BACKING INTO SOME PAIN (4/10/08)

So, I wake up Monday morning and all is normal. I make the bed, walk the dog, lift weights and go about my normal morning routine.

Then I set down at my home computer to check my e-mails and get up from my chair when WHOA! Suddenly my back is killing me! I would understand if it had happened WHILE I was lifting weights, but getting up from a chair? It's so bad, I eventually have to call in sick and make a chiropractor appointment.

Since then, I've missed two full and two half days of work. Spending time on the couch and in my easy-chair snuggling an ice pack. I've also been to the chiropractor 3-times. By the way, he says it's probably not getting up from the chair but an accumulation of a bunch of stuff I've done that lead to the inflammation and pain.

It is getting better thanks to my chiro, the ice and Aleve (or at least the cheaper store equivalent of Aleve).

I'm just glad, if it HAD to happen, it happened now instead of a few weeks from now when the prime yard work season begins.

It also gives me new respect for people who do real work every day. I sit at a computer, put on make-up and read out loud every day. But real workers, like my dad who was a welder for 40-years until he retired, lift and stretch and stand on their feet for hours a day. God bless them, they're tougher than I am.

It also reminds me of why I am a believer in chiropractic care. After a pinched nerve in my neck and sciatic nerve problem over the last few years... This is the third thing my chiro, Dr. Cory Sandquist, is helping me take care of. I know his work would be a lot easier if I lost weight and went in more regularly for an adjustment, but that's something I still need to work on I guess.

So, if you're wondering why the younger, better looking Mikel Lauber is filling in for me so much lately, it's because of my back. And thanks to the stuff I mentioned before, hopefully I won't be missing too much more time.

J

Jeff, glad to hear I'm not the only one from the class of 84 with aches and pains. Hope you feel better soon.
Burt Keyser

Burt Keyser! Now there's a name from the past. Thanks for the good wishes. Hope all is well with you! And when I tell my co-workers of some of your (ok, our) behavior in physics class back when we were in high school, they don't believe me.
J

Jeff
Just as a point of interest. A story was run on 4/14 about the communications operators for the state police and it was stated that they were taking applications. Having moved back up here and been unemployed for almost a year and applying for any jobs, I went to apply for this job, as my job background, with 30 years of volunteer rescue squad running with county and state police could qualify me for consideration. I immediately signed on and found out they are not taking applications as stated in the newscast. Please ask all to verify their info before getting someones hopes up. Thank you

Thanks for the blog note. Sorry it didn't work out for you. All I can say is we reported what we were told by our interview.
J

Jeff,
You might want to try a physical therapist

Thanks for that advice. I've heard that from a couple other folks, too. I'm make progress thanks to the chiro. But I may have to turn to PT eventually.
J

Hi Jeff, Not sure where to put this, but had to write. I was reading about the sale of the house in Crandon. Now, yes this was a very very sad thing, but seems to me the story even gets sadder. what they plan on doing is taking a bad thing and adding to it by polluting the air we breath, by burning this house. I would think to take a negative and turning it into a positive. I think of the people that have lived out in the cold all winter, and think, ok you people can continue to live there because this house needs to be burned. I don't know if this will get anywhere but it was something I have seen before either a home was burnt adding to the greenhouse gasses or destroyed and added to the landfill problem, always negative outcomes. When I would think put a little effort and change these homes make them better and give, if not one family who has no home, or even 2 families a warm place to live. I guess we as a human race talk about environmental problems and homeless problems just keep adding and not fixing. maybe there is a story here I don't know. Thanks Lou

Hi Lou. You make some interesting observations.
J

Hi Jeff,
I am sorry about the back pain. I wish you to get better soon. Take it easy. Have a great day. Hi to Bailie and hug her that feels better.
Keep up the great work,
k

Thanks, k.
J

REFLECTIONS ON FAVRE (3/10/08)

With all the craziness of when the story broke, this is really the first time I have to talk to you about Brett Favre retiring. And I keep going back to one thing.

I don't really blame him at all!

In fact, even though I like my job, I'd retire if I could afford it, too.

I'm mean, what else does he have to prove. Let's go over it. A Super Bowl championship, 2 Super Bowl appearances, 3 MVP's, record for consecutive quarterback starts, wins and touchdown pass records and yes, Viking and Bears fans, the record for interceptions. He's also, at the very least, is mentioned among Elway, Marino and Montana as one of the greatest quarterbacks ever. Sorry, Brady and Manning to play a few more years before they get that status. Again, what else does he have to prove!

So, thanks for the ride Brett. Thanks for letting us see your human side. And most of all, from all of us who sat through the 70's and 80's and saw nothing but stink coming from Green Bay, thanks for helping make our favorite team a winner again!

J

Brett Who?

That would be Favre. You know, the QB who will be mentioned with Elway, Marino and Montana in the discussion of the best ever.
J

Hi Jeff,
Are you ready to do gardening? I know I am ready to garden. The temps better warm up so people go for a walk. I know I need to walk more. Keep up the great work. Hi to Bailie.
Have a great day,
k

I can't wait to get in my garden! The tulips are up and as soon as the snows all gone I'll get to raking.
J

Hello Jeff! Just a quick question for you. I was told by someone who was watching channel 7 that there was something going on in Wisconsin Rapids with child safety cribs being given, and as the sister of a young lady who is pregnant I am very interested to know if you know anything about that. Any info would be greatly appreciated! Thank you! Dana

Sorry, Dana. I haven't heard anything about that. Usually it's the police who do give-aways like that. You may want to give them a call.
J

Hi Jeff, I have a question===I would like to know where the money goes that the police departments get when they have these drug busts and show the large amounts of money laying on the table with the drugs. Can't they use that to keep the drug officers payed to do their jobs instead of the tax-payers and property tax payers have to pick up the bill for these sorta things??? D.

Hi D. I'm pretty sure the money and stuff has to be held as evidence until the trial. Then, I believe, most departments can use the cash and sell the items, except for the drugs of course, to pay for continued enforcement. But if there's someone out there who knows for sure, let us know, too.
J

As a bear fan, but the mother and wife of packer fans, I will miss watching Brett play. Even though he did have his issues with pain meds. and drinking, he was ALWAYS there to play for his team and his fans. He was fun to watch and will be missed by many! Just to show what a good mom/wife I am I bought all the sports illustrated mags.and various other mags. with Brett on them for the family!!

Nice! I have the SI issue that named him sportsman of the year and the special issue after he retired. Down the road, I'd like to frame them.
J

You should consider running a follow up story regarding the tap water and pharmaceuticals. I would argue that most American's don't get up each morning and flush meds down the toilet. However, what goes in must come out and most drugs are excreted from the body unchanged. The majority of pharmaceuticals in the water don't come from waste, they come from the people who take them and later use the toilet. That means the millions of tablets and capsules dispensed from pharmacies in these surface water cities every year, go in a bottle, in a mouth, through the kidneys, into the water system. And even if it does not come out as the same drug, it will come out as some sort of metabolite. I believe it is important that we dispose of medications properly outside of flushing them into the water system, but we need to understand that this is a mere fraction of the amount entering by means of the morning coffee break. Jon, Pharmacist - Merrill,WI

Thanks for blogging on, Jon. And those are really disturbing thoughts.
J

Hi J,
I know myself I was in mourning over this with Brett. How hard it will be not to see number 4 on the field, in press conferences , joking with his fellow players and coaches. I think it is great for him to retire when he did, he certainly deserves it. And now he can do like he said absolutely NOTHING! He will be so missed, I hope channel 7 will broadcast on anything with him in the future, whether it be his presence in Green Bay for the chairities that him and his wife do, or for an interview with him on how he is enjoying his retirement. Bye Brett and yes thanks for the memories! CM

Thanks, CM!
J

i have a comment about all the hipe that this whole brett favre ordeal is getting. ok so he is retiring. to bad so sad. does it really warrant 3 days of coverage? when he was in rehab for drugs he didnt get this much attention. there is far more important things going on in the world and this area than his career. let it rest.

Thanks for your input. But something tells me you're part of the minority on this issue in Wisconsin.
J

did you say the f word last night at ten?

If I did, I wouldn't be working here anymore! Seriously, you probably saw me trip up during the phrase "Favre fan-demonium" in one of our stories about him retiring. But, the f-bomb never came out when my tongue got tied up.
J

IDEAS TO SAVE MONEY (2/27/08)

Do you have any ideas to save money? We ran a couple of stories this week talking about the tough economic times that could lie ahead. And we heard some great advice from experts and the people putting them into action.

They say you need to write down a budget and stick with it. Save money and take advantage of your 401k plan as much as possible. Other advice is find hobbies that don't cost as much money (play basketball instead of buying video games) cut down on your number of stops per week at your favorite high end coffee shop and read stuff off the internet instead of subscribing to a magazine.

So, do you have any ideas? Feel free to share them. You know what to do.

J

Jeff,
A great way to save money is to buy used items when possible, like clothing, books, etc. Try ebay or Goodwill for example. There are many nice items available. Use some of the swap websites for CDs and books. Lala.com charges $1 to swap CDs and bookmooch.com arranges book swaps for free. Not only does this help sticking to a budget, but also helps recycling efforts which sustain our planet. It's a "win-win"!
On a side note, I'm so bummed that Brett Favre retired. I'll still love The Pack, but it will be so different without him.
Carolyn

Thanks, Carolyn. Used CD places are the greatest! At least for those of us who still haven't started downloading our music. And even if I'm happy for him, I'm bummed about Favre, too.
J

Jeff,

Tony

Hi Tony, It's called the "Hunter's Alliance Against Earn-a-Buck"

Jeff,
I have seen the negative ad for the judge running on your station but have not seen a disclaimer for who is presenting the ad. By state election statutes a disclaimer needs to be on any election material.
Thanks

Thanks for blogging on. If you're talking about the one that opposes Gableman, it's paid for by a group called the "Great Wisconsin Committee" and the disclaimer is at the start of the commercial, written at the top of the screen.
J

A friend said that you are going to have a special report on ways to shield your money from recession. Jeff I'm a CEP in Wausau and my partner is a RFC we work with seniors in North Central Wisconsin an our firm was extablished in Rhinelander in 1963.

Robert Arnold - CEP
Wausau, WI

Thanks for all the advice, Robert.
J

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT? (2/12/08)

OK, it's one of those weeks when I really have no idea what to talk about.

So, what do you want to discuss? Have any questions? May be a comment. Or perhaps something you need to get off your chest.

Now's the time. You know what to do.

J

Did you notice that woman who crashed into the school bus in MN killing four children and hurting others was an illegal alien, who had also been involved in another driving incident, plus was sharing an MN ID card with another woman, when is enough enough of this stupidity?
I had to learn these details from another media source because you left them out, and channel 7 wins awards ?
Ken

Hi Ken.
Perhaps you missed this story from our 10pm news on Friday, Feb. 22. Here's a copy of the script.
J
"Immigration and customs enforcement agents are trying to figure out the true identity of the woman police say was the driver of a van that hit a school bus in Minnesota.
The crash killed four children.
They say the woman is from Mexico and may be in the country illegally...
But say she gave police a fake name.
Prosecutors say the woman failed to stop at a stop sign before hitting the bus...
But she says she stopped.
The woman faces four counts of criminal vehicular homicide and two lesser charges."

today about 2:30 pm while driving home on 29 there was an accident on highway 29 near the rib river bridge involving a semi trailer and Ford pickup with trailer. I seen your News 7 crew leaving the scene but there was never anything on the news about this, why not

We actually sent a crew to that one because it sounded pretty serious when we heard it on the police scanner. But when we got there, were told no one was hurt, there was only minor road blockage and there was nothing spilled from the semi. Sorry, I just don't have room for a story in my newscast that's so inconsequential.
J

how do you get to this c cap for oourt records found nothing on web page?

http://wcca.wicourts.gov/index.xsl
J

Im not sure who I should address for this but I am a mother who lost a child almost 4 yrs ago. On the same road as the bus crash. You reporters need to think about the family left behind. Seeing that footage over and over in very painful. Report the news that is your right but leave the gory details out. I remember how it felt to see it over and over read it over and over it opens the wound again and again. Think about how you would feel.

First, let me say I'm sorry for your loss. But, I must respectfully disagree with your assessment that we put "gory details" in that story. We've always tried to be sensitive to families of victims, including the one who lost the little boy in that wreck. In fact, we've dealt them on several occasions about our reports. And they have never complained about our coverage.
J

With the Digital TV Regualtions coming up, has there been any thought about what happens when the weather is bad? I live in a rural area and have a satalite dish as well as an antenna for local channels. (The dish is not used for local channels) When there is heavey cloud cover or heavey rain or snow the signal from the satalite is lost. I rely on my local stations for weather warnings, will the signal be lost with the new system when the weather gets bad?

I actually don't know. You might want to drop Mikel Lauber a line about this. He's covered the issue extensively. His e-mail is mlauber@wsaw.com.
J

With HDTV, what happens with are antennas???

Again, a question for Mikel.
J

Your exclusive interview with Obama was a paid political ploy by the Obama campaign. His campaign pays for the satellite time, and its only just as a responsible journalist if you give "equal time" to both sides. I do not fault Mr. Lauber for doing the interview, but the station is misrepresenting just how "exclusive" it is.

I'd agree with you if not for a couple of things. 1) There was no stipulation about any question we could ask him. It was wide open. 2) We also got an interview with Senator Clinton when she stopped in Wausau. And when it comes to "exclusive," no other TV station in the area had it, so that's where the label comes from.
J

Dear Jeff,
I feel a story on Marshfield local grade schools & State of WI truancy laws/regulations would be very informative to area families that have younger children & are unclear what they are... for example: we did not know if your child leaves school early sick, that is a full missed day added to the truancy record? Concerned & confused parent......

I'll run it past the boss as a possibility.
J

Hi Jeff, Just wanted to say thanks for the wonderful way you tell the new ..I always enjoy your smile and geniune concern for the viewers. The crew a channel 7 are great. Karen, Deerbrook

Thanks, Karen!
J

Guess I won't be drinking Starbucks anymore!!!!

JUST A NOTE TO THIS; STARBUCKS HAD STORES
ON SEVERAL MILITARY BASES IN THE UNITED STATES.
THEY ARE NOW BEING REMOVED BECAUSE OF THIS. GO
GET 'EM AMERICA. STAND-UP FOR OURSELVES

Please see the next addition to the blog.

FYI the note about Starbucks is not true go to True/Fiction, it is explained on there and Howard Wright had to write baisically a retraction you can also find that on true/fiction.

Thanks for the response. A lot of people get stuff via e-mail that is virtually impossible to prove.
J

Jeff: About two days ago you said on the news that some restaurant was looking at the old Gander Mountain building in the Cedar Creek area. Sorry to say I wasn't paying enough attention to hear the name of the restaurant. Can you please tell me what was in your story. Thanks!

Ron

I got a tip that a certain national restaurant chain was interested in buying the vacent Gander Mountain. The Rothschild Village President only confirmed there is a party that's shown some interest. They've talked, but nothing is definate and there's no time frame as to when something could be definate. He did promise to let me know when and if a deal does get done. Then, of course, we'll pass it along to you.
J

I have gotten "AMBER ALERTS" emails.Are these real? Or are they attempts to collect names and email addresses? (Pretty LOW if they are)? How do I check them out? Do they help find people? The last one said that a girl in STEVENS POINT had been found this way. I don't remember an incident like that: I don't have a tv so no suprise there. Ginny Frost Plainfield Wi

It actually happened when I wasn't here, but as I understand it, there was one, but the child was found, safely, a short time later.
J

Hi Jeff,
The other night you talked about valentines day. If I had a man in my life and it snowed outside. I would have a cup of hot chocolate waiting, along with dinner on the table. What would you do?
Have a great day and keep on doing a great job reporting the news.
kate s. plover,wis

Hi Kate!
Some day, you will make a man very happy!
J

The City should install a stoplight at the intersection of Stewart and 12th ave. this is a very busy intersection during school hours and also during any events at Marathon park. You can be waiting for well over 10 minutes before you can get a brake.

Thanks for blogging on.
Have you talked to your alderman (or woman) about that idea?
J

Why isn't anything being done about the alcohol problems we have in our country? We read daily about people getting picked up over and over for drunk driving and yet all they do is take away their license and they continue to drive. Why not put a block on their cars. The one they hit may be my love ones, or yours. Make the bars pay a BIG fine for serving people who already have had to much. I know it takes money out of their pockets but o well. They are so worried about smoking, to me the drinking is worse. If I go into a place and they are smoking I can leave. But if I am going down the road and they cross the line where can I go?

I wish I had a way to fix that problem. My grandfather was clean and sober the last 10-years of his life. He always said he had more fun watching people make fools of themselves than back when he was drinking and was acting foolish himself.

What do you think of the new law Stevens Point is discussing on implementing this spring to allow the sales of alcohol until midnight vs. the 9pm rule that is currently in place?

I think its a good idea, it gives a person a chance to figure out their plans for the night so if they want to stay in and have a few drinks they don't have to decide before 9.

I'm sure the college crowd at UWSP will love the idea!
J

I do not have a problem with people talking, laughing or being on the phone BEFORE the movie starts. And a bit of laughing during is fine, too. I like to see people having a good time. Those people that need complete silence during previews and the movie, I feel, should wait until it comes out and watch it at home. But this is just my personal opinion.

P.S. I love Mystery Science 3000!!!!

