Glen Gardner & Associates

Cutting Off One's Nose

2011-05-28T16:54:00.000-07:00

Madison, WI - There are times as a business consultant that I come across something so outrageous, that I almost have to pinch myself to ensure that I am lucid. Such was the case at the annual Brat Fest today.

Every year I usually do a 30 or 40 mile bicycle ride down to Willow Island, park my Trek and reward myself with some tasty dinner at the festival. This year I pulled into the access road and followed the signs to the bike parking, as I have in past years. But, this year was different. There was a guy with a "security" shirt on who flagged me to stop. I complied with a puzzled look on my face. He strolled over to me and said, "If you want to come in, you'll have to pour out the contents of that water bottle on your bike." Wanting to make sure my 55-year-old ears were hearing right I said, "What?"

He said, "There are no carry-ins allowed. I also need to ask you what's in that pack on the back of the bike."

I could feel my blood starting to boil as I said, "There are 10 pounds of contraband bratwurst in the saddlebag that I plan on smuggling in."

By the blank stare I assumed he didn't find the humor in my retort. Why is it when you give someone a shirt that says "security" on the back, it immediately brings out the "mall cop" in them?

It's something I noticed when I promoted concerts way back in the day. We would always warn the security folks that the audience was the customer, not someone to bully or manhandle. Even with that warning the cop-wannabes just can help themselves.

I turned on my heels, said "screw it," and rolled on to the "alternative Brat Fest" up on Capitol Square where I was greeted with open arms and not subject to search and seizure.

The reason there was an alternative in the first place was a group of folks didn't want to support Johnsville because they donated heavily to Scott Walker's campaign, as did some of the organizers of the event. Brat Fest does a lot of good by donating lots of money to scores of local groups, so it's a tough call on what to do on that level.

On a policy that makes people on bikes empty water bottles and have bike packs searched for fear of people smuggling in food, that I can't forgive.

I would have spent a fair amount of money there and drank my bike water later. They didn't get a penny from me and probably never will now. It's a case of them cutting off their nose, to spite their face.

Greetings from the Land that Gave You Joseph McCarthy

2011-02-19T18:28:00.000-08:00

Madison, WI (YourNews) – Those who fail to learn the lessons that history teaches are doomed to repeat it. In Wisconsin this week it’s starting to feel like deja vu all over again.

Wisconsin, every once in a while, seems to execute the equivalent of a political fart that reverberates through the nation. Back in the 50s we gave the nation Republican Senator Joe McCarthy. He was the guy that thought there were communists hiding under every rock. He ruined lives and was a bully who was eventually exposed. He died a sad, discredited drunk at the age of 48.

Our latest gift to the nation in the Joe McCarthy tradition is Governor Scott Walker. He appears to believe that unions are the root of all evil. If we can destroy communists, oops, I mean unions, then all will be well with the world and the state’s budget problems will go away.

When will we ever learn? The state and nation’s budget problems weren’t caused by unions. They were caused by a downturn in the global economy precipitated by greedy banks and corporations that bent the rules and stole the equity from virtually every homeowner in the nation. They stole from me and from you, but these are the people that Scott Walker wants to give money to in the form of tax breaks to create more non-union jobs here.

I’m not a member of a labor union and never have been. But I realize that without them I probably would be a lot worse off. They won the 40 hour week for many workers, paid vacation, sick leave and retirement. I guess Walker and clan believes those same people that just got done robbing us blind would have given us all those things out of the goodness of their hearts.

I sure do hope they learn how to govern, which is very different than winning an election. One must keep in mind, the majority of people in this state didn’t vote for Scott Walker. He won by less than 10 percentage points and a slew of people didn’t vote at all. After you win an election you have to govern. That means doing things like talking to people to try to build consensus before you act.

President Obama could have done what Scott Walker did. He had the power on day one to get health care reform passed without one discussion with any opposition. He decided to govern. He talked with the opposition and built consensus. He knew somewhere down the road he would need the opposition. It should come as no surprise to anyone that he was able to broker a deal on taxes and START.

Scott Walker has lit a fuse that will come back to haunt him. He probably will succeed in jamming through his union-busting bill. But in the process he is creating the seeds of his own undoing. In this Facebook and Twitter era he has ignited a machine that is capable of turning out 70,000 people on a cold Saturday afternoon in Madison, Wisconsin. He has birthed a powerful opposition that is connected in the ether and will only grow stronger no matter what happens.

After the death of Joseph McCarthy, Democrat William Proxmire filled the seat. Proxmire called McCarthy "a disgrace to Wisconsin, to the Senate and to America." I wonder what the guy who takes over after Walker will say? History has a funny way of repeating itself.

Talking the Talk

2011-01-15T07:18:00.000-08:00

By Glen Gardner

Madison, WI (YourNews) - The national debate that is raging concerning what influenced the Arizona shooter to go on a rampage that left death and sorrow in its wake is putting new focus on talk radio and the “temperature” of the national political debate.

Having been a talk show host, radio program director, general manager and radio station owner for the better part of 30 years, I have a unique perspective on this debate. So, did the right-wing nut-bags who spew their radicalized entertainment “cause” that young man to gun down a congresswoman and all those other people at that shopping center? As usual, if you ask the wrong question you will get the wrong answer.

There is no way anyone will ever know the answer to that question. I think the better question is, could the steady drumbeat of twisted logic and hate motivate someone to act in that fashion? There is no doubt in my mind.

Simple fact of the matter folks is radio (and television) works. If you repeat a message enough times to the right people, it will motivate them to act. I find it more than amusing that these talk show hosts and the companies that profit from their brand of free speech claim that they don’t wield that kind of power and influence.
In the next breath they send their sales departments out to tell potential clients that they most certainly can motivate behavior. Their entire business model is based on the fact that these people can motivate others to act in great numbers. I’m surprised that no one is calling them out on this point.

When I listen to these folks spew their crazy conspiracy theories and outright hatred for people like President Obama and Nancy Pelosi, I have a hard time accepting the fact that anyone buys what they are saying. Obama wasn’t born here, he’s not a Christian, and on and on it goes. I’m sure similar malarkey comes from the other side too, but the voices on the right are louder and more numerous.

Then I listen to the commercials that are in these shows and realize that the brand of hate these people are peddling without a doubt could motivate someone to act. People selling special seeds that you can plant after the world falls apart, magic crème to make your “petzel” bigger and instructions on how to hoard gold to better survive the impending collapse of world order that is right around the corner.

Boys and girls let me tell you, people do act on these messages. People buy this junk in great numbers. I know it for a fact. I have seen it from the inside. People call those 800 numbers and go to web pages and spend lots of money on stuff most of us would call crazy.

So, to these hosts and their companies that want you to believe that someone couldn’t be motivated to do something crazy by simply listening to a repeated message, over and over, think again. They really can’t have it both ways. To hear them talk you’d think that their message is “radio doesn’t work.” The ability of radio to motivate behavior provided me with a very comfortable living for many years.

Just because the First Amendment gives you the right to do something, doesn’t make it right. The flipside of freedom is responsibility.

Old Friends

2009-11-30T08:48:00.000-08:00

Can you imagine us years from today
Sharing a park bench quietly? …
Memory brushes the same years
Silently sharing the same fear...
Time it was, and what a time it was, it was…
A time of innocence, a time of confidences
Long ago, it must be, I have a photograph
Preserve your memories; they're all that's left you

P. Simon 1968

Worcester, MA (YN) – I couldn’t help but think of the lyrics of that song as I was immersed in the past this weekend at my 35th high school reunion.

