I was sitting in a restaurant with my wife recently and a family with a toddler sat next to us. The little guy must’ve gotten a new toy and when his Mom put it away (so he could focus on eating) he screamed bloody murder. He wanted it RIGHT NOW! She held firm and he quickly forgot and focused on his chicken fingers.

Don’t worry he’s still young and inexperienced. As he grows into an adult, he will no doubt hone his skills and his sense of entitlement will be sharper than ever. He won’t quit whining until he gets what he wants. He’ll complain that life just isn’t fair and he’s being treated improperly. And he won’t be alone.

Have you noticed lately that this sense of entitlement thing is out of control?  You don’t have to look very hard to find examples. Athletes are great at it. Tiger Woods has it, Big Ben allegedly has it, and Antonio Cromartie is the latest ‘7 kids to 6 women in 5 states’ athlete to have it.

Want an example of entitlement in the workplace? How about those people who believe that the sick days allotted to them by their employer are actually vacation days to be used whenever they please? Want more?

Recently, during a Judge Gino segment on ‘KLH, a guy wrote in to tell us the story of his 20-something son who has no intention of paying off his school loan… that Dad co-signed for! When Dad confronts him he says “Just don’t pay it and declare bankruptcy”. Hey, he’s entitled to a free education, right?  Dad kicked him out, but there’s that little matter of his good credit rating and Dad wants to keep that. So he does the honorable thing and admits that he shouldn’t have co-signed and he pays. Guess Dad just assumed that the disease of entitlement wouldn’t rear its ugly head in his own home. But, it’s everywhere.

And why shouldn’t it be? When our government passes an emergency plan to spend 10 BILLION dollars, and part of that plan includes getting satellite TV to rural America, we shouldn’t be surprised that our country is ‘infected’. I’m not saying all our tax money is wasted, but there is NO WAY that some of these entitlements are absolutely necessary. I’ve heard the commercial: Need a free cell phone? Just call! My question, though, is what phone are you using to call? But, I digress.

What happened to the kids of the Greatest Generation? How did we get so soft? Did we learn nothing from the stories our parents and grandparents told us about the Great Depression? Did we not understand that there is honor in working hard and doing an honest day’s work? Boomers, to a large degree, failed to pass on the steely determination and iron-will that our grandparents and parents taught us. Somewhere along the line we decided that everyone should get a ribbon and a gold star and equal playing time. That turned into everyone should get satellite TV and a cell phone.

And if you think I’m generalizing, well, OF COURSE I AM. There are exceptions to every rule so don’t write me and complain. Or, as my Grandpa used to say, “Quit whining and grow a pair”.

I think that pretty much sums it up, don’t you?

 A couple of months ago I was contacted by ‘M’ Magazine about doing a photo shoot with our 3 dogs. It was explained to me that the issue would feature local celebs (like Ted Perry from Fox 6) and their dogs. In addition, the issue would be all about guys. Now, you have to understand that Cindy and I have 3 Schnauzers and while they’re pretty smart, they’re also full of energy. Way too much energy. And I can’t even begin to tell you how excited they get when they get company. But I agreed to do it and we immediately made an appointment to get hair cuts. Didn’t want them looking nasty for their big photo op. Well, personally I didn’t care, but my lovely bride did.

So ‘M’ Magazine sent me a questionnaire to fill out and then came over to take pictures. Well, Cindy took all three on a long walk (and it was cold) and by the time the photographer and staff showed up, it was all we could do to just keep them from napping. One word to sum up their behavior that day: awesome. In the western ‘burbs, me, Zack, Cosmo and Rocky made the cover. And the picture of meinside the dog crate with all 3 of them made it into the article. I’ve pasted the inside picture for you to see and I have also come up with a list of;

THE TOP 10 THINGS MY DOGS HAVE TAUGHT ME

*Defend your family at all costs

*Take naps as often as you can

*The best things in life are absolutely free

*Everyone you meet is a potential best friend

*No matter what the weather is like, it’s fun to play ball

*Exercise is fun and something to get excited about

*Sometimes we all just feel like barking. But it’s never okay to bite.

*Never admit to cutting the cheese…especially if it’s nasty and has good hang time

*Sometimes, it’s impossible to understand what people are saying, even when they’re speaking English

*When someone is sad, lick their face (use this at your own discretion ;~)

I found my old high school yearbook the other day. I can’t tell you how happy I am that we had no social networking back then. Usually, your yearbook is the only record of how awful we looked and how goofy we all were (are?). With that in mind, I’ve come up with a list of Facebook status updates that most certainly would have been a part of Facebook had it been around back then (if COMPUTERS had been around back then…) I have combined some of the words and phrases that my classmates used in signing my yearbook with some of the common things we used to say. These are flat out embarrassing to read and even funnier to say. Feel free to add your own.