Thanks for the comment. You can see a whole lot more discussion on this issue in the topic directly below.
J

Hi J. I want help in resolving an issue I have with a cell phone I gave my granddaughter for her birthday. It is the Moto RIZR Z3

Hi there. First, I would call the company to see if they'll help you. If they don't, try the Better Business Bureau.
J

A few years ago I remember Wausau got
an award for being the safest city in the state or even the USA, and I just heard that there was a stabbing downtown Wausau, and that there's gangs around the mall's I don't come to Wausau anymore just for that reason I can't get to the stores without a crowd of young gangsta wanta be's hanging around and I just don't feel safe. What ever happenned to the safest city?
Have a great day Jeff

There are a lot of nice things about a city growing. But there are also some not-so-nice things that go with it. Crime is one of them. In spite of that, you have a great day, too!
J

Who's sick of all the election ads already???

I'm sure you're not alone! But, I hate to tell you, it's only going to get worse for the November election.
J

Jeff:
I was diagnosed with severe plantar faciatis and tried all the same things that were mentioned. I finally agreed to an injection of a site specific steriod which goes directly on the inflamation and ultimately forms scar tissue. I have been pain free for more than a year. The only draw back is you have to stay off your foot for 48 hours straight no exeptions. Good Luck Don from Green Bay

Hi Don.
I actually got a shot and it worked for about 24 hours. Of course, I was not told to stay off the foot for 2-days like you. I ultiamtely got inserts from the foot doctor and they have worked wonders. But, I still aways wear sneakers which look pretty silly with my suits. I also have a "boot" that I wear at night that keeps my foot at a 90-degree angle. On the rare nights I forget to put it on, I can feel the difference in the morning.
J
(scroll down a little bit for a whole discussion on plantar faciatis)

MOVIE ETIQUETTE (1/29/08)

So, I go to a movie Saturday night. I have some friends in Waupaca and we always meet in Stevens Point, since that's half way between us. We don't get to see each other as often as we'd like, so we do a lot of catching up. We also like to pretend we're the cast of Mystery Science Theater 3000 and make fun of what we see on screen, if it's bad. And we're pop culture geeks so we talk about the actors, directors, special effects, etc. On top of that, my cell phone went off. I told the caller I'd call her back.

But all of this happened BEFORE the movie, during the trailers, or previews of the upcoming films. Once the movie started we all hushed up, except for the occasional gasp. (we saw Sweeney Todd, which is really quite gross)

Still, a man sitting directly in front of me turned around at the end of the last trailer and said, "OK, let's keep the comments to ourselves now that the movie is starting." I said "Yea, we planned on it once the movie started." After hearing the exchange, the group behind us (all adults) actually made several comments about the movie during the movie. (I found them all pretty funny) But the gentleman in front of me didn't say another word.

So, here's my question to you. Is it rude to talk and laugh and make comments at a theater, before the film begins during the trailers? Or is it rude to ask someone to hush up in a theater before the movie begins?

I know some people really like the previews, so may be we were out of line. On the other hand, I sort of felt like he jumped the gun telling us to be quiet before the movie ever began.

I'm sort of lost here, does anyone know proper theater etiquette?

J

UPDATE ON 1/30/08
Hi everybody and thanks for all the responses! There are so many I can't answer them all, except the ones that need to be directly addressed. In a nutshell, there really doesn't seem to be a hard and fast rule here. With some saying my friends and I were rude and others saying the guy in front of me jumped the gun.
J

Well Jeff I guess it depends on the theatre. Here in Phillips I don't hear people talking much before, during, or after the movie. We do talk during the intermission(yes, we always have an intermission). If there are a lot of kids I hear more talking before, during, and after the movie. So to address your question...I don't know if there is a right or wrong to when to talk at the movies. I guess if you're not annoying a lot of people around you and it is only one person(who maybe had a bad day or something) then quieting down when the movie starts seems okay with me. Karen (in Phillips,WI)

I personally enjoy the previews quite a bit. I wouldn't like it if someone was being obnoxious during the previews. I would also be very annoyed if someone was imposing their sense of humor on me. I've also found that people who make a lot of noise during the previews will continue to do so during the movie as well. It sounds like you and your crew were acting like a bunch of immature teenagers and the person who paid $7.50 to see a movie probably wanted to make sure you didn't continue to wreck their experience. I also don't think that the news is the place for you to discuss this since you obviously think you are right and this is your way of making a point to the poor movie patron who got stuck in front of you. No one wants to be the jerk who has to tell someone else to be quiet but each individual has a right to watch a movie in peace.

Thanks for your response, but sorry, you're wrong. First, I did not "discuss it" on the news, I just told people about the incident to drive them to the blog where we are discussing it. That's the whole idea behind the blog. Secondly, no it's not my way of making a point to that "poor movie patron who got stuck in front of me" that I think I'm right. If I had an opinion on this one, I would gladly give it here. But, I didn't know the rules, which is why I asked for input from my blog readers.
J

hey Jeff, no, as long as you guys were quiet during the movie, the guy was probly jealous cause you guys were having more fun than he was. the people behind you were the ones who were rude.

I heard you ask this question on the news the other night. I have to
admit, it irritates me a little when people are talking through the previews and such. I enjoy watching those actually. So my answer would be yes, I find it a little rude.

Hi again, everybody. Here's a response from one of the people who was actually with me at the movie.
J

It’s good to know that Jeff sticks-up for his friends. I say that because, even though Jeff seems to be taking the flak, I am the guilty party from Saturday night. I was the infamous Sweeney Todd Talker. Before I accept the public’s admonition, I must clear Jeff’s name. At no point before, during, or after the movie was he acting like teenager, being loud and obnoxious, talking on his cell phone or laughing excessively. Yes, during the lights-up slide show we all (theatergoers that is, not just our group of four) talked as if sitting in a diner. But during the trailers we righted our ranks and faced the screen. At that point we all (see parentheses above) talked in hushed tones. The conversations throughout consisted of, “Oh, that looks good,” “That might be a funny one,” or “How does Ashton Kutcher keep finding work?” Jeff does admit that his cell phone went off during the previews, but if that is so, I didn’t hear it…and I was sitting right next to him. I assume he meant it was on vibrate and went off, but either way he could not possibly have disturbed anyone with it and he did not have a phone conversation, how could he…both of his friends were there. He was merely stating that any possible offenses happened before the film.
Yet, after mounting this wordy defense, I must admit that I personally did break the rules of theater. It was that dark moment after the last trailer and before the actual film. Someone behind us said, “This is going to be good!” at which point I leaned-in and whispered (Yes! Leaned in and whispered!) “…As long as Johnny Depp isn’t in it.” The rest is history. Just a silly little joke, hardly even funny and whispered at a movie, that has now generated more response (and more heated responses) than Jeff’s political blog of 1/18. My quip has resulted in a Butterfly Effect (See Ashton Kutcher quote above) of viewers and fans calling Jeff rude and childish. Which takes me back to my opening statement about friends: I crossed the line of theater etiquette (well, in my opinion, tip-toed the line) and drew a response from the man in front of me, but Jeff is taking the criticism now as he did that night. It was Jeff who responded to the pre-emptive “Hush” by telling the gentleman that movie hadn’t even started yet, while I, covered in popcorn and shame, watched in horror as the words “Starring Johnny Depp” appeared on the screen.
So did I talk during the movie or was it still previews? Unless I can get a copy of the tape from guy behind me who was filming it, we’ll never know. What is clear is that everybody has different expectations from a night at the movies and that I can’t get the song “Drops of Jupiter” by the group Train out of my head.
“Can you imagine…your best friend always sticking up for you, even when he knows you’re wrong…”

You news people must really make some coin to be able to go out and see a movie. I wish I could afford to go see one. Oh, and there is no reason to have your cell phone on in the theater, you probably would have drawn my wrath as well. By the way, nice contest for the Super Bowl tickets. Nothing like giving someone 3 days to plan a trip to the big game.

Hi and thanks for the response. Yea, a movie is my monthly self indulgance. The cell phone was a case of forgetting to turn it off. And as for the contest, you're right it's short notice. But, I guess it's better than no chance to win tickets at all.
J

I have to agree with you. I personally think it is rude to tell people to hush up before the movie even begins. Its a public place...you have just
as a right to talk as they do to watch the previews. And its not like you
were ruining the movie for them. I also hate it when you are driving and out of nowhere people beep their horns at you. Its like, hey..beeping is not going to make me move faster, either pass me or deal with it! I drive how i feel safe.

Thanks for joining the dicussion. I've always thought there's rude beeping and reminder beeping. Rude beeping is like you described. But I also think the occasional "reminder beep" is ok. Like when someone is at a red light that turns green but is deep in thought or doing something and doesn't notice it. A quick beep to them just lets them know the light has turned. I've given and gotten a few of those.
J

Hi Jeff I have a question. Why is it that the government can give
themself's thousands of dollors raise and say the econamy is doing good.
When there is a lot of busniess closing, more people out of work, and all of us low income people may get a dime or do raise. when the price of things keep going up more and faster then people get raise.s and now look at the millons of dollors there spending of of our money.
If they where to lower the price's on things like selling all those homes
for not more then $70.000 or less there might be more people buying them instead of $100.000 and up.
thanks for your time jeff. d

Hi d.
May be Clinton, Obama, McCain or Romney will be able to fix things.
J

Movie goers pay good money to see the movie not to listen to people talk amongst themselves or on cell phones. Out society has become very rude in recent years with all of the ne technology. I don't want to listen to your phone conversations anywhere in public whether it be at the movie theater, resturant, church, standing on the street, etc!!! Everyone enjoys their movies differently, some like the quiet before the movie starts so they can see the coming attractions. Be respectful of all people when out in the public arena.

Hi and thanks for blogging on.
Just for point of clarification, I had forgotten to turn it off and told the caller I'd call her back. I didn't have a conversation on the cell phone before the movie.
J

I think it is more rude to tell somebody to be quiet b/4 the movie starts... But it is even more rude to make negative comments about the snow in a newscast viewed by hundreds of people who understand that snow
is very good for uor economy.

Hi and thanks for joining in. You're right, snow is very good for our economy. But is that still the case when it's a major blizzard that produces up to 20" and 3' drifts? Closes countless schools? Keeps thousands of people home from work, causing a huge loss of productivity and income? Costs taxpayer money for long hours of clearing roads with salt and sand supplies that are already stretched this year? Shuts down the state's biggest airport for hours? And is suspected to be the cause of a couple of fatal accidents? Is that still very good for our economy?
J

Regarding the phrase about how a major blizzard 'is suspected to be the cause of a couple of fatal accidents?' Accidents are caused by human or mechanical faiure. NEVER should the weather take the blame for accidents caused by careless drivers. If you're desperate enough to go out in such conditions be prepared to take extra time and drive attentively, allowing for the conditions. (How many times must we hear that?) Even if you are the most cautious driver, there's always other idiots on the road to avoid.

Thanks for joining the discussion. Perhaps I should have phrased it "suspected to have played a part in" two fatal accidents. But sorry, I disagree with the use of the word "NEVER" when it comes to weather causing accidents. Sometimes, even if a driver is as careful as possible and the car is working perfectly, a patch of black ice or other unforseen, spur-of-the-moment weather-related incident will cause a crash.
J

VARIOUS (1/17/08)

Thought you'd like this one. At church a few weeks back, a couple renewed their wedding vows to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. The preacher asked them where they were married. The groom replied "Saint So-and-sos. And a short time after our wedding the church burned down and the priest died." Without missing a beat my preacher said "Would you mind if we did this outside?"

I had the luck of being at the Packer game last Sunday. What a game and what a day! After spotting the Seahawks 14-points, the Packers looked like an absolutely unstoppable team. And when that snow fell down, it was like being inside a snow globe, you couldn't see the people who were sitting in the stands on the other side of the stadium. But it wasn't cold! In fact, I kept my gloves off for most of the game. When my clothes became sogged was a different story, however. A hot shower never felt so good.

As for the game this weekend. On paper they should win, but the Giants are really on a roll right now. I keep telling myself the Packers have made it a lot farther than anyone expected this year, so even if the unthinkable happens in the NFC Championship, it's OK. Who am I trying to kid? If the Packers lose, I'm going to be really crabby Monday.

Nice to see the original "Law & Order" back on TV. I like the new additions to the show. And it sort of feels more like the show did years ago. Really "gritty."

Isn't it amazing how much less fussy we get with shoveling snow as the winter drags on? At the start of the year, my walks and driveway look perfect, not a speck of snow or ice left on them by the time I'm done. From now until the end of the season, it will be "that's good enough." when I do my shoveling.

OK, that's about it this week.

I'll talk to you next week when when I'll hopefully be a really good "Packars-are-Super-Bowl-Bound" sort of mood.

J

Hi Jeff - is it just me or are other people bothered by all the stuff constantly pumped on to the TV screen. Now we have which channel we are watching, what's coming up next & what's coming up in three weeks time!and that's the static stuff. Then we have other 'info' coming along the bottom at the other side. Often this comes at an emotional/poignant type moment. Often inserted with the first couple of minutes after return from a commercial break. Like everything else it is probably about money,. I find it very annoying. Kris in Kronenwetter

Hi Kris. I don't think you're alone. More and more networks seem to be putting little advertisements about upcoming shows by their "bugs" (those little logos in the lower corners of the screen). And I think most peole find it really annoying. But sorry, with the rising cost of programming and the rising competition from the growing number of channels, I don't see this stopping any time soon.
J

Sure is nice and quiet on all the PACKER blogs this morning!! (TSK)

I can't figure out the tone of your message. Are you taking a cheap shot? And if so, any Packer fans want to help me respond?
J

This is about Bush's economic package. If I understood it right, the low income people who live on pensions, etc., and don't have to file an income tax wouldn't be getting any of this money. Do you know or can you find out if this is correct? If it is, it's a rip-off to the low income people who could use the extra money.

The last I heard, there was a debate in Washington D.C. over that very topic. With some wanting everyone to get the checks and others wanting the money to go only to those who paid taxes. Just for the sake of discussion and not that this is my opinion. But what would you say to those who argue that the people who PAY the taxes are the ones who should get the tax break? Just curious.
J

Jeff, Your ending comments on your Jan. 14th newscast poking fun at the Viking fans because of the Packer success put you in the same class as Viking fans ! Winning isn't just enough for Packer fans. Then you wonder why Viking fans dis-like you so. With your news team snickering, you now have a few Lion fans dis-liking the cocky Packer fans. Act like you have been their before !

Thanks for your comments.
Unlike the Lions and their fans, at least we HAVE been there before! OK, that's the smarty-pants answer from a fan of a rival team than yours. Now, here's the professional answer. Years ago, I had a chance to meet a p.r. person from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I asked her if Packer fans are more annoying than fans of other teams (as a Viking fan friend of mine always says). She told me that was nonsense and whichever team is winning/dominant at the time is always the most hated team in the league by the other fans. So sorry, your claim that "Winning isn't just enough for Packer fans" according to an expert in the industry is simply not true. Listen, I'm not saying Packer fans are any better than any other team's backers. But, I can't agree that we're any worse, either.
J

Jeff, Thanks for your prompt reply to an old suffering Lion fan ! I am also a Wolverine,Red Wing,Piston, and Tiger fan who are all going through pretty prosperous times right now, so "I have been there". To some degree, your fan conclusion was correct. Some fans go into hiding when their team is losing, and then take it too far with success. A little moderation would be nice. We are not all over joyed with Packer success and fan arrogance. A Brett Favre broken arm on Sunday would be nice ! (HE HE ) I really enjoy your newscast and a little controversy to go along with it. Go Giants ! Take Care. P.S. The lions did win the NFL Championship in 1957 !!!

My Dad and I got a chance to go to the last game of the Packer season last year. It was against the Lions. And we were next to these
4-Michigan guys who wore t-shirts that said "Fire Millen." (Matt MIllen, the Lions President and CEO has not had a lot of success) And they yelled it after every Lions play, good or bad. I have to admit it was really funny. I think you need to hang in there, because finally things seem to be headed in the right direction in Lion-land. You were kidding about the Favre broken arm, right? But, even if (heaven forbid) he does suffer one, he would still be a better quarterback than John Kitna.
J

Your gushing about the Green Bay Packers makes me ill. Please stop talking about them as if they are the most important thing in the world. They're not. All you are doing is adding to the stereotype that everyone in Wisconsin is a Packer fan. We aren't.

Hi and thanks for the kind words. I hope you can find something fun to do while the rest of us are watching the game on Sunday.
J

Duct taping your kid to a chair forcing him to wear a Packer jersey! So much for Packer fans. Now it's time for non-Packer fans to laugh and snicker.

If you find an alleged case of child abuse something to "laugh and snicker" at, you have a lot bigger problem then cheering for or against a pro football team.
J

Hey, like it or not the attention of just about everybody in Wisconsin is on the Pack this time of year. It's not a stereotype that everyone in Wisconsin's a Packer fan... It's overwhelmingly true!
God. Family. Green Bay Packers.

Thanks for a reference to perhaps my favorite Lombardi quote.
J

To all of the people that are not in favor of the Packers... So what! All of this crying about Packer fans is so pathetic. There is this aura around Green Bay Packers and especially Brett Farve. Players form other NFL teams look forward to the chance to play against Farve and his Packers. They themselves respect Farve. So, obviously they are in part "Packer" fans as well. Probably even some of your Lions team members. There are annoying fans throughout professional and college ball. Every team has them, so just get over it already. You are entitled to your own opinion, but don't rain on our parade. I love the comment: God, Family, and the Green Bay Packers. Keep up the good work Jeff!!

Thanks for the kind words and "having my back."
J

I HATE THE PRIMARY SYSTEM (1/8/08)

Barack Obama sort of gives me a Kennedy-esque feeling. Young, fresh ideas bringing change to the White House.