Back in my hometown of Worcester, Massachusetts with the people that I grew up with 35 years after the fact was an emotional rollercoaster. I suppose when you live in the place that you grew up in, all those symbols of your youth are present every day. Having moved from New England nearly 30 years ago, it’s a bit like an emotional tsunami when you are faced with all of that in one fell-swoop.

There’s the house you grew up in, the cemetery where most of the family is buried, the grammar school, junior high and high school you attended. The place where you got your first job, and the place where you kissed your first girl.

It’s also the place where I forged friendships that have lasted a lifetime. Strange thing about those kinds of friendships is you may not see a person for months or years, but pick up right where you left off. There’s that cement of common experience that formed you. It’s a strong pull and something that can’t be replicated with people you meet later in life.

We gathered at a restaurant and relived the “old days” for several hours, but more importantly we continued that shared experience of growing up together. I don’t think that common experience stops when you go out into the world and get a job, start a family and in some cases move away. I don’t even believe that death can halt that process, as those who are no longer with us still had a presence and impact on those in the room.

For me reunions aren’t about going backward, but about going forward knowing that those bonds you forged all those years ago are intact. I know when it gets really thick; there is still a “home.” That home isn’t so much a place, but an emotional center that is populated with the people that played an important role in making you who you are.

So, as I get ready to head back to Madison, Wisconsin, Worcester will never be very far in the rear-view mirror. It occupies an important space on my emotional map.

“Time it was, and what a time it was, it was… A time of innocence, a time of confidences. “

Here’s to the future.

gg

Talent on Loan From God?

2009-11-09T05:03:00.000-08:00

What's more important, getting it right or getting rich? When it comes to what's put out over the public airwaves these days, it seems making money is most important and responsible broadcasting takes a backseat.

Two recent talk radio incidents point up how this once noble industry has lost its way. One involves radio talk show host Jerry Bader in Green Bay. The other involves El Rushbo.

Bader went on the air and broadcast false and defamatory information concerning Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton. His report was so vile, that I'll spare you and her the details. It also turned out to be untrue. Bader issued a lukewarm apology.

Bader was suspended for a couple of weeks as a result. Now Midwest Communications in Green Bay has a decision to make. Do they bring him back or fire him? The comments from Duke Wright, the general manager of the station are telling.

Wright says he hasn't made up his mind yet, but he's been hearing from fans of Bader's show that want him back. In my mind that is the setup for Bader's return to the airwaves. Who cares about broadcasting in the public interest anymore? If people want to listen to this guy weave fairy tales, why should management get in the way? Hey, it's the will of the people. It's all good for ratings and revenue, right?

And what does that say about the listening public? A guy that gets on the air and viciously attacks a public servant with a bunch of made-up hooey has fans. And station management is depending on the opinion of these "fans" to make a decision on Bader's return to our airwaves.

The other situation that defies logic has to do with recent statements made by Rush Limbaugh. He got on the air the other day and broadcast a report concerning President Obama (shocking) that charged he made comments in a thesis about having disdain for the Constitution. El Rushbo had a field day with this. The only problem is, it turned out to be a fake.

But the story doesn't stop there. When Limbaugh learns it's made up, he gets on the air and rather than retracting the error says, "I have had this happen to me," Limbaugh says he doesn't care if thesis quotes are fake, "I know Obama thinks it." It appears Rush now believes his own brand of BS and really does think he has "talent on loan from God." He can now broadcast fake information because he knows that despite the fact it can be proven to be untrue, the person is thinking it. Wow.

The airwaves that Bader and Limbuagh are using don't belong to them. They belong to the public. The broadcasters are licensed to use those airwaves in the public interest. Is it in the public interest to broadcast false information?

After spending 35 years in the radio industry, I can tell you that most broadcasters don't give a hoot about the public interest. What they care about is money and ratings. Money and ratings are important, but being a good steward of the public's airwaves is more important and codified.

I know all about the First Amendment and the need to generate profits. But for the life of me, I don't know how these people sleep at night.

The Incredible Shrinking Man Part Two

2009-04-19T17:35:00.000-07:00

The Incredible Shrinking Man Part Two

By Glen Gardner

As we age we expand in many different ways. It’s said we become wiser, we expand our horizons and we hopefully grow as human beings. Unfortunately, in my case I had also substantially expanded my waistline as the years have passed. I have always meant to do something about it, but in the blur of everyday life it always seemed to take a backseat to the crisis of the moment. I could always take care of “that” when I’m ready. The only problem was I never felt quite ready.

Weight for me is a lot like birthdays. They both seem to stack up like cord wood and then you look in the mirror one day and say “who is that old fat guy?” If I didn’t know better, the answer to that question may have been “my grandfather.” I guess the apple never rolls far from the tree and of course the real answer was “me.”

During a trip to the doctor about three years ago I got the usual boomer warnings. “If you don’t start shedding some girth you are heading to diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.” He also warned me about a bevy of other ailments that I can’t spell if I failed to change my sloth-like ways. He also said “at 51 you are running out of time.” That was a real shocker. We are the generation that will live for ever, fat or not!

Of course the doc looked to me to be about 13-years-old. That little sarcastic boomer voice in my head quickly said to the doc “hey Spanky, why don’t you go get me a donut while I think about it.” What came out of my mouth was “what kind of a diet do you suggest?” Thoughts of Atkins, South Beach, pills, Weight Watchers, Nutri-Systems and suits made out of rubber that sweat the pounds off danced through my imagination.

At that point Spanky, I mean the doctor, turns to me and lets loose with something truly shocking. “Have you ever considered eating less and exercising more?” That little sarcastic boomer voice in my head quickly shot back, “Well of course I’ve considered it, but that sounds pretty freaking boring. Can’t you just write me a prescription Spanky?” What came out of my mouth was, “I’ll give it a try.” That was the start of my metamorphosis.

It’s not very sexy, but it was the best diet advise I ever got, even if it did come from Doogie Houser. The physics are very simple. Burn more calories than you consume and you will lose weight. I cut my caloric consumption to 1500 a day. I joined a health club and committed to visit there at least four times a week to burn a minimum of 2500 calories. A funny thing started to happen. For the first time in years I was subtracting from the wood pile and not adding to it.

I had some very bad habits I had to break in the process. Being a pretty busy person, one of my favorite tricks was eating over the sink. Over the years I have perfected the art. No plate is needed, no silverware required and whatever misses your mouth simply goes down the drain. Cleanup is a snap, but over-the-sink food tends not to be the most nutritional or low-calorie offerings. In a Ralph Cramden moment I was even thinking about writing a cookbook of things that one could eat over the sink. In an Alice Cramden moment my wife talked me out of that million-dollar idea.

One of the things that really helped me was a web site called Sparkpeople.com (www.sparkpeople.com). This free site helps you track what you’re eating and how much exercise you are doing. I have never been very good about really knowing what I toss into my pie-hole on a daily basis. This site made it very easy to track and plan what I eat. I was surprised at how much food you can eat at 1500 calories a day. I was also surprised at how many calories you can burn in the course of a week with just moderate exercise.

“Back in the day” I was a pretty good cyclist, but gave it up in a serious way when my boomer-belly made it impossible. As I shed pounds and toned at the health club over the winter I started training indoors on a stationary bike. When spring rolled around a couple of years ago I dusted off

You're Fired!

2009-04-01T05:58:00.001-07:00

Listening to conservative talk radio today was a real treat. Hearing them carp about President Obama giving GM CEO Rick Wagoner his walking papers was rich. They were talking about that "slippery slope" we hear so much about. Should the government become that involved in the affairs of a company?