¡Hola! Acabo de regresar de mis vacaciones en México. ¡Fue impresionante!

Here in Wisconsin, behind the cheddar curtain, that translates to; “Da wife and I just got back from a vacation in Mexico and, man, it was awesome!” We like to visit Mexico once a year ’cause we love it there. Now don’t get me wrong, I still bleed Red, White and Blue and I still believe we live in the greatest country on the planet. But there are aspects of Mexico that feel like the “old” U.S.of A.

It brings you right back to the days of your youth when you see a guy riding in his huge Chrysler with his 8 year old son on his lap. He’s smoking a huge Cuban cigar and he’s letting the kid steer. That’s America circa 1968 right there. About 10 years ago we tried to get our local community to put a speed bump on the road. The red tape was incredible and we never did succeed. Down in Mexico, though, they are serious about having you slow down. If you’re driving and you see a speed bump, you had better slow to a crawl or your front bumper, and a few of your teeth, will be laying on the road.

Another flashback of my youth is hearing a huge percentage of Mexicans speaking (at least) 2 languages. My grandparents spoke other languages and I’m always embarassed that I don’t. Sure my Rosetta Stone has helped, but once I’ve asked for a beer and a bathroom, well I’m almost tapped out. And remember America before all those lawsuits? Mexico isn’t lawsuit happy. They don’t dumb everything down to the lowest common denominator. You actually have to pay attention to where you’re walking or driving. Sure it’s more dangerous, but we’re all adults, aren’t we? And, you haven’t lived until you’ve zip-lined or para-sailed in Mexico, it’s awesome. You don’t have to sign and notarize 8 copies of a release form. There’s this unspoken rule that simply says “Yeah, I know this is risky and dangerous and kinda stupid and I might get hurt bad, so let’s do it!!” Add some tequila and make it even more fun.

And who needs HMO’s, co-pays or scripts from your doctor when you can get almost anything at the Pharmacia? Antibiotics, anti-depressants, and even some narcotics. Sure they may be sudstandard or even counterfeit but it’s a proven fact that placebos even work on some people. Give ‘em a try if you dare. Just don’t try to smuggle them into the USA. That’s a huge no-no. Though, I did accidentally bring back some aspirin. I had a headache and I bought this medicine that was labelled “E.D. Aches. For Amigos with E.D. Problems”. In fact, I took one 4 hours ago. It must be one of those placebos ’cause my headache hasn’t gone away. Somehow, though, I don’t seem to care ;~) >ver lejos a mi mujer. ..adios

The results are in …

And the winner of the Foresters’ Most Caring Radio Station in North America is 107 in Columbia, Mo.

Carole and I would like to thank everyone who stepped up to the plate and voted for WKLH 96.5 during this three-week contest. Our community is quite special, and we should feel very proud of our efforts. We truly are blessed to have such a wonderful, nationally known, state-of-the-art pediatric facility right here in Wisconsin – and better yet, right here in our own backyard.  You stepped up to do this for the kids, and we’re so proud of the Wisconsin community.

Over the weekend, we received hundreds of e-mails from listeners who want to help raise the $50K themselves – one listener at a time – one donation at a time. So, in response to our listeners, we’re going to prove how special of a community we are.

We’ve developed a special online pledge page in response to this contest that will run until Friday, Feb. 12. If we can get 500 donors to give $100 each, we can raise $50,000 for Wisconsin kids. You can pledge online at chw.org/wklh.

As an added bonus, between 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Thursday, February 11, Forester’s will be matching our donations. Let’s see if we can make it to $50,000 for the kids.

Thank you again for making a difference! One vote, one donation at a time.

SUPER BOWL THOUGHTS
 

*I think Sean Payton totally out coached Beloit’s Jim Caldwell. From Payton’s clock management at the end of the first half to the onside kick. And how about Caldwell having 42 year old Matt Stover attempt a 51 yard field goal?

*I think no city in America needed a moral victory more than New Orleans.  Karma wins again! The Saints played with heart and intensity and their coach played to win. The Colts played not to lose. It seems like teams that play not to lose always do.