John McCain is an authentic war hero. Always standing by what he believes even if it's not popular among the general public. Something sorely lacking in politicians these days.

Mitt Romney seems to have succeeded at everything he's ever done.

And Hillary Clinton was First Lady, which has to equal an advisor to the President, at a time when the nation was peaceful and profitable.

But who am I going to vote for? I haven't really studied any of them in depth yet and I don't know. The bigger question may be will they all still be in the race by the time we get to the Wisconsin primary? I doubt it.

The general election is more important and the two nominees will come here plenty of times before then. But I really don't like it that the race may be narrowed down to two candidates before anyone in our state gets to even cast a vote. It sort of makes me feel left out. And it gives those few states with early caucuses and primaries way too much power.

Some have suggested doing regional contests for primaries and randomly choosing which region goes first. Seems like a good idea to me. Think Iowa and New Hampshire will like it? No Way. I don't really know the answer, but I do know it's not working the way it is now.

That's what I HATE THE PRIMARY SYSTEM.

J

Dear Jeff
Your grandfather had the right idea about choosing who to vote for, ie: choose a person not a party. And I agree with you that the primary system in theis country is seriously broke'. My only problem with all this is WHY DON'T WE DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT?!

Panama Hattie

Thanks for the comments, Panama Hattie!
J

Hi Jeff,
I hate the primaries too, they were too early this year. I have no idea to vote for. Hi to Bailie. Have a great day and keep on doing a great job with reporting the news. When you laugh I have a smile on my face because everyone needs to laugh. Most watched viewer of news channel 7.
kate s. plover, wis

Thanks, Kate.
J

Jeff
This has nothing to do with politics but I am curious about when Wisconsin is going to become "Smoke Free"? I heard just the other day that after Illinois went smoke free, and Minnesota already has, that Wisconsin is now refered to as the "Ash Tray" state. Whow - what a black eye.
Kevin

Hi Kevin. I honestly think it will happen, here. It's just a question of when.
J

I find your comments on the political scene interesting Jeff and agree with you a lot. Something that bothers me is that quite a few of the candidates are seriously wealthy or have married into great wealth and I find myself wondering if they really are in touch with the lives of average people and their concerns and worries.They are not living the life that the common man is. Thank you. Kris in Kronenwetter.

Hi Kris. Yea, it seems like only the wealthiest of the wealthy can afford to run for president anymore.
J

Whom are you kidding? The media always votes democratic, so will it be Barack or Hilary?

Sorry, your assumption is wrong. Grandpa Thelen gave the whole family our independant political streak when he said "you vote for the person, not the party." In this race, I'm undecided.
J

Jeff,
I totally agree with the way you feel. The primary system just isn't working! I read an article in the newspaper that said:
"The likelihood is (Wisconsin is) not going to be as significant as we would like," Giordano said. "If there's ever a chance for Wisconsin to matter, this is the race that might allow that to happen."
The problem I have with this is... EVERY VOTE SHOULD MATTER! Why are we forced to choose from candidates we really had no say in getting into the race in the first place?

Thanks for blogging on.
J

I dislike politics altogether. If they would use ordinary language I might actually understand what they're talking about. Seems like every couple years I have to learn a foreign language. Instead of caucus, how about political playoffs? I'm also tired of the commercial wars. When a 'don't vote for the other guy' commercial comes on, the power goes off (except during the local news, of course.) At least I'm saving some money on the light bill. Too bad I'll have to pay more for trumped-up taxes no matter who wins.

Thanks for joining in the discussion. Of all the politicians I've had a chance to interview over the years, the one's I grew to dislike the most would be the "double-speakers." Any question I asked was not really answered but given "double-speak" onto a different subject. Former US Senator Bob Kasten (R) was the the worst offender at this. And former State Senator Joe Leean (R) was the best at NOT giving policitical BS and just answering the quesitons. As for the current politicians I have to interview. I'll wait until they're out of office to tell you what I think.
J

I'M BACK (1/4/08)

Hi everybody. I'm back from really slacking off from the blog over the holidays. This week, it's just a few random thoughts.

How many people are sick at your home, office or school? Seems like everyone in this newsroom is fighting some sort of bug right now. My symptoms are a sore throat, tiredness and aches and pains. I have no congestion, but my nose only runs at night. Wierd, isn't it? Alison Struve blows her nose so much she sounds like a foghorn. Stephanie Luisier and chief photographer Randy Bise both have that "sick sound" when they talk.

Was it just me or did the Badgers seem a little unfocused and unprepared for their bowl game? Perhaps it's the long layoff between their last regular season game and the contest on January 1. It was a sort of a fun game to watch, even if it was rather sloppily played. And we love it when a coach gambles and the play works, but when it doesn't we go, "what the heck did you do that for?" And with Coach Bielema going for the touchdown on 4th down instead of the fieldgoal that would have pulled his team within 1 point in the fourth quarter, he's facing some of that criticism now. Nice to see Wausau native Andy Crooks go out on a good note with a touchdown.

How was your Christmas? Mine was very nice. All the stuff I had planned happened on days we didn't get that nasty weather. The two highlights were the gift from my Godson. A Christmas tree ornament that said "I Love my Godfather." That one might have even made me a little misty. And the fact that on my Mom's side everyone in the family could make it to the Holiday get-together. That's the first time that's happened in years.

Finally, aren't gift cards great! I spent all of mine the Saturday after Christmas. And better yet I found one hiding in my wallet from LAST year that was worth almost $50. That was like getting a bonus gift I didn't know I had.

That's about it for this week.

Talk to you soon,

J

All 3 of my children were sick over winter break. My 5 year old son started with a 103 fever, runny nose and a croup like cough Christmas Eve. By the 27th he had pneumonia. The next day my 6 year old daughter had the cough and fever. Thankfully my 7 1/2 year old daughter only got the cough/cold part, because she has a underlying neurological disorder that would have made us have to go to St. Joseph's hospital had she gotten the high fever.

Sounds like you've had more than your share of sickness in your house. Hopefully, they're all feeling better, now.
J

Do you think the lack of overall playoff experience for the Packers players will hurt them against the Seahawks? It seems teams usually need 2 or 3 years of playoffs to get to the Super Bowl? jjg

I think if the Packers are honest, they're ahead of schedule in their rebuilding process. I mean, did anyone really think they'd be in the playoffs this year? I don't think so. So, I agree with you on the two or three years observation. I've heard a lot of people say the Packers are so young this year, they don't know any better than to expect to be a winner. As for the game against the Seahawks, after watching their defense last weekend, I think it's going to be a tough one. But I think the Pack will come out on top, but not by much.

Was Santa good to you or did you get a lump of coal?

He was great to me! He's actually going to pay for part of a trip to Boston this summer to see the Brewers play the Red Sox at Fenway Park. Gee, I must have been a good boy. And I got a new shop vac. and some other much needed stuff from my parents. Was Santa good to you?
J

Jeff,
I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and Have a Grand and Bountiful New Year!
I have to tell you that I made my New Year's resolution many years ago, and that was to not make any more resolutions! So far, I have been able to stick to that one! LOL
Keep on a smiling- you are a blast to watch and a joy to have on our local news- we are blessed by your presence.
God Bless,
Linda from Wausau

Thanks Linda!
J

MERRY CHRISTMAS (12/17/07)

Just a couple of quick notes for you this week.

First, you can find a thank you for all the Share Your Holidays donations by clicking here.

Next, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

We'll get back to some serious blogging again after the holidays.

J

Happy New Year Jeff!!!!! Keep up the great work, you make watching the news worth it.....God Bless.........medford WI viewer

Thanks Medford viewer! Hope you have a great '08, too.
J

Jeff! Watch Ch 7 news all the time. One problem. This is Wisconsin. It is supposted to be cold. And it is supposted to snow. Lots of people enjoy the weather. Skiing, snow-mobiling,etc. Stop moaning and groaning everytime a few flakes of snow hits the ground, or it gets down to 0 F. You don't like it---- Florida still has room. Otherwise, Ch 7 rocks! Gary A. Olson

Hi Gary. Thanks for blogging on. My first thought is if everyone who ever complained about the weather had to move away from where they lived, moving companies would become very rich! Seriously, what we try to do is walk the line. (as Johnny Cash would say) We try to relate to people who are not snow lovers (like myself) but still mention that a lot of people can't wait for the snow for winter sports. Sounds like you may have caught us on a day we were a little to far on the "winter-hater" side.
J

Hi Jeff,
I hope you had a great holiday! I did. I was watching tv the other day and saw the story on popcorn balls, I made them before and fun to do with family and friends. The best is candy canes breaking into little pieces and putting them in with the popcorn balls. Have a great day and keep on doing a great job.
Hi to bailie.
most watched tv viewer,
kate s. plover,wis

Hi Kate. That sounds like a great idea! But, I don't think the family will let me change our 100 year old recipe, so that will have to be you secret ingrediant.
J

Hi Jeff, just a quick note on your news tonight. At 5, you mentioned that the victim of the tiger attack in San Francisco had not been id'd yet. On Fox News at 3:30 or 4 he was id'd as Carlos Sousa Jr. Keep up the good work and Happy New Year

Thanks for the input. Perhaps we just missed it, or chose not to run his name because it's not a local story.
J

hey there big packer backer lol why the heck did the pack lose to the weather against the bears i always thought green bay braged bout kickin butt in the cold well the ice bowl cowboys will be waitin for ya all jan 20 lol unless warm weather # 4 too!!!!!!!

Yea, they didn't exactly look like a cold weather team did they? If you're a Bears fan, you did earn some bragging rights in that game. And good luck in the play-offs. Oh, sorry.
J

have yourself a merry christmas and a happy new yr

Thanks! Same to you!
J

How long is an adult badger

According to the Illinios DNR's website it's 18" to 22" and another 4" to 6" for the tail. And congratulations on the most random question I've ever gotten on the blog.
J

Hello Mr. Thelen! I was wondering if you are making any New Year resolutions? I normally don't because I shouldn't have just one day I would like to change or accomplish something. And I always say I will give up soda. And well, it never happens. So I was wondering if your having one? Also another question I have is do you think its ok to say Merry Christmas or should it be Happy Holidays?
well hope your Holliday is great!

Amanda Lang

Hi Amanda. I did away with soda on November 1st and candy on December 1st and for the most part have stayed with it. (I have drank soda a couple of times when I was in a bar and had to drive) I'm debating in my mind whether to give up all deserts and sweets with the first of the year. But, I've always LOVED ice cream (my Dad does and my Grandma did, so I think it's hereditery) so I'm not sure if I'm going to do that yet. Along with dumping the soda and candy, I got my lazy butt back down in my basement to lift weights three times a week (except on days when I have to shovel snow). Again, I've stayed with it since 11/1. But the biggest change I've tried to make to not step on the scale every morning an have my mood determined by if I lost any wieght. I don't care, as long as I'm living healthier. Now, that all being said, I WILL BE EATING CANDY ON CHRISTMAS!

As for saying Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays there seems to be a belief that we're forbidden from saying Marry Christmas on the air. I've never been told that at any station where I've worked. A lot of people do prefer to say Happy Holidays to include non-Christians in the good wishes. I say them both.

J

I WANT TO WISH YOU A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A BLESSED NEW YEAR. THANK YOU FOR ALL THE LAUGHS DURING 2007 AND HOPE YOU WILL GIVE US LOTS MORE IN 2008. WATCHING CHANNEL NEWS IS INFORMING AND ALSO CAN LIFT ONES SPIRITS AND MAKE ONE LAUGH. EVERYBODY SEEMS TO GET ALONG SO WELL AND JUST A JOY TO WATCH. JB

It's all a big act and we really dislike each other. Just kidding. Yea, the group is a pretty close knit one. You have a great Christmas and New Year as well.

Jeff,

Happy Holidays to you. I hope you know that you do a great job with the news. I have to ask about your popcorn ball making this year, you haven't mentioned it. Also, I saw the tennis shoes on Sharing your Holidays thank you, are your feet acting up again? Lori in Antigo

Hi Lori. Look for a special feature story on the annual Thelen popcorn ball party on Christmas Day and on the web channel after that. As for the sneakers during the Share Your Holidays check presentation, I'm amazed at all the people who noticed them! I would have worn dress shoes if I knew my feet were going to be in the shot. I wear the sneakers most of the time because they're more comfortable with the inserts I have to wear. But the inserts have really done the trick and the pain in my foot is gone. God Bless Dr. Shannon Lozon at Podiatry Associates!
J

WHAT THE **** IS UP WITH THE SWEARING? (12/10/07)

Hi everybody.

Sorry, I missed putting an update on last week. I had a couple special projects to work on so the blog sort of fell by the wayside.

This week, I'd like to thank the four ladies sitting behind me at the Packer game Sunday for the topic idea.

They were all in their 40's or may be 50's. And they said stuff that would absolutely make sailors blush.

Now, I'll be the first to admit that I'm not an angel. I will say stuff that my Grandma's would not be proud of when I stub my toe, the Badgers or Packers make terrible plays or the pressures on at work. But I always feel guilty about it, apologize to my co-workers and the Almighty right afterward.

But these ladies didn't just drop the occasional f-bomb after a bad play (there really were no bad Packer plays against the Raiders) It was in every sentence in general conversation. I was with 4-male cousins and we all thought it was sort of funny. But also got me to thinking that if I was with a date or had taken my Godson to the game, I would have turned around and asked them to watch their mouths. Again, did I say this was four women? Call me sexist, but that sort of behavior is bad enough with guys... And is even worse when it's women.

Doesn't it seem like more and more people are swearing more and more all the time? Why? It's not cool at all.

I'm not going to sit here and tell you not to swear. You're life is your life. But after hearing these women and how stupid swearing really makes you sound. I'm sure going to make an effort to avoid it myself.

J

do you work for Berlin Nursing Home

No, must be someone who looks like me.
J

Jeff, My mom is in her early 60's and swears more than any drunk salior. It drives our whole family CRAZY. She doesn't even care who is around or where she is at. When my girls were little (they are 13 and 15 now) I wouldn't let my mom babysit for them because I didn't want their first words to be something she had taught them. She cooled her mouth off for a couple of years but she is right back at it. Now when something happens my girls will say "Can you imagin the words that would come out of grandma's mouth if she were here!" By the way, I have been a fan of yours for a very long time. You even came with your dog to one of my yard sales. Any time I have had the chance to talk to you, you are interesting, funny and just a super nice guy. Keep up the good work!

Thanks for the story and the kind words.
J

I think you have a great #!$#!!# blog!

Thanks for the laugh!
J

i think it's great that someone like you (who is in the media) agrees with what is right. I think alot of people use that sort of language just to fit in....well i think it sounds horrible. I do say something to people or give them a look when my children are around. Great to hear it from you!!!!

Thanks for the nice words.
J

Hi Jeff. I responded to your blog a while back regarding the Green Bay school shooting. Recently we've been bombarded with the news of the tragic mall & church killings. As I stated then, the media gives to much attention to these killings. One mall, one church, or maybe another school. Not related you say. Think of where their ideas may have came from. As the mall shooter put it, this will make me "famous". I urge you in the media to think hard about this. Thank you, John E. Adams county.

Thanks for the comments John E. Does "the media" reporting on a terrible crime cause other people to go out and commit that crime? You could probably find people who would argue it does and those who would argue it doesn't. I honestly don't know. I do know we have a lot more media now than we used to, so what you used to see on the evening newscasts and read in the paper is now on 24 hours a day on cable networks, on your computer and even on your cell phone. So even if the coverage of something is not over the top, it might seem that way because it's just on so many places.
J

Hi Jeff, and thanks for responding to my comments on the media coverage on these tragic killings in schools, the mall etc. You asked if the media reporting on these crimes "causes" someone to repeat a similar one. Well the fact is, it certainly "contributes" to it. If you look at what a couple of the "copycat" type would be shooters remarked when caught, they "noted the coverage" to say, the Columbine shootings. Some were in opposite ends of the country, so without all the exposure, they may not have even been aware of, or got the idea. Thats my point. Thanks again. I guess I feel anything that may reduce, or elimanate chances of these tragedies from happening, is worth it. John E. Adams.

Hi again, John. The balance goes between people wanting and having the right to know when something happens and not giving other "crackpots" the idea to do it themselves.
J

Hi Jeff. Sorry for the downer comments (regarding the past shootings). Instead, I would like to wish you and yours, the staff at T.V.7, and all your readers a happy and safe holiday. John E. Adams.

John, you don't ever have to apologize for a good honest discussion on this blog. You have a great holiday, too!
J

COMPUTER VOICES & THE WAYS TO GET AROUND THEM (11/26/07)

Is there anything more annoying in the world than talking to a computer on the phone? Not the voice that tells you to leave a message or gives you a directory of people's extensions. I'm talking about a computer voice that actually has a conversation with you.

A cable company that I deal with (I won't say which one) is the worst offender. When there's a problem you are almost guaranteed to deal with the "fake lady" for several minutes. If you come to the end of that rope, you usually get turned over to someone with an accent so thick you can barely understand him or her. I used to have this company's phone service, but dumped it because it went out every time it rained. Between the 4 or 5 times I called to try to get some help, I must have spent the better part of 17 years talking to a computer voice (OK, that's exaggerating a little, but it seemed that long). Finally, I just gave up and went with just a cell phone.

Now, it's infiltrated my health insurance company. (again, I won't say which one) I've had a problem with a claim and have called a number of times on it. Every single time, I end up with a computer voice. At the end, there isn't even a choice of a number to push to talk to a human. That's ridiculous!