By the way, these are the same people that are all for the government telling a welfare mother she must work and raise her kids at the same time to get a paltry check and food stamps. These conservatives are outraged when Wagoner is sent packing by Uncle Sam with $23-Million in exit goodies. No outrage when the government tells the "welfare queen" she must get a job to get some government cheese. Now I may not be as smart as some of these folks, but it seems like the same issue to me.

A couple of things to remember about GM and Wagoner. They invited Obama and the government to the party. As many a dad has said through the history of handouts; "As long as you live under my roof and take my money, you will live under my rules." You know the Golden Rule. Them that got the money rule. In this case it's the government.

Just like those who require personal welfare, GM has surrendered some rights in its excepting billions in government handouts. For anyone to be complaining about that now I find hard to believe. Wagoner has presided over the largest slide in GM's value in history. Last I checked the company stock sat near two bucks a share.

I think Obama probably did Wagoner a huge favor. I'm surprised the shareholders weren't massing outside that spiffy building in Detroit with torches and pitchforks. What's better, getting sacked with a $23-Million dollar parachute or facing a barrel of tar and a bag of feathers?

I have often heard these narrow-minded Rush clones spout their venom about getting tough on welfare recipients who abuse the system. They say that a clear message must be sent. That examples must be set. That lessons must be learned.

In this case I guess I agree with them. I believe that President Obama has decided to get tough on a welfare recipient. A clear message has been sent. An example has been set. We'll find out soon if a lesson has been learned.

Peace and Quiet

2009-02-22T19:32:00.000-08:00

The snow was like a field of untouched diamonds this morning as I headed off to Cross Plains, snow shoes in tow. It snowed about six inches last night and the conditions were near-perfect for a winter hike.

I decided to head to Festge County Park for a hike in the fresh snow. As I was putting on the shoes, a red tailed hawk soared overhead. That focused my attention on the sky, which was a deep and clear blue without a cloud in the sky.

I took off down the trail that heads to the valley floor where the Black Earth Creek winds through the drumlins in that area. It was a great hike down to the valley and some great exercise coming back up. The park features one of the best lookouts in the county with a great view of surrounding countryside.

What I like about snow shoe hiking is the quiet. Rarely do you see another person on the trails this time of year. Today I was all by myself other than the hawk and some other wildlife I encountered. The trail hadn't been cut yet, so it was a fair amount of work but it was great to be "going where no man had gone before." There is something special about blazing the trail after a fresh powdery snow fall.

The temperature hoovered around 15 degrees for most of the hike, but once you get your legs cranking it feels warm enough. It certainly beats going to the gym!

It looks like the snow goes away soon as the temperatures will warm as the week goes on. As much as I'm looking forward to spring, I'll miss the quiet of the trail in winter.

The Shuffle

2009-02-07T16:33:00.000-08:00

Turn on your IPOD and put it on shuffle. Write down the next 25 song titles and artist. Don't be a cheater.

1. In the Beginning/Average White Band
2. Tangled Up In Blue/Dylan
3.Keep Your Lamp Trimmed and Burning/ Vassar Clements
4. Society's Child/Janis Ian
5. Don't Do It/ Penguins
6. What Am I Going To Do With You/Barry White
7. Baby Blue Eyes/Joan Armatrading
8. Dark Star/ CS&N
9. Sail On Sailor/Beach Boys
10. Sweet Seasons/ Carole King
11. I Don't Believe I'll Stay Here Anymore/ Jonathan Edwards
12. Be Free/ Loggins and Messina
13. Candy/Dr. John
14. Better Days/ Janet Jackson
15. Street Corner/ Ashford and Simpson
16. It Might Be You/Stephen Bishop
17. Sweetest Somebody I know/Stevie Wonder
18. How Much I Feel/Ambrosia
19. Run Baby Run/ Sheryl Crow
20. Fountains/Starcastle
21. Walkin the Streets Alone/ The Marshall Tucker Band
22. Pink/ Aerosmith
23. I Say A Little Prayer/ Dionne Warwick
24. Ballroom In The Sky/ Carlos Santana and Wayne Shorter
25. All Together Now/ The Beatles

I'm An Icon

2009-02-05T21:03:00.000-08:00

There are lots of things I've been called over the years, but icon is a new one. An article that appeared in Isthmus today referred to me as an "icon" in Madison. I appreciate my friend Bill at Isthmus bestowing the designation. I'm just wondering if it carries any extra responsibility.

Will I now have to be careful about spitting and cussing in public? Will I have to worry about children designating me as a role model? Most importantly, does this new position carry with it any financial gain?

How much do icons get paid in this new economy? I checked Monster and Craigs List and there was not one posting looking for an icon. I would think in these troubled times that icons would be in very high demand. Wouldn't you like to have an icon in your office? We can hang around and pontificate on nearly any topic and in my case I don't eat that much any more.

I remember many years ago sitting in the Chandler Jr. High guidance office being quizzed about my future ambitions. Now that I think back, I told my 8th grade Sherpa that I aspired to be an icon. He said something like "fat chance." I'm glad I never gave up on my dream of being an icon someday. There were times when I lost hope, but after all this is America where all things are possible. Cheers.

gg (the icon)

What's up?

2009-02-05T20:35:00.000-08:00

It's been a while, I know. A lot of you have asked me to start posting again and now that my new life is established and rolling, I've got some time.

Thank you all for the kind words of support after the show came to a very abrupt end. I've been too busy to think a lot about the past, but it was a great run. One door closes and several more open.

The new ventures are going extremely well. I've started a marketing communications company that has been very busy with clients across the country. I'm also operating a full-blown Internet news platform for Madison and have contracts to operate news bureaus in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania with possibilities to expand into other areas soon. I'll keep you all posted.

I have to say there really is nothing like working for yourself. The corporate greed that has taken over the media has been their undoing. It's such a shame to see many of my friends losing jobs while CEOs and greedy shareholders that having been milking these companies for years continue to pull huge dollars. Their day is done, they just don't know it yet. That's the funny thing about real change. By the time most catch on, it's too late for them. Just as well.

Fasten your seat belts my friends because Mr. Toad's Wild Ride is just beginning. For those of us who embrace change, there will be great opportunity. For those who choose to bury their heads in the sand, they'll get a mouth full of sand. To the future. Cheers.
gg

Update

2008-11-23T06:57:00.000-08:00

Thank you all for the very kind words and concern. I'm doing just fine and working on my next moves. You'll probably be reading something in the paper before too long on what my plans are. I'm not at liberty here to announce anything yet, but plenty is in the works. And to those who are asking about Tim, he is doing fine as well.

In the meantime, it's been nice to sleep in. Keep checking here and I'll keep you posted on what I'm going to be doing.

Today with the temp expected to peak in the mid 40's, I'm going to get up on that bike and give it a try. I don't usually do a lot of winter riding, but today seems like it might work. I'll let you know how it works out. BTW, I'm down 167 pounds so far.

Radio Daze

2008-11-19T20:28:00.000-08:00

All good things must come to an end my friends. Such was the case with the program I've done with Tim for the past two years on WTDY. We really had a blast and I want to thank all of you who made the show very special. I'm sure my good friend Sly will take the ball and run with it.

After 35 years of getting up, off and on at 3:30am, I'm looking forward to watching some Letterman and seeing the sun rise. Day-one felt pretty good.

Thanks again and I'll miss talking with you. I've already moved on to the next thing and all is well here.

