Daily Dose of BS June 24 confederate flag

Several retailers have decided to pull the confederate flag from the shelves, really the only times I saw the flag and really noticed it was when I was a kid and watched the Dukes of Hazzard.  I see that the Warner Brothers who licenses the Dukes, General Lee is no longer going to allow that version of the car to be manufactured.  The big hitters are all taking the Confederate Flag off the shelves and the politicians have made it their personal stand to do away with the Confederate Flag.  The threat of it going away has put a run on the flag.  Is the removing of the flag kind of the same as filtering history?  Only bringing up the good.  Because not all of history was pretty nor will all the future be rosy.  

Daily Dose of BS June 23 frisbee

Last night my daughter had another softball game, and before the game my son and I were playing catch with a Frisbee that we found there at Logan.  We used it for about 15 minutes then tossed it back, in the field where we found it.  Before we left he said we should grab it, I said no, but then did grab it, cause it was there.  I brought it to my car with me and one of the Dads said to me at least you got a Frisbee.  That got me thinking; I should have stuck with my original no and left it.  I thought about that Frisbee all night and on my way into work this morning I swung back by Logan High School and tossed the Frisbee over close to where it was when my son and I found it.  My question to you is would you have kept that toy, why or why not?  Also should I have let my conscience get the better of me?  

Daily Dose of BS June 22 winning

Here is a very flawed statement - winning isn’t everything it is the only thing.  My daughter’s softball team had a B softball tournament over the weekend.  Her team isn’t horrible, there are moments of brilliance followed by moments of collapse.  This weekend no difference.  I don’t get why an A team would want to play in a B tournament.  Our first game was a 28 to 3 blowout, it was hard to watch and made me angry that it was allowed to go on.  First of all how can a game that lopsided be good for anyone, from the morale and the confidence of the girls who lost to the feelings that they are superior from the team that won, I am sure that they have had some losses as well?  If you are an A team and you decide to play in a B tournament, than maybe you should play up into the next age group or not play in the tournament, because no one gets anything out of such a blow out of a game.  No one. 

Daily Dose of BS June 19th Hayden

I rode my motorcycle to work on Father’s day 1995 I remember that day because a bird used me as target practice, a direct facial hit.  That Father’s Day was the last time I didn’t celebrate Father’s Day as a Dad.   Ya see my oldest son Hayden was born two days later, a month before his due date.  This weekend we will both be celebrating, me as a father, Hayden will be celebrating his golden birthday, 20 on the 20^th.  It is amazing to see the growth of your kids, I am so proud of the man he has become, from his getting up to be at work by 6 every morning, to his sales internship to going to school full-time and maintaining good grades.  These first 20 years have been amazing, I wonder what the next 20 years will bring?  Hayden, happy golden birthday, I love you.  And for the Dads out there, enjoy your weekend, and have a great Father’s Day.  

Daily Dose of BS June 18 crime

I woke up this morning listening to the news about a hate crime with 9 dead in South Carolina, we hear about crime almost every time we turn on the radio, the tv or open the newspaper.  I hosted the La Crosse Areas Crimestoppers public forum last night and was pleasantly surprised to hear that the 9 groups represented on the panel all work well together.  I was happy to hear that there is plenty of collaboration between many of the communities and their local police departments.  I heard that many of the police departments are pushing their police officers to get out and meet the people of their communities, to work with the different neighborhood organizations.  I was also happy to hear about ongoing training in the different departments.  Onalaska Chief Trotnic said the city has the broken window approach, that if a broken window remains broken, there soon are many broken windows and pretty soon something nice is no longer nice, but if the window gets replaced quickly,  it doesn’t have a negative impact.   We all need to work together to make our communities stronger. 

Daily Dose of BS June 17 focus

DO you have problems with keeping your focus later in the day?  I sometimes do, ok most the time I do.  I read an article that say we gotta quit multi-tasking, we need to focus on doing one thing and doing it well, we have trained ourselves to be unfocused by allowing ourselves to be distracted.  One of the other things that the article said was to write down a list of things that you hope to accomplish the next day and also a list of what you accomplished today.   And finally it suggested that you treat yourself, I think that we all too often do this, how else would you explain all the unused gotta have it things around your house that you used as your own personal rewards. 

Daily Dose of BS June 16 vivofit

Walking, moving, hoping.  Yesterday I decided to get at wearable.  I did a bit of research and decided to go with the Garmin rather than the Fitbit, the reason is because I am a time watcher, I got to be certain places at certain times, and my show needs to be on time.  I went with the vivofit 2, it does the time, the date, tracks my steps, my sleep, and how many calories that I burn a day.  I was shocked by the time I got into work this morning that I had already walked 770 steps.  I am interested in seeing how many I do in a day and the weekly.  If not more than accountability for me I hope it pushes me to try to better myself.  Have you had success with using one of these devices, what have you done to make yourself more successful in the wearing or yours, or did I just waste a bunch of money? 

Daily Dose of BS June 12 tipping

More than one person in my life has called me frugal.  I like to hang on to my money and there is nothing wrong with that.  I do however tip well (at least 20% for a meal, not as much for just beers), I get embarrassed when I go out with someone and I offer to pick up the check and they offer to leave the tip and they don’t tip well, leaving only 10% or so.  I guess if you are getting good service and service with a smile, drinks topped off, and the little glimpse into the life of the person serving you, its has got to be worth something, right.  I have been out with people that pull the tip card out of their wallet to figure out the tip.  How hard is it to figure out a tip?  Move the decimal point over to the left one, if you have a $27.45 bill and you want to leave a 10% tip it is $2.75, a 20% tip is $5.50, the ten percent tip doubled, and for a 15% tip split the difference.  Not rocket science and for those that serve, it’s rent, it’s  a car payment, it’s groceries, etc.  Be a tipper and be a hero to someone.  

Daily Dose of BS June 11 attire

When my Mom went to school she had a dress code, there are still many kids that do have them, mostly at private schools.  Not a bad idea for school aged kids.  I really dislike the rude clothes that kids now days wear, the ones with cocky sayings, the I’m better than you type clothes, or the ones that draw attention to different underage body parts.  I worked at a radio job in Nebraska that had a dress code, we had to wear a tie when we were at work, I was the overnight guy there and I still had to wear a tie, it made no sense to me, but I liked getting paid so I did what I was told.  Mayo-Franciscan is dropping their required female hosiery requirement, which I think is about time, I really am not a fan of adults being told what to wear.  You are an adult and you should know the proper attire for the situation, right? 

Daily Dose of BS June 10 sleep

Are you average?  Me?  I am above average; the average guy is 34.4-years-old, 5’10, 175 pounds.  I am going to be 47 in about a month and a half and am 6’2 and about double the weight.  The average American get 6.8 hours a sleep a night,  I get somewhere between  5 and 7 depending on the night, last night I got about 4 and a half.  They say about 7 hours is recommended, but for me to get seven hours of sleep I would have to go to be at 9 every night, and that is not even possible.  The weird thing is that I love sleep and if I could sleep longer I would, but my body is used to breaking up my sleep by taking a refreshing 20 minute nap about 2 every afternoon.  How much sleep do you get, and do you think it is enough? 