Now, here's where the trick comes in that I heard about and probably shouldn't share with you. But, I'm going to anyway. If you're having a problem with your cable, don't push the number the fake lady wants you to push for help with technical problems. Push the one telling them you want to cancel your service. Every time I've done this, I get a real human right away. And by golly, they're always willing to help pretty quickly. (read sarcastically) I wonder why?

In the last call to the insurance company, instead of the button the computer voice wanted me to press to check on claims, I hit the one for pre-approval. Again, it went right to a real human who helped me out with my issue.

I've even heard there's a website out there (sorry, don't know what it is) that offers up phone numbers of major national companies that will get you right to real humans, bypassing the computer voice all together.

If you know what it is, let us know. Try the sneaky ways around the computer voices some time and let us know how that works, too. Or, if you want to vent about "fake ladies" answering phones feel free to join in the discussion. You know what to do.

J

In regard to the computer voice lady, if you push the button she says, and then she asks you a question and you say I want to talk to someone, they will put you right through to a person. Also if you give the computer continuous answers, such as I don't know, I don't know, it doesn't compute so the system puts you through to a person.

Thanks for the advice.
J

I see what you're asking, and also see the www.gethuman.com address. The one I saved in my Firefox Bookmarks was www.dialhuman.com which may have a similar list of phone numbers. I saw that the first number on the list, for AAA, is the same, but there may be differences, so I'll pass this one along to you. Have a Great Christmas/New Years holiday season. Bernard

Thanks Bernard!
J

Hello! I heard that the snowmobile trails are opening on Wednsday the 12th at 8:00 am. Are you hitting the trails? Do you have a snowmobile? I drive my uncles Skidoo all year. They are my favorite. Well have a good Christmas and be careful while driving!

Amanda Lang

Thanks Amanda! The trails in Vilas County opened Wednesday. I'm not much of a cold weather sports person. In fact, when I retire, I think I'm going to be a "snowbird" who heads south for the winter. You have a great Christmas, to!
J
To jump to a live voice:

Rick Winters

Thanks Rick!
J

Hi Jeff,
Last year I think that your station had advertised a phone number to call if you had elderly or disabled family or neighbors who were unable to shovel their snow. With the "big one" supposedly coming this weekend, I was wondering if there were any organizations on board to help out the community this year? Thx, Lynn

Try this one.
J

To the gal asking about help for those unable to shovel snow etc. - call 211 ( United Way's First Call) - they'll have an answer for you.

Thanks for the help!
J

Hi Jeff,
I think you should do your town stories again but have that be a time to premote the hunger drive and if the people come to donate. All the news team should be at the town to have the viewers get there favorite tv people sign a picture of them self to the viewer. Do parades in different towns in the northwoods. The animals have fun in a parade. Bailie is lucky to have a owner like you who loves her very much. Have a great day and keep on doing a awsome job with the news. This station is still the station I trust the most with news, weather and sports. I would do a tv commerical to have more viewers watch this station. Keep on smiling.
kate s. plover,wis

Thanks for the nice words, Kate! We have quite a few big events set up for the Share Your Holidays food drive.
J

Jeff, what is even worse is when you receive a call at a busines where you work and it is a computer or a recording of someones voice trying to sell you something and says press 1 now or 3 now and you can't press a number to have the calls stopped. It is very annoying, especially at a business.
V

Agreed!
J

Jeff,

Is Channel 7 going to have a food drive again this season? The Hunkster from Hanke's Supervalu in Wittenberg would like to know...otherwise I will be heading over to Weston Lanes this year.

Hi Hunkster. You probably blogged on before we started our commercials or extensive coverage. It's in full swing!
J

Up until about 10 years ago my parents had pulse dialing, not touch tone. It was frustrating for them to get that computer voice with all the options and push a button for whatever. That's a little hard to do on a rotary phone. Their only way to get through was to "stay on the line for a customer service representative." When us kids with touch tone service got fed up with those computerized menus we'd just stay on the line without touching a button - got a human every time. Never offering human assistance is just flat-out bad business. Here's an experience I had just yesterday. I called my credit card company for an odd issue that would never be on the typical credit card menu. The "voice" gave options 1-4 and press star to hear them again. I waited in silence. Then the "voice" gave options 5 and 6 and press star to repeat them. I waited. Then options 7-9 came up and finally press 0 for anything not listed. Total time to get to a human was about 10 minutes. Why they didn't list all 9 options right off is beyond me. I guess I should have pushed the button for cancelling the credit card. I think that was #2.

Thanks for sharing your frustration.
J

Hi Jeff! I have to agree with you- I do not like any of the automated "people", or the bunny tracks you have to jump, to get to a human on the phone. My mom sent me a link for some companies, to get a REAL HUMAN on the other end.
I hope this comes through right, and is something you are looking for.
Keep on smiling- you are a joy to watch on the News.
God Bless,
Linda from Wausau

Thanks for the info, Linda.
J

PUTTING THE GROUCHY TOPIC ON HOLD (11/19/07)

I had a grouchy blog all written this week about dealing with computer voices on the phone. But I'll put that off until next week in the spirit of the Holiday and talk about a couple of fun things instead.

Since the Badgers weren't on TV Saturday (Thanks Big 10 Network and Charter Communications!) I had to go to a local establishment to watch the game. I won't say which one, but it starts with a "Lopp" and ends with a "nows."

I tried calling a half dozens friends to see if they could join me, but most of them were in blaze orange trying to haul in the 30-pointer and couldn't make it.

So, I did something I HATE doing. I went into a tavern all by myself. Now, I'm not a shy guy, but I still feel wierd going into a pub and having no one built in to have a conversation with.

May be it was the spirit of a bar full of people cheering on a team in it's most important rivalry game of the year... May be it was the fact it was a good game with an outcome Badger fans liked... May be was because it was a nice place... Or may be it was the couple of whiskey-sweets I had... But it was a good time! My only regret is, I waited until the final game of the year to give it a try. Next year, I'll be headed there whenever the Badgers not on a network I have.

Before the stop to watch the game, I did some Christmas shopping and, based on the recommendation of the lady who cuts my hair, I picked up a new holiday CD. "Noel" from Josh Groban.

I'm not sure if the young man is for real. There's a part of me that thinks that voice must be computer generated. It's so good! Now, wrap that incredible voice around traditional Christmas songs and you have one whale of a CD.

I first had a chance to listen to it walking the dog the next morning and caught myself tearing up pretty good during a couple of the cuts. Groban's version of "Ave Maria" is nothing short of marvelous! And he takes "I'll be Home for Christmas" and mixes in messages from soldiers who will be on active duty and won't be home. If you do not at least get a little misty during one of these songs, you don't have a heart.

OK, I'm sounding a little too much like a critic now. But take my advice, if you're looking for a new Christmas CD, "Noel" from Josh Groban is definetaly the one to get!

That's about it this week. Have a great Thanksgiving!

J

Hi, Jeff! I have to agree with you on the new cd from Josh Groban. It is a very excellent cd. I,too,love his voice and I must say, that one of my favorite songs is Ave Maria. I also enjoy the song being played at my church. Do you have the rest of his cd's? What do you have planned for the Holidays? Hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a joyous 2008!
A loyal Channel 7 Viewer,
Jodi from Stevens Point

I don't have any other Groben cds. But if I have any money left after Christmas, I'll have to get out and buy at least one. As for the holidays I'll be headed out of town to spend time with family. Have a Merry Christmas.
J

Am I glad I checked your blog this morning. My daughter has been wanting this CD and she has a birthday coming up before Christmas so thought I would get it. After you talking about it I guess I can say this would be a great gift for her and maybe will have to get one myself. Gee you didn't make it to easy for me to guess what pub you went to!! I know what you mean going by oneself just isn't the same as having another one to talk the game over with. But I'm sure you handled it just fine!! A few drinks usually do help at least for me it does. Thanks for the comments on the CD.
JB

No problem! And thanks for blogging on.
J

Hi Jeff,
I listen to Josh Groban and a good singer, but not a computer made up cd.
It is okay to get a little tirey eyed during the holidays.I get a little tirey eyed myself because christmas is my favorite holiday. I think your dog is cute. Do you get bailie any christmas gifts? To me if the person has animals they should get christmas gifts. Well keep on doing a great job with the news.
Have a great day,
kate s. plover,wis

Hi Kate, Baillie gets something every year. I gave up on a new toy a few years ago because she has so many of them and always seems to play with the same one. So, now she just gets treats.
J

was it at that one pub? you have good humor like you were from manchester, england. You remind me a lot of Peter Noone in his blogs. cya Jayna

Thanks. I'll have to check out Peter Noone's blog.
J

Jeff,
Josh Groban is for real. His voice is trully amazing. I encourage you to put his other CDs on your Christmas list. If you teared up at his Christmas one, you'll be crying buckets full at the other ones.
Lori in Antigo

Hi Lori. I'll have to check them out.
J

hey jeff.........just wanted to write and see if you still have that great dog....i remember when ya came to the vet i was working at as a new dog owner..shes an awesome dog and i am sure she has brought you much happines ( along with some grey hairs) anyway keep up the great work i watch ya every night..:)
bobbie

You mean this dog? Yes, I still have Baillie. She's still in good shape, but is showing a few signs of aging. She doesn't hear as well anymore. And she only needs 2-or-3 throws of the toy in the back yard to get tired. It used to be 8-or-9. Her personality has taken a bit of a strange twist, recently as well. When I take her along to Fond du Lac to visit the folks, she doesn't want to get in the car to come home with me. Then, when I finally convince her to get in, she trembles for a good half hour on the trip home. For a dog who has always loved to ride in the car, that's wierd. Come to think of it though, she hasn't seemed really comfortable since I traded in for a different vehicle back in January. Anyway, those are pretty minor and otherwise she's a great dog!
J

j
yep thats the dog i remember........its no fun when they get old.... we want to be selfish and keep them young,,,,,,,,i have one she is 13 1/2 yr. she has the cancer but at the time is holding her own and is happy........i want to keep her 4 ever but thats not possible.....i dont hink its fair but thats just me......for your girl try some natural anxiety drops before you travel with her...they work at our clinic(i am at a diff one since dr danhaus is gone) they do work...take care bobbie :)

Thanks for the advice. If the nervous car behavior continues, I'll give it a try.
J

NOW, IT'S YOUR TURN (11/13/07)

It's been a while since we've done one of these, so here goes.

It's your turn this week. What do you want to talk about? It doesn't matter if they're questions, criticisms, comments, concerns, etc. Whatever they are, fire away.

The rule about always being respectful still applies.

J

PS
This is the topic when I'm bone dry on coming up with something to write about ;)

Wow, that's the first time I've ever thrown it open for questions and didn't get any.
J

PASS THE SODA, PLEASE (11/5/07)

So, a friend of my folks (a nice lady named Barb) has lost 35 pounds. I don't know how long it took. But I do know she did just one thing to shed the weight. Give up soda (she drank diet and not regular) and processed sugar. So, I'm giving that a try. OK, I'm giving up the soda and cutting down on the processed sugar. I don't think I can bear no sweets in my life. But even with that, I figure to be down about 10, 15 may be 60 pounds by Thanksgiving. (OK, may be that's pushing it) The only down side is along with all the other stuff in pop, the caffiene goes by the wayside when you stop drinking it. And I've never been a coffee drinker, so that extra jolt will just be vanishing from my life. So, I should probably apologize to all my co-workers, family and friends ahead of time for how cranky I'm going to be until I get used to this. That is, if it lasts. We'll see.

THE BEST LAID PLANS OF MONEY SAVING MICE AND MEN

I thought you'd enjoy this story. I decided to get rid of my landline and just use my cell phone. It was a money saving effort. Between my cable TV, internet and phone service I had through the cable company, I paid about $170 a month. The phone cost around $50 a month, so this move should have saved me up to $600 a year. Then, the month after I got rid of my phone, I got the first bill from the cable company. For the cable and the internet alone it came to...... $177 a month. Turns out I was in some sort of promotional deal for the cable TV, internet and phone and the minute I dumped the phone service, I was out of the promotional deal. So, I was paying $7 more a month for one less service. I couldn't even be mad when I got the news, because the irony just struck me as so funny. To be fair, since then the cable company has found me a different deal so it's actually back down to about $130 a month for cable TV and internet, including HBO which I never had before.

AND SPEAKING OF HBO

The first two movies I saw on that movie channel were very good. "Poseiden," (which I'm pretty sure I spelled wrong) is a remake of the 1970's disaster movie "The Poseiden Adventure" where the cruise ship turns over and a group of people go "up" the ship to get "down" to the bottom and escape before it sinks. It was fun with good special effects and decent acting. Although I love Ernest Borgnine and Shelly Winters in the original version. Then I watched the last 2/3 of "Brokeback Mountain." The acting was very good, even in a lot of scenes Jake Gyllenhall and Heath Ledger (and I'm pretty sure I spelled those wrong, too) probabably didn't enjoy shooting. The end made me sad, though because it was essentially about two people who loved each other, but because of the time and place in which they lived, they couldn't be together. "Real Time With Bill Maher" and "Entourage" are also very good. Maher, even if he ticks me off with his views, always offers up good and funny conversation and "Entourage" is just plain funny.

OK, that's about it for this week.

Got anything you'd like to add or talk about, you know what to do.

J

Was just reading about you discontinuing your soda intake. I only drink diet soda and maybe only 2-3 a week. BUT I do notice if I drink diet soda rather than water, I get hungrier faster and of course want to eat more. Trust me I do NOT need to eat more!
J from Marshfield

Hi J. Alison Struve, who has better eating habits than anyone I know, told me she read somewhere that whatever sweetener they're using in diet soda now has that side effect. It's been my experience that since I dumped the soda, some of my cravings have gone away, too.
J

Im a mountian dew drinker and the thought of giving it up gives me a headache. The last time I tried giving it up I had 2 in a day and a migrane. any suggestions to rid of that problem

Coffee, may be?
J

The hardest part of any dietary change is how it affects those close to you. For example, I'm attempting to be a vegetarian. It's pretty easy when I don't have to be around or feed others. Problem is, I visit my parents and siblings about once a week. They are big on meat and potatoes and can't conceive of a meal without meat being the star attraction. I'm not about to force vegetarianism onto them either. So I've compromised. When I'm in their presence I'll eat a small amount of meat - not eating it is an insult. I've also had similar issues with candy. For one candy season (Halloween thru Easter) I managed to avoid chocolate completely. Still there was one exception - when the little nieces and nephews were practicing sharing. Once again, to refuse their kindness would have been an insult. They wouldn't even let me keep it for later - had to eat it in front of them. I do put my foot down on beer. Can't stand the stuff anyway. A lot of people think I'm weird for that and I think they're narrow-minded for thinking that way. Soda is a tough one though. To me it's like candy with caffeine. But if it's out of my sight, it's out of my mind. My stash is buried in the fridge and reserved for company. Actually it's probably getting old but I can't tell since I don't drink it. Tea is a nice substitute for the caffeine but I do like to have some cold, sweet caffeine once in a while when I need a quick boost. A friend of mine showed me a new product that Coca-Cola has out. It's Diet Coke made with Splenda. Doesn't leave that yucky-scratchy-sticky feeling in the back of the throat and it's not as sickeningly sweet. The key to losing weight for me is figuring out what to eat less of (meat), what to eat more of (veggies), and fit it all in with my body's schedule of sleep and exercise. I've learned that sometimes quitting something cold turkey works. Sometimes not. But when it doesn't, try to ease away slowly. Took two years to get me to drink skim milk. Thought it would never happen, but it did. Just took time, patience and persistence. Good luck!

Sounds like you've struck a really nice happy medium. Good work!
J

I agree on the soda thing on how it makes you gain quite a bit of weight. Both diet and regular soda are carbonated, which makes you more bloated and weigh more than if you would just drink juice or water. I drink soda on occasion (like with my mixed drinks) but thats it. I have known people who lost 15-20 lbs. in six months or so as well just by cutting out soda.

It's been a couple weeks now and all in all seems to be going pretty well. I haven't lost much weight yet, but I have notice the MASSIVE cravings I used to get when I got home from work at 11pm are gone. I don't know if that comes from doing away with soda (except for the Diet 7up in my whiskey-sweets during Packer games) or if it's just in my head. Hopefully it will continue.
J

Jeff, there are a few of us die hard sweet and soda people out here and I'm telling you breaking the habit isn't easy but it works. I gave them up Sept. 10 and have dropped 22 lbs! I understand the sweet addiction and have put it in the same realm of a smoker trying to quit. Don't take my sugar away!!! I drink LOTS of bottled water--guess its the trick that makes me feel like its not JUST water. Try subbing fruit for your sweet tooth and when you just can stand it anymore, treat yourself to a few bites. Oh yeah likes thats enough!!!? It does work. And don't sub the artifical stuff that makes you only want that much more. My habit was 6-8 diet Pepsi's and anything sweet and a lot of it, daily. Hang in there! Its worth it! By the way my name is Candy--true!