Springtime In America

2008-11-04T21:23:00.000-08:00

I just watched President-elect Obama address the nation following his stunning victory tonight. I couldn't help but think this is springtime for America. We have all lived through a very long and dark winter. We have been through economic collapse, terror attacks and the politics of greed and hate.

Spring always holds promise. It's still cold and nothing's growing, but it's when the seeds are planted. We have a sliver of opportunity in this springtime for America. I hope we make great use of this time and plant the seeds that will regenerate this nation after a long and cold winter. I look forward to the summer and beyond and wish our new president the best.

Spring is a time to look forward. Spring is a time for hope and spring is a time to plan for the future. This is like the first warm day after that long and dark winter. It's springtime in America!

For Halloween

2008-10-30T20:02:00.000-07:00

What not to do in a Monster Movie

Here is the list of things not to do if you find yourself in a monster movie.

Don't shoot at the monster. This has never been shown to kill a monster, but just makes them mad.

If you do decide to shoot at a monster, never attempt to reload when you run out of bullets. You will fumble, drop the bullets and end up as monster kibble.

When you run out of bullets and drop your extras, do not start hitting the monster with the butt of the gun. It makes them very testy.

Never have sex in a monster movie. The monster views this as a "two-fer."

Don't go to Japan.

Never try to escape a monster by driving away. As you are attempting to unlock the car door you will fumble with the key or break the key off in the door lock. Monsters know this and will eat you before you open the door.

Always have a fresh battery in your car if you expect to be in a monster movie. Monsters know even if you manage to get the door open the car battery will be dead.

Don't scream… that's like ringing the dinner bell for a monster.

Stay off all modes of public transportation. Monsters view a bus as a big steam table without a sneeze-guard.

Don't go swimming. Monsters love to eat wet people. It's like being pre-basted.

Don't use nuclear weapons on a monster, they like it.

Never except a job as a caretaker of anything.

Don't attempt to hide in a closet, that's where many monsters choose to live.

Never change altitude in your attempt to evade a monster. Going down to the basement or upstairs will usually result in you becoming monster kibble.

Don't bury a monster you believe to be dead. They will always reach their arm through the dirt to grab your ankle and pull you down then ring the dinner bell.

Never wear high-heeled shoes as you run through the woods. This will lead to you twisting your ankle, falling in pain and being the main course at the monster Thanksgiving dinner.

Never take a shower. Monsters like their food washed.

Enough Already

2008-10-29T18:13:00.000-07:00

This campaign for the highest office in the land is really starting to get on my nerves. When I checked the mail today I received a total of five campaign pieces from the Republican Party of Wisconsin. Five pieces on the same day from the same people.

Each one of these mailers was a negative campaign piece spreading some kind of junk about Obama. I don't know what these people are thinking at this point. If this keeps up I may never vote for another Republican ever again. I can't remember ever being bombarded with more negative campaign literature. Not one of these mailers from the Republicans touted the accomplishments of their candidate. Each one of these five mailers was an attempt to paint Obama as a terrorist, crook, a danger to the nation or someone not fit to lead.

To top it off, when I checked the voicemail on the home line there was a message waiting for me from, you guessed it. The Republican Party of Wisconsin left me a message telling me that Obama was the devil and I needed to vote against him. I guess five mailers in one day wasn't enough. They had to back it up with a phone call too. A total of six communications to me and not a one talked about why I should vote for McCain.

I just can't fathom what these people are thinking. They are an angry, desperate and sad lot. Enough already. Please leave me alone. I feel like I need a shower every time I open my mailbox or answer my phone.

Most Top 10 Albums??

2008-10-21T08:09:00.000-07:00

Big fun on the show this morning talking about the artists that have the most top 10 albums under their belts. Here's the link to the info and list. Have a blast!

Size Matters, Or Does It?

2008-10-19T16:40:00.000-07:00

This is the new Toyota iQ. It is slated to be marketed in Europe next year. It will probably be sold in the U-S under the Scion nameplate.

The car gets over 55 MPG, and will be serious competition to the Smart. The Smart is really the only other "tiny" car that is mass sold in the U-S and Europe right now.

The iQ has some impressive safety features including a total of nine airbags. For the first time there is an airbag that deploys in the rear of the car from the headliner behind the driver.

The engineering is interesting as well with a differential setup that saves a lot of space in the engine compartment by centering the power plant. The rear shocks are slated back to make more room in the rear of the car. The car is classified as a four-seater, but really seats two with room for one in the back or luggage.

The real question is, how small are you willing to go?

Caption Contest

2008-10-16T16:44:00.000-07:00

John McCain does his hilarious "Mummy" impression during the last presidential debate.

Please feel free to add a caption in comments.

Peaking

2008-10-14T18:52:00.000-07:00

I snapped these pictures Tuesday while on the Military Ridge Trail between Mount Horeb and Blue Mound. It certainly appears the color is near peak in this part of the world. The color this year is vivid and we've been lucky that there hasn't been a ton of wind and rain. It's my favorite time of the year to hit the trails. The temps are cool and the view can't be beat. The only negative is we are running out of nice weather! Enjoy it while you can.

Summer's Last Blast?

2008-10-12T18:48:00.000-07:00

What a great weekend it was as summer made an encore. I managed to stay outside for most of the weekend between yard work and biking. I hit the tractor on Friday afternoon and knocked down some lawn. I'm thinking that may be the last time I have to mow this year. We'll see.

On Saturday I did about 50 miles on the old Trek. I started with a ride to benefit breast cancer research. It was a nice 25 mile run in the eastern part of Dane County. The ride was organized by the Trek Stores in Madison and was a nice roll. After that I did another 25 or so miles on the Madison paths and the lake loop around Lake Monona.

The picture above was taken Sunday on the west side of Madison on day-two of my extended summer bike tour of the area. I decided to ride from the greater Mt. Horeb area over to Cambridge in the eastern part of the county. It was about 50 miles and just a great day to be out enjoying the weather and the color.

Getting from the southwestern part of the county into Madison and beyond is always a challenge due to the intense hills in that part of the world. It's a lot easier to haul my butt up those hills with a lot less weight! I came in on Mid-Town Road and forgot just how hilly that part of the world is. I continued on to the Southwest Commuter path to the lake. Then it was out Broadway and down Marsh Road to McFarland and Highway MN. That took me over to Rinden Road and Prairie Queen into Cambridge. I hope the weather lets me get a few more of these in.

What a weekend to out doing anything! (Other than a Badger football game)

Jackson Browne's Back

2008-10-12T18:38:00.000-07:00

I didn't expect much when I downloaded Jackson Browne's new offering the other day. As a matter of fact I left it sitting on my hard drive for several days before I listened. I wish I had gotten to it sooner! This is some of the best stuff he's done in years.

"Time the Conqueror" shows that Jackson Browne is still writing and performing some great music. Almost every track on this set is good with many a lot better than that. These songs feature a production style that is somewhat stripped-down, but clean as a whistle. It really shows that Jackson still has great pipes.

My favorites are the title track, Off of Wonderland and Just Say Ya. The latter sounding like something that could have appeared on Fountain of Sorrow. Again, just about every track on this set is very listenable.

If you were a fan of Jackson Browne "back in the day," this one is sure to please. If you were never a fan, give this one a listen. He just may make a fan of you yet.

Prius Killer

2008-10-07T03:36:00.000-07:00

The Paris Car Show is under way and the buzz is about the new Honda designed to be the "Prius Killer." Honda says it will try to hit the sub $20,000 price point when the car is introduced in the U-S next year. The hybrid design will net about 45 mpg under normal driving conditions.

