ROLL OUT YOUR DOUGH FOR EGG ROLLS
April 4

Every year between two to four young, Hmong women from our community receive educational scholarships to support them in pursuing a higher education. HOPE Women are the role models for Hmong girls who seek to honor their culture while pursuing the American dream. So, spread the word and place your orders…

WHAT: EGG ROLLS (Will consist of pork meat, cabbage mix, salt, pepper, oyster sauce, cellophane noodles; Vegetable egg rolls also available)

ORDER TODAY, THEY'RE DUE MONDAY, APRIL 7, 2008

WHEN: SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 2008
PICK UP BETWEEN 11:30 - 3:30 P.M.

PLACE: ST. PETER'S LUTHERAN CHURCH (KITCHEN)
1351 S. GRAND AVENUE
SCHOFIELD, WI

COST: $6 PER ½ DOZEN OR $11 / DOZEN

CONTACT: MAY SEE HER
(715) 212-6240
OR mayseeher@yahoo.com

All proceeds will go towards the Wausau Area HOPE Hmong Women Scholarship.

Respond to Bao's blog here:

PORTAGE COUNTY WINE AND CHEESE EVENT
April 4

Thanks to all the folks from the March 29th event for a wonderful time in Stevens Point. My favorite wines were the Rieslings. And the Bleu Cheese was my cheese of choice.

Chad Franzen, Amy Pflugshaupt and I would also like to thank Johnson Towing for coming to pick up our dead NewsChannel 7 van a half-mile from the Noel Hanger. And to Betty, our tow truck driver's wife, for driving us the rest of the half-mile to the event. And we can't forget to give a shout out to Portage Co. Sheriff's Deputy Heiss for stopping by and making sure we're okay.

Oh... and we made our way back to the Wausau-area thanks to two off-duty photographers, Matt and Jason. Thanks, guys... for the working vehicle.

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION
April 1

Remember the promise you made to yourself that this year was going to be the year you quit smoking, start eating right, or maintain a regular workout schedule? Many of us made those New Year's Resolutions at the beginning of the year. That was three months or about 90 days ago. Well... it's no secret, most of you have probably forgotten all about those resolutions. For a lot of reasons, they just don't work. A rare number of you kept your promises and I commend you for that.

To be honest, solutions have never worked for me. This year, it did. I am a member of the YMCA and I completed their "SOLUTION FOR YOU" program. As a participant, I signed up the first week of January to promise to work out for at least 30 minutes each session, three times a week or a total of 36 days for three months. I not only reached my goal of 36 workouts by the end of March, I exceeded that number. Here's why it worked for me: 1) I worked out with a friend. 2) 30 minutes a day of exercise is not too much to ask for 3) All participants, upon completion, received a free T-shirt (cute, too) 4) keeping track of workouts were fun and and easy.

According to Janet at the Downtown Wausau YMCA, more than 500 people participated this year... and even though the program isn't over yet, both Wausau-area branches are calling it a success.

Did you keep your New Year's Resolution? I want to know what worked for you.... and what didn't.

Hey Bao,
Just wanted to come by and say Hi. We missed you the last time you were down. The kids miss you and hope to see you soon.

Later,
La

Hi La! I miss Nou Nou and Za Za so much! I talk to them every day they're over at mom's house... unless they're sleeping. But, since mom has been so sick, she hasn't seen the kids much either. I hope you and Lue are doing okay. We were worried something was wrong when we didn't hear from you. Have a good weekend, have the kids call me sometime soon.

Hmong Community Mayoral Forum
March 2008

Do you have a question for Incumbant Wausau Mayor Jim Tipple or his challenger, Deb Hadley?

Send it to us here on the blog.

The event is coming up on Saturday, March 15. Please join us at 6 p.m. at the University of Wisconsin - Marathon County auditorium.

R & R for Favre
March 4

Breaking news Tuesday morning... According to www.espn.com, Brett Favre says he's retiring. The Packer great will not return for an 18th season. Career achievements include all-time quarterback records in wins, passing yards, touchdowns and consecutive games started. Favre is also a three time MVP.

NewsChannel 7 was the first to let you know on-air at 8:55 a.m.

As of 10 a.m., neither Favre, nor officials from the Packers have confirmed this statement.

Maybe you've received a call, maybe you're mass-texting your friends, or perhaps you heard it from friends at work... it's a story everyone will be talking about... today, tomorrow and 20 years from now.

No doubt, the sexy star football player will be missed by many. We currently have our newsroom working on stories about reaction from YOU. If you'd like to send us comments about Favre's possible retirement, blog on. We'd like to hear your thoughts.

Stay tuned to our webchannel and our newscasts for more.

Bao,
This blog is insane, it is so cool!
I really thought Brett Farve retired because he was sick of all the news people bothering him for so long! But then my teacher told me the real reason the next day. By the way, you probably wont know her, but i was wondering if you know Chao Mei? She is a chinese teacher at Marathon Area Elementary School (my school, 6th grade) and i was just wondering if you knew her. I know you are Hmong, but i think you coverd the story on Daybreak that MAES was the only school in Wisconsin to be picked for this program! Please get back to me as soon as you can!
Allison

Hi Allison!

I'm so happy to hear you are such a huge Packers fan at such a young age. I really didn't start to like football until recently. It's hard NOT to like football in Wisconsin. It's contagious!

And yes, I know of Chow Mei, but I have never met her. Tell her I said "Hello". Some reporters here at NewsChannel 7 have done stories on her, and I have only learned about her through those reports. I hope she's having a great time in Wisconsin and that the students at your school are learning more about her culture and language through the interactions you have with her.

Hi sister, thought i drop by to see how you're doing and what's new in WI. Yeah, I hear that all of WI is in shock over Brett's departure but just know that all good things must end somtime.

Your bro, Long.

Hey Long!

First, thank you for you know what!

Second, football won't ever be the same. Can you believe I'm even a liitle shaken up by the Favre news?

What's new in Wisconsin? I've been busy preparing for the Hmong Community Mayoral Forum, coming up this Saturday. I'm on the panel and we are responsible for forming the questions to ask the candidates. This is a big election year, and the goal is get everyone motivated to be politically active, including heading to the polls to vote. I'll tell you more about it after this weekend.

Bao,
Actually I do have someone special, we met about a year ago, and now are expecting twins!
Calleigh

Calleigh, I'm so happy to hear about your news. I love babies. I really can't wait until I have my own -- again, 10 years from now. Good luck!

Hi Bao,

Good luck!

Aya and May!

I miss you girls. How are you? When is graduation? May 2008, right? The last semester is always the toughest. Hang in there. You'll make it. You can watch a clip of the top stories from our Morning Show on the web site from about 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Tell me what you think! And tell me everything about life at UST.

while favre was a legend and dominated on the field i'm still excited about aaron rodgers and having a young q.b. in there to see what he can do. he will bring another dimension with his scrambling capability so while i'm a little disappointed i'm also excited

It'll be interesting to see what Aaron Rogers can do. I can't believe I'm saying this... but I can't wait until Football Season.

When I heard about Favre's retirement I wasnt too surprised but I was sad. My sister is very upset. She was planning on going to her first Packer game this next season and now she'll never get the chance to see him play. Luckily for me, I got to see him play once this past season for the first time. I'm so glad I was able to do that. Favre is the greatest football hero in my time and he will definitely be missed. I wish him all the best in his future. Football will never be the same for me. I wasnt a football fanatic but I was a huge Favre fan!
TM

Lucky for you to have gone to see Favre play live. And too bad your sister and I weren't as lucky. Like you, I'm not a football fanatic, but during this past season, I became a huge Favre fan.

I think he wanted to go out on top. He knows that he cannot play forever and that it was time to turn the reigns over to the young guy he was mentoring.

This is will go down as a sad day for the Packers, sadder still for the NFL (No Fun League).

I will miss him, too. Just when I started liking and watching football, the best eye candy and most exciting Packers player leaves. Aaron Rogers isn't exactly a Favre look-a-like, but you and I both will be watching with hope next season that some of Rogers' techniques will resemble that of the Great Number 4.

If you noticed, no one in the Packer organization is pleading for Favre's return. The packers didn't sign Moss , who Favre actively campaigned for last week, then Favre quit. If the Packers had signed Moss there is no way Favre would have retired or quit on the team. WHAT A BABY!

Perhaps his teammates weren't pleading for his return because they suspected he would soon leave the organization. We can't be upset or disappointed at someone who gave everything they had into the Packers for nearly half their life.

When I heard the news about Brett Farve I did text all my family and friends. I'm sure the whole state of WI is crying right along with me. I love Brett and all his has done for the Packers. I wish him all the best in retirement and to spending time with his family.

Hi!!
Did you hear during his press conference, Brett and Deanna are taking a full year off from EVERYTHING? They deserve it. And their children, too.

Hey Bao,

Thong

Thanks for blogging, Thong. I called Ele last night and he says, of course he knows you. They say "Hello". Congrats on the new baby -- by the way, I think I've met your wife, but not you. I am glad that my extended family in Wausau is growing. Hopefully we can all get together the next time Ele and Liz are in town.

SWEETHEART SUGGESTIONS
February 8

It's Friday!

Whether you celebrate Valentine's Day or not, we all have loved ones (friends, parents, spouses) and the DayBreak team wants to give you some alternative ways to say "I love you." Oh, and the best part... they're inexpensive ways to show your love.

This week and next, we've got some special guests on our morning show to share some "Sweetheart Suggestions" ... the title of our Valentine's Day series.

Thursday, the co-owners of Evolutions in Design stopped by to talk about floral arrangments. Flowers are a typical gift on Valentine's Day, even for men. Randy Verhesselt says there are more masculine plants, but men might also enjoy gerbera daisies. They are simple. Plus, here's a new idea for you... fill the vase with conversation hearts or chocolate. It'll last even beyond Valentine's Day (that's if you don't eat them all in one sitting).

Lisa Macco from Evolutions says don't be afraid to stray away from the typical roses for this holiday. Tulips are a great alternative and they vary in color. Plus, Lisa says they are relatively cheap.

Take note... Here's another way to save money: Evolutions in Design is offering FREE DELIVERY Tuesday, February 12 and Wednesday, February 13. You can't beat F-R-E-E!

Friday morning, Executive Chef David Avery was in to show us how to cook a delicious meal for our sweetheart. Men, listen up... the recipe is easy, hearty and fun.

The meal includes a Pan Seared Salmon with Bacon-Shallot Broth, a hearty salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette and a Cinnamon-Chocolate Mousse dessert. The salmon is a great choice because it takes about 2 1/2 minutes to fry each side. The salad is perfect because it's light and easy.. greens, mandarin oranges, walnuts and the dressing. And of course, you can't celebrate the holiday without dessert. Chocolate is the right pick this and every Valentine's Day because the sweets are considered an aphrodisiac. The Aztecs believe chocolate made women less inhibited. The candy is also known to arouse or increase sexual desire, or libido. Mandarin Oranges and Asparagus, as Chef Avery tells us, are also known to be aphrodisiacs. This recipe will help all of you create a perfect, romantic evening.

The recipes are on-line. Check under the DayBreak tab.

Stay tuned to next week's shows, we have more exciting interviews and "Sweetheart Suggestions" for you and your loved one. Plus, more great recipes and more ways to say "I love you".

TUESDAY MORNING... we had Singing Valentines. For more information, check out our DayBreak page on the webchannel. For $15 bucks, have students from UW-MC serenade your sweetheart this Valentine's Day!

Respond to Bao's blog here:

I have so much respect for you! I have enjoyed watching you on TV and I believe that you have opened people's eyes to the fact that the Hmong people are NOT here to take advantage of the American economy or lifestyle. I worked in Public Housing for 25 years and when we were advised of the Hmong's coming into this area, I worked hard with the other agency's in this area to understand and learn the best way to provide decent safe and sanitary housing for the Hmong families. I was rewarded with tenants that were conscientous and took extremely good condition of the houses. Not only that, when comments were made to me that were negative regarding the Hmongs, I was able to reply that at least they were working where many of our white people, hispanics, etc. were not!! It doesn't matter what nationality you are, there are bad and good in each. I just wish that I could give more to help people. It's in my nature. As a last comment, I have changed my direction in my retirement and am trying to establish a "granny daycare in my home. I love it. Thank you for listening to me. I believe I could share some knowledge about housing assistance, and it would be a good subject to do a special on. Let people know what's out there in the way of elderly housing, elderly programs, and family housing and programs to benefit them. I think there are a lot of people who are struggling and don't know there's programs to help them. People need to know the income limits, requirements, etc. for social programs.
Thanks for letting me vent!! gg

Hello! You've provided a great service for the Hmong community. You should be so proud. I'd love to hear more about your "Granny Day Care" idea. Please send me an e-mail to my personal account: bvang@wsaw.com. Maybe you and I could further help the community together.

