NFL

It is never ever, ever, ever ok to hit a woman.  Ever!  I think that the NLF finally got it right by indefinitely suspending Ray Rice from the game.  When I first heard that Rice was suspended for two games for knocking out his then girlfriend I was appalled at the NFL.  A man should never hit a woman and this man is a professional athlete so he works out for a living.  The NFL should have jumped on at least a full year at least suspension to begin with, then went from there.  I feel often that the professional athletes and those that are famous live by different rules than the rest of us.  People often want to be around those that are famous and tend to look the other way too often, I think that that the famous need to be held to a higher set of standards than us common fold.  Way to go NFL but it is a bit late, it feels like you caved to the pressure.  Remember it is never ok to hit a woman or a man.  Let’s stop domestic violence. 

Daily Dose of BS Sept 8 parking

I just got back from vacation.  I had both the big city and the quiet not bothered by anything vacation.  I started off in Chicago for a few days of sightseeing and over paying for parking, I then went to my favorite place in the whole world my cabin, in the middle of nowhere, no running water but peaceful, got a lot of work done, ah but back to reality.  When in LaCrosse you take parking for granted, you want to park by a store you go in you shop you leave, maybe just maybe you pay a few cents for parking.  In Chicago you see where you want to go you see a parking garage, it is either full or priced right out of your budget.  I saw a few places that had 20 dollars an hour for parking, 20 dollars.  I am happy to live in my small town where I only get charged for parking if I am in the lot for over 2 hours then what is it 50 cents an hour?   For parking we have it pretty easy in LaCrosse.