Honda says it hopes local dealers will adhere to the 20-grand price point, but supply and demand will drive the price that dealers decide to charge. Honda will produce about 100,000 of these cars for the U-S market in the first year.

Honda has pushed hard to get this car into production in nearly record time. What a shame the U-S car companies can't seem to do the same thing.

Palin Baby!

2008-10-02T03:25:00.000-07:00

I came across a very funny site this morning that I wanted to share with you. We all know Ms. Palin has some rather interesting names for her children. Well, if she was your mother, what would your name be?

Visit the Palin Baby Name Generator and find out!

Happy debate.

Bikes and Fall

2008-09-30T19:13:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, I've been an avid biker for a while now. I try to do about 200 miles a week as a way to stay fit and sane. Fall is my favorite time to hit the rural bike trails. Not only does the color start to pop around now, but there is just a great quality of light. I snapped this picture early in the morning west of Blue Mound on the Military Ridge Trail.

I like having my camera with me because it seems I'm always seeing something worth recording when I'm passing the world by at about 14mph. This morning featured that certain quality of light you only see in fall. It was a magical sight and the camera was able to capture it for the most part.

I've been doing a bit more road riding than I usually do these days as I just got a new road bike after wearing my 14-year-old Trek out. I replaced it with another Trek which is far more advanced. It's got many carbon components and can really scream. I still have my trail bike which I use on the dirt courses around here.

Happy cycling this fall. It works, I'm down 162 pounds as of today.

JT Does It Again

2008-09-30T18:24:00.000-07:00

Sweet baby James does it again with his new release "Covers." This guy just keeps getting better and better with age. This album features covers of older songs, but the arrangements that Taylor comes up with keeps them fresh as a daisy.

One of the reasons this disc sounds so good is the way it was recorded. There is no over-dubbing which means everything was recorded "live" in the studio. It's music recorded as it's played instead of a bunch of studio magic imposed on the original tracks. This recording method really makes the disc pop. The entire CD was recorded at Taylor's studio in Western Massachusetts.

As usual Taylor has a bullet-proof band of some of the best studio side players in the world. This disc would be a great addition to your collection.

It was released today on the Hear Music label.

Oh Baby

2008-09-01T16:28:00.000-07:00

Interesting story out of the Republican camp today. It turns out that Sarah Palin's unmarried 17-year-old daughter is pregnant. The proud grandparents to-be announced that Bristol Palin will have the baby and marry the 18-year-old father. They also announced that Bristol will have their unconditional love and support and that's good too.

When asked about this turn of events, Mr. Obama said that families are "off-limits" in the campaign and he would not be commenting. I certainly understand his reluctance, but I couldn't disagree more. Once a candidate uses the family members for political gain, I feel he or she has then injected them into the political process. When Michelle Obama opens the Democratic Convention she then becomes fair game. When the Obamas decide to trot their children out on stage, they have made the decision to use their family for political gain.

When Sarah Palin decided to make her all-American family part of the campaign, she opened the door to those family members being scrutinized.

In the case of her pregnant daughter, I'm glad that they will support her. But what happens in the thousands of cases where the parents can't or won't support the child? That responsibility falls back on the society as a whole in many cases. I think his would be the perfect opportunity to discuss the many programs that the Republicans have cut that are designed to reduce unwanted teen pregnancies and provide for children in the aftermath. I wonder if Ms. Palin and her GOP buds will be champions of these costly social programs.

Will this girl now serve as a role model for other teens? Will she be the poster child for having a baby when you are still in high school without consequence because either your parents or the state will step in to get you that unconditional support?

I couldn't disagree with candidate Obama more. Not only is this an issue for the campaign, but it's an issue for society at large. Oh baby!

Fox On The Run

2008-08-27T19:37:00.000-07:00

The other day my wife and I hiked through Governor Dodge State Park. It was one of those picture perfect late August days. We hiked up a ridge into a wonderful stand of white pines that overlooked the lake at the park. We took a rest at an outcropping of rock and just sat for a while.

It was at that point that we had an unexpected visitor. All of a sudden about three feet away a baby fox appeared. As luck would have it we did have the camera with us. The fox just investigated for about three or four minutes as we sat still on the rock formation just a few feet away.

When he was finished investigating our pack he took off down the path, but left us with a great memory.

Now I Really Feel Old

2008-08-18T19:37:00.000-07:00

OMG

wacky packages

2008-08-15T03:23:00.000-07:00

Do you remember those Wacky packages from when you were a kid? Those were the spoofs of product packaging that were sold like baseball cards. There's a new book that takes a look at these clever spoofs that I remember buying. Check it out HERE.

Northwoods Adventure

2008-08-10T15:07:00.000-07:00

Trout Lake

The camping adventure is over and it's back to the daily grind, but it was quite an experience. To those who said I'd never make it a week in a tent in the wilds of northern Wisconsin, I did! No only did I make it, but it was one of the best experiences I've ever had. Reconnecting with the natural world for a week really does a body good.

I rode bike, back packed and slept in a tent for the past week. I logged about 250 miles on the bike across Vilas, Lincoln and Oneida counties. They were hard miles as those counties are anything but flat. There was great payoff as the beauty around every bend in the road is hard to describe. Highlights on the bike would be the Bearskin State Trail that runs along the Bearskin Creek in Oneida County and the B.A.T.S. trail that runs along Trout Lake in Vilas County. I saw many eagles soaring overhead along with deer, beavers and hawks.

B.A.T.S. Trail

I have to thank all the listeners who convinced me to give this a try and suggested various things I'd need. The camping went really smoothly and I did have everything I needed. The camp site at Council Grounds in Lincoln County was great. It was on the Wisconsin River and had very nice hiking trails and a great beach. It did rain one night there, but the tent did great and I figured out how to deal with the rain.

Council Grounds camp site

After Council Grounds I moved on to the Northern Highlands State Forest and the camping area at Clear Lake. Thick pine forest and a lake that was so clean you could see right down to the bottom. The swimming was great after a 40 mile tour of the Nicolet Forest on the bike.

Northern Highlands camp site

I ate most of my meals by the campfire. Nothing tastes better than a steak cooked over wood. A couple of nights I just wrapped a spud in foil and tossed it in the fire. That was really good eating. I did go out to eat one night at the casino in Oneida County. I had done about 45 miles on the bike that day and I really chowed down at the buffet. I think I was the only one there without some sort of breathing device.

All in all it was a great experience. I'll leave you with a picture of me by Trout Lake on one of my bike excursions. It's a week I'll never forget!
Me at Trout Lake

Get Some Nuts

2008-07-28T19:06:00.000-07:00

New controversy rages over a Snicker's TV ad. Gay rights groups are saying the ad advocates violence against gays and perpetuates stereotypes.

Supporters of the ad say it's just a funny ad and no one can take a joke anymore.

What do you think? Check out the ad by clicking HERE and make up your own mind.

Ford Has A Better Idea

2008-07-23T16:31:00.000-07:00

Finally some good news from a U-S car company. Ford is going to start producing some of its popular European cars in this country. When I was in Europe last year I saw and got to drive in some of these cars and trucks. At the time I did a show focused on why Ford didn't sell these cars here. I just couldn't understand it.

It appears Ford will make the official announcement when they release the company's earning report Thursday.

Unlike GM, Ford has decide not to close plants but still peel off thousands of workers. Some of those plants now producing SUVs that no one wants will instead produce these cars and smaller four and six cylinder engines. Ford can also sell a lot more Focus, but they haven't been able to make enough of them. The main problem is not being able to produce the bodies fast enough.