Daily Dose of BS June 5 Zoo

There is a local group trying to bring back the Myrick Park Zoo.  I had the chance to talk with a couple of the people behind the Facebook page “Bring back the old Myrick Park”.  One of the first things they did was start a gofundme.com page with a goal of 50 thousand dollars, so far they only have raised 770$,  Kind of disappointing that that is all that has been raised.  There are over 6400 members on their Facebook and that number is growing every day.  I have heard from a few unnamed sources that the Zoo will be brought back, I have heard from others that there is no way that the Zoo would ever be brought back because the cost would be too great at a cost of over a million dollars per year.  If you recall 2006 and the grand plans for a new zoo to bring in Wisconsin based animals and find new homes for the existing animals, the monkeys, prairie dogs, bear, and caged deer all got new homes, in fact  I think the monkeys got jobs in the government but I am not sure.  What do you think they should do?

Daily Dose of BS June 4 outside couches

Having an indoor couch outside could soon be illegal in La Crosse.   All I can say is about time.  How many times have you driven down a street in La Crosse, or anywhere you have driven and seen a shotty plush couch sitting on the front porch of someone’s house and thought to yourself, gross, that needs to be thrown away?  The La Crosse Common Council is considering an ordinance that would bring upholstered furniture back inside.  I think that this is another of steps in cleaning up our neighborhoods; I think we overcame a huge hurdle in neighborhood cleanup when we got the new garbage cans last year.  Now if we can just get people to clean up behind their garages, pick up their yards, weed eat, and do some edging.  I think we are on the right track. 

Daily Dose of BS June 3 NSA

The National Security Agency lost its authority to collect our phone records because Congress passed a bill yesterday saying that they can’t, instead putting it on the phone companies.  Wait a minute, the phone companies are now going to be in charge of the data on my phone?  There are days when I lose text and emails, how can the nation’s phone collecting security be put on the phone companies?  What I find weird is that you can’t scratch yourself without someone knowing. There are cameras here and there and there and there and they seem like just about everywhere. There are people stealing our wifi and cloning our phones, there are people watching every move we make, yet if we are law abiding citizens we are worried about the government tracking our phone calls.  To me that is the least of our worries, they know more about us than we know about ourselves.  I guarantee it.  Shutting down the NSA collecting our info will just make them sneakier in collecting our data.  I figure every move we make is being monitored by someone, don’t do bad things and you won’t have to worry.

Daily Dose of BS June 2 TSA

WOW!  I feel safe, the TSA failed miserably in an undercover test of their processes.  Reports this morning say that inspectors were able to sneak fake explosives and banned weapons through different checkpoints exposing a system-wide security failure at America's airports.  This does not make me feel safe, and if the terrorists are watching, and I am sure that they are, here is a huge flaw.  We already have to take off our shoes, have our bodies radiated and x-rayed, what is next a strip search for all?  According to the report I heard this morning, that the TSA screeners failed 67 out of 70 tests or about 95% of the tests carried out by special Department of Homeland Security.  The one case that really has me scratching my head is the an undercover agent with a fake bomb strapped to his back set off the machines but the TSA screener still failed to find it.  Have they just given up?  

Daily Dose of BS June 1 tattoos

If you are on social media you’ve seen the regrettable tattoos that are out there, heck if you have been out in the world any time in the past decade you have most likely seen some regret.  They say that 21% of all adults have a tattoo.   I grew up with a Dad who had tattoos, he has four, two on each bicep, these were tattoos he got when he was a kid.  As a child I always wanted one, and looked into getting one when I turned 18 I didn’t get one, then, fast forward 22 years and I ended up getting my kids initials when I was 40.  When I got it, the tattoo artist said that my skin took the ink well, it made me think that some peoples skin doesn’t take ink well?  Weird.  I didn’t really think about it until I had to write a speech on a social issue and I picked tattoos and allergic reactions, I am shocked on the amount of skin reactions that are out there from allergies to the ink, to infections because of bad needles to burns and more.  Is the risk worth the payoff?  Maybe not but there is some cool body art out there.  

Daily Dose of BS May 29 baseball

New changes at the ball park, last night marked the home opener for the La Crosse Loggers and you could not have asked for a better night of baseball.  Many changes were noticed at the ball park like the addition of a couple of new seating areas, the moving of the kids area, the porta pottys got moved and a few other things upgraded.  What didn’t change was the game and the value to go to the game, I have missed watching our La Crosse Loggers and after cheering them to victory last night I am now ready for summer.  My kids have been practicing for their ball teams already and this weekend marks the first of many weekend tournaments of both baseball and softball.  If you are heading out to any games, Loggers, Brewers, or little league, remember the sun screen, the bug spray, a baseball hat, and don’t forget your manners. 

Daily Dose of BS May 28 parklets

Have you seen any of the parklets?  I parked across from one the other day, walked over and took a look at it, shook my head wondered to myself why, and then went on my merry way.  I guess I don’t get the thought behind the parklet parks taking up street space, maybe it is that we have plenty of green space in the La Crosse area, maybe that we only have so many parking spots that line the streets, maybe it is that I just don’t like them.  I don’t know.  I think the main reason I do not care for the parklets is that I just don’t get them.  I am also concerned about the two possibly three spots that the one spot park is taking up, hear me out, people don’t know how to parallel park either that or they are afraid to do it, so with that they pull in to a spot and when they do they leave plenty of room for the car in front of them or behind them taking up a space and a half, multiply that by the length of the street and sure enough two to three spots are taken up.  Parklets are they a good idea, personally I don’t think so. 

Daily Dose of BS May 27 4 days

Why do the short work weeks always seem to last longer to you than the regular five day work week?  I have long pondered this phenomenon, and have come to the conclusion that we are used to working 5 days a week and divide our days accordingly, when we only have four days to get our five days’ worth of stuff it takes a toll on us, this is why in my mind these short weeks equal a longer feel.  Why do you think it is?

Daily Dose of BS May 26 stay in school

I have a brother-in-law that retired as a teacher and years ago we had conversation about kids staying in school.   I was of the belief that kids should have to stay in school while here a teacher said that kids should be allowed to drop out.  I was dumbfounded I didn’t understand, here someone whose job it is to mold and shape minds said that if you want to drop, drop.  It made no sense to me, until he explained it to me, then the light came on and now I agree.  He explained to me if you don’t want to be somewhere let’s say a classroom and everyone else wants to be there, what are you doing?  You are being disruptive and causing other around you to not learn, right?  So this is how my brother-in-law changed my way of thinking when it comes to staying in school.  With that being said, Wisconsin graduation rates are rising and local rates are high than the statewide average, Holmen and Onalaska have rates close to 97% and LaCrosse graduation rates are about 91%.  Personally I don’t think if hurts to never stop learning. 

Daily Dose of BS May 22 Memorial Day

This extended weekend please take some time to reflect on those men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives for us to be free.  Thank you to the families of these brave men and women who selflessly marched on to battle for the rest of us Americans.  Memorial Day is also known as unofficial start to summer, and all the activities that go with summer.   I for one will be looking forward to time with my family and friends enjoying all that our beautiful area has to offer this summer.  Every day I drive by the Mississippi River and enjoy looking out across the water and I also have the bluffs to enjoy each day.  You know something I have lived in La Crosse for 23 years now and still enjoy the views.  Enjoy what you have and remember the meaning of Memorial Day.

