BEER IS NOT POLITICAL

The one thing that all Americans were supposed to have in common was our love for beer. Right or left, it is my belief that all Americans should be able to put aside their differences over a tall, cool one.  There was even the "beer summit" that President Obama called to help settle differences between a Harvard professor and Massachusetts police officer (Bud Light, Sam Adams and Blue Moon were served, respectively). Now, one of them popular internet blogamajiggers is trying to align different beers with different political affiliations. For example, here's a few from the Huffington Post:

COORS LIGHT: Conservative
NATTY LIGHT: Moderate
LEINIE'S: Conservative
CORONA LIGHT: Liberal
SIERRA NEVADA: Liberal

They are getting these numbers from a poll that associates voter turnout with political party with favorite beer. It sounds a like of hippie mumbo jumbo to me. America was founded on the ideals of separating church and state, and alcohol should be the third member of that separation group. KEEP THE BEER OUT OF THIS!!!

Calm down, Packers fans.

The second half of yesterday's game against the Colts was not great. Wasn't even good. It did seem like Indianapolis was playing some inspired football, but you'd like to think that the Packers are good enough where they could overcome something like that. Well, Sunday they didn't. It doesn't get any 

Donald says it's going to get better.

easier as the Packers head to Houston on Sunday to play the currently undefeated Texans. There;s a  very realistic chance that Green bay drops to 2-4, but even then, still don't panic. The season is progressing, but there's still plenty of season left. The Packers still have 11 games left, and they're not all that different of a team than last year. Of course, defenses have adjusted, but Mike McCarthy will make adjustments too. I think a 10-6 record will get Green Bay into the playoffs. That means going 8-3 over the last 11 games. The non-conference schedule through the end of the season, especially after Houston this week, is not especially tough. St. Louis, Jacksonville, Arizona, Tennesse and the New York Giants are left, as well as the Bears and two games against both Minnesota and Detroit. I think the Packers will be favored in 10 of those games. And with all five games coming after the bye week. I feel even better about the Packers in those games. Calm down Packers fans. It's going to be ok.

I hate Honey Boo Boo

Honey Boo Boo is what is wrong with society. There is absolutely zero chance that she grows up to be a normal girl, right? The whole baby/toddler pageant scene just disgusts me. And TLC is  ncouraging this behavior? Not only with "Toddlers and Tiaras" but the "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo" spinoff as well? AND THEY'RE GIVING THE FAMILY EVEN MORE MONEY? I've seen  enough of the show (about two minutes) to know that the family is basically exploiting their daughter to a national audience. TLC is reportedly going to increase the amount the family is paid, going from $5k/$7k to around $20k per episode. I guess good for them for making money, but they way they're doing it makes me ill.

Parade!

I don't think anyone could have asked for anything more out of Saturday's parade. It was gorgeous weather, buckets of fun, and from most accounts, people got home safe and sound. I got to see the parade from a different perspective this year, being in the parade rather than watching from the sidelines. I joined one of the "floats" from our sister station, Today's Talk 1490, on a big ol' BS Spreader heading down the parade route. We played music, had a great time and handed out can coozies to the crowd. It was awesome to see the throngs of people up and down the parade route and one thing I learned is if the crowd thinks you're having a good time, they'll have a good time with you. Jumping up and down and dancing on the float all day left me exhausted, as I went home promptly after to pass out for awhile. Thanks to all that came out to support the La Crosse Radio Group, and happy festing for the rest of Oktoberfest!

Unexpected End to My Vacation

This past week, I got to take a vacation to watch the Brewers play baseball in Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C. It was an awesome experience with a great friend, but what might stick with me the most is what happened at the airport as I was waiting to head back to Milwaukee.

As I was sitting in the terminal at Reagan International, a plane landed and men in green polo shirts began to wheel men in yellow jackets up the ramp. It quickly became clear to me and the other people in the terminal that these were veterans, judging from the hats that some of them wore and the verbiage on their clothing. I remember hearing about Freedom Honor Flights, and knew this had to be something similar. One by one, these veterans emerged into the terminal either in a wheelchair or with the aid of a walker. One by one, each veteran got a standing ovation from the other civilians waiting to board their planes.

I was extremely close to the doorway that the veterans were emerging from so I got an excellent view of the emotion that overwhelmed these gentlemen as they were greeted with an applause unexpected to them. Some came out beaming with smiles, some began to well up, while others remained stoic and filled with pride. But you can tell that each of the veterans were appreciative of the appreciation they were being shown.

This went on for the better part of a quarter hour, as 15 to 20 veterans were brought out. They were met with handshakes and proud looks and a chorus of thank yous, and it made me proud to be an American. And this was just at the terminal! I can't even begin to imagine what being with these veterans would be like as they head to the World War II memorial, much less what they'd be feeling when they see the monument erected in their honor.

I didn't take any pictures or get to talk to any of the veterans personally, but these men had an aura of well-deserved respect about them. I was welling up myself, seeing the veterans that were missing limbs or the ones overcome with emotion. It was truly a humbling experience and one I will not soon forget. It reminds me that we need to thank those that have defended, are defending, and will continue to defend this great country each and every day. Thank you veterans.

You eat these things.

Unless food is prepared in Walter White's 99.1% pure meth superlab (Breaking Bad reference, anyone? Ok, I'll continue.), there is a good chance some contaminants are going to be in them. I'm of the mindset that if I turn the other way and pretend they're not there, I won't notice. Noticing would be the worst. Ugh. But apparently the US Food and Drug Administration deems these to be acceptable. I can see how they could get in there, BUT WHY PUBLICIZE IT! LET US BE NAIVE AND NOT KNOW WE'RE EATING UP TO 19 MAGGOTS PER 100 GRAMS OF CANNED MUSHROOMS! But seriously, gross.

BREWERS

The Brewers took two of three from the Mets over the weekend, and they are playing surprisingly well without the likes of Corey Hart. It certainly helps that Ryan Braun has been on an absolute tear, hitting two home runs on Sunday to not only put him at 40 for the season but 200 for his career. He belongs either at or near the top of the MVP discussion, but there's still time left in the season. If he can help bring the Brewers back from the dead and help them clinch a playoff spot, hands down he has to be the MVP. I could not be more excited for the four games I am heading to this week. Pittsburgh Wednesday and Thursday, DC on Friday and Saturday. Who knew that when I booked the trip over the summer that there would be so much on the line? I. AM. JACKED!!!