*I think it’s time to go in a different direction for the Super Bowl half time show. The Who just didn’t work for me, but Zak Starkey (Ringo’s spawn) was awesome on the drums. Why did Roger Daltrey and Pete Townsend play so many of the bridges of their hits? Hooks, lads, hooks…

*I think Pete Townsend needs a bigger shirt. That pale belly was just not attractive, especially in HD…

*Since the game’s in Dallas next year, I think the halftime show should be a Scott Joplin tribute performed by ZZ Top, Los Lonely Boys, and Vanilla Ice. Hey, they’re all from Texas :~)

*On the outside chance the Cowboys actually make it to the Super Bowl next year and play in their home stadium, Jerry Jones surgically altered head will explode.

*I think his head might explode if they don’t make the big game in 2011.

*I think CBS can keep James Brown and Bill Cowher and fire the rest of those talking heads on the pre game show. It’s painful.

*I think that Google ad is an all time classic. I loved it.

*I think whoever schedules the commercials needs to be asked; “Why would you put 2 spots back to back where people are in their tighty whities?” 

*I think Jay Leno will try anything right now. I don’t blame him.

*I think Danica Patrick needs a new manager. Or GoDaddy.com needs a new ad agency, or both.

*I think Brad and Angelina are fine. I mean why else would you take her to the Super Bowl? What’s that, a photo op? Oh, yeah.

*I think that the only way I can get my wife to watch the game is if they do those syrupy background stories on the players, like the Olympics do. “And that’s how Mr. Bush met Ms. Kardashian; and now back to Reggie for this punt return”.

*I think Drew Brees knows that you don’t EVER have to force a pass deep downfield. Not all quarterbacks know that. Brett? Brett??

Okay, here’s the deal. A little town called Columbia, Missouri wants to take Milwaukee down. A company called Forester’s is holding an online contest to determine “North America’s Most Caring Radio Station”. The station that wins will have $50,000.00 donated to their local Children’s Hospital.
The issue is that Milwaukee had the lead until today when a radio station in Columbia, Missouri decided to hold a vote-a-thon and involve all their sister stations, as well as the University of Missouri. Their mission is clear; they want to ‘beat Milwaukee’.

As you may know, we do “The Miracle Marathon” every year to benefit the kids at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. To say that we’re lucky to have such a place in our community is an enormous understatement. This place really does make miracles happen and many of you know that first hand.
If you are a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, sibling or neighbor of a sick child, there is no other place that can provide the care that Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin can. So I’m begging you to step up and make a difference. And it’s as easy as a few clicks of a mouse.

Now is your chance to make a miracle happen. Help the kids by voting for WKLH in this contest. I honestly don’t care if you’re a big listener or not. That misses the point. If ‘KLH gets the most votes, the kids get the cash. It’s that simple! You can vote up to 10 times per day per e mail address. Please log on to wklh.com and you’ll see the contest link on the front page. Dare to Care…

wklh.com

I’m at work and as I write this, I have my Droid by my side, my Facebook friends are chatting with me, I am periodically checking home and work e mails and people are tweeting all around me. In fact, a few of the folks have their ear-buds in and they’re oblivious to the world. We’re all so connected that we’ve begun to ignore ourselves.

Tom Joerres, my boss, always dreads getting a phone call from me in those warm, summer months. Why? Because he knows that I’ve been out cutting the lawn. And I don’t wear headphones or ear-buds. I spend the time alone with my thoughts, usually coming up with some goofy idea that goes nowhere. But I digress.

The point is that we have devolved into a society that is hyper-aware and ultra-savvy when it comes to technology. But all we do is consume. Rarely, do we create. A disproportionate amount of the correspondence I receive is simply someone forwarding someone else’s creativity to me. Usually there’s some sort of smart a** remark attached. Hey, I’m as guilty as anyone else.

So, while we are connected 24/7, it’s mostly passive consumption. We watch TV, we listen to music (hopefully to KLH ;~) we are online, watching youtube videos and reading blogs. We play video games, we’re on our smart phones, we tweet, text and check out Facebook. We spend our spare time playing Mafia Wars, Farmville, Halo, or Madden.

I remember reading the USA Today article back in 2008 about the most creative TV commercials of the last 25 years. Not one of them was produced after 1999. But I’m not just talking about creativity as it relates to media or to the web.

Creativity is the missing link that can help create jobs, reform health care, education, and elevate us all. But how can any of us, especially young people with whom the future resides, be creative in the current environment? Most of them can’t spend 10 minutes without some sort of passive stimulation. Hey, its not just teenagers. I know plenty of people who can’t even take a walk or go running without staying connected.