Daily Dose of BS May 21 speed

We will be spending less time on the highways.  In fact we will be spending less time on about 726 miles of highways in the state of Wisconsin.  The Wisconsin State Department of Transportation is going to begin putting up signs and once they are placed, the speed limit is as posted.  We will now match our neighboring states with speed, I feel we should have gone for the gold and went for 80, but as the Movie What about Bob taught us, baby steps.  I think in no time we will be driving that fast anyway as we always feel the need to push the envelope and since we raised the speed limit to 70 you know that it will mean 75-80.  We have the technology for safety right?

Daily Dose of BS May 20 air bags

The Takata company from Japan that makes air bags is recalling over 35 million air bags, air bags from every car company out there.  The reason is because six people have died and about a hundred have gotten hurt worldwide.  These people got hurt because of the force in which the air bag deploys.  I wonder if doing this will put that business out of business.  I wonder how many lives that those airbags saved?  Will this massive recall make other businesses not try to bring safety to the market over fears of being sued?  I understand that we want safe cars but at what cost?  Is it cold and insensitive of me to wonder about this?  Do you think that the government is doing the right thing with this recall?  I don’t think that they are.  

Daily Dose of BS May 19 dumb things

Some stupid things that lots of us do; don’t save enough, foolishly spend on things we don’t need, don’t spend enough time with our families, don’t prioritize our lives, don’t give enough time for ourselves and our mental wellbeing.  There are hundreds of things that we do on a regular basis that most just roll their eyes at or think what a dumbass.  One of the trends that I have been noticing more and more is the idiots who text and drive, and I am not talking about the quick glance down at the phone while at a stop light, but the person who is obviously carrying on a conversation via text with someone while driving.  If you want to be a dummy don’t do it while I’m on the road or anyone else.  Here is an idea, have everyone who gets busted texting and driving do it on a race track going 55 miles per hour and see if they can do it without crashing.  

Daily Dose of BS May 18th time

Time slips through your fingertips at an alarming rate.   Ever really thought of it, you are younger than you will ever be at this moment, but at the same time you are the oldest you have ever been.  Every day we have 24 hours to do what we need to do, 24 hours to make a difference, the choices that you make today, will make a difference in your future.  Kind of a weird thing to think about it, but our time is limited.  We have all lost some loved ones in our past, and will lose more in the future, it is sad to think, but we are limited to the amount of time we have here, and we all have things in our lives that wastes time.  I am guiltier of wasting time than most.  I really enjoy watching tv, and spend hours every week watching the tube.  I also spend time taking naps, and drinking beer too.  What are your biggest wastes of time?

Daily Dose of BS May 14 food stamps

Let the flood gates open.  3,2,1 GO!  The Wisconsin assembly passed bill that would limit the amount of junk food that food stamp recipients can get.  Food stamps can be used for some junk food but two thirds of it has to be nutritional foods such as beef, chicken, pork, potatoes, dairy products, fresh produce and the items that are included in the WIC program.  Added to this that the assembly also passed a pair of bills that would require drug testing for state job training programs such as Wisconsin Works and for certain applicants for unemployment benefits.   Both of these need to pass the Senate to become law.  What are your thoughts on this?  I am guessing that my social media page will be busting at the seams with people from both sides weighing in on how the other side is wrong.  Please be nice in your comments.

Daily Dose of BS May 13 money

Are we ready for new money?  There is talk about introducing new 20 dollar bills by 2020 with influential women on them instead of Alexander Hamilton.  I bet that you don’t even know who Alexander Hamilton is.  I wrote about the need to keep pennies many years ago, I think I am going to rethink that one, either round it up or round it down to the nearest nickel.  Also since I am talking about money I think we need larger than the one hundred dollar bill, cause when you make a bigger purchase and it is a cash purchase, you got a pretty big wad of cash, and also with the way inflation is, to buy your weekly groceries you need at least a hundred bucks and if the gas prices keep sneaking up we will for sure see the prices we saw before, and that means a c-note for a fill.  

Daily Dose of BS May12 anniversary

Today I celebrate my 25^th wedding anniversary, and I always think it is cheesy when people say 25 years ago I married my best friend.  When we were dating we often talked about the future, I think that most people do, we often have grand illusions to what we wanted, places we want to go and things we want to achieve.  I remember right after we got engaged we were talking about kids and that Marcia said she wanted to have four kids with twins.  I laughed, well she got her wish, and I am glad for that.  I wanted to be successful in my radio career, I think I have achieved that goal, I also wanted to be retired at 50, but I don’t think that that will happen.  I want to take my little space here today to thank Marcia for allowing me to spread my wings and fly to where our dreams would take us.  As in every relationship we have had our ups and our downs, and I think if we were really keeping track that there have been more ups than downs.  I also think that we are more than friends, we are partners.  Happy Anniversary.  

Daily Dose of BS May 11 tv shows

I have a couple of things on my mind today.  First off on Saturday I was driving under the I-90 Bridge and a small something dropped from one of the beams that they were working on and cracked my windshield.  Who is responsible for that?  Also where does one go to get that fixed?   Secondly tis the season for cancelled tv shows, this is always a sad time for me as I get hooked on the some of the new shows and no sooner am I hooked they get cancelled.  I even started just recording a few of the iffy shows and don’t start watching them until after the forth show just so I don’t get stuck.  That didn’t work on a few of the shows this year.  I kind of liked the show Backstrom, and also Forever both got cancelled.  I was starting to enjoy Allegiance and that was cancelled in midseason, at least the network continued to play it online.  Don’t the networks know that we watch tv differently now than before, they should give shows a chance to survive.  

Daily Dose of BS May 8 weird stuff

We all do weird things and have weird habits, for example I always grab 3 paper towels when drying my hands.  I also will say ouch when someone fake punches me, I check the fridge for new and different food even though I know there is only the same old stuff.  I am constantly checking the time because I forgot what time it was when I just checked it a few minutes ago.  I go back and retype a sentence rather than trying to just fix the word that is misspelled.  When I send out an important email, that I have read and reread about 10 times go back and reread it again right after I send it, and most of the time I am like, damn why did I send that.  When I sit down to watch tv at lunch I don’t start eating until the show is starting. I meow at cats and bark at dogs and finally I occasionally check to see if I can move things with your mind.  Are any of these things that you do? 

Daily Dose of BS May 7 unfriended

I lost a facebook friend because of what I do for a living.  Now don’t get me wrong that doesn’t bother me but the reason it does bother me is the excuse that I was given.   Here is what transpired -We can't be Facebook friends or whatever as long as you have those lying politicians on your radio show.  I responded that I talk to all politicians on my radio show; his response was that's why we are done. You let politicians on the air.  He went on to say that the Country I served in the Military to defend is Gone.  I should refuse to let those who ruined it be on a radio program I have any part of.  I guess all I can say is thank you for your service to our country and if you are going to have what I do for a living bug you that much it is probably for the best that we are no longer friends.   