Thanks, Candy. I always did drink quite a bit of water. But it's gone up even more since I dumped the soda. I've never been a very good veggie eater. At least since I became an adult and no longer had a Mom forcing me to eat my veggies. Today I bought some of that V8 Splash stuff that brags it has a serving of veggies in every serving. Hopefully that will taste good and up my intake of veggies every day.
J

Interesting Jeff your comment re Bill Maher ticking you off with his views. I happen to agree with almost but not quite all of what he says. At least the guy is intelligent and informed unlike some of our politicians currently in high office and some of those yet to come. President Guliani? what a scary thought. Kris in Kronenwetter

Hi Kris. Thanks for blogging on. I guess I should have said "ticks me off, sometimes." I find all of his comments interesting. Sometimes I think he's right on track. And other times, especially in his views on religion, I think he's boarderline rude. But, I always find him interesting and great at sparking conversation and debate.
J

It's speaks to the freedoms of our country that people like Bill Maher are able to express thier views, no matter how far to one side they lean. President Hillary in 2008? eeek!
David Lloyd, Weston

Hi David. I haven't decided who I'm going to vote for yet. But I do know it's been 1988 since we had someone beside a Clinton or Bush in the White House. It just feels like it's time for a change there, you know?
J

Jeff, I don't usually view Storm Team 7 on the computer, but my wife and I are visiting our Daughter in Padstow, Cornwall U.K. for the month and it's very nice to see what the weather is like back home. Also to keep up on local news items while away. It's 3:55 P.M. here and your time is's 9:55 A.M.
By the way the weather here is high winds/gale as a matter of fact and rain, but funny the rain is blowing sideways and the temprature is not bad, about 10C. Keep up the good work, I'll be checking.
Dan Tappa
Elcho

Thanks for the kind words, Dan. It's amazing to me sometimes where people are logging on from. Hope all stays well in the UK!
J

Hey it is me again. I sent you a message before. I agree with what you are saying a 110%. I ment it in a way of drama around the world I find it interesting in more ways than one. My family watches your news station everyday. I watch in the morinings and at ten. THANKS FOR KEEPING US UPDATED ON THE LATEST NEWS!

Amanda Lang

Thanks, Amanda!
J

Hi Jeff,
I don't drink soda anymore. I drink lemon aid or water. I like sweets too. Have a great day and keep up the great work,
kate s. Plover,wis

Thanks, Kate. I just made a week and a day without soda. (except for the Diet 7up in my drinks during the Packer game ;) And it wasn't even too difficult.
J

STILL IN THE MINORITY ON TRICK OR TREATING HOURS (10/29/07)

I first complained about this topic back in January when the Wausau City Council was debating about whether to move Trick or Treating hours from the weekend before or after, back to Halloween itself. Since than, it's been approved and the time is now set for Wednesday, October 31st.

I know I'm in the minority on the topic, but that's a BAD IDEA! For those parents who have little ones who can't leave work to take them Trick or Treating and for those of us who don't have kids but love to hand out the candy, but can't leave work, that night is going to stink.

But it's a bad idea for another more important reason. Here's the story I first brought you back in January.

I was 7-years old and in the prime Trick or Treating time of my life in 1973. My parents never went along. I just went from house to house with a huge group of kids from my neighborhood in the little Village of Campbellsport where I grew up. But that was the last year for that sort of carefree Halloween for me and probably every other kid in Campbellsport, Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin and may many other parts of the country.

You see, Halloween 1973 was the day Lisa French, a 9-year-old from Fond du Lac, knocked on some piece of slime's door looking for candy. He abducted, raped and murdered the little girl, leaving her body in a trash bag on the side of the road. It wasn't her or her parent's fault, it was a time of innocence when none of us knew that kind of evil existed in the world.

Now, we know better. That's one of the reasons why we have Trick or Treat on the weekend in mostly daylight. Yes, it's for convenience to. But the main reason is so it's easier for parents or guardians to go with their kids when they're going door to door when it's at least partially light out. And yes, no matter how many measures we take to keep kids safe, some will fall victim to evil. But every little bit helps, doesn't it? Yes, I know the huge majority of parents go with their kids these days. But we need the daylight, weekend Trick or Treating to protect the .001% of little one's whose parents don't.

It sort of feels like we've all forgotten what happened in the early 70's. And now that the measure's we've taken have worked so well for so many years, we're going to go back to the old ways again. God forbid, another family goes through what the French's did.

J

Hi Jeff,
I think Halloween should be on the weekend. You should have dressed up more for halloween and dressed bailie up in a halloween costume. Great job in reporting the news. Have a great day.
your most watched viewer,
kate s. plover,wis

Thanks, Kate!
J

I totally agree with you Jeff!! Halloween should be on the weekend when it is still light out and parents can take their kids out from the time it starts - in daylight!! I myslef am dredging getting home around 5pm and try to feed my 4 mos old son, hand out candy and try to explain to my 2 yr old daughter why we can go out just yet. . . not cool at all!

Thanks for your opinion.
J

I live in Wausau but work in Stevens Point so by the time I get home it's going to be around 5 pm. I'm going to be tired and hungry and going to have to jump right into handing out candy and will have already missed the first hour of the kids knocking at my door. My dogs will be going nuts from all the people knocking at my door. I used to think that Halloween should be ON Halloween but times have changed and things are NOT as safe as they used to be. I think trick or treating should be when it's somewhat light out and people are home from work in time to enjoy it and take their kids out. I would like it to be on a weekend so I can have time to breath and enjoy the holiday.

Thanks for your input!
J

I would like to see it go back to the Sunday closest to the actual day (Haloween)as this allows parents ample time to escort their children trick or treating.

Also be doing it primarily in daylight hours it would be safer for all concerned

Thanks for being part of the discussion.
J

I agree that Halloween should be on the weekend. The children have school on the next day and sleep will not come easy after a sugar high. I know I will not be able to get my children home, dressed and out for the evenings activities until about 6:00. Also, lessons(dance,piano etc), church etc. will keep children from enjoying Halloween.

Thanks for the opinion.
J

Jeff,
I totally agree with you on a weekend with daylight hours and mom and dad with are the best way for kids to Trick or Treat nowdays. One can't be too careful with all the slime out there. My kids went by themselves also but now that I have grandkids I am so glad that our little village of Rib Lake does there hours on sunday before Halloween. Sunday was a great day and everybody had fun. We have a little parade through the downtown area right through our nursing home here for all the people there to enjoy the kids. There are quite a few of them that even hand out candy and the smiles on their faces are priceless. We have been doing this for years now and sure works for us. Our club call "Rib Lake Pride" has been doing this and as a member I enjoy just as much as the kids do as well as the parents do. We usually get around 200 or so kids coming to our house. When everybody works together sure makes for good clean fun for the kids and their parents.I'm all for daylight hours wherre it can be a family fun time!!!JB

Thanks, JB.
J

Hello, Mr. Thelen!
I love watching you on the news. Most of my friends like making fun of me because they dont see me as the person to watch the news. I realized that the reason why I love the news is because I love drama and gossip. And thats all the news is! Way to go!!!

Sincerely,
Amanda Lang

Thanks for taking the time to respond to my blog. But I must respectfully disagree with one of your points. Gossip is just telling people something you've heard without getting it confirmed. We can't to that without being sued. But you're right, news can be pretty dramatic at times.
J

Jeff, it doesn,t matter to me weather halloween (trick/treating) for the kids is on Sunday or the 31st.

Thanks for blogging on!
J

V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N in the Summer Sun (10/23/07)

Hi everybody.

Thanks for the patience as I got back from vacation and caught up before I could start updating my blog again. I hope this doesn't bore you to tears, but here's some stuff about my recent holiday.

It was, in fact the Holiday Vacations trip that I got to host this year. And this time it was "The Great California Train Adventure." The tour started with a train trip from Chicago to Reno. Then we spent a day in Lake Tahoe. That was followed by a couple days in San Francisco, a trip down the Pacific Coast to Los Angeles and a flight home.

Here are the highlights.

We started with a tour of Chicago from a local Windy City expert. As a Cheese Head, I will still cheer loudly against all Illinois teams, but I really do have a newfound respect for what is a very nice city.

The train trip to Reno was marvelous! Sleeping on a train is not great, in all honesty, but the view out your window makes up for it.

Lake Tahoe is very nice.

I've never really wanted to move to a big city, but if I had to, San Francisco might just be the one. It has a great vibe... Funky neighborhoods... Fisherman's Wharf... Tons of great restaurants... Fascinating architecture... And a group of Sea Lions that have taken over a port pier (Pier 39) and have made it there own!

The Pacific Coast is stunning! Ranking right up there with Alaska (another tour I got to host) for some of God's best work.

And LA is a lot of fun. I would love another couple of days there to tour every single movie studio. (I'm a pop culture geek)

Most of all, the group of people I got to travel with were all very nice. I hope they all had as great a time as I did. And I hope I get to host another tour in the future. (that's a hint for my boss)

J

hey jeff i noticed that you had vaction in Lake Thoue. Wow that is an awsome place. I used to live there when i was a little girl. As a matter a fact i have Christmas pictures taken there with my family, we also have that same picture that you took of the lake. We took one just like it. I loved that area it was so pretty. I would love to go again and see it now. I have so many memories from there it is unbelievable.

Kristie Wherritt

Hi Kristie. It really is a beautiful place! And I even came out $15 ahead in the casino ;)
J

Hi Jeff,
I love the pictures from your trip. I wanted to go on this trip. I have a aunt that lives in san fransisco, ca. Keep on doing a great job with reporting the news. Have a great day and hi to bailie.
most watch viewer of this station,
kate s. plover,wis

Thanks, Kate.
J

Hi Jeff! It's a blast from the past. I haven't been on WSAW's website in ages, but for some reason checked out your blog today. I just had to tell you that those seals you mentioned at Fisherman's Wharf were within earshot when Justin proposed to me in January! We wish you could have made the wedding - it was truly fantastic!
Paige Ware (formerly Lambrecht)

Ed Note: Paige Lambrecht (now Ware) used to work here. In Sept. she married Justin Ware, who also used to work here.

Great to hear from you, Paige! Yea, that was the only negative of the trip was I had to miss your and Justin's wedding and Julie Huck's wedding. (Julie used to work here too, and also got married in Sept.) I wish you and the big Gopher fan all the best! If you e-mail me some pictures, I'd be happy to put them on the blog. Keep in touch and the next time I get over to the Twin Cities, or you guys get back here we'll have to do lunch. By the way, I'm surprised you could hear him proposing over the bark of the sea lions!
J

Hi Jeff ausome pictures i'm sure you had a great trip. JC

Thanks, JC

hey Jeff,
I've been checking to see when you would update again. So happy to hear your trip went well. I would love to take a trip like this and glad to hear about the sleeping on a train as I've always wondered about that! I'm not that great of a sleeper anyway so will remember that if I ever decide to take a train trip. Beautiful pictures so Thanks for the update and glad to see you back on the air. My husband and I love it when you and Jocko get going on whatever sports you are talking about at the time.Can't imagine what it is like off the air! You make watching the news fun. Keep up the good work!JB

Thanks, JB. When it comes to Jocko and I off the air, just take what we say when we're on camera and multiply it by 10. And as for sleeping on the trian, it's not only the movement of the train and the confined space, but railroad tracks always seem to run next to each other. So just was you're starting to dose off, another train comes the other way, loudly ripping you from sleep. I'm still glad I did it, just to say it's something I've done.
J
==========

A STUPID CALL & THE BREWERS (9/21/07)

We get calls in the newsroom all the time. They range from tip calls, to complaints to compliments. But last night I took one that genuinely made me mad, and quite frankly, I probably didn't handle it with the professionalism that I should have.

A guys calls up and says "I don't mean to nit-pick, but..."

(Now, that phrase ranks up there with "I'm not a racist, but..." which is usually followed by some statement that's filled with racist nonsense.)

In this case the man nit-picked about our coverage of the soldiers from the 397th coming home from the war in Iraq. He wondered why we included a "thank you for your service" to the troops because, in his words, "we're losing the war."

I asked, "if we're losing, is it the troops fault or is it our leaders fault?"

He replied, "President Bush is an idiot."

I said, "we didn't thank President Bush, we thanked the troops."

He said, "they get paid, why do we have to thank them?"

With my voice starting to raise in anger I said, "I don't care if they get paid, they still volunteered for it and have been away from their loved ones for a year!"

At this point, perhaps sensing I was feeling the need to rip his head off, the guy said, "OK, thanks" and simply hung up.

First I'll tell you what I think with my head. YES, we should debate if we should be in this war in the first place, how the war is being fought and if it's time to bring the troops home. But even while we're doing that, we need to give those soldiers all the respect, admiration and thank you's they deserve. That's not pandering, that's how I feel.

Now, here's what I think with my heart. That guy who called is a dork!

OK, now on to the Brewers. As I write this there are about 10-games left in the year. The Brewers record is 78-and-74 and they're a game and a half back in the standings. The first place Cubs are playing very well and have a much easier schedule to finish out the season, so things are looking a little dim for a Brewer playoff appearance.

Here's where I keep going back and forth with the Crew.

After 15-years of being a laughing stock they've finally stepped it up. They have a great record at home and can no longer be considered a vacation stop by teams coming to Miller Park. They're still in the thick of a pennant race with less than 2-weeks to go in the season. The future looks bright with all that young talent, a revenue sharing plan in MLB that finally helps small market clubs a bit and an owner who's spending a bit more money on getting good players to come to the team. Plus, I was at a game last Saturday and honestly haven't felt that much fan excitement in Milwaukee since the late 70's and early 80's when the team was really good. They actually had almost 30-sellouts this season and broke a team attendance record. Those are the plusses.

On the other hand, at one point this team was 14-games over .500 and 7.5 games ahead of the Cubs in the NL standings. Their manager Ned Yost, after a couple of rough outings was a bit condescending in telling the fans to relax and enjoy the race. Then he proceeded to manage his team to a stretch where they played 10-games under .500 leading to the final few weeks of the season. The Brewers are just rotten on the road. Team veterans like Geoff Jenkins and Bill Hall were almost nonexistent in the final important stretch of the season. It's probably fair to call the team ace Ben Sheets "the-often injured Ben Sheets." And based on the last off season, the Cubs look like their trying to be the Yankees of the Midwest by spending loads and loads of money to buy themselves a pennant.

So, did the Brewers choke? Did the manager make enough bad decisions that he actually cost them a shot at the playoffs and should be fired? Or did he hold them together when the rough stretch came and should he be a candidate for Manager of the Year? Is the future bright or will the Yankees, oh I mean the Cubs always be able to outspend the Brewers? I honestly don't know.

What do you think?

Oh, here's another quick note. I'm leaving for a 2-week trip on Thursday 9/27/07 (the Holiday Travels vacation you might have seen the commercial for a few months ago) so I'll be out of touch for a while. Hopefully by the time I get back, the Brewers will be in the playoffs ;o)

J

Hi Jeff! I read your blog about the phone call talking about the troops coming home. I was vary angered to read what he had said, as were you. Our military members are paid to protect our country, they do deserve a thank you and a warm welcome home. It is the least we can do for the sacrifice they have given. Does this man understand our military members face death every day? That they are not able to come home to their family at night and sleep in a safe bed. Does he have any idea how hard it is on our military members and their families? Our military members face death in the eyes every time they "go to work." Their families wake up each morning praying for the safe return of their family member or friend. I just hope this man understands all that our men and women do for our country. I am a sister of a fallen Marine and I thank our military members for their courageous sacrifices for our country. "The flag stands for freedom..."

Thanks for blogging on. God Bless you, your family and especially your brother for the huge sacrifice you've made.
J

Hi Jeff,
I watched Ellen on tuesday and noticed she was crying about an adopted dog she gave to her hair dresser on her show. The dog got taken away from that family. I went to the tv and wished I was their to give her a hug. What do you think about this? Stories like this has a soft spot in my heart for everyone in it. How is Bailie doing? I hope you have a great day.
the viewer who watches all the time,
kate s. Plover,wis
P.S. when are you comming to plover again?

Hi Kate.
Baillie's great! Didn't even pout when I got her out of the kennel, ah sorry doggie hotel after 11 days on my Holiday Vacation. As for the whole Ellen situation, I didn't see the show and haven't really watched any coverage on it on any of those "Entertainment Tonight" type shows.
J

hello Mr. Jeff Thelen! i love watching you on the news! you keep it interesting. way to go!

Thanks for the nice words!
J

Jeff,
Have you ever thought of doing the news in gregorian chant? I think it could be really effective in catching a viewer's attention. Don't you? For example, there may be a report that the governor wants to raise taxes. You could say "Good Evening and thank you for joooooiiining us. The governor wants to raise taaaax-es. Let me know what you think about this.
-A

Hi A.
I've actually heard the suggestion before. But it came from a former co-anchor who was quite daffy and I never really listened to her. Just Kidding! Hi Angela. Nice to hear from you again. I promise I'll get you a personal e-mail and catch you up on my life asap.
J

RIGHT ON . jack

Thanks, Jack!
J

JEFF
ENJOY YOUR ALL OF YOUR SENSE OF HUMOR
THE WHOLE CREW AFTER LISTENING TO THE NEWS, ONE NEEDS SOME UPLIFTING WHICH I THINK IS WONDERFUL

Thanks for the nice comments.
J

Hi Jeff,
I hope your trip was relxing nad fun. Did you take pictures on your trip? Hows bailie doing? Have a great day.
kate s. plover,wis when are you comming to Plover next?

The trip was great and I hope to have some pictures up here in a few days. Baillie did fine in spite of an extended stay at the kennel, sorry, doggie hotel while I was gone.
J

Jeff I think you handled yourself very diplomatically and professionally with the fool (and I say fool because who knows maybe Father Steve reads your blog :) who called to harass you..I myself..would have probably been dragged into your office for what would have flown out of my mouth.. Can you guess who this is yet?
As journalists its our job to be un biased but our number one responsibility is to share the TRUTH with the public,regardless of how they feel about it.. FACT that man is allowed to be a baffoon and say what he wants because our troops are dying to give him the right of freedom of speech. So while he's able to express what he feels..He needs to remember who is giving him that right...Regardless of how you feel about the war you have to respect the men and women who are losing their lives so we can live our own... I dare him to call you again..Give him my number.