Meanwhile, I think your business would be a beneficial one for the elderly -- especially in the Hmong community. The care of elders is typically the duty of sons and daughters. (There is no senior housing in Laos or Thailand.) Now, in the U.S., either the seniors *want* to be on their own or they are (as in some other American families)... put into an assisted living facility.

Like most Americans, both Hmong parents are now working full-time and just don't have the time or resources to take care of an adult full time. Kids alike, but there are already children daycare centers.

Hope to hear from you!

you are such ajoy to watch in the morning along with todd. how many times have you heard that, along with chad. very very nice people. thank you for being a person people can rely on in the morning and anytime of the day, and a great inspiration.

Thanks for watching and blogging!

Dear Bao,
that is a very cool paragraph and i enjoyed it alot! Do you have a "special someone"?
Calleigh

Hi Calleigh! I DO have a special someone. We met a little more than a year ago. Valentine's Day 2007 was very special for me... roses, dinner, presents... the whole works. I'm looking forward to this Thursday. Do you have a "special someone"? If so... what are your plans? If not, enjoy "Singles Awareness Day!"

EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER
February 5

I have been riding an emotional rollercoaster lately. News from many of my close friends and family have shifted my feelings up and down.

First, I want to contragulate my brother, Ele and his wife, Liz because they are expecting their first baby. (Sex to be determined on Valentine's Day) They recently celebrated their 10 year anniversary. They've come a long way since they got married -- they were teenagers. Not only are they great people, they are a great couple.

Plus, my sister Mai Xee graduated from college. She's a year older than me, and she started college a year before I did, but, she when she found out she was pregnant, she took a year and a half off. She eventually re-enrolled at the University of Minnesota and graduated this winter. She's now working as a social worker and her baby will turn 2 years old this month. Any new mother, returning back to school can probably understand how hard it may have been for her.

All the while, just last week, I found out my neighbor, Jack, had died. He was 66 years old and one of the kindest men I've ever met. Since I moved into the same apartment complex more than a year ago, he has always been so kind and so warm. I always felt safe in my neighborhood, particularly because he created that environment for me. He always said if I ever needed anything, I could simply stop by anytime.

The most memorable thing about Jack was his generosity. For his birthday, last summer, a couple of friends and I invited him out for dinner. He accepted and we ended up going to a new restaurant in town. We all ordered big steaks, extra appetizers and enjoyed the atmosphere. Before dinner was even over, Jack excused himself from the table and said he was going to the restroom. When he returned and my friends and I getting ready to pay, the waitress stopped by and said that Jack had already taken care of the entire bill -- ON HIS BIRTHDAY! That's Jack. He even refused to let us pay for the tip.

I attended his funeral over the weekend and it was such a delight to meet his family and friends (some of whom he never talked about). Also, I was amazed to see he was once was such a handsome young man. I will miss you, Jack.

Jack's funeral wasn't the only one I attended this weekend, my grandfather (as I would address him in Hmong) died last week. When I moved out to the Wausau area more than a year ago, I didn't know anyone. To my greatest surprise, I found out my paternal grandmother had two cousins in town here. Soon after I arrived, I met them. Just this last week, I found out my grandmother's older cousin died at the hospital and joined her in heaven.

Bao
I am so sorry to here about you neighbor. I wish you the best.
P.S. Could you please respond to either me or Lowla? I really like hearing feedback from others! You see i am a training newspaper person, and i would like to see if i am at all good!!
TY
~Ehmmahlleigh

Hello Ehmmahleigh. I love the spelling of your name by the way! Thanks for writing. Speaking of your writing... I'd love to see samples of your work. The best way to get better is to have your writing critiqued. If you would like, you can send some of your pieces to my e-mail address: bvang@wsaw.com and I'll take a look and send you some comments. Hope to hear from you! Lowla, too.

Hi Bao,
Sorry to learn things have been tough for you. I pray that better days are ahead. I sent this question to Chad and Todd too. I watch every morning. You do a great job and are a wonderful addition to my morning. I have a question about the snowmobile trail thing. If 2/3 of the deaths are related to drinking, and well over 2/3 of the people out there are drinking than statically wouldn't that mean that you are more likely to die if you don't drink? Very few people die by getting hit by a drunk on a snowmobile like is the case with cars. With snowmobiles people hit trees and rocks and fall off going too fast. That being the case, if you're relaxed your chances of surviving are much better. If 2/3 of the people who don't die on snowmobiles have also been drinking than clearly that number means absolutely nothing. Why is it that when one person uses poor judgment people are ready to take away freedom from everyone else?

Thanks for writing. I'll think about your question over the weekend and get back to you.

Good Morning,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss in your life. Sometimes we have people in our lives that seem like a Guardian Angel sent to us. That must have been your Jack. He is in a better place now. I am the owner of Expressions Gifts and have come to know many families that are grieving this month. I will pray for you, your friends and family. Stay well.
Jennie Bittner

Hi Jennie.

Guardian Angel is a perfect word to describe Jack. He didn't say a lot, and he never had to. A simple smile from Jack said so much already. It's funny, but everytime I walk past his apartment to get to mine, I still feel his presence. Weird, I know. But that's how I feel about my dad, too, even though he's been gone for 20 years now.

Bao
That is so sad! I couldnt stand to have my neighbor die that was so close to me!!! But when you mentioned that he payed for the entire bill, that reminded me of my great-grandmother. She does the same thing!!

~Lowla

Thanks for writing, Lowla. The recent deaths of my grandfather and and neighbor, Jack, has reminded me to appreciate all of the wonderful people in my life.

Bao, my sincerest sympathies to you. Even when we know that those we love and adore are with the Lord in heaven, we miss them so much. And what a gift of a new life, I bet your family is sooooo thrilled. Children are truly Gods way of telling us that the world will go on, no matter what the circumstances. A very happy birthday to you niece, I bet her Auntie Bao just spoils her wonderfully!

Thanks for your kind words.

I have six older brothers and sisters and already have seven nieces and nephews, and of course, one on the way. They are the loves of my life. I have more pictures of them than anything and anyone else. I can't wait to have some of my own -- 10 years from now! Ha!

P.S. It's hard to spoil just one.

YOU KNOW YOU'RE IN PACKERLAND, WHEN...
January 14

I knew I was in Packer Territory this weekend when a local supermarket employee announced plays from the Packer game over the PA system.

I was shopping for groceries Saturday evening, just a few minutes into the Packers and Seahawks game... and over the loud speaker, I hear a male voice giving the latest update into the game. (At that point, the packers were down... 0 to 14 Seahawks.) I was surprised, considering I've only ever heard the PA system used to call for backups at the cash register or for cleanups in aisles. I guess all the folks doing some shopping that evening were thankful they could simultaneously bag some greens and get the latest on the Green and Gold. And oh, the horror for all of those Packer fans who had to work and service the shoppers. I'm sure they were even more appreciative for the play-by-play from their co-worker. I wonder if anyone took that day off just to enjoy watching the game on the big screen?!?

More on the game... I have never watched more of one single football game in my life. And no one even had to force me. I'm converting into a football fan. I guess it's really not that hard since the Packers are doing so well this year and it is truly exciting to see if they'll make it to the Superbowl.

Good luck to the Packs this weekend against the Giants... only one more win! No doubt, this Minnesota girly-girl will be seated in front of a TV and cheering on my new favorite team! That is... unless you've got one extra ticket for me???

Tell me what you did this weekend... or what you'll be doing for the Packers and Giants matchup next Sunday.

Hi Bao,

Take care,
Liz

Hey Liz.

Just got a call from Ele that we will be taking family photos on the 23rd. I'll be there. So excited for you and Ele! And let me know as soon as possible if it's a boy or girl. I think you will need one of each.

Don't work too hard. Stay warm.

Hello there my sister. How is everything coming along for you these days? I just wanted to drop by and say "hi" to you. We got back from FL on saturday and I was very sad to be leaving the nice warm climate of FL for the cold of MN. Had a blast and loved every minute down there. Oh well, all good things must come to an end. And finally, I can not believe you're rooting for the Packers? I guess WI has converted you. Your BIG bro bleeds purple, thus I will be rooting for the GIANTS. Anyway, take care and I'll see you soon.

Long

Hey! Glad you all had such a great time. I'm jealous. Maybe next year I'll be able to join you.

And yes, I'll be rooting for the Packers this weekend. How can I not? They're so hot this year. OH, and I'll be home Friday. Not sure if I'll extend my stay so I can watch it on the big screen with you guys or come back early to Wausau so I can catch it on my 27 inch TV.

Also, get ready for the artic cold to set in MN and WI for at least the next couple of weeks. Chad says this time of the year is typically the coldest. Last year, it lasted about four weeks. Burr!

HMONG NEW YEAR
December

Thousands of Hmong from all around the world gathered in the Twin Cities for the annual St. Paul Hmong New Year. It's a time for some to dress in traditional Hmong clothing, host out-of-town guests, enjoy traditional foods, dance and music.

Below, I can be seen wearing my Green Hmong outfit. Take a look at the skirt... it's multi-colored. In this outfit, I would be recognized as a person who speaks the Green Hmong dialect. White Hmong is another prominent dialect. You could distinguish a "White Hmong speaker" by her dress: it's completely white. The young girl also seen in the photos is my niece, Isabella. She is wearing a Black Hmong outfit. You will notice it's much simpler than mine, but still accented with a strong fuschia pink.

Three men are also pictured below. Each outfit includes a jacket, a heavy necklace, thin-baggy pants, and sashes.

These are just a few of the many varieties of Hmong outifts. And believe it or not, not only does it weigh about 20 pounds, complete ensembles can cost anywhere from $100 to $1,000.

Isabella's Black Hmong outfit costs around $100.
My Green Hmong outfit is more than $1,000.

Here's an idea of how much each piece cost:

Coin Sashes: $400
Skirt: $250
Gold-colored Necklace: $250
Jacket: $100
Headpiece: $50
Accesories: $50
Apron: $30+

Total: $1,130+

And get this... most Hmong women have a few outfits. I have four or five.

A Hmong New Year celebration is a spectacular event to attend. I'd love to invite all of you to the MARATHON COUNTY HMONG NEW YEAR taking place the weekend before Christmas, December 22-23. This year's event will take place at the Greenheck Fieldhouse in Weston. I will be there dressed in my outfit. I hope to see you there!

LEFT photo: Bao and Noah. CENTER: Isabella, my aunt, my mom, me and Noah. RIGHT: Two Hmong movie stars, Isabella and I.

haven't seen you on for awhile. Are you on vacation?

I'm back.

I think those outfits are amazing! and you look nice in them! :)

Amanda Lang

Thanks!

Hi Bao,

Xee

Hello Xee,

Thanks for your comments. I, too, am proud of you and your accomplishments.

WHAT ARE WE THANKFUL FOR?
November 19

I asked around the station to find out what some of your favorite on-air talent and our fantabulous behind-the-scene crew are thankful for this holiday season.

My DayBreak Co-Anchor TODD HICKS is thankful for being able to do what he likes to do (career wise).

DayBreak Meteorologist CHAD FRANZEN is thankful for "such great co-workers here at NewsChannel 7.

DayBreak Producer RHONDA ROBERTS is thankful for friends, family and having a good job.

DayBreak Production Crew Member and SuperFresh guy JARROD CROOKS is thankful for where his life is right now. "I have a great place to live and a good job. I'm not cranky when I get up to go to work. There's no drama. And I am really happy when I have good mash potatos." Rice Potatoes are his favorite.

Reporter JONALEE MERKEL is thankful for 1) her family who loves her no matter what 2) for the Wausau area being so welcoming 3) And that Brett Favre didn't retire and the Packers are 8 and 1!!!!

Reporter AMY PFLUGSHAUPT is thankful for her supporting, loving family (who live in Hamlet, Indiana) and for her new job at NewsChannel 7. Amy joined the staff in September.

Anchor/Reporter ALISON STRUVE is thankful for her family being safe.

Reporter MARGO SPANN is thankful for being in Northcentral, WI. She is also grateful for her new friends and the great food. She can't wait to experience her first snowfall in the area.