Daily Dose of BS May 1 coupons

Is it less manly to use coupons?  Is writing checks a thing of the past?  Do self serve checkouts really make it faster?  Are you easily swayed to try a new product if it is priced lots less than what your normal item is priced at?  Are you brand loyal to any brands?  I gotta say I am loyal to just a few brands and they have plenty of competition my must use products are Q-tips and Charmin extra strong.  I am a frugal guy so I use coupons and comparison shop except when it comes to certain items, gas for example, I won’t drive out of the way to save a buck on a fill up especially when you will spend more than that when purchasing.  What sways your shopping habits?  

Daily Dose of BS April 30 pay attention

Well I did it.  I did exactly what I said I would never do.  I pulled out on hwy 35 to cross the highway in the line of a speeding car.  My heart stopped and skipped a few beats and I saw in slow motion the look of terror in the women’s face as she was mouthing something that I can’t repeat without getting in trouble.  The thing is it was accidental, I was seriously looking where I was going, I thought I was paying attention, and I thought I did the look l learned many years ago the left, right, left, right, left look.  I may have but I did it, I pulled right out in the line of an oncoming car.  Thank God that she was paying attention and avoided hitting me.  I tell you what I was shaken the rest of the day yesterday.  I guess it shows me that even if you aren’t texting, and are paying attention that you can still be involved in an accident, I was not but it was a matter of moments that saved me.  Drive safe and pay attention.  

Daily Dose of BS April 29 drunk

I am sad that a young woman in La Crosse has died after drinking too much, and taking a fall.  Why is it that the legal drug- alcohol causes so much pain, and is so widely abused?  I bet that most of the people of age who read or hear this have at one time or another been drunk, yet that seems to be ok.  We make excuses for people saying that they are young, or that they are depressed.  I have done it more times than I wish to remember, but I have cut way back on my drinking, and now it isn’t a quest to see how many brain cells that I can kill, but more a social thing.  We tend to drink way too much and then think that we are bullet proof and that we can do anything, this makes me sad, and worried as a dad.  Look after each other and make sure your buddies make it home safely; we don’t need any more drunken deaths.

Daily Dose of BS April 28 riotous nation

When did we become a riotous nation of thugs?  Why do thugs of every color take a sad situation and make it worse?  There are families hurting around the country, not just the families of the hurt or killed, but look around.  The communities that have been affected by riots have been savaged by those who claim to love those communities.  I really don’t get it.  If you want to make a statement, turn around and go home.  That’s right, turn around and go home, and the keep peace.  Instead of destroying the community around you, build it up.  Those that are rioting and looting are destroying these cities, and at what cost.  Since when did we become a riotous nation of thugs, turn around and go home.   

Daily Dose of BS April 27 phones

My cell phone just quit on Friday.  I was checking out facebook, clicked on a story, my phone shut down, restarted and just stuck on the G3 logo.  I took out the battery, put it back in, and nothing.  I then switched batteries, tried plugging in to the wall and finally the computer, and nothing.  I have a worthless smart phone.  I posted I was looking for a phone on Friday and my friend Dawn came through with the same phone I had before, but in lots better shape.   Thanks to the cloud I was able to back my phone up to basically what I had on it before.  All of my contacts have been saved on google contacts, my calendar the same, in fact because I use the google play store all of my apps were also saved.  I have always used dropbox to back up my photos.  The service person at US Cellular got my phone switched over in about 15 minutes, I guess the only thing that I really missed is about 6 hours of texts and phone calls, and we all need a break right.  On your next phone what app could you not live without? 

Daily Dose of BS April 24 time

Time stands still for no one.  My folks used to say don’t wish your life away.  They also used to say that you are the oldest you have ever been right now and the youngest you will ever be.  Time doesn’t stand still for anyone.  This weekend you will notice that the 48 hours of your Saturday and Sunday will go by so much faster than your Monday and Tuesday.  Why is that?  Time doesn’t stand still for anyone.  How are you going to be spending your time…helping or hurting?  Me I choose to hopefully make a difference.  Have a great weekend.

Daily Dose of BS April 23 working the system

Did you hear about Clarence David Moore?  He is the guy who escaped jail a few times and just turned himself in, because he is dying.  He had a stroke last year and couldn’t get medical help because he doesn’t have a social security number, because he was incarcerated.  In my mind the only reason he turned himself in is because he is dying and needs the help.  Does it make me a cold person that he is playing the system?  In my mind there are way too many people working the system.

Daily Dose of BS April 22 parents parties

Trouble brewing for those who host underage drinking parties or social hosting, the county is taking steps against those who intentionally set up, aid, or conspires to commit - and the fines aren’t cheap.  First offence carries a fine of 500 bucks with fines up to 2 thousand for subsequent violations.   A prohibited act entails a teenage drinking party at the parents’ home or at a place set up for by an adult, and the parent or person doesn’t have to be at home.  The issue I have with this, is what about a parent who goes out of town leaves their kids home, the kids have a party and steal the parents beers, or other booze, they get busted, and the parents have no idea until the cops call to say that little Johnny had a raging party that got busted.  The parent didn’t set it up, but the ingredients were all there with the shelter, the booze, and the food.  Not a good idea in my opinion.  

Daily Dose of BS April 16 cigarette butts

Earth day is tomorrow, what will you be doing to celebrate it?  Our world is much like our bodies if we abuse it, it won’t be around forever.  I know we do many things to the earth that we shouldn’t but I want to just focus on one thing, one little piece, the cigarette butt.   I hate let me repeat that I hate with extreme prejudice when someone who smokes tosses out the cigarette butt out the window of a car, tosses that butt on the ground, basically doesn’t dispose of the cigarette butt in a way that litters.  While I am on it I really dislike any litter, it annoys me to no end.  You have garbage find a receptacle do not just toss on the ground, you are making needless work for someone else and you are polluting our world.  Also remember to pitch your gum where someone isn’t going to be stepping on it.

Daily Dose of BS April 20 pot

I am not sure what 4:20 means when the dope smokers use it.  I have asked a few times never got a straight answer.  I really don’t think that they even know, it is just something that has been said.  I have brought this topic up before and what better day than today to bring it up again.  Legalize pot and tax the hell out of it.  I don’t smoke, nor do I plan on it, but I am unsure why we don’t tap into this seemingly bottomless pit of funds.  I also look at it this way that we would be getting tax dollars from some who never has, nor ever will pay taxes, I am talking about the pot pushers.  The money raised will be able to pay off some of America’s debt; it would also allow much of the extra funds to go toward treatment for those that have problems, much like the lottery has gone to help those with gambling addictions.  Just look at the amount of funds that have been brought into the states that have legalized marijuana. I know much of the argument is that it is the gateway drug, I disagree, I feel that smoking tobacco is the gate way drug.  

Daily Dose of BS April 17 ad

Not sure if you read the paper?  I do.  If you do, do you dislike the sticker ad that started out as a Sunday only thing then creeped into the Saturday paper and now graces the paper each and every day.  I get that advertising needs to be sold, but at what cost?  I would think that the paper wouldn’t want that placed over the front page, headline and story.  Plus when you go to take it off, if you have big clumsy hands like I got, you rip the paper and then what do you do with the scrap of paper with semi-sticky stuff on the back?  I know there are much bigger issues out there but this has been bugging me for a while.  