P.S. I will be at the Packer/Bear Showdown at Lambeau and would love to see anyone who will be there!
P.S.S Would you mail me some cheese curds?

Hi Lauren Burgoyne! Great to hear from you! I still have people ask how you're doing. I tell them fine in the dry heat of AZ, but we really miss you. So, if you're a Cubs fan and live in AZ, it must have been pretty tough for you after the Diamondbacks swept Chicago. I'm too sad to talk about the Packers Bears game last night. Hope to see you soon.
J

Hi Jeff
I watch everynight that I am home in time to watch. I saw the coverage of the soldier's coming home and it made me cry my brother is currently in Iraq and I can't wait for him to come home i have no idea when that will be. I think it is very important for us (the non-fighting citizens) to respect the soldiers and give them the support they need. I come from a very long line of Military men and i am happy to say that I married a Marine who is no longer in the service but i am still proud of what he did. I think idiots that make comments like that should be sent over there to see what the troops are going through, I personally don't know but my family members that were and are over there sure have stories. I also currently have a cousin in Iraq and another one that has been there twice and is possibly going back very soon. I am not going to make a comment on wether or not we should be over there the point of the matter is we are and we need to support our troops and to h*** with the people that don't think we should. WHO CARES IF THEY GET PAID they should they are doing a job and a very dangerous one. There is no amount of money worth losing someone you love.
thanks for your time
Amanda K schofield

Thanks Amanda. I once heard someone say the thing Vets appreciate most is a simple thank you. So, thank you to the military members of your family.
J

Jeff,
Great job you guys are doing on the puppy mill story. I have one question though: what ever happened to the Humane Society?? Aren't they the ones who ar spose to confront things like that? If that happened at a farm and the Humane Society found out about it the farmer would have his animals confiscated and fined big time. I just don't get it. Why can't these mills be reported to the Humane Society and simply shut down?? Your broadcast didn't seem to touch on this so I'm wondering...

Thanks for the comments. I'm no expert, but I think part of the problem is Wisconsin law doesn't give the Humane Society power to go in and clean up problem Puppy Mills.
J

Hi Jeff:

An admiring viewer

Thanks, but you're making me blush.
J

Hi Jeff, You're right...The guy is a dork and that is putting it lightly. As we may not all agree about the war these men and woman deserve even more than a "Thank you". They have put their lives on the line and whether it is right or wrong they did it without questioning. Do you think this guy would put his life on the line for others? I think not...He's a sorry excuse for a man and for christianity. Shelly

Thanks for the comment, Shelly.
J

Hi Jeff,
My camping trip went awsome. The place we camped at had showers in the cottage which has a tv. Bring your own bedding. I rode on a pontoon boat that was the best. Would you go camping if you slept in a cottage? I read about the person who called you. I feel sorry for you taking the call. How was your weekend? Well have a great day.
kate s. plover,wis

Glad you had a good time, Kate.
J

That guy is more than a dork, what a jerk. All the soldiers deserve our thanks and more!!!!
Cindy

Thanks, Cindy.
J

Hey Jeff,
Your response to the phone caller was very appropriate. you definatly handled it with much more profesionalism than I would have. Like I always tell people, if you havn't served in the military you HAVE NO RIGHT TO CRITIZE any who had the courage to do what others won't
and YES, I'm a vet and proud to have servedand done my part. But at the same token I think we needed a better reason and plan for going to war. Thanks for the chance to express my opinion kenny

Thanks for the comment and your service, Kenny.
J

Jeff keep up the good work. We all are fthe or your work and time you spend getting the news to all of us. I am bad on computer. thanks a million

Thanks for blogging on.
J

J- Regarding the guy who wondered why you thanked the troops for their service, I am with you. No matter what reason the troops are abroad, they deserve our thanks and respect. Clearly, the guy doesn't have anyone close to him that is serving overseas; otherwise I'm sure he'd be singing a different tune.
-Andy, Wisconsin Rapids

Thanks, Andy.
J

Hi Jeff: Thanks for a real nice newscast and a fun 1/2 hour. Now to the meat of my response to your blog on the Brewers. I'm a Milw. boy and would love to see the Brews finally win one for all us fans and for themselves, but I dont see that happening with the present team being allowed to play the way they are. Hitting homerun after homerun is great to watch and nice for the record book, but,consistently swinging at bad pitches and taking pitches right down the pipe does not make for a playoff team. The pitching staff has had trouble most, not all of the year throwing quality strikes, especially at crucial times. Finally the team generally is young and at times have the deer in the headlights look as does Yost. They have still been fun to watch but I fear without tha aquisition of a true #1 starter and a truly effective leadoff hitter next year will be a repeat. Go Brewers and oh yes Packers. Thanks

Go Brewers!
J

Hi Jeff,

Tim Bubla, SM2(SW)
United States Navy 1986-1992
United States Navy SELRES 1992-2003
Plover, Wi

Thanks for the comment and your service, Sir.
J

J.T. I have to give this caller credit when he told you that President Bush is an idiot because when he came to Marathon Park news broken out on that same day that they found no weapons of mass destruction othe than Suddam Hussan for doing crimes against his people instead we have been letting Osama on the loose! Sept.21st,2007!

Thanks for joining in the discussion.
J

The guy is an idiot. I would like him over there getting paid but risking his life every moment of everyday. I have been lucky family and friends have been in the war and have problems now. Send him over PLEASE! I support our troops but not the President 2 different things. Good no Great job JEFF

Thank you.
J

Dorks like him are'nt wirth the energy it takes to get excited, he should of had another drink before he picked up the phone because we all now he did'nt use his head. Keep up the good job and have a safe trip!

Thanks!
J

Hi Jeff,
You were so right,The guy was and is a total jerk.I Thank God everynite for those who put there lives on the line for us back home. Don't you find it odd the guy that complains the most never has or probaly never will put his little but on the front line.Yet he expects someone to protect his life.
People like that I'd like to put his John Henery on the line for him. Have a good day Jeff,again You were Right On.
Lynn Gallipeau

Thanks for blogging on, Lynn.
J

Jeff - I will agree with the guy about bush is an idiot However thats where it ends - definately ends. I am a vet. of the VietNahm era and I can remember the troops comming home and litterly being spit on yes - spit on and being called baby killers. Man - how that must of made the nahm vets feel sooo good. I remember how it made me feel.I can go on and on but suffice it to say that I'm glad to see and hear the compliments come to these guys who served. The darn well deserve it! Maybe this guy should feel what it is like to watch your buddys die right beside you or hear the rounds fly right past your ear.
jeff, I don't think I could have maintained my cool as long as you did. Hell, I know I couldn't have.
Thanks for letting me vent a little frustration with this guy.

First, thanks for your service and comment. Second, I had an uncle who served in that war and he told stories of those terrible "welcome homes" as well. I really thought that was one thing we learned from Nam. We can disagree with and debate the war, but we should not take it out on the troops.
J

Good for you Jeff. You hit it right on the head...the guy was a dork...LOL

Nice job!

Thanks for the nice words.
J

THE EMMYS (9/10/07)

After last weeks deep discussion about the use of "crotch rockets" on the air, I thought we would have a little fun this week. I was going to give you my picks for this year's Emmy's which are handed out Sunday.

Then, I looked at the list of nominees and realize I can't. I don't watch any of the shows for either best comedy or drama. And only two actresses nominated for lead actress in a drama are on shows that I actually watch.

So, I'll give you my pick in that category and complain a bit about two oversights.

First, Mariska Hargitay and Kyra Sedgwick should both win for lead actress in a drama series. I've always loved Hargitay, who I believe won last year, in "Law & Order, Special Victims Unit." She's the perfect mixture of toughness and vulnerability. And I've recently fallen in love with Sedgwick's work in "The Closer." She's outstanding at playing that character as excellent on her job and totally clueless in her personal life.

Now, the oversights. Christopher Meloni is the other lead on "L & O, SVU" and is just as good as Hargitay. Yet, I think he's only been nominated once and has never won. He plays a really tough guy with a really big heart and he does it perfectly. He deserves gold just as much as his partner on the show.

And I know it's a sci-fi show, so go ahead and call me a nerd if you want, but "Battlestar Galactica" is the best drama on TV. The acting is great and the story lines make you think. Even if you're not into sci-fi, if you're a fan of intelligent TV, you'll love this show. "BG" deserves at least a nomination.

OK, there's the extent of my knowledge of this year's Emmy's. Who do you think should win?

J

Hi Jeff,
When was the last time you went camping with your family? I trust this station than the others because you smile and laugh and make jokes. When a news station does that I tune in more often and I watch all the time. It's ok to let the happy tears go. How is your heel feeling? Hi to balie. Have a great day and keep on doing a great job telling the news.
kate s. plover,wi

Hi Kate. I'm actually not a big camper. I like to be in the woods and work on my yard, but at night I want a bed with clean sheets, TV and shower the next morning. Between the $800 inserts (thankfully, the insurance company paid for them) and daily stretching excercises, the heel seems to be improving. I can certainly tell when I've missed the stretching, though. And thanks for the kind words.
J

Jeff,
I noticed that WSAW has some new staff. How are they? I don't see them on the bios.

Ed

Hi Ed. Thanks for the question. You know how it is to start a new job. Between getting to know the area, doing the paperwork and learning our systems and policies it can be a bit overwhelming. The bios will come eventually.
J

Hi Jeff,
My picks would be hard for awards there are so many shows on tv and everyone wants there favorite to win. All the shows want to win. When are they going to have tie breakers between two shows? You joking and laghing makes me watch this channel. Hi to Bailie and give the dog a hug they love that. Have a great day and keep on smiling,
kate s. Plover, wis

Thanks, Kate.
J

THE "CROTCH ROCKET" DEBATE (8/29/07)

Again--your news reports, and reporters never cease to amaze me!! My husband and I were watching the morning news cast, when Bao Vang came to report on a "motorcycle accident." We just about choked on our breakfast, when we heard her report on "crotch rockets"!! Then, our daughter, who has three small children, called and said "did she just say what I thought she said?" Whether or not they are"commonly known as" the afore mentioned--show a BIT of class, and don't repeat that term over and over!! How disgusting!! What is this world coming to when you can't say "GOD" on t.v., but you can use a term that amounts to bathroom humor on every newscast for two days?
A VERY concerned Grandmother

**********************************************************************************

That's the e-mail sent to our general manager after a report we did on a motorcycle accident last week.

It was about two sport bike type motorcycles allegedly speeding and crashing into a car backing out of a driveway on Wausau's Townline Rd. Those bikes are known as "crotch rockets" by many, especially young people.

It was in my capacity as Assistant News Director that I gave the go-ahead to use the term. I thought it's what most people call them and would best help us tell the story clearly. But, told the reporter to throw the phrase "commonly known as" before it, to soften the blow to anyone who did find it offensive.

But, clearly the woman who sent the e-mail disagrees. So, now "crotch rocket" joins "cops," "trailer" and of course the normal swear and vulgar words on the list that we are forbidden from using on the air.

So, now it's your turn. Is "crotch rocket" classless, bathroom humor and disgusting as the concerned Grandmother says? Was I too lax in making the decision to use it? Or is she a bit too uptight and overreacting? Let me know what you think.

J

(9/4/07)
Hi again, everyone. Here is the next bunch of responses, now that the webmaster is back from his extended holiday weekend. Once again, thanks to everyone for taking part in a discussion I had no idea would generate such an incredible response. Again, since there are so many I will just say one big thank you to everyone and respond to just a couple I think need it.

You see more and more of this in society today, grandma and daughter need to check their own minds, it sounds like they have dirty thoughts going on in their heads if they have a problem with the word crotch. My mother sould have been arrested long ago for mental abuse!, cause she asked me, when we were clothes shopping how my pants fit in the "crotch", should have went straight to church from K-mart!! People need to get a grip and quit thinking everything, every word spoken is dirty!!!!

Maybe you should ask this question first. Was the type of motorcycle relevant to the story?

That's a very good question! One that gets asked all the time in a lot of stories. I guess the reason it's relevant is it's a type of motorcycle that has a bit of a reputation for being faster and are therefore more dangerous than other types.
J

Jeff,
After reading this blog, I have to agree with everyone. This Grandma is way too uptight. I think we have more things to worry about in the city, country even our world to worry if you say the word "crotch rocket". Those bikes aren't motorcycles by far.
This Grandma needs to chill out and get into the world and realize that it is a description.
Thanks!!

I'm 35 and had never heard of that term before. I must be uncommon (at least I'm not a clone) because to me a motorcycle is a motorcycle. No, I don't live under a rock, and I refuse to be classed as a caveperson!
For those defending bathroom humor, it went out of style after 3rd grade. Any adult using it should show a little more intelligence than a nine year old.
I'd like to point out the fact that the Grandmother's daughter was surprised, too. It's not just an 'uptight old person' thing. In my opinion Grandmother is not being uptight. She's being responsible. Perhaps that word is too big for some of these bloggers.
It appears to me that this report displayed the use of knowledge instead of wisdom. Just because you CAN say something, doesn't mean you SHOULD say it. Just because everyone says it, that doesn't mean it's right. We cannot always censor what we hear (although my grandmother daily proves otherwise), but we CAN censor what we say. Certainly there was a better way of getting the message across. I wonder, was it worth a loss of viewers?

I think that final question is the reason management has forbidden us from using the term again.
J

In my opinion the term "crotch rocket" is not offensive or demeaning. Far worse is broadcast every day. Programs like South Park and King Of The Hill are prime examples. Of course I come from a generation when our teachers told us that ain't is not a word too. Times change and people and ideas change with them. As one of Murphy's Laws states "If you try to please everyone, nobody will like it." Keep up the good work Jeff. When it comes to being politically correct sometimes it is best to be a little "thick skinned".

this woman is a little bit too uptight and a little bit sensitive to say the least. Wake up call those are what they are called for motor cycles of that style. why should she be concerned if there are children in the room all she has to say to those children in the room that they are a type of motor cycle..what is so bad about saying crotch rocket? nothing is wrong with that unless they have a really sick mind and are too sensitive to watch anything on tv. if they dont want to hear it then all they have to do is turn it to a different channel or turn off the tv. that's all they have to do..what's up with these people? do they have to make a big deal out of everything? please respond

(8/29/07)
Hi everyone. This topic generated A LOT of responses. Some, I couldn't put because they had terms or examples in them ALL of us, or at least the FCC, would find offensive. So, except for a few I think need clarification, I'll just say a big thanks to everyone who responded. Oh, one other thing, the guy who's in charge of the website is going to be off until the day after Labor Day. So, if you send a response and it doesn't get put on right away, that's the reason. Thanks for your patience until we get them up next week.

I think that this age of political correctness has gone on way too long! Frankly, there is not much that can be said or done anymore that doesn't "offend" someone. If using a term like crotch rocket makes us classless, then I guess I am classless! But I have a lot of style!

Oh the never-ending debate of what's decent and moral...I saw the coverage in question and I admit I was surprised to hear the term, not because it's offensive to me but because I think of it as a slang term and slang isn't something you hear much of on the news.
I will also tell you that the phrase 'sport bikes' didn't mean much to me but as soon as 'crotch-rocket' was said I knew EXACTLY the kind of bikes you were talking about.
My bigger concern at the moment is what I learned from reading the blog! What do you mean you can't say the words 'cops' or 'trailer'? WHAT?! Again, I see 'cops' as slang so; OK, I get that isn't something a news reporter would say; but trailer; as in Katrina FEMA trailers, a vehicle trailer jack-knifed and is now blocking traffic, the trailer park? What in the world? I'm stunned. Who censors the censors?
Thanks for listening, Lindy in Wausau


Hi Lindy.
I never knew that "cops" was a negative slang for police officers, either. But a former co-anchor of mine who's Dad is a police chief told me that is the case. And as for "trailer," until we stopped using the term, we always got complaints from people who live in them about the use of the word.
J

Yes the words used to describe the bikes in question were tasteless in the extreme. May i remind you of the trouble Imus got in for using words that were casually used in society to describe black women. Just because a word is used in casual conversation by a group or groups of people does not make it okay yo use on what should be a more serious broadcast by news services. Grow up and use "big people" words.

Jeff,
As a media professional, you should know better than anyone that YOUR perception of what terms are "common", or "acceptable" are not necessarily those of others (just ask Don Imus).
Your blog question asks if those that object to the term "crotch rocket" are over reacting? No, they are not. They can object to whatever they like. Is the term "common"? Perhaps in some circles, but that doesn't make it right.
On the air, you came across as smug and biased in your invitation to comment on whether a term you felt was okay to use was insensitive. The news can be delivered without having a chip on your shoulder. I would suggest trying to be more sensitive to a broader audience than those familiar with slang terms like, "crotch rocket". Your newscast is seen by everyone from young children to the elderly; not just those with your background, or graduating class.
Don't get me wrong, I feel you generally do a good job of reporting, you just need to be more sensitive to all segments of your audience. Not just those that have your views on what's acceptable just because it's "common" among certain segments of the population. The news story was about an accident, not what "some" call ceratin kinds of motorcycles.
Please report the news to us, don't try to "make" it with unrelated issues.
The view of a former "sport bike" racer.

Sorry, but I must disagree with putting "crotch rocket" and the racist stuff Imus said in the same boat. One was from a nationally known radio personality who was known for saying racist garbage on the air. The other was about whether a term was "too conversation" or even offensive in a local newscast. There's a big difference.
J

I feel you can't just assume that everybody uses & understands the same slang/vernacular. I hadn't a clue what a 'crotch rocket' was & wanted to call the station to ask what was being talked about, seriously. Had the term 'sport bike type motorcycle' been used I would have understood. I'm all for calling things their proper names, i.e. dollars for bucks, children for kids and police for cops, etc.