They will switch production at the Wayne, Michigan plant from trucks to Focus bodies only. That should give Ford the inventory they need to keep up with small car demand. Finally a U-S car company gets it right, I think.

As promised, here is video of the popular Transit Connect van that will be sold here and is already very popular in Europe.

Obtain A Life

2008-07-13T18:10:00.000-07:00

Boo Hoo

If it gets to the point that the only thing you can find to protest is who will be the quarterback of the Green Bay Packers, you must go to "Lives Are Us" and obtain a life. I was amazed that a couple of hundred people turned out for a protest in Green Bay designed to get the Packers to bring Brett Favre back.

On my list of things that I'd be willing to take to the streets for, Brett Favre isn't one of them. Let's see, we have wars, the economy, equal rights and scores of other issues that trump anything the Mississippi cry baby may or may not do.

It's a great statement on how easily some people are diverted from what are the really important matters that face us as a society. These people who "demonstrated" outside Lambeau Field carried signs saying "Brett Favre for president." Talk about a flip-flopper!

I think Mr. Favre needs to stay retired. I don't want to see him cry another river the next time he retires.

Help Mustard Some Support

2008-07-10T03:32:00.000-07:00

The Mount Horeb Mustard Museum was recently named a top-ten finalist for one of two $25,000 Markham Vineyard Mark of Distinction grants. The program recognizes individuals and organizations that have contributed to their respective communities and can use financial help to do even more.

Barry Levenson, Curator of the Mustard Museum, sees the grant as an opportunity to bring even more excitement to the museum with new displays, exhibits, and interactive programs.

The two winners are determined by online voting at . Visit www.markhammarkofdistinction.com. Visitors to the web site can cast one vote per day through July 21. Wisconsin’s mustard lovers can make a big difference by casting daily ballots for its internationally known Mustard Museum.

Praying At The Pump

2008-07-09T03:21:00.000-07:00

Do you think God is listening to a group of people who have formed prayer circles at gas stations? They are asking God to lower the price of gas. I think this makes a mockery of what faith is really all about. Reminds of those who pray for the lord to intervene in a football game. Here's the video, make up your own mind.

See the story HERE.

Best Car Ads of the 60's and 70's

2008-07-01T18:56:00.000-07:00

We talk about cars a lot on the Morning Pulse. I came across a web site that really sparked some great motoring memories. This site has posted the best television car ads from the 60's and 70's. Some of them are really a hoot and I'm sure you remember most of them.

Click HERE to take a trip down automotive memory lane.

See you at the car show at Quaker Steak and Lube in Middleton on Thursday night.

When "Yes" Really Means "No"

2008-06-30T17:42:00.000-07:00

If you really want to drive a telemarketer crazy give this a try. Just keep saying yes to each question they ask. This is pretty funny stuff, check it out.

It might be worth leaving your number off the no-call list just to give this a shot.

The Sauce

2008-06-27T20:26:00.000-07:00

On the show this morning I talked about a great BBQ sauce I came across. Many of you have asked for the recipe, so here goes:

B.B.'s Mild BBQ Sauce

B.B.'s Lawnside BBQ

INGREDIENTS

• 4 cans ketchup

• 5 cans applesauce

• 3 cups molasses

• 2 cups vinegar

• 2 cups brown sugar

• 1 cup white sugar

• 4 tblsps white celery seed

• 1 tsp ground clove

• 3 tblsps ground cinnamon

• 4 tblsps mild red pepper

DIRECTIONS

Mix all ingredients in a large pot. Stir well.

Bring to a boil. Allow to boil for 20 minutes, stirring often. Simmer for additional 30 minutes.

Be sure spoon reaches very bottom of pot while stirring to prevent sugars from sticking or burning.

Very tasty, have fun!

Back To School

2008-06-24T18:13:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my buddy Vano for sending this along. Food for thought.
The excerpt below is from an article, titled “On the Sadness of Higher Education,” by Alan Charles Kors, which appeared in New Criterion, was later quoted by the Wall Street Journal, and was subsequently republished here.

Under the heirs of the academic ‘60s, we moved on campus after campus from their Free Speech Movement to their politically correct speech codes; from their abolition of mandatory chapel to their imposition of Orwellian mandatory sensitivity and multicultural training; from their freedom to smoke pot unmolested to their war today against the kegs and spirits-literal and metaphorical-of today’s students; from their acquisition of young adult status to their infantilization of “kids” who lack their insight; from their self-proclaimed dreams of racial and sexual integration to their ever more balkanized campuses organized on principles of group characteristics and group responsibility; from their right to define themselves as individuals-a foundational right-to their official, imposed and politically orthodox notions of identity. American college students became the victims of a generational swindle of truly epic proportions. If that part of the faculty not complicit in this did not know that it was happening, it was by choice or willful blindness.

In the academic university-the curriculum and classroom, and the hiring that underlies them-it all varies by where one looks. To understand why and to understand one of the few vulnerabilities of universities to actual accountability and reform, one must understand the hierarchy that predicts academic institutional behavior: sexuality (in their language, “sexual preference”) trumps neutrality; race properly conceived easily trumps sexuality; sex properly conceived (or, in their language, “gender”) easily trumps race; and careerism categorically trumps everything. From that perspective, the careerists who run our campuses have made a Faustian bargain (though they differ on which is the devil’s portion).

Being careful, on the whole, to keep the natural and physical sciences, mathematics, and a variegated Column A of departments (sometimes psychology, sometimes philosophy, sometimes linguistics), and the professional schools that relate symbiotically to practical America relatively free of political agendas-though even in these cases, the barriers to crude politicization may break down-the careerist administrators have kept largely intact those disciplines where added value might be measured. From diverse motives of ideological sympathies and acute awareness of who can blackball their next career moves, they have given over the humanities, the soft social sciences and the entire university in loco parentis to the zealots of oppression studies and coercive identity politics. In the latter case, it truly has been a conspiracy, with networking and common plans. In the former case-the professoriate and the curriculum-it is generally, with striking politicized exceptions, a soft tyranny of groupthink, unconscious bias and self-inflated sense of a mission of demystification. Most of the professors I meet are kind, indeed sweet, and certainly mean no harm. It is profoundly sad to see what they have become. ...

Academics, in their own minds, face an almost insoluble problem of time. How, in only four years, can they disabuse students of the notion that the capital, risk, productivity and military sacrifice of others have contributed to human dignity and to the prospects of a decent society? How can they make them understand, with only four years to do so, that capitalism and individual- ism have created cultures that are cruel, inefficient, racist, sexist and homophobic, with oppressive caste systems, mental and behavioral? How, in such a brief period, can they enlighten “minorities,” including women (the majority of students), about the “internalization” of their oppression (today’s equivalent of false consciousness)? How, in only eight semesters, might they use the classroom, curriculum and university in loco parentis to create a radical leadership among what they see as the victim groups of our society, and to make the heirs of successful families uneasy in the moral right of their possessions and opportunities? Given those constraints, why in the world should they complicate their awesome task by hiring anyone who disagrees with them?

The power of universities comes from their monopoly of credentials. As Richard Vedder so deeply understands in his “Going Broke by Degree,” they are the only institutions allowed to separate young individuals by IQ and by the ability to complete complex tasks. They do not add value to that, except in technical fields. Recruiters do not pay premiums because of what the Ivy League or the flagship state universities teach in English, history, political science, or sociology. They hire there despite, not because of, that. Recruiters do not pay premiums because our children have been sent to multicultural centers for sensitivity training. Recruiters pay premiums for the value already there, which universities merely identify. So long as recruiters pay premiums, however, it is rational for parents who wish to gain the most options for their children to send them to the university with the most prestigious degree. That will not change in the current scheme.