Daily Dose of BS April 16 15$ an hour

I don’t know how many stories that I saw pop up yesterday about the 15$ minimum wage, and how many around the country want it.  I don’t, let me repeat myself I do not want the minimum wage to go to 15$ an hour, and it is not because I want to hold anybody down, it’s not because I wouldn’t like more money for myself.  It is for the plain and simple reason of if the minimum wage doubles won’t that mean that every price will double, rent, gas, food, electricity, internet, cable, hospital visits, everything.  I wish that we had business leaders who instead of huge profits rolled some of that money into wages.  I heard of a local business that had such a great year last year that they bumped everyone’s wage up a buck.  You know that those employees are happy.  The federal minimum wage isn’t a maximum wage, and if we impose a 15$ wage as a minimum I fear that many who are in the ball park of that now will see their potential for higher wages.  A fifteen dollar an hour minimum wage will stifle the economy.  

Daily Dose of BS April 15 tax day

This is it; you have until midnight tonight to send in your taxes.  Since 1955 tax day has been on April 15^th.  What started out as a simple thing, turned into a complicated pile of mess.  I am glad I have an awesome tax accountant, and would suggest that everyone get someone that they trust to look over personal and business taxes.  If you cannot get your taxes done by today you should submit IRS Form 4868 so that you can get an automatic six-month filing extension, you can find that form and others at irs.gov.  As for the scammers and cheaters that are out there, shame on you there are lots of people depending on your money.  See yesterday’s entitlement Daily Dose of BS.  Happy Tax Day, here’s for many happy returns.  Get it?

Daily Dose of BS April 13 construction

Its construction season!  On your mark, get set, STOP!  I for one am not ready for the backups and hurry up and wait mentality of the spring fix up the road time that comes our way every year.  It seems sometimes that there are construction projects that happen just to slow the traffic down.  Have you ever driven from Minnesota to Chicago, through Wisconsin?  Has there ever been a time where there wasn’t construction?  I honestly think that they are still working on the freeway in Rockford Illinois that they were working on when I was a little kid.  I think lets finish the jobs we are working on and then put new things on our plate.  What do you think?  On the bright side of this spring driving, gas prices are down again a few cents from last week, which is good since we are going to be idling while waiting for  construction this summer.  

Daily Dose of BS April 7 election day

Couple things I am thinking about today.  Today is Election Day, meaning you should go to your polling place and cast your vote.  Here is where I am going to back track just a bit, I do feel that you should vote to bitch, but if you don’t know who or what you are voting for then maybe you shouldn’t vote.  I think that is the first time I have ever said that.  I kind of feel a little dirty saying it, as for the past um-teen years I have been pushing you should vote.  All too often people just vote the populace without doing the research or thinking of the retributions.  Second thing on my mind today, congrats to the Badgers and making it to the big game, the outcome wasn’t what you wanted but you did the state proud, and you got a guy who normally doesn’t watch basketball to root for Bucky.  Also, it was nice to have a local athlete in the starting lineup.  

Daily Dose of BS April 2 tv

Yesterday was April Fools day, I saw a few online photos, read a few stories about how Brett Farve was coming back to play for the Packers but that was about it.  I remember when April Fools day was something more than just a few print jokes.  Oh well times change, I also recall when I was a kid we never had cable tv, all my buddies did, but the Schmidt Family did not.  That changed once I got out on my own, I for a while had it all, but never used it.  Dropped to basic, had kids got some back and about a year ago decided to cut the cord all together, at first the kids weren’t happy but it is funny how things change.  Now they are ok with it having found other things to do with their time.  For me cutting the cord was easy, the shows I liked were all on the networks.  I bought a few antennas, got Netflix and hooked up PlayOn and PlayLater, combine the PlayOn and PlayLater with my Tivo and all is well and good at the Schmidt house.  How do you get your tv?

Daily Dose of BS April 1 pet rock

Remember the pet rock?  How about the chi-pet or the clapper?  Ever thought how did that ever get to market?  I have had lots of ideas that I thought could be the next pet rock, guess what none of them ever hit.  All it takes is the right place and right time for many products to go from insignificant to significant and then back.  What makes someone buy a pet rock or a chi-pet or any of the other millions of things that we as consumers buy, but don’t need?  Because who ever needed a pet rock?  I guess they are a lot easier to clean up than a dog, right?  By the way this week is International Pooper Scooper week, again, a job that who would have thought would have existed.

Daily Dose of BS March 31 parking

The Schmidt family made it through the parking debauchery again this year.  Tonight we are going to be able to park on either side of the street, for the first time in five months, and I for one am glad.  I am always happy when April 1st comes around as it is the end of the joke perpetuated on the tax payers of the city of La Crosse, April 1st means no more alternate side parking, well at least until November 1st.  We didn’t really have much of a winter snow wise this year, and for us to have an additional fee of parking in front of our own house, well that kind of sucks.  I can see if we get big snowfalls but this past winter our biggest snow came this month and it was melted within 24 hours.  I am guessing that all our parking money helps to subsidies something, but I am not sure what, as my taxes are still through the roof.   Every year I wonder how many alternate side parking tickets will litter the windshield at the Schmidt house, and I am proud to say that this year we got none, zero, zip, nada, and that includes my 16 year old and that makes a dad proud.

Daily Dose of BS March 30 livable wage

The state of Wisconsin is looking to do-away-with the prevailing wage law.  I am all for saving money, on items, but I do not want a disgruntled underpaid worker working on the bridge that I drive over every day.  The state, in their infinite wisdom is looking to get rid of an eighty year old law that requires paying a living wage to workers on state buildings and roads.  I don’t like it.  I want to know that the best person for the job put together the buildings I am in and that the best of the best are also working on the roads I am traveling and bridges I am crossing or going under.  I do get saving money, but at what cost?  If we are going to have to replace the roads or buildings more often, or if we end up having less people get into the fields of construction, what have we accomplished?  

Daily Dose of BS March 27 famous

Ever met anyone famous?  I have had the chance to meet a few rock stars, an actor or two and lots of politicians.  The one who stood out to me as someone I would like to hang out with was Bill Clinton, seemed like a guy that would be fun around the poker table, I guess it is because he was a professional BS’er for a living.  However most of the famous I have met are just shaking hands as a part of their job, not seeming like it was sincere, or that they even wanted to be there.  Would I personally go out of my way to meet any athlete, rock star or movie star, I don’t think so, unless it was to have a real conversation with them.  For me to go to a meet and greet or have a chance for an autograph, I guess I have out grown that.  How has it been when you met someone famous?  

Daily Dose of BS March 26 Trooper Casper

Why is it when a police officer gets shot and killed in the line of duty that this is not a national story, or at least a headline on a national news cast?  I waited the day yesterday to see how it would play out and frankly I am not surprised.  I am disappointed in the media.  A 21 year old Wisconsin State Patrol officer was killed in the line of duty on Tuesday evening during a shootout with a bank robber.  Trevor Casper was just 3 months in to his career as a State Patrolman when he was shot and killed.  Where was the media reporting that a robber shot and killed a cop?  Why is it when the shooter is an officer doing their job, taking down someone who is allegedly fighting back that it is plastered all over the media, but when an officer dies while doing their job, getting shot by a robber that that doesn’t lead the news?  I work in this business and I don’t get it.  All lives matter but do some matter more than others?  Didn’t I read a book like that when I was in school?  