Webmaster BILL MARTENS is thankful for God, his health and a job.

Photojournalist BROOKE SPERRY is thankful for being pregnant. Her baby girl is due February 3.

Photojournalist JOHN "RHUBARB" KLIMOWSKI is thankful for his "job and wonderful co-workers." He adds he's thankful for his health and happiness.

Assistant Director NICK KOBACH is thankful for his friends and family.

Chief Photographer RANDY BISE is thankful for his new job opportunities at NewsChannel 7. After arriving in March, Randy was named Chief Photog in July. He says, "It's working out well."

Head Operator MARCUS is thankful for his fiance, Jill. They got engaged in July and plan to wed August of 2008. Marcus is also thankful for a roof over his head, for living in a safe area and for food.

Master Control Operator MATTHEW is thankful for his girlfriend, Tristan and his family's happiness.

Chief Engineer CHAD MEYERS is thankful for his "healthy kids."

Photojournalist ERIC CIESLEWICZ is thankful for his supporting family who "generally kick a** in life."

Photojournalist MATT BEHRENS is thankful for having a job. Matt graduated from UW-Madison in the summer with a Communications degree and was hired at NewsChannel 7 in August.

Operations Manager PATTI WATSON is thankful for her son, who is now a high school senior. Her son is doing well in school and has a good GPA. Patti is also thankful because she was able to purchase her first home.

Me? I am thankful for my often naughty but hilarious and adorable nieces and nephews. Also, I am thankful for such a close family.

Tune in later to catch some more reasons why we at NewsChannel 7 are thankful this holiday season. Meantime, tell us why you're thankful this year? I'd love to hear from you!

I am thankful for the health in my family and the heat that is in my house!
:)

So am I!

Hello! I hope your Thanksgiving was great! I was reading your comments about Hmong women cutting and dying their hair. I think its perfectly fine and their hair should resemble what they like. Hey blonde, brown, or even purple its still hair. But its who they are not that makes them special not the amount of hair or the color! However, I am not of the Hmong decent but I feel strongly about womens rights and independence. Any way, have a great day and good job on the news cast it is a joy to watch!

Amanda Lang

Happy Holidays! Thanks for your comments. I am glad you agree that a woman's hairstyle has very little to do with her character and integrity.

my name is zia xiong and i am a girl. koj puas paub hais lus hmoob. you are a very educated woman in life. do you have a boyfriend or are you married or engage. are you hmoob green or hmoob white. i am not intimidating you. how is your job at channel 7. nice talking to you later. hope to meet you in person.

Nyob Zoo, Zia. Kuv yog hmoob ntsuab. Yes, I do speak, read and write Hmong... however, I was probably much better when I was 5 years old. Only now in my life am I realizing the importance of preserving the language. I want to get better so I can teach my children one day. My children will also speak Spanish. But, that will be simpler since I speak, read and write Spanish better than I do Hmong. A few months ago, I was taking Hmong classes, now, I'm practicing the language on my own. Watching movies, reading and talking with family and friends really help.

By the way, my job at Channel 7 is great. I'd love to show you around the studio and newsroom. Send an e-mail to my personal account: bvang@wsaw.com

Nyob zoo,

Kou

You're right, Kou... Todd and Chad are pretty handsome... Believe it or not... they're both single!

Bao, What about your co anchor todd hicks and chad fransen, why didn't your include them?
kiki

When I blogged yesterday, Todd had already left for the day. Chad was busy building his noon weather show. Check above, their answers, plus more are posted! What are you thankful for, Kiki?

Long black hair is part of the beauty of a Hmong woman. To cut it or dye it is to disrespect your heritage and culture and takes away from your beauty. Anthony

Anthony, I agree that long black hair is part of the beauty of a Hmong woman. However, I disagree that a Hmong woman's decision TODAY, to cut, dye or style it differently than traditionally, disrespects her heritage and culture.

And I think it would be absurd to say that the two girls in my blog who cut their hair to provide hair pieces for Locks of Love, defied the Hmong culture. In fact, I believe quite the opposite. I think what they did was courageous and not to mention, heroic. Their long, black hair will soon help a financially disadvantaged little girl or boy regain confidence and normalcy after suffering from medical hair loss.

There are many reasons why a Hmong woman may want to cut her hair. I chose to cut my hair when I was a tween because it got in the way of playing soccer at school. My 40-something year-old aunt cut her hair because it, too, got to be too much for her to take care of. She now perms it and wears it in a bob. She looks great!

A Hmong woman - any woman - is beautiful regardless of her hairstyle.

Hi Bao!
I think that it's great that you attend so many Hmong events because people really need to know about other cultures. Where did you live before you lived in Wisconsin? Where did you go to college and what major would you recommend for someone who wants to get into the same career field as you?
-Lynn

Hi Lynn! I was born and raised in St. Paul, MN. I went to the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul and majored in Broadcast Journalism and Spanish. If someone were interested in a career in TV, I'd recommend he/she start thinking about it in high school. Join the school newspaper or the TV program. (I did both.) Then in college, take the first couple of communications 101 courses to see if you like it... then explore the different journalism-specific majors. For example: Broadcast Journalism, Print Journalism and Public Relations. Honestly, they are similar in content, so it's not too terribly difficult to pursue any of the three after college.

However, even more important than majors is the hands-on experience you receive in college. Get an internship. Learn all the aspects of the job, ask tons of questions and absorb the information!

what do you do for fun in wausau or on your day off?

Thanks for your question. On my days off... I love to sleep. I just don't get enough on the weekdays.

Also, If my family is having a party or a religious celebration, I will drive home on the weekends. I enjoy spending time with all of my nieces and nephews. My siblings and I also always play at least one family board game when we're together. The most recent: "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader." (True or False: Are there more Sheep or Humans in Australia?)

Plus, my obsession, right now, are crosswords. I have to finish at least one everynight to wind down before I go to bed.

What do you like to do???

MAASU - MIDWEST ASIAN AMERICAN STUDENT UNION LEADERSHIP RETREAT
November 2-4

I was invited to present at the 2007 MAASU Leadership Retreat in Granville, Ohio. If you've never heard of or been to Granville... it's ok... me neither. I now know it is a college town located about 40 miles northeast of Columbus, OH.

Alumni include stars like Jennifer Garner, Steve Carrell and Walt Disney Company President Michael Eisner.

The retreat brought in more than 100 Asian American students from all over the Midwest and universities as far as Mizzou and the University of Kansas and as close as Ohio State. The theme this year was "The Changing Face of Asian America." I spoke about my job as a journalist and about how news media are doing to fairly represent minority groups. As an example, I brought news clips from this past year in our coverage of Hmong History Month, the apparent murder-suicide involving a Hmong couple in Weston and most currently, a story we did on the Wausau Hmong officer accused of killing his wife.

My message to the college students was to continue their education and diversify (not just in ethnicity) workplaces all across the country, because their life perspective matters.

SMALL WORLD!
On each of my flights from CWA to Milwaukee to Cleveland and then to Columbus, there was at least one person on the plane wearing a Wisconsin sweatshirt. Ironically, the Badgers Football team was playing the Buckeyes at Ohio this weekend. Still, I was so surprised to see how many proud Cheeseheads actually wore their red gear when they travel. Is that a tradition?

Another crazy conincidence: The following photo is of me (left) and the Leadership Retreat participants from the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater. Two students were even from the Wausau area! I couldn't believe it.

According to their website: www.maasu.org... MAASU was started in response to a need for political unity among Asian American students in the Midwest. By 1990, there were more than 20 universities in the Midwest that had formed APA organizations. Some had been around for years; some were in their infancy. Students felt there needed to be an organization that would support the growth of these organizations and organize APA students in the Midwest for political activism.

A HMONG WOMAN'S HAIR
October 26

Jenny Xiong, DC Everest Student

Mai Choua, Wausau West Student

Jenny and Mai Choua donated 10 inches of their hair for Locks of Love" on October 24 at the State College of Beauty Culture.

That's me on a winter morning when I was 10 years old.

Long, straight black hair is one of the defining physical descriptions of a traditional Hmong woman. The women I speak of were those who, for centuries, were born and raised in Southeast Asia. These women were raised by their parents to cook, clean, take care of children and marry into a prominent family.

My grandmothers, aunts and mother are examples of these women. And they prepared my sisters and I to follow in the same tradition of cherishing our long locks.

That is... until the Hmong arrived in America. Long locks were out and short and simple are in.

Up until the age of 10 or 11 years old, my hair was down to pass my behind. I had cousins who wore their hair down to their ankle. In elementary school, all of my girlfriends had short bobs, nothing ever longer than past their shoulders.

I got sick of my hair. I hated wasting time in the shower to wash it. It would get in the way of playing sports. And I remember the one time I fell asleep with gum in my mouth (terrible ending)!

One day, I got so fed up that I secretly asked my older brother to take my sister and I to the local hair salon to get it cut. I did -- at least 10 inches. And when I got home, my mom was furious. She had acted as if I had gotten a tattoo at the age of 11. (I later did get a tattoo when I was 18.) She was disappointed in me for both incidences for a long time.

Once I liberated myself from long hair, I didn't stop there. I kept cutting. And I dyed. And I curled. I've had my hair every shade in the rainbow, almost every length and every style. My hair now isn't as fun.

A FALL TRADITION

I headed home the weekend of October 5-7 for a little taste of a fall tradition. Little did we know, the apple picking season was over! My family and I were a little disappointed, however, we were still able to "pick" apples from the large crates workers there had already gathered for us.

The first photo below shows just one type of the absolutely beautiful apples available.

The second photo is of my niece, Lily and I. We had just finished singing the song, "If you're happy and you know it..." She looks confused because she's probably wondering why there's a dozen people singing in unison and waving their arms behind the photographer to get her attention. It worked, right?

The next photo is of my nephew, Ryan. This little guy is just adorable, isn't he? Ryan was sharing that apple with his mommy. If you look closely, you can see drool on his bottom lip. Yummy!

The fourth photo is of my oldest sister, her four kids and I. Left to Right: Me, Brenden, Isabella (top), Aleena (bottom), my sister, Doua and Ryan.

And the last pic is of my niece, Isabella... "picking" the right juicy apple.

We went home with about six bags or at least 40 apples. They were delicious! We definitely would have had more if we actually picked them from the trees.

Oh well, next year.

My Top Ten Favorite Things I Did This Summer
September 28

Fall is settling in. Colder temperatures are upon us. And the summer seems far in the distant, already.

Nevertheless, I've been thinking about some of my favorite memories from my first summer in Northcentral, Wisconsin.

Here is the countdown to my top ten favorite things I did this summer.

10) Saw some great summer blockbusters: "Transformers" and the new "Fantastic Four."

9) Attended my first clan celebration for their graduating seniors.

8) Hiked Rib Mountain with my best friends, visiting from the Twin Cities.

7) Attended the nation's largest Hmong Sports Festivals in St. Paul. Wausau held one of their own this August. And I also traveled to Green Bay and Oskhosh's tournaments as well. Great competition and excellent fair food.

6) Attended a beautiful outdoor wedding in Eau Claire.

5) HIked the trails at the Dells of Eau Claire.4) Celebrated my birthday with some of favorite friends.

3) Spent a day with a 4-year-old friend at the Wisconsin Valley Fair at Marathon Park.

2) Strawberry Picking at Engleberry's Farm in Merrill.

1) Family Trip to Wisconsin Dells.

As you can imagine, I could have put 100 events on this list, but these are my favorite memories.

What are yours? Send me a few or just one of your favorite memories from this summer. I'd love to hear them.

Good morning Bao. Its your BIG bro here and I thought I'd pay you a visit since I rarely write anything on your blog. Anyway, just wanted to let you know how proud I am of you. Keep up the good work! Also, I've read some of your blogs and you made a reference about not knowing who DAD is. It truly is sad that you were so young when he passed away and you lost the chance to know him. However, when you're ready and have the time all you need to do is ask and I'll share what I know and remember.

Make it a great day!!

Hi Long. Thanks for checking in.

I've been ready for a long time to hear stories about dad. I guess when we were young, no one talked about him, so I assumed you didn't want to. But I guess I never asked, and I should have done so a long time ago. I'm ready.

Thanks, because it means a lot. I'll see you when I get home next month.