We now have closed-shop, massively subsidized, intolerant political fiefdoms, and they are the gatekeepers of society’s rewards. Without incentives for different models of higher education, we shall have this same system of colleges and universities as far as the mind can foresee. The tax-free mega-endowments will grow. The legislators and the public will not end the subsidy. The alumni will continue their bequests. The trustees will proudly attend the administrative dog-and-pony shows, the most efficient act on any campus. Well-intentioned donors will support ghettoized “centers” (without faculty lines, cross-listed courses, graduate fellowships, or degrees) that marginalize inquiries that should be central to the academy. These provide protective coloration for administrators, help with fund raising in certain quarters, and permit a transfer of funds to the accelerating thirst for ever new forms of regnant campus orthodoxies. Until civil society makes administrators pay a price for the politicized hiring, curriculum and student life offices they administer, nothing truly will be reformed.

New Diet, Same Old Song

2008-06-22T21:08:00.000-07:00

It seems every so often a new crazy diet comes down the pike to pray on those who have weight problems. We've seen everything from carbs, to low fat to high fiber to just take some pill. The latest diet that seems to be getting some traction is the Big Breakfast diet. No kidding. Some group of researchers somewhere has done a study that shows people who eat breakfasts of more than 600 calories lose more weight than those who eat smaller low-carb breakfasts.

After losing a bunch of weight, I'll give you the secret. Burn more calories than you eat and you will lose weight. Any time you lose weight it's because you are burning more than you consume. So go ahead and have a thousand calorie breakfast. If you burn more than that it will result in weight loss.

The diet industry does its best to hide that simple truth from people because they make billions peddling snake oil to those who are desperate. The simple truth (or the math diet as I call it) isn't very sexy or easy and won't make anyone millions of dollars.

So here goes one more time and this won't cost you anything. Just burn more calories that you consume and you will lose weight. Save your money and don't fall for the latest and greatest "diet" that's getting hyped this week. Today it's "big breakfasts." One thing I know from personal experience is that too many big breakfasts will lead to a big butt. That's just common sense.

Is Your Next car A Hybrid?

2008-06-18T03:34:00.000-07:00

Honda has announced that it will begin selling a new "inexpensive" hybrid car in the U-S next year. They haven't announced what the name is or what the price point will be. Here is a concept of what the car looks like.

It irks me that Honda can produce this new car in less than a year and the U-S car makers are closing plants as they try to figure out how to compete. If Honda can do it, why can't the domestics? A car like this could have saved a lot of jobs in Janesville.

Honda also announced this week that it has started selling a hydrogen car. About 200 have been offered for sale in the U-S. They lease for about 600 a month and most have been snapped up by Hollywood big wigs.

See Ya and Good Luck

2008-06-16T03:32:00.000-07:00

Caught this interesting blog in Business Week. It was written by a graduating UW business student. Interesting insight into the mind of a recent grad and her thoughts on Madison as someone "passing through."

Click HERE to view the blog.

40 Days and 40 Nights, Again

2008-06-13T19:59:00.000-07:00

It figures that I picked this last week to be in Iowa. I made it back home tonight, but it wasn't easy. I started in Des Moines, but my usual route to Highway 151 through Cedar Rapids was not an option. Instead I headed due north from Des Moines and shot across the state of Iowa on Highway 20. Because I-80 was closed between Iowa City and the Quad Cities, they detoured all of the interstate traffic onto 20. It was slow going, but dry for the most part.

The devastation across the state of Iowa was widespread. The picture you see above, I snapped at the Mississippi River in Dubuque where a barge slammed into a bridge and sank. That closed the bridge for a while until authorities deemed it sound despite the accident.

The flooding I saw in the Des Moines area was very bad. Many people had water in their homes and the streets were lined with all manner of wet items that had been pulled from basements and now await the landfill. The water was lapping right up to the interstate highway system in many parts of town. I wasn't scheduled to leave until Sunday, but I feared if I waited I might not be able to get back.

On my way down I had passed through my old stomping grounds in the Cedar Rapids area and saw the destruction first hand. That city is totally submerged. I've never seen anything quite like it. I'm not sure how they will ever fully recover with damage so widespread and so severe. More than 400 city blocks are swamped.

I was also in Des Moines back in 1993 when the city flooded. The good news is Des Moines learned something from those 93 floods. They worked on the levee system and flood control. It really worked. As bad as the floods this week are, Des Moines fared much better than in 93. Cedar Rapids did not make major changes in its flood control system following 1993. But that year Cedar Rapids did not get it as bad as the record flooding they are seeing now.

I think the Chamber of Commerce in Iowa will be sending me a letter asking me to stay away. It seems every time I go to Des Moines, there's a flood.

Silver Lining

2008-06-09T18:58:00.000-07:00

Mother Nature's Encore

I guess every cloud really does have a silver lining. I snapped these shots at sunset Monday on the Military Ridge near Mount Horeb.

It was a tough weather weekend for many in Wisconsin with flooding, tornado damage and hail. My mood changed when I noticed what was happening as the sun set Monday evening. The beauty of something as simple as a sunset reminds me always of nature's ability to dazzle.

I'll never tire of scenes like this. We really do live in a very special corner of the world. What a show!

The Flood

2008-06-08T11:32:00.000-07:00

If you listen to the show on a regular basis you have heard us talk about the great flood of 01 that swamped Tim's much loved Caddy.

Here's some video of found of the aftermath.

The Weight

2008-06-06T15:39:00.000-07:00

Before

After

When I started my quest to become a healthier individual a couple of years ago I promised to keep you posted. To this point I've lost 142 pounds and 22 inches of waistline. It's been a very interesting experience on a number of fronts. The positives range from a ton more energy, self esteem and less self loathing. I think a tough part of breaking any self-destructive behavior is learning to be comfortable in your skin. Once you can master that trick the rest gets a little easier. In other words, you have to cut yourself some slack to give you room to mentally "start" the process of exorcising the demons.

On the negative side I don't have all those layers of insulation to hide behind. In an ironic twist I feel a lot more "exposed." When you are morbidly obese there are certain aspects that allow you to hide behind those hundreds of extra pounds. You are literally arms-length from getting close to people on many different levels. That emotional barrier is both a blessing and a curse depending on your personality.

Many people think shedding tons of weight will solve all their problems. Don't get me wrong, it does solve a bunch of them. The real heavy lifting comes when you have to confront the root causes of your self-destructive behavior. If you don't do that I think you are doomed to repeat the cycle that puts you in that position in the first place.

A very interesting aspect of not being the biggest person in the room is that I can disappear when I want to. When you are pushing 400 pounds it's very hard not to draw attention. You do "feel" the stares and focus when you are that big. If I choose to be Casper now, I can just fade into the landscape. That's a very new and different feeling. In many cases it's very liberating. Just imagine if you never had the ability to recede into the background in public.

As this metamorphosis continues I'll keep you posted on my progress. I'm now within just a few pounds of my goal. We'll see how it goes when the task changes from losing weight to maintaining my progress.

If you don't see me, just look a little harder. I may be just trying to blend in.

Reaping What You Sow

2008-06-03T17:08:00.000-07:00

Today General Motors announced it is leaving Janesville and canning 2,600 workers in the southern Wisconsin city. The politicians were quick to line up offering their "shock" at the General Motors action. Mayors, senators, congressmen, the governor and others have all released statements urging the car company to change its mind. Ummm, right.