Daily Dose of BS March 25 media

Is traditional media dead?  I am talking about the good old forms of broadcast media?  I am talking radio and tv.  I spend hours a day with good old school media, from my time at work on the radio to my drives listening to music and talk to the comfort of my recliner for screen time catching my favorite tv shows.  I think that the delivery system of both radio and tv have changed but the premise has not.  I now stream more of tv than ever before and my radio station both streams and podcasts our shows.  Heck we even have an app (get it here https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wlfnam.player ) We are changing and evolving but I don’t believe that we are dead.  I think we either need to keep up, reinvent or get out of the way.  How do you listen to the radio or watch tv?

Daily Dose of BS March 24 babysitters

One of the biggest thrills of being a parent is the first time you can leave your children home alone.  It is a whole different ball game now than it was when we were left home the first few times, everyone has a cell phone now and we are reachable.  I recall when my neighbor was babysitting my brothers and I that my youngest brother Brian put paper in the furnace because he saw flames, needless to say that the fire department was called and our house was aired out in the middle of the winter.  With the four kids my wife and I have we have been asked when is the right time to leave the kids alone without a sitter.  My response was always you will know.  And you do.  Which leads me to how much should a babysitter be paid?  My daughter has a few clients where she will watch some children, and she gets paid way more that I used to pay.  I have heard that kids get paid up to 12 bucks an hour, if my mom heard that, we would hear the story how she made 25 cents and had to do the dishes.  Things sure have changed. 

Daily Dose of BS March 23 snow

I am not surprised that we have snow on the ground today.  After the few weeks of nice weather and shorts for a few days, winter has returned to the Upper Midwest.  Funny how on Friday when it wasn’t winter that I didn’t even think of snow now heading into day three of Spring we have a few inches of snow.  By the way because of this snow I lost a lunch bet to my friend at News 8.  I will pay up Michelle.  Were you of the thought that snow was done prior to our last fling with winter?  I was, in fact was ready to put the shovels up in the rafters of the garage a few days ago, I am glad that I wasn’t motivated to do so otherwise I would be back on the ladder bringing them down again.  I know I don’t need to remind you but feel I should say it, drive safe and remember it isn’t a race to get to or from work.  

DailyDose of BS March 13 obese

If you live in Puerto Rico and you have an obese kid, you could be labeled a child abuser.  What?  Their potential new law would allow social workers to open a child neglect case and fine parents 500 bucks if there is no progress in 6 months and even more money if there isn’t progress in a year.  I know as a former fat kid and current big man that shaming people into weight loss is not the way to do it.  If you have confidence and know who you are and are not going to take any guff from people than good for you, maybe these governments should also then start fining parents of bullies and parents of kids that can’t get the presidential fitness award.  Let a kid be a kid, I am guessing it is hard enough being one in today’s society.  

Daily Dose of BS March 12 protest peaceful

Hey America!  Look to Madison to see how to protest.  I think that in Wisconsin we are pretty good at protesting, heck we have had many protesters over the past handful of years.  In fact the Governor and his signing of the right to work law and now the unfortunate shooting death from last weekend, the state has been out protesting but protesting in a peaceful way.  I don’t understand why this morning we heard about the shooting of two police officers in Ferguson, Missouri.  And this was supposed to be a peaceful gathering because of the chief resigning.  There are riots, and throwing of things and fighting, I just don’t get it.  As a country we need to band together, hell other countries from around the world hate us, we should show the rest of the world that we don’t hate us that we even if we don’t love each other that we can work toward tolerating each other.

Daily Dose of BS March 11 Hillary

I watched the Hillary Clinton news conference yesterday afternoon.  I didn’t believe it, because it looked as though she is not telling the truth, when addressing the media Hillary’s eyes are looking all around and she didn’t make sense.  Hillary said she didn’t want to be inconvenienced with a second cell phone, excuse me?  As the Countries leading diplomat you didn’t want to carry two phones, what if you win the presidency will you be inconvenienced with having to carry two phones then?  When you are in a high power government job you would think that a second small phone wouldn’t be an inconvenience, how many commoners or regular people carry a second phone.  Also I don’t know about you but I have multiple email accounts set up on my phone, and they all work.  I am not buying her excuses.  

Daily Dose of BS March 10 protests

Top of mind topics include the civil rights movement, the student movement, the anti-War movement, the women’s movement, the gay rights movement, and the environmental movement.  These issues sound about right, don’t they?  They sound like topics pulled from today’s headlines, right.  It is 2015 why are we still seeing color, why does it matter if people want to get married?  Are we sliding back to the 1960’s, it sounds like it, and the list at the top were protests from the 1960’s.  Have we become stagnant as a country?  Are we fighting just to fight?  In the past 50 years we have had both political parties in charge, we have had different thoughts and practices to address these issues, yet we are still fighting the same demons.  Here is an idea, let’s all get along let’s put our problems aside and come up with peaceful solutions.  

Daily Dose of BS March 9 time change

Parts of Arizona, parts of Indiana, and all of Hawaii have it right…leave the time alone.  I hate the time change…I hate changing the clocks, I hate that when spring rolls around I get one less hour of sleep, in fact this past weekend we only had a 47 hour weekend, and as I am getting older I hate that my body doesn’t seem to cooperate with the change as it once did.  Lets address these three issues… 1- I hate changing my clocks, well La Crosse Technologies has helped with this, however, I finally got my microwave and stove to show the same time, now with the change and they are off again, and when I changed my watch, I changed the date by mistake (I have an old school analog watch). Number 2- you lose an hour of sleep, I for one am smart enough to listen to my body when tired I sleep and when my alarm rings I get up, weekends are no different.  Bringing me to my 3rd issue that my body is not as elastic as it once was, I was up an hour past my bed time last night…why..because that is how I trained my body the past 6 months or so.  Come fall I am going to be tired an hour after my alarm rings.  Let’s all get together and ban the time change, or have a compromise the next time and switch it by 30 minutes and call it good.  

Daily Dose of BS March 6 bulk buying

How often do you buy in bulk?  I find myself looking for deals quite often but have at times bought stuff and ended up paying more for it in the long run.  Almost every day for breakfast I have yogurt mixed with granola and I tend to buy the whole thing in bulk, a big yogurt and a box of granola.  When is it good to buy in bulk and when isn’t it?  I read that often times stores will charge more per ounce for a larger container.  What if anything do you buy in bulk and what don’t you every buy in bulk?

Daily Dose of BS March 5 censorship

Should the internet be censored?  I was poking around on facebook the other day and came across a video of a person laying on the ground and some smarty pants saying above it, I clicked on it and the video showed someone shooting the face off of someone else, and then the shooter proceeded to keep shooting until the head was blown off, this is unacceptable, I don’t want to watch this and don’t want people to think that this is ok.  What in the world are we allowing to be seen online?  Before I was a dad I used to be of the belief that there should be no parental lyric displays, that everyone should have access to everything seen and heard, I remember saying that I really wouldn’t care what my kids would listen to, guess what once you have kids that changes in an instant.  I am not for censoring any speech, and do still believe that we should have access to all - but how do we limit what kids especially young kids have access to online and on the air?