Dear Bao, Did I ever give a copy of your father's funeral to your mom? I thought I did. I have a VHS tape of 8 hours length of the funeral... Also 150 minutes MPG video clip, made from the tape. I gave a copy to Spike. I acted as the next-of-kin plaintiff for your family, against the insurance companies, so I got to know detailed of how the accident happened. Maybe I will write everything down one of these day... Uncle Peng

Uncle Peng, so good to hear from you. I appreciate you checking out the site as often as you do. I know you are one busy man!

I think we tried to play the funeral tape at Ele's house, but it didn't work. I'm not really sure what kind of technical difficulties we were having that day. I was really disappointed because I was looking forward to seeing it. I go back to see the family during the Hmong New Year in November... so hopefully someone can help play that video for me. I'm the only one who has not viewed it.

You hold so much information about the family's journey here to the United States, the tough adjustment to the midwest winters and my dad's death and funeral. I hope you do write it down one day and share it with all of us. We'd love to hear it.

Hello.
i was just wandering if you ever got to minnisota to see your families home videos with your father in them i have been watching for it to make sure you got to see them so them and put your mind to rest somewhat on how your father was! i watch everymoring i wake up and 5 and first thing is my tv is on until i leave for work! keep up the great work!
Joel from stratford

Joel, thanks for asking. A few weeks ago, I saw one quick clip of my father from the early 80s. He and my oldest brother, Long, were standing in a crowded room. It must have been cold, because they were wearing winter coats inside the house. There were at least 20 to 30 Hmong men, gathered for a meeting. Some men I recognize from the Vang clan, others do not look familiar. My dad stood as other men sat. As the meeting goes on, my father did not speak. He gave his full attention to whomever was speaking. My brother clung to his side.

Since my father has passed, it is my brother, Long, who now gathers with our clan leaders for meetings. And just like my father, he speaks little, but listens well.

Unfortunately, the other videos did not play on demand. I head back to the cities in late November.

g'morning, Bao. my husband and i watch you (almost) every morning... sometimes i don't wake up early enough LOL! the first time i saw you, i thought you were a cousin's daughter, you resemble her so much... and her name is the same as yours too! but since that election coverage, you've had us hooked. i continually tell my daughter she can do anything and everything she wants, as you've done yourself. i just want to say "thanks" for being such a great role model for our young girls (Hmoob and other ethnicities also).

keep up the great work! you're such a beautiful and talented human being.

Thanks for watching (almost every morning, ha!)

This is my first ever "3rd shift" job and if I weren't working, I'd probably wouldn't be getting up before 7 a.m. either. But now, I have a good reason!

I'm glad you're encouraging your daughter to become whatever she wants. My mom really gave me the same opporunity when I was a child. In middle school and high school, I thought I would become a Spanish teacher. But I realized I only wanted to become a teacher because my eldest sister is a teacher. She, too, helped me find my own strengths. In high school, I enrolled in a variety of classes and by the end of the four years, I, luckily, found a passion for telling stories. That passion continued in college. And here I am now, tellling stories on television.

Now to your question: Do I find my myself teaching my co-workers about the Hmong culture?

My answer: EVERYDAY!

Here's why: Everyday I come into work, my presence is teaching them that Hmong people are hard working. My opinion I share is from the experience of a Hmong woman. All of us who can share are teaching them that the Hmong have made great strides in the country in just 30 years. Until there are more of us speaking out... think of it as a privelege the next time you tell them about you and your family. It's better from your voice than from rumor.

Now, as a public figure... and regardless if I like it or not... everyone (Hmong included) looks at me as representative of the Hmong people. This responsibility is sometimes overwhelming.

At a predominantly white and Christian university, I was encouraged to share "my story". I wrote papers about why the Hmong deserve to be in the United States. I spoke up in class about why Hmong families tend to have lots of kids. I discussed my religion with a roommate. I even made a documentary about why homosexuality is considered a curse in the culture.

In a mainly "white" newsroom, I've been asked to correctly pronounce first and last names. I've been asked to translate interviews. I've been asked to explain polygamy in the culture. And I've even recently been asked if violence is a Hmong tradition. (By the way, no, it's not.)

Each time I and you share, and interact with others... we are knocking down the wall between us and them. We are teaching them that we are human beings, too. And surprisingly, we're not so different. It's the only way to eliminate ignorance and racism.

hi bao!! i dont know where to post this or mention this so i hope i can post this here if you dont mind..
well since that halloween season in coming up within a short month i was checking to see if you do any stories on newschannel seven on halloween..i would like some anchor to do a story about a haunted house that i am making which people can go through for free.. is it possible for a newsanchor to do a story on my haunted house so it could be on the news? that would be an awesome thing if my haunt could be on the news..no one that i know is making their place into a haunted house so people can walk through it for free..is it possible for someone to do a story on me and my friends??? please respons as soon as possible.. thanks Bao! i watch you every morning when i wake up!

Hello Haunted Houses Fan.

Thanks for watching and for your recommendation on doing a story about spooky places, just in time for the upcoming holiday. I'll share the idea with my co-workers. And good for you for running a free haunted house for kids and their families. I'm sure they'll appreciate it. Maybe we'll send Todd out there for a live shot (because I would get too scared).

Funny story: the last time I was in a haunted house, my friend lost her shoe, walking down some stairs, and she cried all the way to the exit door. We were like 10 years old. I have not re-entered a haunted house. Nonetheless, it was a traumatic experience for both of us.

Send me more information about your Haunted House... like where it is located and we'll let our viewers know!

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!
September 4

Happy 1st Day of school for most students in our area.

I love the start of a new school year just as much as I like ending it for summer.

I always consider it a fresh start. I love the idea of new clothes, new classes, new friends, a new teacher, and new subjects to learn.

The night before school began, each year, I could never sleep. I'd stay awake all night with anxiety about missing the bus, waking up late, not having "cool" enough clothes or doing or saying something embarrasing in class. I'm sure many of you reading this could probably relate to my worries.

I'll tell you a quick story... I transferred to new neighborhood and middle school in 8th grade. I was 13 years old. I was so nervous that morning of the first day of school and so unfamiliar with the neighborhood that I asked my mom to walk me the two blocks to the bus stop and stand there with me while I waited for the bus.

While I know I was probably the ONLY 13-year-old who needed their mommy at their bus stop, there wasn't something about her presence that helped ease my concerns.

Besides, we're never too old to count on our parents, right?

Enjoy your first day and have a great and successful school year.

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Hello Bao! This might be a very belated congratulations on being anchorwoman on channel 7, but CONGRATULATIONS anyway. My daughters and I watch you every morning. You are a great role model and inspiration for Hmong girls. Growing up I never saw anybody who looked like me on television, now my daughters have the privelege to see someone who looks like them. Your presence is an affirmation that dreams really do come true. Thank you for being such an exemplary success not only for my family, but for all viewers!

Kia Vang
St.Pt

Thanks for watching... and my goodness, your daughters, too!?! I am happy to hear that you practice watching the news with your children, to help put into perspective what they see and hear.

Growing up, I couldn't relate to anyone I saw on TV either. I was shy, chubby, had long black hair past my behind, bushy eye brows, unfashionable clothes, plus... no clue on how to put on makeup.

It wasn't until high school and college did I really begin to believe that I had unbelievable opportunities if I worked for it.

Like the mainstream kids and unlike most Hmong students... I enrolled myself in Spanish Camp, played varsity sports, and joined the TV program in high school. I created these opportunities for myself because I thought I would learn something. Lucky for me, sports, the Spanish language and journalism became some of my favorite hobbies. Don't get me wrong, there were of plenty of things I tried, but didn't do so well. For example, I just don't get science.

Perhaps you and your daughters will find a cure for cancer or become rocket scientists. Either way, teach them that they can do great things.

Thanks for that story. My daughter started her first day of kindergarten and I was able to walk her to the bus stop for the first time and cryed my way back home which was only 2 blocks. We watch you every morning. Thanks

I bet your daughter was just as nervous as you. I hope she came running to you after school and told you she missed you terribly throughout the day. I can't wait until I have kids and I cry my eyes out watching them get on their school bus.

Hi Bao!! you are one of my hero's because it seems like you can help a lot of people. so i was wondering if you can help me. our homecoming dance at wausau west high school if coming up in the next few weeks, and i have not gotten this off of my mind. i want to ask this girl to the dance but i am afraid what she will say to me. i dont know what to do. but i am building up the nerve to ask her too..should i ask her? hat is the question that i am having a problem with. so if you could please help me with this questionthat would be a very great thing. Thanks Bao! you are a very good news anchor and i am YOUR BIGGEST FAN!!

I love everything about Homecoming events in high school -- the football game, the pep rallies, and of course, the much anticipated dance.
I remember back in school... the biggest gossip, with just a few weeks before the big night, was who was going with who.
However, I've got to tell you... that's so old school. Dances aren't always about which boy or girl you're going to ask.. it's really about having fun.
Now, if this girl is someone you'd want to continue getting to know after the dance, then I say, go for it. Take the chance. Leap forward. Wear your heart on your sleeve and let her know you're interested. What's the worst that could happen? She says no and you tag along with your best buds? When is that ever boring?
There's no need to feel insecure about going date-less. Sometimes, that's the best way to scope out the girls (or guys) on the dance floor. And who knows, you might meet some fun, cute and most importantly, available girl at the party.

Good luck and definitely keep me posted. I'd love to hear more.

what? you guys have news in hmong? what time is this usually on?

We don't actually do the news in Hmong. But, I have been doing a brief weather report in the Hmong language, exclusively seen on the web. It's called Fuab Cuas and you can find a link on the left hand side of your screen. It's down right now, pending changes to the segment, but check it out soon.

Bao,
You arent very nice to Ted on Daybreak. I think he is a great addition to the morning show. Whats up?

Do you mean Todd Hicks? Actually, he and I good friends on and off camera. We are very glad to have Todd in the mornings. I, personally, am so thankful to sit next to such a professional and dapper anchor.

FAMILY VACATION!!!
August 24-26

My family and I packed our bags and headed to Wisconsin Dells for our first family trip!

My mom, auntie, brothers, sisters, their signifcant others, kids, my cousins... all added up to 23 people.

We drove five SUVs, rented several hotel rooms and spent just about every minute of the weekend together! It was definitely a struggle to come up with the same agenda for everyone.

The trip included a day at Noah's Ark, Go-Kart racing, and family meals.

By the end of the weekend, I wondered why we've never traveled altogether before.

I highly recommend families all over the world to spend quality time together. Regardless if it's at the family dinner table or at a restaurant across the world, you'll be surprised by how much fun you'll have.

Enjoy.

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PARTS OF MY PAST UNVEILED
August 2007

Any of you who lost a parent or any loved one when you were young may know how it feels to long for one more day with that person.

My dad died 19 years ago. I was a toddler. I don't remember my father. So much of his life remains a mystery to me. I don't know what he liked to do in his free time. I don't know what his favorite color was. I wonder if I was I daddy's little girl.

Other than a few photos of my father stored away in my mother's albums, there are very few signs in my family's life that my dad was ever a part of our lives. My oldest brother and sister, who remember him the best -- as they were teenagers when my dad died -- don't say much about him. I think it is still too painful for them to share with us younger kids what they were feeling at that time. My brother was actually at the scene of the accident when my father died. He has never told us what happened that day.

As much as I try to understand my sibling's grief process, they possess so much of what I want to know: Was my father a good man? Did he love my mother with all of his heart? Was any of us seven kids, his favorite?

I would give everything to have just one day as an adult with my father. To hear him talk. To hug him. To ask him what was the happiest moment of his life.

You could imagine how surprised and happy I was when I learned recently that there is video image of my father when he was alive. During my recent trip back home, my family told me my uncle taped him at a family gathering during the first few years after they arrived in America. The seven kids, my mom and aunt were all featured in the video. He is now handing those tapes over to the kids. Some of us are learning about those tapes for the first time. Unfortunately, I have not seen the video because I simply didn't have time that weekend. I cannot wait to watch the home movie and admire the man I knew so little of. It would also be a good laugh to see our family so young.

I was also told my uncle taped my father's funeral. He interviewed each of us, including myself, on camera, about our father.

And perhaps this is why I am in television. I understand and appreciate the importance of video images. Still photos of my father have allowed me to keep his image alive in my head. Moving images of my father from nearly 20 years ago is a gift that will allow me to capture his voice, his smile, his laugh, his wrinkles on his face, his tender gestures, etc.

I'll be heading home next month for my birthday. The biggest and best gift from anyone would be to the chance to watch these videos. I'll be sure to write more when I do. Stay tuned.