I agree with your use of this term Jeff. It DOES describe what kind of motorcycle the accident participants were riding. I too agree with Grandmother that it is a sad day when God can not be part of a newscast, but that is a much bigger issue that our country faces, and one we unfortunately choose not to face.

By the way, in the two radio stations and two tv stations I've worked at, I've never been told that God was forbidden from being used on the air.
J

I'm a 20 year old. I have always heard of them as "crotch rocket". I think the lady needs to clam down a little it is just a word. What is this world coming to is right what ever went wrong now we have to use kid words like "2 big bikes where going fast down a road and a red little car was leaving the house to go somewhere and she got bumbed into." is that how we are going to have to start talking on the news. Which I feel the news is for people over the age of 13, kids under that age should be kids playing with toys and what not. That is how I feel about this all.

I have been in the cycle insurance business for over 22 years. This term for these fast bikes is very common. I heard your team say it several times and thought nothing of it and most find it funny. I have been to Sturgis and Bike Week in Daytona over 15 times and it is a term widely used. I think Grandma was being a bit over protective of her little ones but that comes with age and Grand Children. I say use the term and she can turn to the 4 PM Early Bird Special News somewhere else.
Steve form Stevens Point

Be nice, Steve. Concerned Grandma has every right to give her opinion.
J

The word crotch rocket is the term that the majority of people call it and to be honest with you i couldnt tell you the correct name of those bike i call the crotch rockets. the grand mother is being too up tight about this topic. i find no offense to this subject

I think that you made the right choice.. If you say sport bike people could be thinking in the terms of a Sportster which is a total differnt style of bike then a crotch rocket! So you made the right call like always! Keep up the great work!
Joel from stratford

TANNED, RELAXED & READY TO GO (8/21/07)

I won't bore you to death with details of my vacation. But here are a few of the highlights.

The first few days I just "hung out" in Wausau doing stuff around the house. It was during this time I realized I'm going to make an EXCELLENT retiree. I also got a chance to do lunch with my buddy Lee Peek from Great Country Mornings on WDEZ, his wife Amy and their newborn Maren. She's beautiful and lucky to look like her Mommy! Just kidding, Lee.

Wednesday it was a Brewers game with an old friend from high school. It was great catching up on old times. I guess you can tell they're true old friends when you only see them about once every 6-months and the conversation picks right up from the last time you got together. But like most of them lately, it was not such a great game.

Thursday I took my Godson to a little park called Lakeside Park in Fond du Lac. We had a great time riding the kiddy train. And if I had a quarter for every time I heard the phrase "more choo-choo" that afternoon I'd be a rich man. We also had a good time playing with the greatest toy ever, (at least according to my Godson) toy cars. He's a great kid and I'm being completely unbiased when I make that observation.

Over the weekend, it was a trip to Wisconsin Dells. They're using the same speeches on the boat and duck rides that they used 20-years ago when I worked at a radio station there. And they're still great! I guess if it ain't broke, don't fix it. I'll give the same sermon I gave when people came to visit me while I lived there. "Yes, enjoy all the tourist attractions you want. But be sure to take a boat trip or duck trip and see the whole reason the Dells are there, the river." OK, end of sermon.

Monday was a do laundry, open mail, catch up on e-mail, run a few errands, rest after vacation day off.

I did some other stuff during the vacation that I choose to keep private ;)

So, there you have my time off in a nutshell. It's good to be back and I'll get back to more hard hitting stuff in the blog next week.

J

Jeff my dad is from Wisconsin also and he Loves the Cubs. He's been a Cubs since he was very small boy. And Brewers
and Cubs each other it better be the Cubs that win. But it doesn't always happen that way though. But there is alot people from Wisconsin who are fans of both Brewers and the Cubs like me I like both of the teams.
Anyway my dad is Ronald Buchacek told me he met you in Maimi Florida when you went to Packer Game or saw you something
like that. He and my mom were there as part of the Polka Productions. Matter of fact there gone as I am speaking they are on another to Canadian Rockies
There are coming this Wednesday on the 29th of Aug they left Sunday They got on a bus to Minn and then onto Seattle Wash and then onto Vancouver.They are staying Vancouver for a night. And then to Kelowia British Columbia one night
Banff and then Kalispell Mont Yellowstone SunValley Coeur D'Alene and then Leavenworth Wow!!! nice trip that they went on.
Lynn D.

Hi Lynn...
I actually heard this explained many years ago. The reason there are lot of Cubs fans in Wisconsin is that after the Braves left for Atlanta and before the Brewers arrived in Milwaukee, there was a whole decade with no professional team in Wisconsin. So, a lot of fans adopted Chicago's team as their own.
And I remember running into your Dad and bunch of other Wausau area residents in Miami. It was at a tailgate party before the Packers-Dolphins game last October. I'd like to talk about it, but what happens on a Packer trip with my cousins stays on a Packer trip with my cousins. ;)
J

Hi Jeff!
I just wanted to throw a few comments your way...I've now caught a couple episodes of "Saving Grace" and {wow!} it's IN-tense but good! Thanks for the recommendation! How could a person not like Holly Hunter, she's very good in everything she does.
Secondly, I have a suggestion for you and the station. I think it would be a good idea to have follow-up stories on the missing persons from the area. Something along the same lines as the coverage you had for the Rhonda Mertes case. I suggest this because I just visited the state's site for missing persons and I noticed a few were from the viewing area. Thanks for listening!
Lindy from Wausau

Hi Lindy...
I haven't seen "Saving Grace." But the reviews, including yours, have been very good. If it's anything like "The Closer" which is on right before it, it's no doubt good TV. "The Closer" has become one of my favorites. And let me look into your other suggestion.
J

OOOPS!
Sorry Jeff, I though you had recommended "Saving Grace" as opposed to "The Closer". My mistake! I'll check that show out too.
Lindy from Wausau

No problem, Lindy. I'm pretty sure you'll like "The Closer" as much as "Saving Grace!"
J

Great to have you back we missed you on the news! Sounds like vacation was fun filled and great catching up with old friends. Hopefully the Brewer game you went to wasn't like the one we went to with the grandkids. They were ahead 6 to 1 and ended up losing it in extra innings. But still love them anyway! JB

Hi, JB. I have made a concerted effort to calm myself down about this team. They had a great start to the season, but really are still very young and probably need to go through at least one pennant race before WINNING a pennant race. I just hope they end strong and don't stumble into the end of the year. But, even a winning record would be a step up from last year. Heck it would be a step up from the last 14 years!
J

Hi Jeff,
The vacation sounds awsome. I rode the dells boats awhile ago it was crazy. I like going to casade and plymouth,wis alot of my fam lives there. I love wisconsin alot. I am single and looking for someone to spend the rest of my life with. Hi to bailie. The animals are very important to alot of people, that is why I say hi to your dog. Well have a great day and keep on smiling.
Kate s. plover,wis

Thanks, Kate. Hope you had a good time in the Dells. And good luck on finding someone to go through life with.
J

V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N, IN THE SUMMER SUN (8/10/07)

Recognize that one Connie Francis, fans? Anyway, I will be on vacation from August 13th through the 20th. So if you blog on and I don't respond, I'm not ignoring you. I'm off somewhere trying to completely forget about work. See you on the 21st.

J

Jeff, I like to watch you on TV. I think you do an excellent job with the news. However, I want to know, why do you hate the Cubs so much? I think they symbolize what's great about America. No matter how bad they are, they seem to pick themselves up and try again. I love the Cubs and the Brewers.
Jen
Stevens Point

Hi Jen. Thanks for the nice words. First, since it's a team from Illinios, I think it's in my blood to cheer against them, since I'm from Wisconsin. J/K My dislake for them comes from the way Carlos Zambrano conducts himself on the mound and the way Aramis Ramirez conducts himself after hitting a home run. I thought Lou Pinella looked like a complete idiot during the meltdown in the game earlier this season. Although, looking at how the team's played since, it looks pretty brilliant. It also seemed absolutely classless to me the way the Cubs fans through stuff out on the field during that same game. And with all the money that team spent in the off season, they strike me as sort of a "Yankees of the midwest" trying to buy themselves a World Series. OK, there's where my dislike of that team comes from. Now, tell me why you think they represent what's best in America.
J

Hi Jeff,
I hope the vacation was relaxing, I hope you are rested and ready for work. Hi to Bailie. I missed you on tv while you were on your vacation.
Have a great day and keep on smiling, Kate s. plover

Thanks, Kate.
See my new blog above.
J

Jeff have fun on your vacation and do some fun exciting things. Work will always be there when you get back.

Thanks, it was.
J

HAVE YOU HEARD THIS ONE? (8/6/07)

Big congratulations this week to my cousins Patty and Syl on their 25th wedding anniversary! Thanks for the invite to the party! It was a really nice time! And I have to share the joke the priest told as he started the sermon at the church service they had to start the event.

A preacher found out the repairs to the church were going to cost a lot more than first thought.

And on that Sunday, when he had to inform the congregation about it, he also found out his regular organist was out with flu. Tough luck, the preacher thought. I really need my "A" team today when I have to tell the flock this bad news.

Still he made the best of it. He gave the substitute organist the list of songs to play during the service, but she could do whatever song she wanted after he told the congregation the bad news about the church repairs.

So, after the sermon, he said "I'm sorry to say the repairs to the church are going to cost more than we first thought. Anyone here who can add and extra $100 to what they've already pledged for the work, please stand up."

At that point the substitute organist launched into the National Anthem, prompting everyone in the church to instinctively get to their feet.

It was also at that point, the substitute organist became the regular organist.

Hope it brought a smile to your face like it did mine.

J

I get afeard that you and the Frans man are the same people-minus glasses and a few pounds.
You both crack me up any way you cut it.

People used to confuse us all the time. Then I added a few more pounds and grey hairs and now it doesn't happy as much.
J

Jeff,

Caught the work by the two interns, nicely done. She was great for her first time and the photojournalism topped that of most of your regulars. You should hire them both.

They both have a bright future, don't they? And I must disagree, our regulars do a great job.
J

Hi Jeff,

Jenny from Rhinelander

Good question. I guess the only thing that comes to mind is that there's infinate room to toss junk in outer space and only a finite amount of space here on earth.
J

Hi Jeff,
You could soak your feet in the tub or get a foot bath. I hope your heel get better soon. If their was a document to sign to stop the animals in the article from getting killed I would sign it. Keep on smiling. Have a great day.
Kate s. Plover

Thanks Kate. The heel has it's good and bad days.
J

Hi Jeff,
you are the best news person at the station. If their was an award for best news person I would vote for you.I started to listen to Johnny Cash and I like the music he wrote. I am at a balloon rally with family. Who is covering the wisconsin rapids balloon rally? Keep on smiling and make sure you hug you dog. Have a great day,
Kate s. Plover

Thanks, Kate.
J

VICK, GONZALES, THE BREWERS and UPDATES (7/27/07)

So far, it looks like the NFL has handled the Michael Vick problem pretty well. In case you hadn't heard, he's the Atlanta Falcons superstar quarterback charged in federal court with running an interstate dog fighting ring. They've asked him to stay away from the team's training camp pending their investigation. The Falcons say they were going to suspend him for four games, which I believe is the maximum allowed in this type of case by the agreement between the league and players union. Again, the right thing to do, so far. Now, if he's convicted. It's another story. 1) lock him up and throw away the key and 2) do not ever let him play professional football again. And if you're going to argue culture or whatever about dog fighting, save it. That's nonsense! It's barbaric and has no place in a society that's civilized.

People hold back stuff when the testify to congress all the time. But more and more it seems like Attorney General Alberto Gonzales flat out lied when he was there. Both about the firings of the federal prosecutors and more recently over secret surveillance. It's time for Mr. Gonzales to do the right thing. STEP DOWN.

The Brewers have been awfully disappointing lately. We long suffering Milwaukee fans have had a lot of fun as they were in first place, but now the cracks are showing. Let's keep our fingers crossed that the Cubs cool off and the Crew gets it together again or first place will soon be a thing of the past. The only nasty fan thing I'll say about the team is that pitcher Jeff Supan, whom they got late last year has not nearly lived up to his huge $42 million contract.

And here are a couple of update for you. My foot still hurts. It feels a little better when I wrap it in ace bandage, but it's not anywhere near pain free. My inserts come next week and hopefully that will do something.

And a big THANK YOU to the person who gave me the hint about the red pepper in the bird seed to keep away the squirrels. There still a stray "furry-tailed rat" helping himself on occasion, but for the most part that has really worked.

I'd love to hear what you have to say about these issues or anything else. You know what to do.

J

J.T. Have been out of town for 3 mos.and caught up with your blog you asked what would I suggest I thought that was up to you or part of your job. Sorry to say that I that cant get into your A.M. news cast I have told you this before I look at it once in awhile to see how the FRANS-MAN is doing . I will begone the rest of the summer and part of early fall I will try and read more of your blogs and keep upto date, I will send you a card from the Bahamas . k9

Hope you have a nice trip, k9.
J

Hi Jeff,
What are your favorite Johnny Cash songs? My favorite songs are ring of fire and oranage blossom special. I watch on Friday the one of the running of the wedding dresses. When some woman get married they keep their dress so they can wear it for their first wedding anniversry because to remember that special day with their guy they married and dance and have wedding cake they saved.
Have a great day and keep cool and keep on smiling.
Kate s. Plover

Hi Kate. They are "Ring of Fire" of course, "Jackson" the great duet with his wife June Carter-Cash and "The One on the Right..." which is about a folk band broken up by political differences.
J

Jeff,

Stacy - Weston

Hi Stacy. It's very nice of you to volunteer. You're right, I'm a big softy when it comes to animals. If I'm honest about it, it really pained me to "take care of" those squirrels eating out of my birdfeeder with my buddies pellet gun. I'm glad the pepper worked in getting rid of them. As for your observation about bullfighting and rodeos, you'll probably have a lot of people agree with you about bullfighting, but some might debate you on the rodeo. I'll just stay out of that discussion ;)
J

It seems to me your kind of a fair-weather fan when it comes to the Brewers. Oh, sure, first place is fine, but a little slip and the "cracks are showing". Don't hurt your other foot jumping off the bandwagagon, Jeff.

Go Brewers!
Bernie Brewer

Hi Bernie. I love it when you slide down and wave the flag, by the way. Although it's not as fun as when you slid into the beer at County Stadium. Anyway, I must respectfully disagree with my second favorite mascot. (sorry, Bucky gets #1) Just because I express a little frustration at how the team's playing, doesn't mean I'm a fair weather fan. I'll still be cheering for the Brewers, even though they've done nothing but break my heart since the last game of the World Series in 1982. And even though the team has not been playing well lately. I'm still planning a trip down there in Sept. Even if they're out of the pennant race by then ;)
J

hi Jeff,
I agree with you on the animal article. The person who did this should be given the max sentance for hurting animals. I love animals alot. When I heard about this I was really mad knowing people would do this to a animal that didn't hurt the person. I feel sorry for the animals that were invuvled in this. I know for all animal lovers this hurts. Have a great day and keep on smiling.
Kate s. plover

Thanks, Kate.
J

YOUR WELCOME from the Pepper lady. Your rogue 'rat' must have some cajun or mexican blood in its veins. :) Glad to be of help. It's skunk season at the folks place. Have any advice for skunks digging up the yard looking for grubs? To get a picture of the damage - what was a flat, somewhat green (drought-stricken) lawn now looks like a tilled field. Can't take a pea-shooter to them either because of the odor-filled consequences.

Hi Pepper Lady! Thanks again for the tip. I wish I had some advice to help you with the skunk problem. Anybody out there have any ideas?
J

I agree with you on the dog fighting, it is barbaric and just plain cruel. If Vick is convicted of this crime he should be banned from the NFL and I think what was done to the dogs should be done to him. Lisa

Thanks for bloggin on, Lisa. Many dog lovers would probably agree with that punishment.
J

J.T. It looks like if your gonna represent any profession what you do outside your profession does effect your profession too so in the business of professionalisms you have to make sure you have respect with your profession or in case of michael vick he has no buisness being in it;ive noticed the same thing about the brewers and jeff soupon it seems like the team has been playing like they are the underdog whenever they lose to teams that haven't been playing well either lately and i think soupon isnt happy about his pitching either until we get Ben Sheets back? 7/27/2007.

Thanks for joining the conversation.
J

Jeff
I agree 100% with the Michael Vick statement you made. If he is convicted, I hope his status as a "professional" helps him receive the maximum sentence. There is no place in my heart for this type of thing. It needs to addressed in a tough manner. You are right, it's barbaric.

Ron-Wausau

Thanks, Ron.
J

Do you people realize that by announcing on the 10 pm news who was voted off "Big Brother," you ruined tonight's show for those of us who were unable to watch it live? I taped it and was about to watch the tape, but decided to watch your news first. I won't make THAT mistake again.
A very disgusted viewer

Sorry disgusted viewer. We'll usually give a warning that we're going to give away a spoiler (like score in a the Olympics for example) but it honestly never crossed my mind to do it in this case.
J

hi Jeff,
I lived in kansas for six years and the heat is really bad down there. The first time in kansas it was over 120 degrees. It was so hot the birds had their beeks opened because there were too hot. Well have a great day and stay cool and keep on smiling.

kate s. plover

Thanks for the comments, Kate.
J

hi Jeff,
I love country music and all of the singers in the music. Jonny cash he is a good singer. I hope your heel gets better. Have a great day and keep on siming.
kate s. plover

Thanks again, Kate.
J

THE GROUNDS OF THELEN MANOR (IN OTHER WORDS MY YARD) (7/17/07)

You've heard me talk about my yard and my love of landscaping a lot through the years. Whether it's talking into or out of weather or here on the blog. So, I thought it was about time to show you some proof.