Daily Dose of BS March 4 guns

Dumb idea Governor.  I am all for the conceal carry laws and for law abiding Americans to carry guns, but it is a decision, and a decision that is not to be made lightly to own a gun.  There is currently a 48 hour waiting period on picking up a handgun, and I bet that the 48 hours of wait time can be tough to wait for.  I recall when I was a kid and waiting for the summer trip or waiting for the big test, or just about any wait for something that you wanted.  48 hours is a long time, but it is also a time for reflection, and I really feel as though a 48 hour wait on a hand gun is an acceptable time period.  I also know that if you wanted to get a gun and knew the wrong person or in this case the right person that you would be able bypass the typical 48 hour wait.  Nothing is wrong with a little patience especially when it could be life changing.  

Daily Dose of BS March 3 cell phones

I just read that you shouldn’t use your cell phone while you are trying to charge it, the quote was using your phone while trying to charge it is like filling a bucket with a hole in the bottom.  I find that with the exception of when I am working, sleeping or driving I am looking at almost all the time, and when at work I am using it to communicate when not talking on the air.  I am in almost constant contact with someone, and I don’t even know why I am.  I think about the amount of time that people waste on their phones each and every day.  For me it used to be even worse but I took angry birds, and ninja fruit off my phone.  I still have to charge my phone a couple times a day, and I do use it when I am charging it.  Does your phone last the day on a charge or do you have to constantly find a place to plug in to also?  

Daily Dose of BS March 2 open records

The state of Wisconsin has an open records law that seems quite troubling, if you are a marketer, you can request each of a school districts students name, address, picture, etc.  This needs to end.  Not tomorrow or the day after but today.  I worry about the pedophiles, and other weirdos that are looking for names, and addresses of kids.   What even brought this up is that a marketing firm that is looking to market the school voucher program wants to send school paraphernalia to parents of kids to get them to jump to private school using the voucher program.  This is another program that I don’t get; don’t we have good schools in the state?  I appreciate that there are religious schools available and other non-traditional schools out there, but if you want to go to them, shouldn’t that be on your dime?  Am I missing something?  Anyway back to my first thoughts, I don’t want the names and ages of my kids being given to anyone, let alone a marketing group, is nothing sacred anymore?  

Daily Dose of BS Feb 27 drinking

Being smart begins with choices.  We have all heard the news stories about how a couple drinks can be good for you and may help your heart but only a couple.  More reports are coming out that say low-to-moderate alcohol consumption is linked to a reduced risk of heart attack. It’s not clear if it is all types of alcoholic beverages, cause I my favorite is an ice cold beer or perhaps a good whiskey it also says that there is an increased risk of harm when drinking goes from moderate to heavy saying that having 6 or more drinks in the past 24 hours is associated with a 40% increased risk of heart attack, isn’t that how most people drink?  They binge and average out the couple a day over a weekend?  Whatever the case for you and your group of friends, be careful this weekend, and be safe, also remember that buzzed driving is drunk driving.  

Daily Dose of BS Feb 26 right to work

When I moved to La Crosse back in 1992 it was to work at a radio station.  When I was hired they had me sign a three month no compete, and said that even if I didn’t sign it that Wisconsin was or wasn’t a right to work state I don’t remember but I remember that they said that my non-compete it would hold up in court.  I had no idea what Right to Work meant then, and I still have no idea what a Right to Work State means to me now.  I have never been in a union, nor do I ever see myself being in one since I am a middle aged radio personality and don’t see myself moving from this market anytime soon.  From what I understand the proposal in Wisconsin would make it a crime to require private sector workers who aren’t in a union to pay dues.  If it truly is that simple, I don’t get the problem, but I am assuming that since the government is involved that it is much more than just that.  Supporters say it’s about workers freedoms, while detractors say it will hurt businesses and lower wages.  Since I really don’t know, how can wages be lowered or how can it hurt business by making this a right to work state?  

Daily Dose of BS Feb 24 cans

I admit it I was wrong.  I was upset and complaining about the garbage cans and recycling that was forced down our throats about a year ago.  I complained too soon.  When the big 96 gallon garbage can was dropped off and the equally sized recycling bin was also dropped off I was like right my family of six will fill that up and nothing will go in that huge recycling bin.  Ha I was wrong and glad I was, I love the system, it cleaned up my alley, the 96 gallons for trash is plenty in fact I asked my single neighbor if she could get the bigger cans just so I would have room for excess trash, we have only added to her recycling bin, we went from just a few recycling items to 96 gallons of recycled stuff every other week.  It takes a big man to admit it but as I started out, I was wrong.  

Daily Dose of BS Feb 23 safety

Does the 1982 Men Without Hats song Safety Dance come to mind after Al Shabaab calls for an attack on the Mall of America?  I am not making light of the fact that the Mall of America is being called out by name, but I really did start hearing the beat of that song when I first read about the called for act in Minnesota.  I wonder how many people take these threats seriously.  Did the call for violence or terrorism stop you from going to a mall over the weekend?  I was out by the mall yesterday and it didn’t seem as though in La Crosse that any less people worked their way to the mall.  Do we let threats dictate our lives?  I think if we are all vigilant and if we see something that seems off or odd that we say something and look out for each other that we will have that much more of a chance of being safe.  I hope that we don’t live our lives in fear over the ranting of one person or another or that we let someone words put a damper on our lives.  

Daily Dose of BS Feb 20 words to live by

We all have words to live by, things that we want to pass on to our kids.  My Dad always used to say that a moment of laxity can cause an eternity of regret, when I was younger I didn’t know what that meant, I do now.  We all have those bits of advice that we have heard from mentors, what are some that you have heard?  Some of my favorites include - Give at least one genuine compliment every day.  Take responsibility for what you did.  Promise to do better next time … and actually mean it.  Help people without expecting things in return. And finally try to see the good in people … including yourself.  What are some of the words that you live by? 

Daily Dose of BS Feb 19 customer service

Customer service is on top of my mind this morning as I had conversation about it yesterday and heard a national story about how Walmart is at the bottom of the food chain and has become America’s Most Hated Store.  I am taking a class on customer service and time and time again the store gets called out by students.  I don’t think I agree with having the pleasure of being the worst, but they still have a long way to go to crack the top ten.  I like when I shop at a place and there are staff members around to answer questions about whatever I am looking for, and I feel as though not only are the big guys lacking on this but often times some of the smaller chains have these same issues.  We as Americans are always pushing for low cost items, having customer service, and I mean good customer service costs money.  I think that paying a fair price for something and getting great customer service is better than paying the rock bottom price and no customer service.  What are some extremes of service you have received?  

Daily Dose of BS feb 18 stickers

When my kids were young I always loved seeing the bumper stickers that said inappropriate things.  The questions that followed were always welcome.  There was a truck that used to be on the South Side of La Crosse that had he vinyl lettering that said my other toy has (begins with t ends with t and has an I in the middle) I remember that conversation with my kids like it was yesterday.  On the internet we see lots of people post what they think is funny or those who want to make a political statement, in fact the other day I say someone post the bumper sticker on their facebook page that said “I work hard because millions on welfare depend on me”.  What brought this up as a topic is yesterday when driving home from work I saw a car ahead of me with pink on the trunk, I drove up on it to see what the pink tape was for and the owners of the vehicle had written in bright pink duct tape across the trunk of the car “Walker Sucks”.  I also recall seeing a few bigger stickers with the frequently asked questions monogram lettered on the back of a few vehicles which is fine until you phonetically say the letters together.   