Depending on where your family lived in Thailand, I could very well have a photo of your father. I don't know for sure, but my father was a photographer (the only one) at that time in Ban Vinai Camp. He has a lot of negatives and photos that I inherited when he passed away in 2001. I'm in the process of creating some sort of photo cd out of all these negatives of people I don't know.

Thanks for writing. Let me ask my mom for all of the locations they stayed in while in Southeast Asia. I'll post them up tomorrow. How cool would it be if your father photographed my father. I'm excited to talk to my mom and get back to you.

why isn't chastity on the mornings anymore?

Chastity is now anchoring weekends and doing some special franchise reports. You can read more about her move on her blog.

I'm sure your parents would be very proud of you and your daughters. I think when my siblings and I lost our dad, we sort of made a promise to each other that we would take care of one another and let nothing come between that. To tell you the truth, my brothers and sisters are my best friends. I hope you've had the opportunity to find comfort in your siblings or friends, even without your mom and dad.

By the way... thanks for the early birthday wish. It's September 10th.

Yeah i know how you feel i lost my grandfather 18 years ago at the end of this month on the 29th i had just turned 3 two months earlier.... i have little bits of memories of him and when i think of them it makes me wonder how everything would have been if he would still be alive.. my grandma has video tapes of him at christmas and there is 1 picture of him that my family has held on to for these past twenty years. When you do get to watch those movies i hope you find you dad the kind of man you always have hoped him to be! Stay strong its these events in our past that shape who we are!
Thank you for being up early so the 6 to 2 shift can catch the news before work! And Keep up the great work!
Joel
Stratford

Joel... it looks like you and I have a lot of things in common. Right when I started to believe I was the only person in the world who had these feelings, it comforts me that someone like you right here in the area understands.

I head back to the cities in September to view the tape. I'll be sure to blog about the experience, and I hope you comment.

===============================================================

MOVIE REVIEWS
August 7, 2007

"Hairspray" = A
Great soundtrack, JUST PLAIN FUN!
Stars John Travolta as a woman, Michelle Pfeiffer, Queen Latifa and introducing Nikki Blonsky as Tracy Turnblad.

"Premonition" = B-
SCARY, but I'm a chicken. (Watching Freddy Krueger and Chucky movies as a child traumatized me.) I turned "Premonition" off after an hour into the movie, because it got too spooky -- maybe it was the combination of the camera shots and music. I finished it in broad daylight the following day.
Stars Sandra Bullock and Julian McMahon

"The Number 23" = C
CREEPY AND CONFUSING! I'm bothered with why the wife would give her husband the book? If you've got a clue, write soon!
I'd prefer to see Jim Carrey in comedies like "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective," "The Mask," and "Dumb and Dumber." However, the cinematography did have me watching until the end.
Stars Jim Carrey and Virginia Madsen

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ALLERGIC REACTION
July 22, 2007

If you've ever seen the movie, "Hitch," you probably remember when Will Smith got a severe allergic reaction to seafood. And perhaps you laughed as hard as I did when we saw his swollen face and ears.

Well, this weekend... it wasn't so funny when I got an apparent allergic reaction to shrimp. (I say apparent because I'm only 75% sure this was the cause -- more below.) Similar to Smith's character, my face and ears swelled up. About 20 minutes after lunch, hives appeared on my face then my arms, then all over my body. I thought I was itchy because I developed heat rash or something. Nope. I ran to the bathroom, and noticed definite hives that were similar to ones I got from my allergic reaction to pet hair.

I placed a warm, moist towel over my face. I started to panic. I didn't have any allergy medication with me at my sister's house. I had her rummage through her medicine cabinet to find something that would work. Luckily, she found some generic brand of Benedryl and I quickly swallowed two down with water.

Within minutes, my entire body was covered with a wide range of sizes of white and pink hives.

Before it got better... my reaction got worse. My feet swelled up, so much so, I couldn't feel the bottom of them. And it hurt to walk on them. My eyes puffed up so much I looked like I was squinting. My tongue even grew so fat, I had a hard time talking and taking breaths.

I grew light headed and laid down, nearly falling asleep. I was getting ready to head to the emergency room when finally... 30 minutes after the first bump appeared, the meds kicked in and I noticed some relief from the itchiness. Five hours, four anti-allergy pills and a quarter stick of Cortizone 10 later... I was all better.

Here's why I'm not exactly sure if the culprit was the shrimp. That day, my sister ordered out from a Chinese restaurant for her daughter's birthday.

I can't tell you all the food items I ate during lunch. On just one plate, I grabbed a little bit of everything:

sticky rice
lo mein
breaded shrimp
broccoli
chicken wings
(and all the flavorings to make them taste yummy)

HELP! Any of you taken an allergy test? If so... give me some advice. Where should I go? What do I need to do? I'd appreciate it!

Take care for now.

You're right, Jim. I should have gone to the emergency room right away. I've had allergic reactions before, but never this severe. The next one might be even worse, as you warn.

Plus, if I did head to the hospital right away, I could have gotten more information about food allergies from the experts. Next time, I'm not taking any chances. Thanks for the advice.

I'll continue on the morning show if you continue watching!

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HMONG SPORTS TOURNAMENT
June 29, 2007

Most of us look forward to the weekend. I have been waiting all year for this particular weekend, June 29-30. It's like Christmas for me. Let me explain why. Como Park in St. Paul is the location for the one of the largest gatherings of Hmong in the United States.

Once known as the Hmong Soccer Tournament because the Hmong got together annually to watch the greatest teams duel it out on the fields of Laos, the name has since been changed to the Sports Tournament. Over the last decade or so, other sports like men and women's football, golf and volleyball have been added to the weekend activities.

(Story continues below)

Sunny skies and few clouds at McMurray Field at Como Park in St. Paul.
Photo taken by Peng Vang

Thousands of spectators crowd around the soccer field sidelines to cheer on their favorite teams.
Photo courtesy: Lao Family of St. Paul

My sister, Mai Xee (left) playing defense for UNITY. Vendors set up alongside soccer fields.
Photo taken by Peng Vang

Two of my brothers play for the football team, Plaza Boys, who have come in at the top for the last few years. They recently won a different Football tournament a month ago, and hopefully they'll continue that winning streak. Go Ele and Lue!!!

In addition to the sports tournaments, this weekend is one of my favorites because of all the vendors who come into town or prepare for the busy two days. Hundreds of booths are set up alongside soccer fields selling everything from Hmong sausages to sticky rice to tapioca, coconut juice and new Hmong movies, CDs, DVDs, hand-sewn clothes, shoes, toys and so much more. It's neat to see how well the vendors do.

Also this weekend, most Hmong families in the Twin Cities are guaranteed to be hosting at least one guest in their home who have traveled from other parts of the country or the world to attend this event. My family's home will be nearly twice the size this weekend as we're having family from Toronto, Canada come stay for a week.

I can't wait to be there. And I can't wait to take photos and come share with you. Check back again and take a look for yourself as to why this is such a popular gathering...

Have a good weekend.

it's wierd seeing you with the guy this week- when are you and chastity coming back to the news?

Todd was filling in for Chastity. We are back.

Hello Bao!!!!

Badr

Badr, my dear friend!

I miss you so very much. Of course I remember Tangiers, Morocco. That week with Elizabeth, Beth, you and Redy were the most memorable days I have from my time overseas. Can you believe it's been almost four years since we last saw each other? How was your time in New York? And how is your time, now, in Poland. I am not the least surprised that you are in a new place, learning new things and meeting new people. You are probably the most well traveled young person I know. In fact, I'm jealous.

You can catch me everyday doing the seven-day weather forecast in Hmong on our webchannel: www.wsaw.com
Click on the link on the right hand side of the page.

Meantime, I want you to know that I am very proud of you. Please come visit me soon in Wisconsin.

Hi Bao. I was also at the St. Paul tournament this year and I thought the air was just awful.! There wasn't any fresh air at all. Did you find that to be upsetting?

Also I think it's great that you are taking the time to actually do the weather in Hmong. However, I have to wonder how many Hmong parents and elders are actually logging on everyday to listen to the forecast in Hmong.? Seems like those who can already understand English are the only ones who ever log on. Just a thought.

Hi! Thanks for writing! I didn't notice the air being too different from years past. Dust, dirt and sand from the fields are typical air pollutants. Perhaps the extra number of generators were factors to the air? Your guess is as good as mine.

As for the forecast in Hmong... you bring up a good point about who's logging on to check it out. We wanted to create exclusive web video to reach more people of diverse backgrounds. However, the forecast in Hmong is not just for our Hmong viewers. It's for anyone interested in hearing what the Hmong language sounds like. It's for American-born Hmong children and their parents. It's also for the Hmong newcomers who arrived to the United States within the last few years.

If you have any more thoughts, suggestions... we'd love to hear them. Changes are coming to the forecast in Hmong... stay tuned.

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UGGGHHH! I HATE TRAFFIC!
June 19, 2007

I drove to Chicago this past weekend to meet up with my sister and her family from Minnesota. While laying on the beach at Lake Michigan and shopping on Michigan Ave. and State Street sounded like a nice weekend getaway, I overlooked the number of hours I would be spending in my car to get there.

Don't get me wrong, the drive south through Madison and into Rockford was a breeze, but once I started stopping in Illinois to pay for tolls (another annoyance), traffic got worse and worse. Keep in mind, this was a Saturday morning!

I reached my hotel in the northern Chicago suburbs in about 5 hours.
However, going into the city and over by the lake would have taken us at least another 45 min. to an hour. Instead, I opted to drive 15 miles on small roads to get to the other side. A lot of lights, but well worth it in the end.

Driving back from South Chicago was a nightmare. I sat in what looked like a parking lot for an hour. This was especially tough, particularly because of the 80 degree temps and sunny skies. What would folks do without air conditioning in the cars? And what happens if you're stuck in traffic and someone in the car needs to use the bathroom? I witnessed a minivan pulled over to the shoulder lane. Two young boys, perhaps 8-10 years old, jumped out of the car and started unzipping their pants. My car slowly passed by them, but I chose not to look at them doing their business.

My conclusion to the high volume of congestion in Chicago are the tolls. City officials must come up with a better plan to generate funds for highway construction. Otherwise, they're losing tourists like me and other folks who want to visit the city.

Glad to be back in small town, USA.

I drive to Chicago once or twice a year. Believe me it is worth buying an I-Pass and going through the communter lanes for them. many of the grocery stores sell them for $25 or $50 amounts and you can assign a credit card to them.
Even if we use it only once or twice a ear, it makes the drive so much efficient. And if it is raining or snowing, you don't have to get it blown in your window paying the toll. Toll payers also pay more at most toll booth areas.

Great advice. As I sat in my car, impatiently waiting for my turn at the toll booth, I filled up with envy for all of the I-Pass carriers cruising by at the speed limit to the far left or right lanes. I'll look into the passes, next time.

That sounds crazy sitting in traffic that long! i really never travel to the big cities at all last year we sister her boyfreind my 3 year old nephew went to Monster Jam in the twin cities and did we get lost not used to all the lanes most we see is the 4 lanes on hwy 29!
Joel

Hi Joel! The highway system in the Twin Cities can be intimidating, and even more so when a huge event like "Monster Jam" is in town. While I became accustomed to heavy traffic and 45 min. to 1 hr. work commutes, I can't stand it anymore. In fact, my drive to work is only 4 miles each way and sometimes when I have to drive into work in the middle of the night, I wonder why I didn't find a closer place.

We always take Highway 10-41 and then go down Skokie road instead of the toll road. It takes us 4.5 hours from here to the northern part of Chicago. I never go through Madison it takes at least 45-60 minutes longer that way.

Thanks for the alternate route. I don't know that path, so I'll have to try it next time. It seems like it could save me some significant time!

OMG I can't even take it when there's more than 5 cars stopped at a stoplight here in Wausau. haha I can't imagine how bad it is in Chicago!

Does that mean you haven't driven to Chicago, yet? If one day you do decide to head to the Windy City, I've got some great advice from other bloggers up above, so read on and practice patience, my friend. Happy driving in Wausau!

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GRADUATION SEASON!

I was invited by the Hmong Xiong clan of Marathon County to their annual celebration for their high school and college graduates.

The following are 22 bright students who have graduated everywhere from DC Everest, Wausau West & East, North Central Technical College, UW-Marathon County and UW-Stevens Point.

This next photo shows clan leaders and community members blessing the students by tying a white string on the wrists of the graduates. In the end, each student wore about 40-50 of these bracelets.

