Daily Dose of BS March 8

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

Daily Dose of BS March 7

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

Daily Dose of BS March 6

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

Daily Dose of BS March 5

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

Daily Dose of BS March 1

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

Daily Dose of BS February 29

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

Daily Dose of BS February 28

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

Daily Dose of BS February 27

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

Daily Dose of BS February 23

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

Daily Dose of BS February 22

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

Daily Dose of BS February 21

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

Daily Dose of BS February 20

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

Daily Dose of BS February 17

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

Daily Dose of BS February 16

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

Daily Dose of BS February 15

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

Daily Dose of BS February 14

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

Daily Dose of BS February 13

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

Daily Dose of BS February 9

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

Daily Dose of BS February 8

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

Daily Dose of BS February 7

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