Mind you now, these are the same people that are at least partially to blame for the closing in the first place. Because they didn't have the political will to pass an energy policy that moved the country toward energy independence, we have seen gas prices skyrocket. That is one of the main reasons people don't want the gas pigs built in Janesville. They also whistled by the graveyard while the mortgage crisis loomed. Another major contributor to the economic tailspin that contributed to the woes of the auto industry. Tight credit means people don't or can't finance large purchases. Why are they so shocked?

The other factor playing into the mess in Janesville is General Motors burying its corporate head in the sand while all the indicators pointed to the looming energy crisis. They are simply producing the wrong car for the times. It's not that they build bad cars, they just build the wrong cars.

While the Koreans and Japanese were busy developing inexpensive hybrids and small high-milage cars, GM was busy cranking out trucks and SUVs where the short-term profit margin was greater on a per vehicle basis. When they finally figured out what was going on they were already ten years behind. Too bad the quality workforce in Janesville is paying the price for politicians and corporate moguls with no vision.

GM has developed the Volt. It will probably be out in 2010. It's a battery/gas car but will carry a price tag of at least $40,000. What are they thinking? You can already get a Toyota hybrid for low 20's. Again, GM is a day late and a dollar short.

You reap what you sow. The seeds of this disaster for Janesville were planted by politicians and GM execs years ago. Now it's harvest time and no one should be "shocked."

In The Slot

2008-06-01T19:16:00.000-07:00

Remember those slot cars when you were a kid? Well, they are back These aren't your father's tiny Oldsmobiles. These new slot cars are bigger, better and of course much more expensive. I wasted many an hour watching those little cars zip around the track. Check out this video from WSJ.

What's next, a souped-up version of Shoots and Ladders???:

Bye To Harvey

2008-05-30T08:32:00.000-07:00

I was really sad to hear about the passing of Harvey Korman yesterday. I think he was one of the funniest guys ever to gace the small or big screen. I'll never forget that dentist skit that Korman and Tim Conway were in. One of the funnist things I've ever seen.

Korman was also stellar when he teamed with Mel Brooks. This is one of my favorite scenes from Blazing Saddles. Click HERE or below to see Mr. Lamar at his finest.

So long Harvey, you really will be missed. As Mel Brooks said, this world will be a much more serious place without Harvey Korman.

Evil Scarf

2008-05-28T19:12:00.000-07:00

We are so afraid of the terrorists killing us in our beds as we sleep at night that the clothing police have taken aim at a scarf worn by TV cook Rachael Ray.

Take a look at this. I really think it's silly season. Scarfs don't kill people. People kill people!

Where's the Beef? (in China)

2008-05-28T18:08:00.000-07:00

I have to say off the top that I'm a big fan of the beef rib. When cooked properly they are just great. You have to slow cook them and use just the right sauce. If you get it right, it's a great meal.

There's only one problem. The beef rib is getting pretty hard to find. The other day I was at the market and asked the guy at the meat counter what happened to the good old beef rib? He said "we don't carry them anymore." Being the curious type that I am I asked him if people don't want them anymore. He said "no, lots of people still ask for them." Well now my curiosity is really taking over.

"So, if lots of people still want them, why don't you carry them?" He said "we don't carry them because they are all getting shipped to China." With a perplexed look on my face I asked "why are they all getting shipped to China?" He said "because they really like them there." I just couldn't believe that some guy in China was eating MY beef ribs.

Wanting a second opinion I went to a small meat market today and bellied up to the bar. "Do you have any beef ribs today?" The butcher looked me in the eye and said "we haven't sold them now for about a year." I said "China?" He said "yup, China. They are buying them all up." He told me he could get them, but the price is so high that no one here would buy them.

I thought those folks in China all made 50 cents an hour, which is why we have them make all that poison stuff that gets shipped back here. How can they afford my beef ribs at 50 cents an hour? Seems to make more sense to me that they keep the poison dog food and toys and we keep the beef ribs.

Won't You Be My Friend?

2008-05-27T16:46:00.000-07:00

Madison may have its problems these days, but putting on a happy face isn't one of them. On an NBC Today Show report Wednesday morning Madison will be named one of the five friendliest cities in the nation. I'm not really sure how they measure that, but it beats a poke in the eye.

Perhaps they went around and asked people if they'd give you two tens for a five. Now that's friendly. The report was compiled by Barbara Corcoran for NBC.

I do think we are a pretty friendly city. People still say "hi" on the street to strangers along with a nod and a smile. It took me a while to get used to that when we first moved to this part of the word from the Boston area all those years ago.

It will be interesting to find out why they bestowed this honor on Madison. Tune in to the Today Show Wednesday morning to find out.

Click HERE to view the NBC article.

Madison Falls Out Of Love With The Homeless

2008-05-27T03:45:00.000-07:00

We've made the big time. Check out this article from this morning's LA Times.

We used to be known for best place to live and Farmer's Market. Now it's murder and the homeless. What a difference a couple of years make!

Stop To Smell

2008-05-26T20:19:00.000-07:00

This is a great time of the year to stop and smell not just the roses, but lots of really pretty things that are growing along the highways and backwoods of Wisconsin.

I put about 100 miles on the bicycle this holiday weekend and noticed it's starting to look and smell very nice out there these days. The flox are starting to bloom across the rural countryside right now. They are purple and white flowers that give off a really great perfume as the evening hours approach. There are a lot of them along the Southwest Bike Path and the Military Ridge Trail.

Of course it's hard to beat the Arboretum for the sights and smells of late spring. I stopped off there today to catch the tail end of the lilacs in bloom. That's always a great show and this year was no exception. The picture above is of the blooming trees that grace the Arboretum.

Cheers,
gg

2008-05-19T17:57:00.000-07:00

Sorry State Of Affairs

Something happened last week in the twilight of President Bush's last year in office that flew under the radar but deserves a second look. Mr. Bush was in Saudi Arabia last week on bent knee asking some two bit prince to pump more oil. Now keep in mind that for the past seven years Bush has been kissing the Saudi royal family's ass. This extends to giving them a pass after 9/11, despite the fact that most of the murderers were of Saudi heritage.

The President of the United States was told there would be no more oil. It's gotten to the point where Bush is now begging like a panhandler asking for spare change. What a sad and sorry day for America. All of Bush's arse smooching didn't get him so much as an ounce of crude, black gold, Texas tea. Forget about the fact that the Saudi royal family treats women like second-class citizens and would like to see Israel go the way of the buggy whip and the nickle cigar. When one is on bent knee it's hard to make demands of those you are hoping will throw you a scrap.

With all of Bush's foreign policy experience, the best he can do is go begging at the palace and be sent away empty-handed. What a proud day for America! I have to say that all Americans should be embarrassed about our national energy policy. It appears that policy has degenerated to the advanced idea of begging.

While on this trip Bush spoke about the need for the next president to be experienced at foreign policy. Well it looks like that experience certainly has paid off with four bucks at the gas pump and our good friends the Saudi princes telling the president they won't put any money in his little spare change cup. Bush is so desperate to renovate his legacy, that he is willing to swallow his (our) pride and beg at the Saudi royal table. Well, the Saudi princes won't play so it looks like old George W will be remembered for a failed war and five dollar a gallon gas.

We need a next president who has a real energy policy. We need a next president who will challenge the great minds in America to develop the next generation of technology that will move us away from oil. We need a president who's too proud to beg.