Each of the 18 Hmong clans hold their own celebrations for their graduates. Depending on each clan, parties can last as few as a couple of hours to 10+ hours -- like the Xiong graduation.

These celebrations are really a time for the clan to celebrate the community's achievement, look forward to a new generation of educated young adults and a time for the graduates to thank their parents.

Hi Bao. You have really grown since joining Channel 7. You and your family should be very proud! It is always fun to see someone really start to own their position after the tough initial newscasts! Keep up the good work!

Thanks for writing and watching us in the morning. It's been about 8 months since I started at NewsChannel 7. Wow! I can't believe it. At any new job, it can be challenging. But, that's the fun of it, right? The chance to learn new skills, meet new people and live in a new city.

bao
I have tried several time to see the forecast in hmong and every time it says video un available.
cliff from arpin

Hi Cliff,

Thanks for your interest! Everyday at about 9 a.m. when I post my forecast, I check and double-check to see if it actually did post to the web. And so far, I've had no problems. I'll check with our Webmaster, Bill Martens. Check back on our website soon and hopefully you'll receive your 7-day weather forecast in Hmong. Meanwhile you can watch our professional meteorologists Chad, Mike, Katie and Jeremy do their thing on-line and on TV.

HI NS VANG.

THIS IS ARIC ANDREOLI YOUR CBS 7 LOYAL VIEWER FROM MADISON WI. I READ ALL YOUR BLOG POSTS ON THE CHANNEL 7 WEBSITE. YOU ARE A LOVELY PERSON AND IT SHOWS WITH YOUR REPORTING AND ANCHORING THE MORNING SHOW ON CHANNEL 7. i WILL CONTINUE TO COMMENT AT YOUR BLOG CENTER AFTER READING YOUR POST. THEY ARE GREAT AND VERY INFORMATIVE. I RESPECT AND SUPPORT YOU ALL THE WAY AS A LOYAL VIEWER OF YOURS FROM MADISON WI. I WATCH YOUR STATION USING A HD DISTANT CHANNEL ANTENNA AT MY HOUSE. yOU ARE GREAT HOPE TO HEAR A COMMENT FROM YOU SOON.

Hi Aric,

Thanks for watching from down south! I'm in love with the city of Madison. I'm sure you enjoy living there as well. I'm in the works of planning my next trip to the city. Any suggestions on good and inexpensive dining?

Hello Bao,

Thanks for watching every morning. You must get up pretty early to catch us before work. Glad to hear that you were also at the Hmong Xiong graduation in Wausau. I hope you had a great time. For me, the greatest honor was to sit among such respected Hmong leaders of our area. They are our community's leaders and we should look up to them. Take care.

Hi Bao. I'm from California and was just really happy to see that you had landed a position as anchorwoman for Wausau's local news. I have always believed that education is the only key that leads us to our dreams. I hope you stay in Wausau or encounter greater opportunities in the future. I'm really happy to see a Hmong anchorwoman and wish I could watch your show. Best Wishes from CAL!

~Kalia

Kalia,

Thanks for writing from California, my 3rd favorite state after Minnesota and Wisconsin. I hope to one day work for local news in California and live among the Hmong. Meanwhile, my stay here in Wausau is great. I'm really starting to make it "home". My journey here would not have had happened without my dedication to education. Very few make it on-air without a college degree. I'm just fortunate my family supported my decisions in high school and college to wait on marriage and starting a family. Instead they believed this "Hmong girl from the Project homes" would succeed in college and beyond. It's important to surround yourself with positive people who encourage you to experience things outside your comfort zone. I encourage you to be anything you want in the world. How empowering is that?

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NEW WEATHER INFORMATION

The newest way to get your weather information comes on-line. First Warn, My Local Titan and you can even catch your seven day forecast in HMONG. Check them out. Tell us what you think.

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HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!
Friday, May 11

Happy Mother's Day to my mom, Shoua Vang, and aunt, Mao Vang and to all mothers in the world!

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THE BREWERS KICKED BUTT!
Friday, April 20

Chad, Chastity, Dave and I cheered on the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park Thursday afternoon. They beat the Pittsburg Pirates 7 - 5. While you would never catch me watching a baseball game on TV, I could go to a live baseball game everyday. Go Brewers!

Next up, we're rooting for The Woodchucks!

Bao Vang:
I hope that your stay in Wausau is a cozy one=) It may not be far from MN and all but it is a new surrounding. It's been sooo long since I've last seen you nor heard your voice. When I read the article about you in the Hmong Times during lunch last week I nearly broke down to tears!! I was eating at a nearby restaurant and I was simply blown away with Happiness for your great achievement. I hope you are doing well where you are. I want you to know that I am so Proud of you. I really am. It seems like it was only yesterday since we last talked about our achievements at Caribou Coffee laughing as we enjoyed out Caramel Coolers. *sighs* lost for words I am. I hope you'll find a way to contact me for you'll know where to find me. I provide care for the general public in dentition needs. I hope you'll remember as I remember those contacts. I'll end this here in hoping that you'll have a wonderful evening and wake to a great morning as my #1 AchorWoman!! Smiles..=)

A.E.M

Hi, Alex.

Thanks for writing. It's good to hear that you are doing well or "better" than I last saw you. Wisconsin is great -- the people are very much like Minnesotans. My brother, Ele, told me he ran into you at your workplace. I guess I didn't realize you two knew each other.

Please tell Dr. Mazhari that I said "Hello" and that I've been brushing at least twice a day and flossing after each meal.

Take care.

Bao- I truly enjoy seeing you in your anchorwoman position. Please don't leave Wausau. But we will forgive you if you go back to the cities as you advance in your career. You are fabulous. I have had the pleasure of working with Hmong people since their arrival here and know how wonderful you all are. Keep up the good work.
Marie

Marie, thank you for the encouraging words. I am so very grateful to be in Wisconsin -- the community has been so welcoming. I see smiles everywhere I go. You and I both know that the Hmong community is generally warm, generous and humble. I am proud of my people and our accomplishments and I am glad you have had the opportunity to get to know some of them.

Hope to see you around.

Ms. Vang,

Pao Lee

Pao! How are you? Yes, long time no see and talk. Thanks for writing. I did know you played football, but I didn't know you knew my brother, Ele. He's a good guy. And you are, too. Are you married with children, yet? Attending Graduate school? Traveling the world?

Remember when I asked you to Asian Prom? Ha! We were so young and naive.

We definitely have some good memories from high school. Let's reminisce some more, soon. Take care.

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HMONG SUPERSTITIONS
Monday, April 16

I developed "Pink Eye" late last week, and took off Friday from work. I think I got it from the bacteria in my contacts. Nonetheless, I threw that pair away, and stuck to glasses all weekend.

Meanwhile, my mom's best friend, and my aunt (Pang Xiong, or Tais La), passed away a week ago from a stroke. She is survived by her three sons and two grandsons. Her Hmong funeral was held this weekend. I drove up to the Twin Cities on Friday afternoon to pay my respects. But when my mom saw my infected eye, she said I absolutely could not attend my aunt's funeral. The Hmong superstition here is that those with itchy, red eyes or "Pink Eye" who attend a funeral and sees the dead, will develop an even worse case of the infection. My other aunt, Mao, claims it happened to her. By soaking my eyes with a warm cloth, eye drops and rest, my eyes did improve, but never good enough to see Tais La one last time before her burial.

But, as my Auntie Mao said to me yesterday before I drove back to Wausau, "Sometimes it is better not to see the dead, so as to believe they are still alive." Tais La's spirit will forever be kept alive in our family.

In loving memory of a short-statured woman, but with powerful and wise words, my mom and the whole Vang family will miss you greatly. Who's going to call the house at 7 a.m.?

Tais La will be laid to rest today in St. Paul.

href="http://www.wsaw.com/unclassified/forms/5175322.html">

Hi Bao,
first of all I would like to congratulate you for your accomplishment as the new Anchorwoman of Wausau. Wow, it's amazing to know that the girl who I took a summer course with at Century College (Comp 2) would someday happened to be the first Hmong Anchorwoman!!! Wish you the best...congrats!

Chou Xiong

Hi Chou! Thanks for writing. How are you? I haven't seen you since Escape? Or was it Myth? Ha. Nonetheless, at least more than a year ago now. Are you still at Century? Or making a six-figure salary working on Mathematics? Perhaps you were so inspired by Professor Wu, that you majored in English and are now teaching writing courses? Well, whatever it is you're doing, I hope you're enjoying it. Keep in touch and write soon.

Bao-

Chong+Vue=Iris

Hello Chong, Vue and Iris! I miss you all so much. We haven't seen each other since Grandma's funeral last fall. Your mom and dad made it to Spike's wedding. Your mom stirred up some delicious food, including a tasty Fried Rice. And now, Wang has a little baby, too. I can't wait to see her. If you ever come to Wausau to visit... please, stop by and I'll make you some Pho. Although Saigon makes a mean bowl, too.

Anyway, can't wait to hear how you, Vue, Iris and everyone else is doing in your family are doing. Say "Hello" to all. Take care.

Hello my dear!
So sorry about your loss and your pink eye! :( Hope you are doing well and that I'll get to see you while I'm in the Twin Cities in May! Air is my date to the wedding I'm going to! ;) Take care!
<3 Kerri

Hi Kerri. Aar makes a great date, doesn't he. I miss you two! Hopefully we can schedule a time when all three of us are in the same town all at once.

now that you finally have an umbrella can we stop hearing about it on the news? it's starting to get a little old.

No more umbrella stories, I promise.

WOW your own blog and to think I knew you when, j/k great to see

Ryan(pecker)

Pajarraco,

Great to hear from you. I hope you're doing well. I'm doing great. You should come visit Northcentral, Wisconsin. You have my number. Give me a call.

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APRIL IS HMONG HISTORY MONTH
Friday, April 13

NewsChannel 7 will feature a variety of stories to celebrate and honor the Hmong who have settled in Marathon County throughout the last 31 years. Also, the stories are meant to educate the entire population about a unique, Indigenous group of people.

Below is a photo taken at the St. Paul Hmong New Year in November 2006. I am wearing a Hmong outfit indicating I am "Green" Hmong. It mainly describes the dialect my family and I speak. There are also "White" Hmong, "Stripe" Hmong, etc.

The children in the photo with me are my nieces or family friends. You can tell each dress is different. Very rarely do you see two exact same Hmong outfits.

If you have a story idea for Hmong History Month, please send it along... bvang@wsaw.com

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THE WINTER BLUES ARE OVER!
March 27, 2007

Anyone suffering from Seasonal Depression is probably feeling a little more like themselves after a weekend like the one past in Wisconsin.
Get ready for more sunny days. But also, prepare yourself for some rain. Like Chad keeps telling me, "Buy an umbrella."

Rolling for Dough!
On Wednesday, March 7, the DayBreak team interviewed women from the HOPE organization about their current fundraiser. They were making and selling egg rolls to raise money for scholarships for high school seniors, pursuing a higher education. Chastity and I got a lesson on how to perfectly roll the appetizer. In the end, the organization made more than 2,000 egg rolls and profited more than $1,600. Congratulations!

Musical Hit!
Three weeks ago, I saw "Urinetown" at UW-Marathon County with NewsChannel 7 Reporter/Anchor Alison Struve and our friend, Erik Beitzel. We were fortunate to still get seats the night of a weekend performance, however, we sat right in front of the pit. Despite a semi-blocked view of the stage, we all enjoyed the show. NorthCentral Wisconsin has a lot of talent. If you remember, "Urinetown" was canceled by the SPASH Superintendent and High School Principal for what they called inappropriate content. I felt like I was reading a banned book while watching this production. Very entertaining!

Hmong Wedding!
My brother finally married his girlfriend of 10 years. On March 16-17, Kee and Honongh had a two-day Hmong wedding. A typical Hmong wedding begins at the man's home, complete with a dinner for the relatives. Later that evening, the couple and select leaders and representatives from the husband's side head to the wife's house, (the female must wear Hmong clothes from her mother-in-law), where her parents and their relatives will host another dinner for the two families. The husband and wife stay with the wife's family overnight. In the morning, they begin preparing meals for all relatives from both sides. Usually on the second day, the leaders from both sides negotiate a bride price, or dowry, one the husband will offer the wife's family. A bride is now worth an average of $5,000. After negotiations, they eat and drink some more, before the wife puts on her Hmong clothes, given by her maternal mother. By the end of the day, the new couple head back to the man's house for more dinner and drinks. This may be completely different from a typical American wedding, but like most... eating and drinking are at the center of the ceremony. And after all that, Kee and Honongh are still not legally married, their marriage is only legal in the Hmong culture.