Daily Dose of BS Feb 17 ash trees

I just read that neighborhoods are going to be a changing April 11, 2015 the landscape along Losey Boulevard will be a bit sparse.  The city of La Crosse will be eradicating the Ash Tree from the fabric of the city.  I am guessing that when we drive down Losey on April 12^th we will notice the clear cutting of the Ash trees from the boulevard.  Besides the loss of the trees we will be viewing the exposed stumps of 117 Ash trees that have been cut down in hopes of eradicating the Emerald Ash Borer.  It saddens me to think that all these trees will soon be gone from our beautiful city, and that our lovely canopy of leaves will for a long time be missing from the city streets.

Daily Dose of BS Feb 16 basketball

I was at a basketball tournament at Central over the weekend.  There are a lot of bad sport parents in the stands, in fact one of the parents sitting over to the side of me was screaming and yelling and questioning the refs at every call.  I am glad I wasn’t sitting right in front of him.   I wasn’t the only one who was upset by this guy’s behavior; I also think that his “from the stands” coaching caused the kids to loose.  Which brings me to my next thought on this, I have mentioned in the past that my kids are never going to be professional sports stars but they try, and they have fun playing the game, so when the kids are there at every practice and work hard at practice and show up to play the game, play the kids.  I don’t care if you play the kids for 2 minutes a game, play each of the kids, not just your favorite, how do you expect these children to get better.  It is a game you know, especially when the kids playing this game are 13 years old, and it isn’t an A team not by far.  All I can say is I am glad that this season is over and I am guessing that others on the team are also happy.  

Daily Dose of BS Feb 13 triskaidekaphobia

The ever popular Friday the 13^th, weird that some have a fear of it, there is even a word that describes that fear triskaidekaphobia.  Try saying that word 5 x fast.  Heck try saying it once, it is a mouthful.  I am not sure what causes the fear of the 13^th, the fear of black cats crossing the road, or any other fears or phobias.  I think for me this year the biggest fear is tomorrow, Valentine’s day.  What do you get someone you have been married to for almost 25 years?  Flowers, a card, chocolates or other candies, I know candy conversation heart, actually to me Valentine’s Day to me it is a made up holiday in order to sell cards and candy.  I know, call me Mr Romantic, 50 shades of blah, I am going to stimulate the local economy and take my wife out for dinner, and maybe a movie, if not it’s hot pockets and Netflix.  By the way what’s good on Netflix these days? 

Daily Dose of BS feb 12 little league

One of the feel good stories of this past summer has a bad ending.  The Chicago-based Jackie Robinson West little league team was stripped of their little league world series, for pushing the boundaries.  I heard lots of grumbling that it’s too bad for the kids, that it doesn’t seem fair, blah, blah, blah.  What the team did was recruit kids from different neighborhoods, neighborhoods that were outside the boundaries set up to make the teams fair.  Much of the grumbling I have heard is that it was a great thing for these kids to win, why take it away, it wasn’t their fault.  Really, what about the other great teams that played by the rules that didn’t make it, how fair was it to them?  If this would have been something that would have been let go and allowed to go on without being what would that have showed these young athletes, they may be sad and mad now that the title got stripped from them, but the right thing was done.  

Daily Dose of BS Feb 11 trains

The DNR has given their blessing for another rail line through LaCrosse.  7.2 acres of wetland will be filled in for the extra rail track.  With the millions of gallons of gas and other highly flammable and toxic liquids, and other potentially hazardous materials that will be brought though our fair city, I think it’s safe to assume that with the added line comes the added pressure of more trains through LaCrosse.  Are you ok with this?  Are the trains going to be whistle silent when chugging through town, or are we going to be hearing the whistle blow each and every time that a train passes an intersection?  Is the addition of the new line going to mean more trains running this line, or will it mean more efficient use of the tracks and faster trains?  I also wonder if the owners of the rail have trains running close enough to their own homes to hear the thud, thud, thud, thud each time a train passes?

Daily Dose of BS Feb 10 beer drinking

In Wisconsin we can take our kids to the bar and buy them a drink.  Now the land of 10,000 lakes want to offer the same service to their 18-20 year olds.  I always thought that the law that allowed a parent or guardian to take their kids to the bar to enjoy a cocktail was odd, that is until I had a beer with my son at my favorite watering hole.  Being able to drink a beer with your late teen child is like a rite of passage for them.  My Mom and Dad never allowed me to have a beer with them until I turned 21, I still remember that day, the day of my 21^st birthday over 25 years ago having that first legal beer, I was at the Chanhassen Dinner Theater and my folks took me and my future wife out for dinner and a show, I don’t remember what show it was, or what I had for dinner but I do remember ordering my first beer with my parents.  I think that all adults aged 19 and older should be allowed to buy what they want.  They can fight in a war, live on their own, be treated as an adult, be married, do just about anything someone 21 and older can do, but they can’t go into a bar or legally buy alcohol. 

Daily Dose of BS Feb 9 Brian Williams

I know I am going to take some crap for this but if you can’t trust the media, who can you trust?  Now, hear me out, I chose a profession where integrity and honesty are key, I chose to work in the media.  I have been given crap from everyone from my Dad who loves me to my friends to people I don’t even know about the integrity of the media, calling us a bunch of liars and news fabricators.  When someone who is an anchor of one of the networks gets called out as a liar, it gives all the media a black eye.  If you are going to tell stories and fabricate things, please get into writing novels or tv shows not tell them as fact on the news.  I like Brian Williams, however as a media person, I feel as though he should step down as the anchor of NBC.  Don’t be a liar, take personal responsibility for your actions.   

Daily Dose of BS Feb 6 vaccinations

Should I or shouldn’t I, that is the question.  The debate has been around I am guessing for many more years than how long I have been a parent, but I never paid attention to it until I was.  Should or should I not vaccinate my children.   We are seeing more and more opting out of the shots for many different reasons.  And I am not sure what those reasons are.  If something is going to protect my little bundle of joy wouldn’t I as a parent do that?  Proponents say it is safe and one of the greatest health developents of the time, opponents say that a child’s immune system deals with infections on its own.  What is the right thing to do?  I personally think if I can give my kids an advantage for a healthier life, I am going to do it. 

Daily Dose of BS Feb 5 worries

There are lots of factors when it comes to stress, from home to work and everything in between.  In a survey released earlier this weeks is shows that 72% of adults report feeling stressed about money at least some of the time.  72% really?  I would like to meet the other 28%.  I remember the last presidential election, it was said that there were the 99% of us and then the 1%’ers out there, now we are hearing about the 28%’ers that don’t worry about finances.  I wonder what the 28%’ers worry about?  There are so many things out there that can worry a person, am I doing a good job at work, am I a good parent, have a done this well or that well.  Did I get that homework done correctly, will they like me.  Can I afford it?  There is stress everywhere.  One of the things I noticed is when I have worried about some big life changing decision and the worry that comes with it, most of the time that what I have worried about never materialized. 

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.