I’ve started unplugging myself from the world from Friday afternoon until Sunday night and it’s been awesome. Want to know the best part? I figured out that spending 2 days with my own thoughts is about all I can handle.

So, once again it ends with a pick. Another Brett Favre mistake that cost his team a chance to play in football’s ultimate game. All he needed to do was run for 5 or 6 yards, and he could have, and let Ryan Longwell split the uprights. But that’s not Brett’s style. Sure, you can blame Adrian ‘Butterfingers’ Peterson, or the porous offensive line, but all anyone will remember is the pick. That’s the life of a quarterback. They get all the credit and all the blame. But that’s why they get the big bucks, isn’t it? 

All I know is that it was damn entertaining to watch. Brett Favre. It always is. I don’t care if you’re still rooting for him or against him; we will all miss #4 when he decides to call it a career. Think about all the talk Favre has generated in the last 19 years. And I’m not just talking about all those touchdown passes and all those interceptions. His life has been the #1 reality TV show for us for as long as we can remember.

I honestly believe Aaron Rodgers will lead the Packers to multiple championships before he’s finished. I guarantee you Rodgers would have gained those 6 yards with a run and a slide and let the kicker do his thing. Rodgers is a cool, calculating assassin. By throwing for 4,000 yards in each of his first two seasons, he’s already done something no other QB has ever done in the NFL. And I get the feeling he’s just getting started. But for some reason we just don’t connect with Rodgers like we do with Favre.

We relate to Favre. He’s like us. He makes some really stupid mistakes, says some dumb stuff, but he survives. Like us, he’s more comfortable in jeans and a baseball hat than anything else. Yet, he’s human and superhuman at the same time. For almost two decades, we have followed his every move. We saw him overcome an addiction to Vicodin, deal with numerous personal tragedies, and we watched as his wife fought breast cancer. His emotions became our emotions. His joy was our joy and somehow we felt his sadness. Thousands made a pilgrimage to little Kiln, Mississippi just to see the town he called home. And when he started the retirement soap opera, we hung on his every word.

Even on Sunday, dressed in that weird purple and white uniform, he added to his legend. He was hit more often, and harder, than we’d ever seen him hit before. He even added a little WWE to his act by limping off, only to return and lift his team once again. Brett Favre is more than a football player, he’s the ultimate entertainer. He’s a warrior; he’s an iron man, and just plain fun to watch. Is he the best QB of all time? No way. But I will miss watching the Favre show when, and if, it gets canceled.

I don’t know what I don’t know, but I know I don’t it. In other words, life is a mystery wrapped inside an enigma stuffed inside a riddle. Here’s the most current list of things that make me go Hmm:

*If Conan was so concerned about saving his staffers jobs, why didn’t he just agree to move his show back 30 minutes? Don’t they just tape those shows anyway? If ‘KLH told me that we were going from 5:30-10:30 a.m. instead of 5-10 a.m. the last thing I’d do is pitch a hissy fit. Oh yeah, I’m not in line for a 32.5 million buyout.

*Why is no one mentioning that the Packers need at least 2 more GREAT linebackers to make that ‘3-4’ defense work? The Ravens and Steelers are loaded at LB. We have one Pro Bowl caliber guy and a few okay guys. Linebackers are the key to winning with a ‘3-4’.

*When mentioning the unemployment rate, why don’t national and local pundits do a better job of explaining the numbers? If we calculated the rate like we used to (until 1994 or so) and used the U-6 number the unemployment rate isn’t 10 percent it’s closer to 17.4 percent!!!

*Why would a Chinese company plan to open a Chinese themed mall around here? The Chinese company that purchased Northridge is opening “Amesia Plaza” in August featuring hundreds of Chinese shops and vendors. The company initially is focusing business recruitment in Ningbo, Milwaukee’s sister city. Did you know Ningbo was our sister city?

*Why don’t more people care about the details of health care reform? Here’s a detail to ponder from the New York Times “The biggest problem with the health care bill isn’t the bill itself. The problem is so much of the bill is based off a highly flawed system - the federal poverty level. One of the tables the CBO put out was predicting the FPL for a family of 4 in 2016 to be $24,000.” That’s 2016, folks. I think a family of 4 in 2010 would have a heck of a time on $24,000 and still plenty have to do it. Now, when you take into account all that inflation, it really gets ugly.

*Finally, I’m usually pretty good about noticing when my wife gets a new coat or a new pair of shoes. But that’s only because she’s never hidden 34 coats and 476 pairs of shoes in another building. I’m just sayin’…