I've had some busy weekends, I look forward to relaxing this Saturday and Sunday.

Hi Bao,

Georgey

Hello Georgey! Yes, I worked at the CBS station in Center City, Philadelphia. I actually lived in Chinatown, and walked at least a mile to work everyday. I miss the East Coast immensly. I hope to return and see old friends again.

Oh those wild Ducks!!! What a wonderful memory I have of the city. My friend, visiting from Toronto, Canada and I, jumped on one of those crazy tours and got a memorable History lesson of the most Historic city in America. I absorbed it all up.

And while I never actually entered the famous Art Museum, I did disappointedly run up those steps numerous times. The number of steps seem to be exaggerated in the movie, don't you agree? Every time I walked pass the museum, there is guaranteed to be some crazy tourist running up those stairs, then waving their hands wildly in the air and shouting out "ADRIAN".

Anyway, thanks for writing. I hope you return to share some of your favorite memories from Philly with me. Take care, B.

Great to see you and Chad out there Friday night. Thanks for coming and I hope you had fun!

Chad and I had a blast. You didn't leave a name or your affiliation, but I'm assuming you are talking about the Wine & Cheese event in Stevens Point. I tried nearly 20 bottles of wine, and a variety of cheeses. The Rieslings were my favorite. I now have a favorite! We hope you enjoyed yourself, too.

Hi Bao,

I thought I would stop in to check out your blog. It looks like you've been keeping very busy, and that you've also had some of the "wonderful" weather we've also been experiencing here in the Twin Cities. The family misses you and hopes to see you soon!
Take care,
Elizabeth

Thanks, Liz. The weekend looks nice, the whole family should get out outside for a picnic or barbecue. Family Fun Day on Sunday? Can't wait to see you all this weekend. Take care.

Buy a umbrella already! 10 bucks is cheep!

After the newest addition to the DayBreak team, Dave Sleater, lied to me about lending me an umbrella... (He doesn't even have one himself!) I might just have to give in. Thanks.

Hi Bao. Wow, a Hmong wedding sounds like a lot of work! I'm getting married next month, and I thought I had a lot of planning to do!! I only have to plan one meal and one night's entertainment. I guess I shouldn't complain so much, huh? Congrats to your brother though. So, are you up next or what? ;)

Stacy

Stacy,
The traditional Hmong wedding takes perhaps weeks, at most, to plan. Meanwhile, yours and many other weddings take an average of 1 1/2 years of planning. So if you're feeling a little overwhelmed after months of planning, there's still enough time to plan a Hmong wedding!

By the way, I'm no where close to getting hitched. The idea scares me.

Happy planning and thanks for sharing. Would you write back and share some of your secrets of love and planning with me?

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SPRING IS AROUND THE CORNER
March 6, 2007

Spring is my favorite season. The flowers bloom. The birds chirp. The weather is comfortable. My favorite activity during my favorite season is take a nice long walk outside. I can't wait. What is your favorite Spring activity? And what are some great things to do around here in Spring?

My favorite spring activity is to stay outside the house and play football. My friends and I been waiting for awhile until spring is here.

That's excellent. I'm glad you're also loving Spring just as much as I am. This weekend was absolutely gorgeous. Chad says we're expecting some rain showers in the next week and we should still expect some snowfall in April, but if some 70 degree days are mixed in between, sounds good to me.

Meanwhile, enjoy football with your buds!

Wow, I too also enjoy nice long walks. Tonight my girlfriend and I are going going to do that. She lives out in Weston and her neighborhood is just wonderful. No sidewalks though....darn, I guess what we'll do is wear blaze orange jump suits, so that we won't get hit.....That is great to hear though that you like taking walks. Enjoy spring.

HCN

HCN, Thanks for writing. I'm so glad you, too, enjoy nice long walks. Be sure to bring an umbrella or wear a raincoat the next time you and your girlfriend are on a walk. Rain is expected in the seven day forecast.

My thoughts on FEBRUARY 14...
updated 8:15 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 9, 2007

Valentine's Day is not just a day for couples, many people around the world are declaring next Wednesday, Singles Awareness Day. I was among many on my college campus who celebrated this latter holiday, honoring single men and women.

If you are among those in a relationship, I hope you enjoy the day with your sweetie. And if you are like me, I hope you celebrate Singles Awareness Day with pride.

Meteorologist Chad Franzen and I were wondering if there existed a "Speed Dating" event around the Northcentral Wisconsin area? Do you know of any? We thought that could be a good news story.

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Horizons Dinner, January 31, 2007

On January 31st, area middle and high school students and their mentors (part of Horizons) gathered at the YWCA to listen to local Hmong and Caucasian women talk about their higher education experiences. Initially, I had never heard of the group until a week before and by the end of the day, last Wednesday, I became a new member.

I was invited by the group to sit on the panel and talk about college, i.e. high school preparation, deciding where to go, how to afford it, how to make the best of the experience.

An event like this reminded me of how important role models play in a young girl's life. I remember some amazing female high school teachers, college professors and community members who made an effort to get to know me and guide me through some tough decisions.

I told the girls that their wildest dreams could be realized with college and it could open doors to new opportunities. Without strong mentors in my life encouraging me to continue higher education, I would have never considered college. And now, I want to extend that same message to the next generation of young women.

I am now the mentor to a young Hmong woman and a sophomore at Wausau West High School, Kazoua.

Has someone touched your life through a mentor? Are you a mentor to an amazing child?
If so, please share. Write to me.

Bao, I just want to say I really enjoy the morning crew. I watch every day. The three of you do a great job and are really fun to watch. Thanks.
Chris

Chris, thanks for watching. Chastity and Chad and everyone behind the scenes on our same crazy shift are enjoyable to work with. Thank goodness the big bosses allow us to laugh now and again. Keep on laughing at home!

Congrats on being a mentor! I was a mentor for a middle school student while I was getting my bachelor's degree. It was a rewarding and enjoyable experience. My mentee and I still keep in contact even though I have moved since then!

Rachael

Rachael,
I'm so glad to hear that you shared your time and life experiences with a young woman. I am sure you were an inspiration to her in more ways than one. And I am sure she provided the same for you. I look forward to building a relationship with my mentor, Kazoua, and becoming lifelong friends.

yeah i just got home didn't stay there long in MN! were we were staying 10 to 18 inches and in the country and on a on bottom of a hill! don't think we would get up it with that much snow! so i hope you are safe!

I barely made it back home to Wausau after my weekend in MN (2/23-2/25). Saturday night and Sunday's snowfall made for treacherous driving conditions. As Chad had stated in my personal weather forecast, I delayed my drive back to Wisconsin as late as I could on Sunday. By 3 p.m. that afternoon, all the highways were clear until about 40 miles outside of Wausau. When I reached about Owen, snow was falling and covered the four lanes, and numerous cars slid off into ditches. Even a semi truck landed in the ditch and traffic came to a complete halt for a stretch of time. Luckily for me, I made it while traveling an average of 45 miles per hour the rest of the way home. My usual trip from Wausau to St. Paul was stretched 30 minutes from 2 hours and 20 minutes to about 3 hours and 10 minutes. I guess, not too bad in the end.

Glad you made it back to Northcentral Wisconsin in one piece, too.

i hope you have a good weekend ! i see your going out of state to ! I'm going to MN this weekend and i hope its all good or we could just blame chad :)

2/21
I hope you have an enjoyable weekend, too. Although Chad is really scaring me with the upcoming Winter Storm and bad road conditions. I'm crossing my fingers that the weather patterns in next two days will eliminate some of the snowfall.

I must get back! My two nieces, Isabella and Lilian, are turning 10 and 1 years old respectively. I can't miss it. Plus, my 29 year-old brother, called me this morning and told me he and his girlfriend of 10+ years are having a dinner to announce their wedding plans. I can't miss that, either.

Bao,

Anthony Johnson

2/21
Thanks, Anthony for your comments. I had a wonderful time in Wisconsin Rapids with Jim Walsh and the junior high school students at East Junior High. The message I passed on to the students is the same one my mentors shared with me. And my message would be the same if I were talking with non-Hmong students, as well.

Great job mornings. I enjoy watching before I go into work every morning. When the weather breaks you should get out a Marathon county map and take a drive. Plan on a long day as marathon County is the largest county in land area in the state. There are lots of things to see and experience from the marker that represents the center of the northern hemisphere near Ponitowski to the great views from Hwy O southwest of Wausau and Rib Mt. to the wonderful parks to all of the small farm comm unties like Edgar, Marathon, Athens all west of town and Ringle, Hatley, Nutterville all east of town. You have Knowlton and Elderon to the south and Hamburg and Brokaw to the north. Keep up the good work.

Frank

2/21
Frank, wow, thanks for writing. Now, I'm eager to hit the road. I have only been to a handful of towns in Northcentral, Wisconsin, but it's mainly because of the weather. When will it ever get back into the 70s? Plus, I'm terrible with directions, so good tip about using a Marathon Co. map. And thanks for watching!

Well, in regards to relationships and love...on Valentine's Day a (local) anchor interviewed elementary kids, high school students, and elderly people on what their definition of "LOVE" is and it was very disturbing to hear the answers. Every answer was shallow and far from being the actual definition of real love. Real love is defined by self-sacrifice, humility, and the ability to put yourself in the other person's shoes (empathy). It is also the tendency to care for the person despite their faults. Without these traits, no matter how good the feeling, it is not real love at all. Love is more than mere attraction, infatuation, or neurochemical/biological processes. I find it disturbing that our society, at all levels, doesn't seem to know that. You could tell that people were really struggling to come up with any answer on the definition of love at all. It's too bad that THIS is not taught in our schools! If it's anything this world needs more of it would be love and empathy, not dates, facts, and figures.

2/21
Thank you for providing a much clearer definition of the word LOVE. I agree. I, too, saw the local story and wish you were interviewed by that reporter so viewers could hear your perspective.

Just have to comment on your comment this am (Mond) about not having school on presidents day because some students will be in your building. My kids were pretty excited thinking now they didn't think they had to go to school Monday. Wouldn't you think if they had the day off they probably wouldn't spend they day doing school things. Its a field trip they are going on.

2/21
My apologies. Students in the Wausau School District did not attend school on President's Day because of district-wide staff meetings, not because of the Holiday.

Bao
Hope you are looking forward to being a guest on River Cities Today in Wisconsin Rapids on Tuesday February 13th many people are excited that you are going to be here see you then. JIM

2/21
Jim, thanks for having me on your show. You are doing great things in Wisconsin Rapids. Keep the fresh ideas coming...

I am in Funkato! We're all doing fine, just cold! I hope everything is doing great for you. You're a rising star. Hope to see you someday soon!

MaDonna, I miss you all. Let me know if Austin Scarlett is performing in the cities anytime soon. I'll try to come visit and catch a show. Have you talked to Mieko? I miss her, too.

B.V.I would just like to know before coming to states did any of your family members fought in the Vietnam war and when and where did you come to the states before coming to Wausau? 2/08/2007

Thanks for your question. Yes, my father, Xai Kong Vang, fought with the Americans in the Vietnam war. My parents landed in the United States in September 1978. I was born and raised in St. Paul. Directly before I arrived in Wausau, I studied in Philadelphia in the summer of 2006 at the CBS station. Before that, I attended the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul.

Ms. Vang,

-Sincerely, Eastbay Retail Employee

9:25 a.m. Feb. 7
Dear Eastbay Retail Employee, my brothers and I stopped by the store on Saturday afternoon. They are huge fans of the catalog your company publishes and have ordered numerous items. When my brother, Kee and I first came into town for my interview with NewsChannel 7, he was quite excited to hear that the corporate offices were here in town. And that there exists an Eastbay Outlet. I had to question whether my brothers were coming to visit me, or the store.

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BIG BROS-Feb. 1
Three of my four brothers and their wives are coming into town this weekend. I'm stumped as where to take them.

Peking Restaurant, East Bay Stores and Granite Peak are on my list so far.

Any suggestions?

Bao- Well, considering you're asking where to take your brothers and families on this of ALL weekends; anything indoors would be a good (and smart) choice! lol- Your suggestions are great and probably something of the Badger State games too, just because it's this weekend as well. (You know, something out of the ordinary, even if it is outside!) Love watching you all in the morning and I hope you can stay around a while! Your enthusiasm is great! Lindy from Wausau

Thanks for your all of your suggestions, Lindy. Yeah, I told my brothers that this stretch of cold weather hasn't been seen by North Central Wisconsinites since January 2005, and they said they should have rescheduled for a warmer weekend. Nonetheless, we had an enjoyable time together *indoors*. We ate at a few restaurants around town, watched a few movies at my place and raided the bargain racks at the Wausau Mall. It was a good time had by all.

Bao, it's tough to recommend anyplace due to the extreme cold. Maybe some of the indoor Badger State Games events? Have you checked out the Paradox Restaurant on South Third Avenue? Might be worth a try. When the weather gets nicer you'll have to get out to the Eau Claire Dells County Park, about 30 minutes east of Wausau. Beautiful.
-Jim

Thanks for your thoughts, Jim. We found plenty of things indoors that kept us busy this weekend, including your suggestion of Paradox. We unfortunately didn't have dinner there, but we did go for drinks Saturday night. When my family returns in the summer, I'll be sure to mention Eau Claire Dells County Park!

Bao--

Brian

Brian and Pahoua, I am returning to the Twin Cities later this month, let's get together! I miss you, too.

I miss you Bao! Glad you're doing well though!

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src="http://media.graytvinc.com/images/Bao+plunge.JPG">

Rusty's Backwater Saloon has canceled their Special Olympics Polar Plunge this Saturday, Feb. 3 due to cold temperatures. I thought I would reminisce on my first dip, today.

I jumped with my friends from the Boston Funeral Home and directly after warming up and putting on dry clothes, we took the above photo. Picture perfect moment, wouldn't you agree?

I would definitely jump again. However, not under these current weather conditions. Perhaps, I'll make it a yearly tradition to head to Rusty's every New Year's Day.

Thanks to all the fans who cheered me on that afternoon. Most importantly, thanks to the folks at BFH for holding my hand through the experience, literally. I couldn't and wouldn't have done it without you.

My mom, aunt, sister, brother-in-law and their baby are driving to Wausau this weekend to visit and to attend a relative's funeral.

In the above photo, my mom is on the left and my aunt is on the right. My aunt, who has never been married, is one of my favorite people in the whole entire world. I lived with her until my dad died. She is like a second mom to me.

Since I moved out of the house, I've begun to have a deeper appreciation for my mom. And everything she's provided us kids, especially her cooking.

Even though my mom will be a guest in my home, will it be wrong if I asked her to cook a meal for us? There is nothing better than mom's cooking, and I've been deprived of it for a whole month.

The two times she's been in town, she brought with her a rice cooker. Hmong folks eat white rice with every meal, and because I returned the rice cooker she bought me, I hardly eat white rice anymore. But, boy, do I miss it.

However, I haven't been deprived of good food while I've been in Wisconsin. Some of my favorite restaurants in town so far are Peking, 2510 Restaurant and Sawadee.

Any suggestions as to which restaurant I should try next?

Bao
You are such a great addition to the News Channel Team I have been a faithful viewer each morning and look for ward to seeing you on each morning you seem to be a well knowledged young lady and hope you stay with 7 a long time

Thank you for your comment and for watching Chad and Chastity and I in the morning.

Bao, I found you! I wish I could watch you on the news!
-MaDonna

MaDonna, is that you? Writing all the way from Funkato? If so, I miss you. How is everyone?

Bao,

You sure are pretty! And by the way, Sawadees is great. I also recommend Mino's.

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This photo was taken Saturday, January 20 at Sylvan Hill Park. Mr. Michael Berglund and his students at Wausau West High School invited me to join them. The majority of these students were born and raised in either Laos or Thailand and arrived in the United States within the past couple of years. While they are learning how to read and write English in school, this weekend, they were introduced to a popular Wisconsin winter activity. I am positive they enjoyed Snow Tubing as much as I did.

Hi Bao! OMG - A fresh new face (and HMONG TOO!) on our TV sets! I'm so excited about that. =) Being a lifelong resident of Wausau, I've grown up watching Channel 7 and so it makes me quite happy to know that you're a part of the news team now. Welcome to Wausau. Have fun! -Kaoyee Lo

Kaoyee,

Thanks for your message. And thanks for watching. I am so excited to be here in Wausau. And it delights me even more that there is such a large Hmong community here in Northcentral Wisconsin. I have already made good friends... now that includes you.

Thanks, Jim. I am starting to realize that the work I do outside of NewsChannel 7 is just as important as what I do every morning. I look forward to meeting members of the community, especially the younger generation. I hope you continue to contribute.

Hmm - Granite Peak is a bunny hill!
Well I think it depends from which side your are looking at situations *g*.
Just to let you know I grew up in Austria and did downhill skiing in the Alps - so I'm having a hard time to find here a skiing area like I'm used to!
Never than less take care when you try it - Reinold

Hello Reinold.

I imagine Austria has much taller mountains than Northcentral Wisconsin. So I'm guessing you didn't move to the United States because of our ski hills. Still, when I first drove into the Wausau area, I was quite impressed by Granite Peak. The ski runs in St. Paul,MN are probably only half the size. I haven't gathered enough courage to ski, yet. But maybe one of these days. My next adventure: Snowshoeing!

I am glad to see you are getting outside to enjoy WISCONSIN WINTERS
I suggest you try cross country skiing
for fun, exercise, fresh air and our winter beauty

Cross Country Skiing, huh? Sounds like a sport I won't have to go at too high of speeds. Downhill skiing is another story. Does Granite Peak have a bunny hill?

Hey Bao!
New Years was fun and crazy! We didn't end up actually IN Times Square...we would've had to be standing there all day with no food or bathrooms like cattle...but we did walk all the way around the blocked off streets and saw the ball from the side! We walked to Central Park and Rockefellar Center to see the tree before they took it down as well that night! Josh likes it here a lot! He's looking for a job and an apt. Most of his stuff is at his father's place in Maryland where he drove to for Xmas. We fit fine but I have no alone time, which is tough! And you remembered incorrectly...we fit FIVE people in my apt and all your stuff...remember Eric was there too! He just called me from Australia today, btw...CRAZY! Hope you are doing well! Miss you tons!
~Kerri

Kerri,

You're right, there was five of us in your lovely apartment. I can't believe Chia and B2 shared a twin airbed. What troopers! Oh, good times.

I hope one year I'll be with you in Times Square on New Year's Eve.

Was that Josh's first New Year's Eve experience in New York?

I forgot Eric was heading out to Australia. I'm so jealous. And he called you? Hope he's doing well.

When are heading back to MN? You should take a trip to Wausau, too.

Talk to you soon.

Bao
As a Vet in the Air Force during the "60'0 I only wish I could tell you just how wonderful and courageous your people were in Nahm. You have no idea just how many American lives they saved with there guts and fortitude. Thanks is all I can say, and welcome aboard.
Kevin

Kevin,

Thank you for writing. I personally thank you for serving our country. I am proud to say that my father also served as a soldier with the Americans in the Vietnam War. He died before he could share any of his stories with me, but through relatives, I have learned how much the
Hmong sacrificed for the opportunity to make their lives in the United States.

Best.

Hi Bao, I heard you talking about snowshoeing on the news this morning. I wanted to let you know of a candlelight snowshoe event at Rib Mountain Saturday Night from 6-8:00 p.m. You check in at the Rib Mountain side where the normal trails are & they will have snow shoes for rent. It is put on by a Snowshoeing Club. Just wanted to let you know if you wanted to try it. Tracy

Tracy,

How wonderful of you to write in about snowshoeing. I would love to try it. Unfortunately, I have tickets to go see "Guys on Ice" this Saturday.

Does the club hold an event every Saturday? If so, I'll definitely make it one of these weekends.

Thanks for the heads up.

Take care.

Hola Bao congratulations once again on the job. I will be taking a Hmong cooking class next month, really excited about it. Anyway keep in touch. Paulino

Hi Pauly.

A Hmong cooking class? No way. Where and when and who is teaching it? You'll have to show off your moves when I'm back in town.

See you soon.

You are an official "blogger" now! That should be cool. Excited that I am listed in your blog....but as Sue. Hehehehe. Take care!
-Ele

Hi Ele,

I changed your name, look! Mom, Auntie, Mai Xee and Baby Lil will be in town this weekend. Then, I heard Spike, Long and Thia might be heading to Wausau next weekend. Will you and Liz make a stop over, too? By the way, how is Liz's new job? Did she start, yet? Wish her well for me, please.

See you.

I think you do a great job of reporting the news, you are a natural for TV. Good Luck! Lisa

Thanks, Lisa. I appreciate your comments. What are you a natural of... please share.

Hi sister, I got your email and I would like to be the first from the "vangs" to submit on your blog. Just want to let you know that I think you're doing a fantastic job and I'm proud of you. keep it up and enjoy all that Wausau has to offer. See you soon.

Long

Hey, Long.

Thanks for writing. I miss you all and plan to head back to the Twin Cities in a few weeks. Can we plan a family fun day?

Bao

BAO!! So glad you have a blog that I can read to keep up with your crazy life! I miss you terribly and hope I get to see you again soon...maybe a trip to NYC is in your future?? I'm so proud of you!! Lots of love,
Kerri

Kerri!

How is my favorite New Yorker? I hope you and Josh had a nice New Year's night in Times Square. Tell him I said Hello. How does he like the apartment? And where is he storing his things? I guess if we were once able to fit four bodies and our luggage in your Manhattan place... two shouldn't be too bad, huh? Miss you.

Bao

Hi Bao! Just wanted to tell you I think you're doing a great job on the morning show. Having just graduated as an engineer myself, I can't imagine being put in front of a live audience every day to do my work. I have a hard enough time in my cubicle! You're braver than I would be! Oh, and I was born & raised in da U.P. and still complain about being cold every day, so don't feel bad. :)
-Stacy, Wausau

Stacy,

Thanks for writing. Congratulations on your recent engineer degree. I miss college already, don't you?

You are brave... brave enough to work in a cubicle for much of your day. I would go insane.

I have never been to the Upper Peninsula, is it generally colder there than here?

Talk to you soon.

I am sorry I forgot to leave you a check for saying such nice things about me... Welcome to the "Big SAW" blogs! Your favorite (and only) morning weather dude.

Hi, Franzen.

Thanks for writing. How could you not be everyone's favorite weather dude?

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Greetings,

I have entered the virtual world of communication.

First, let me tell you more about myself outside of work.

I am the youngest of 9 children. My parents were born in Laos and lived in Thailand. We are neither Laotian or Thai, we are Hmong. Five of my siblings were born in Southeast Asia, and the rest of us in St. Paul, MN. Sadly, my eldest two brothers died of various causes in Laos.

My parents and three surviving siblings arrived in America in September 1978. They spoke no English, had no formal education, very little money, but a big dream. In the following years, my parents had three more children. My father learned basic English and owned the first Hmong grocery store in our area. He died in a car accident when I was three years old.

My sibling's names from oldest to youngest are: my sister Doua, my brothers Long, Kee, Ele, Lue, then my sister, Mai Xee.

I grew up in a project home area, mostly made up of immigrant families -- Mexican, Somali and Hmong. Few Caucasian families lived within a four block radius.

Fast forward a few years... I became interested in Journalism in high school when I was asked to read the morning news live on television for more than 2,000 students and staff. It was a rush.

I attended the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul and graduated in May 2006 with a degree in Broadcast Journalism and Spanish.

I moved to Wausau at the end of October 2006. And so far, so good.

I'm excited to have my own blog and to connect with you in this way. Please feel free to reply to anything I write and say. I encourage you to, even if you don't agree.

When I can, I'll post my personal, yet random thoughts of the day.

So here goes:

I am born and raised a Midwesterner... so why is my body always in shock when winter rolls around each year?

Chad and Chastity are great, don't you think? Especially that Chad... he's so deserving of a lovely woman.

I'm snow tubing with the International Club students this weekend at Sylvan Hill and Chad says it will be cold. How long will I last outside before turning into an ice cube? If your Saturday is free, you should come on down, too. The more the merrier.

On a more serious note, I am disappointed by the lack of events in Northcentral Wisconsin honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday. I understand that the African-American community in the area is small, but I feel the nation's only federal holiday commemorating a Black person should have had more presence in our schools, art museums, theaters. Is there a better opportunity to teach our young children about diversity? Tolerance? History? I owe as many thanks to him as any black person. In fact, all of us do.

That's it for now, until we meet again in person or in cyberspace, take care.

Bao

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