So, with the help of Mikel Lauber, who helped me download these pictures, here is a look at the grounds of Thelen Manor. (in other words my yard)

First, a quick admission of the negative. I have a brown patch in the middle of the back yard I can't I can't seem to get rid of this year. That I blame on the dry spell and the fact it's my dog's favorite "bathroom area." Other than that, no complaints.

All of my plants look really good this year. The trick is I finally stopped buying the 5-for-a-dollar cheapies at the department stores and went to a greenhouse. They were a bit more expensive, but much more healthy looking and they have grown better since then.

This is the front of the house. The four bushes on the right hand side were my first ever household project when I bought the place in 2000. I removed some dead shrubs and planted those. The spirea on the far right took a beating during the winter this year, but I think he'll survive. On the left was last year's project. I had an overgrown shrub removed and planted those three. I'm pretty happy with how the coleuses in the pots have grown this year, too. It's on the north side, so I always have to go with shade lovers.

I have a couple of these urn planters that get the afternoon sun. I planted them myself. This is by far the best they've looked. Again, it's all about buying healthy plants from the greenhouse instead of the cheapies from the department store.

This was the second landscape project I did. I removed a weird mixture of hostas and other stuff and planted these guys. That was about 6 years ago. The potentilla's never flower very much, because I cut them down every spring. But I can't stand overgrown potentillas. And check out those pansies at the foot of the stairs. That's what I planted next to the stairs last year. And they came back on their own. I never even water them. Tough flowers!

In inherited the roses from the previous owners. I took these pictures sort of in between the first major bloom of the year and the second. Roses are nice, but they're a lot of work.

This decorative grass I actually had to plant twice a few years ago. I cut the first batch down to nothing in the fall the first time. Wrong answer. After the second group went in, I finally found out decorative grass get's it's haircut in spring. It's by far the easiest thing you can plant. And I love how it looks.

In the front of this picture, you can see some of the ton of hostas I have all over the yard. They're also very easy to grow. In the middle is a flower garden with impatiens. That bird bath was my grandma's. Cleaning that thing is also how I found out where the phrase "dirty bird" came from. And in the back left of the picture is my latest planting, a couple of astibles at the foot of my mountain ash.

And here is my latest landscaping project. I took out my garden (I figure I can by veggies at the farmer's market) and put black-eyed susans, sedums and a clematis along the garage. The black-eyed susans are sort of taking it over, but I think the sedums will show their glory in the fall. The clematus was stunning earlier this year and I'm planting some tulips this fall for some color next spring.

So, there's the nickel tour of the grounds of Thelen Manor. (in other words, my yard) Working in it, whether it's mowing, weeding, planting, pruning, watering or what-ever is one of my favorite things to do in the world. Hope I haven't bored you to tears showing it off a little.

Jeff,
No doubt that your lawn is a beauty, however what I think you need is a Pond by Serenity Waterscapes of Greenville,wi.

Thanks for the advice. And pretty smooth to work a commercial in there without buying any airtime ;)
J

Hey, Jeff great pictures of your flowers and such. You are right it is always better to get your stuff at a greenhouse and not the department stores. Of course I would say that as I work part-time at a greenhouse but one never knows where there flowers come from. I too LOVE to work in my flower gardens! In our local community they have what they call "Yard of the month" and I have received that several times. It is just a good way to forget every thing else in the world and get some exercise at the same time. I should send you some pictures of my Hydranges as they are huge and many times during the course of the day I find people stopping to take a look. So keep up the good work on the yard it looks wonderful!! JB

Hi Jeff,
I was wondering when you will be back to Plover? I was not bored looking at you garden photos, they were awsome to look at. Does bailey help with the garden work?
Have a great day

I hope to get to Plover soon. Baillie seems happiest and best behaved when I'm working outside. My theory is that she can sense that's where I'm at the most peace and happiest and feeds off of that for her own mood and bahavior. You have a great day, to!
J

J.T. It looks like you done a really good job around your house but since Im a Packer fan would it be possible to host a Packer party out on that deck of yours when the Packers host a home game on Sunday Jeff? July 23, 2007.

A couple years ago, the Packers season started with a Monday night game. I actually had a Packer party on the deck that night. It was a lot of fun. I tried to avoid outside Packer parties during the day because the sun glares on the tv too much.
J

J.T. Well then thats GREAT that you hosted a Packer party but I recall that a while back you mentioned you own a HDTV set in your house and now you said that it gets alot of glare from the sun then I would try relocating the TV because those kind of TV's are not supposed to reflect any light off of their screens. July 25th 2007.


Great flowers!!
Kristi, Mary & Dianne

Thanks!
J

WOW! Really beautiful! How much do you charge for a consultation? -Broke in Merrill

Thank you! At one point I had no "vision" about what to plant where. But I have an aunt who works at a place where they print all sorts of magazines. She brings me gardening magazines all the time (they're the ones that get thrown out, so she's not stealing) Anyway, I've learned a lot and gotten a lot of ideas out of those. Someday, when I have the time I want to take a course or two on landscape architecture, as well. By the way, my aunt also brings me boating magazines for that boat I swear I'm going to own someday. But I think that's a lot farther away than getting my yard the way I want it.
J

hi jeff,
I like gardening. The yard is beautiful. Have a great day and keep on smiling.
kate of plover

Thanks Kate of Plover. Are you the same Kate who like's Johnny Cash?

Wow, Jeff those are nice photo's of your place. Not boring at all. I can see you put alot of effort into making it a showplace. Great work! Lisa

Thanks, Lisa.
It's not quite a showplace yet, but it's getting there. I guess that's half the fun.
J

GREAT NEW SHOW & HEEL UPDATE (7/10/07)

Hi all...

I discovered a new TV show I need to tell you about. Actually not a new one, I think it's been on for a couple years now. And this is actually the second season I'm watching it. But it seems to be getting better all the time. In fact, I caught an episode last night that was it's best ever. It's called "The Closer." Kyra Sedgwick plays an assistant police chief in LA. She's a bit flaky in every part of her life except for work. And she does these great interrogations with suspects that usually gets them to crack. Sedgwick has already taken home a Golden Globe for her work on the show and deserves some other recognition as well. It's a great show Monday nights on the TNT cable channel and if you have cable and like really good TV dramas, check it out.

I'm still battling with my foot. In a nutshell it still hurts like an SOB. I went and had some shots in the bottom of the foot after the doctor said I had planters
something-or-other. That was a new experience in pain. It helped for the rest of the day, but not really much after that. He wouldn't give me a shot in the heel where a big part of the pain is because he says it's too close to a tendon. So, he also gave me some stretching excercises. Today, I got some advice from a lady at the place I get my haircut about some other stretching excercises. (there's no better advice than from a lady at the barber, right?) So, I'll give those a try. I'll be honest, it's really frustrating and I'm sure I haven't been a lot of fun to be around or work with lately about that. Sorry, everybody. My dog also can't figure out why her 2 half hour walks per day are now down to 2 walks per day that probably amount to 15 minutes. It's also not great for someone who battles weight to have an hour a day of walking taken away. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

Did you see the story on CBS news the other night about the Wisconsin soldier who adopted the special needs boy from Iraq? The little guy has cerebral palsy. The soldier's name is Scott Southworth from Juneau County. He's a Major with the Wisconsin National Guard and along with adopting the little boy he's also doing his best to help other special needs kids in Iraq help. MAJ Southworth is a true hero on the battlefield and off.

Juneau Co. Soldier Adopts Iraqi Boy with Cerebral Palsy

That's about it. I'd love to hear what you think about this or any topic. You know what to do.

J

Hey Jeff,
Several years ago I also was diagnosed with plantar facitis. Mine didn't just stay in the heal, it went up through the arch of my foot and eventually to my big toe. Luckly I just had the shoe inserts and excercises, but it take almost a month doing the excercises before the pain was finally gone.I also have weight issues so I know the feeling. Just keep up with the excercises and be patient. It'll only get better. Amy, Wisconsin Rapids

Thanks Amy. Great to hear your success story. There was immediate improvement when the Foot Doc put some straps on my foot. But since I've taken them off, the pain has come back. It's not as bad as it was, however. I'm hoping as I keep the excercises and icing going and get my own inserts, I'll get better.
J

i have to say that i understand your pain, jeff. my problem is that i was in a automobile accident two & a half years ago that left me with two shattered knees, two shattered ankles and two shattered feet along with many other injuries. i had to learn to walk again and the pain alone every morning when i get up is sometimes unbearable. we all have to do what we can to get through the day. i know that you have a busy and demanding job but sometimes we just need to sit down and put our feet up and rest. just take a little time for yourself. mostly--- do not over do it. i found out the hard way that once you do the pain will not go away for a long time. oh yeah, when all else fails, see your doctor.

karen

Thanks Karen. Whenever I start to feel really sorry for myself I'm reminded a lot of other people have a lot bigger crosses to bear. I sincerely hope you're pain free asap. You hang in there, OK?
J

Where did Jan Jansen go? I am from Marshfield (where Jan is from) and the last time I saw him he was with Wendy Neuberger. Did he leave to be with her? Just curious as I have missed him on Channel 7.

He is actually in Hollywood chasing his life long dream. And doing pretty well with some bit parts on TV and in the movies. The next time he sends and e-mail I'll see if it's ok with him to put it on here to fill you all in.
J

I've had/have the dreaded plantar fascitis you're talking about and had almost everything done to try to heal it from seeing a podiatrist to shoe inserts. Finally my last option was surgery. I was very overweight and tried walking to lose weight but this seemed to aggravate the heel even worse. I took up bike riding and thats what finally cured me of my sore heel. You can excercise, lose weight and not put any stress on the heel. give it a shot I think you'll like it and your dog can run alongside the bike

Glad the biking worked for you! There's no doubt doctors would agree with you about a loss of weight being good for the body. Not just for the bottom of the feet, but for every part of the body as well. It always seems to be easier said than done, however.
J

I had been wondering what happened to you. I had been noticing you and your pup have not been patrolling the neighborhood as often as of late. Keep your head up, those stretching exercises will help. Good Luck--JR

Thanks, JR!
J

My father had a real nasty bone spur that he tried to make through the pain with for a few years. Finally, a doctor started doing cortisone shot treatments (they hurt... TRUST ME, I have had many)... but after a few treatments, the cortisone shrinked that bone spur down so it no longer hurts. He's been pain free almost 3 years since his last shot. Check with your doc and see if that's an option first.

-Your morning weatherdude.

Thanks Chad. My new potiatrist says we may have to use shots eventually, but not right now. The three that my regular doctor gave me last week really didn't work. And here's hoping your Dad (and you) never have to have another cortisone shot again!
J

Jeff, Not that I am advertising for anyone, but I had my heel surgery done by Dr. Jourdan at Podiatry Associates of Wausau. I was told the same thing, that the cortisone shots couldn't be done where the spur was because it was too close to the tendon and the doctor felt it didn't pay to inject it anywhere else as it wouldn't help. I tried stretching, I tried ultrasound treatments (which actually seemed to make it worse), I tried shoe inserts and I tried just ignoring it hoping it would go away. I was in the same position. Couldn't walk short distances without extreme pain. It felt like someone was stabbing me with a knife and the walking motion made it feel like it was slicing my tendon. If you want more info, let me know how to contact you and I can tell you more about it.

Lynn
Wausau

Hi Lynnn
I actually went to there today. I called my normal clinic and the soonest their podiatrist could get me in was later this month or in August. NOT ACCEPTABLE WITH THIS PAIN. So, after checking to see if my insurance would work at Podiatry Associates (it does) they could get me in this morning. The doc. took an x-ray to make sure it wasn't a hairline fracture or cyst giving me trouble. When they were ruled out, she diagnosed plantars fasciitis. So, now I have some bands around the foot, more extensive stretching and icing, othetics being made for my shoes and a boot that I'll be wearing at night which will keep the foot in a position to help avoid the pain first thing in the morning (when it's by far the worst) If that stuff doesn't help, the doc says we'll get more aggressive with shots, therapy or even surgery. It wasn't Doc. Jourdan, but another doc at Podiatry Associates. I was impressed with their professionalism at that clinic and when it's all said and done I hope I can say I'm impressed with how they cured me, to. But my Doc says she's sure this will help. Interestly, she also told me plantars fasciitis accounts for 60% of her patients. I didn't realize that many people dealt with this type of foot pain. Hope your feet say pain free, Lynn! Thanks for blogging on.
J

THE 4th OF JULY AND OTHER STUFF (7/3/07)

Happy 4th of July everybody! Enjoy your day off, time with your family, cookouts, party, parade, picnic or whatever you do.

I have some great memories of the 4th as a kid. That was the week my family would go "up north." We rented a cottage on the north shore of Shawano Lake. Probably went every year from the time I was in kindergarten to when I graduated high school. I would love to tell you more about it. But, I was always raised with the warning that "What happens in Shawano stays in Shawano" I think Las Vegas stole that line from us.

I went to see the new movie "Live Free or Die Hard" with Bruce Willis. In a nutshell it was pretty good. A nice summer blockbuster I didn't want to wait until DVD to check out. It's well acted with incredible stunts and special effects and a nice thriller premise. The actor who played the bad guy was a little on the weak side and I think there's one small hole in the plot. But otherwise, a good one. Now that Jan Janssen doesn't work here anymore, I figured I'd give you the review. I also had a good time meeting some nice people stopping for a few "refreshments" after the film.

So, President Bush commuted the sentence of "Scooter" Libby. I won't give my opinion. But I will ask "Is he TRYING to see how low his approval numbers will go?"

Now, I need your advice on a couple of things.

First, I bought a "squirrel proof" birdfeeder. It's spring loaded and is supposed to close the feeding holes anytime too much weight is put on it. But the squirrels are still eating more out of it then any sparrow or cardinal. Does anyone have any advice on how to keep them away?

And second, I'm dealing with a wicked bone spur on my left heel. Beside the infected wisdom tooth I once had, this is the most pain I've ever been in. And all the limping has thrown my back out of whack. My chiropractor is getting the back back in shape. And I now have some shoe inserts to give me better support, which I hope will help the painful spur. But so far it's not so good. It's getting really frustrating. Any advice?

OK, that's this weeks update. If you want to take part in the discussion, you know what to do.

J

Not sure what part of your heel the spur is on, but if it is on the back of the heel, I had one. Worst pain ever. After two years of trying everything, finally decided on surgery to remove it, which included removing the achilles tendon and re-attaching it, but I have been pain free for 10 years now. Best decision I ever made. After you try everthing and the pain is still there and getting worse, the surgery is a viable and sucessful option. Lynn, Wausau

Thanks Lynn. Glad to hear you're pain free. As much as this hurts, surgury is definately something I'd consider.
J

Think Bailey could be trained to scare away the squirrels? I liked the pellet gun comment. I'd recommend something a little more permanent, but city laws and such... Anybody who thinks harming pest squirrels is bad should stop swatting at the pest mosquitos, too. FYI - squirrel meat used to be served up for supper in the old days. I've heard tell it's good eatin'. 'Course city squirrels is mighty puny 'n hardly worth the ammo. I'm sure that'll raise some eyebrows, to say the least, so's I better quit that subject. Just had to put in my two cents on it. One more thing, hope that foot of yours gets better. Sounds right painful.

Baillie chases them. But she's only ever caught one. It's hind legs didn't work and it couldn't climb trees. But when she got it, she sort of looked at me like "what do I do with this, now?" She's as good at hunting as I am. And I finally gave up and had some shots in the bottom of my foot this morning. That was a new experience in pain! Between that, better shoes and some new stretching excercises, hopefully that will do the trick.
J

Jeff,

Jocko

That probably won't work. Squirrels read about as well as sports guys ;)
J

Hi Jeff, don't the squirrels deserve some food, too? :)

from, the one who picks great jukebox tunes in Point :)

Hey fellow Johnny Cash lover! Nice to hear from you. I'm still waiting for the picture. And I would love to feed the squirrels. But they just can't seem to get that the food that falls to the ground is theirs. The stuff in the feeder belongs to the birds!
J

1. The Prez doesn't care about polls or what people think about him or anything else. Just when I thought I had professional politicians figured out.
2. Find a REAL shoe store with knowledgeable people who can fit you with shoes that fit. A podiatrist at this point makes sense, if you don't already have one.

Jim
Rothschild

Hi Jim. It's funny you brought that up. Both my MD and Chiropractor recommended the same thing. They had me buy some inserts to give some support to my feet that are flatter than pancakes. And they had me buy dog-walking sneakers that are built for pronators. Apparently that means I walk on the inside of my feet. And like I said before between the shots, stretching and new shoes, hopefully the problem will go away.
J

Hi Jeff,
Are you going to the balloon event this weekend?

Thanks for blogging on. I don't have specific plans for the weekend yet. But that's certainly a possibility. By the way, if you ever have a chance to ride in one, take it. I've been lucky enough to get three rides, including one from the folks at Handcrafted Furniture. They are spectacular!
J

Hi Jeff,
My aunnt and uncle own a hot air balloon. I help crew when I can. I went up in the balloon in 2006 in wausau rally. this channel should cover more of the balloon rally.
Have a great day,
Kate s. plover

I'll pass that word along, Kate, thanks.
J

I still say dry cayenne pepper mixed with the bird seed works. The 'hot' is activated by the animal's saliva, so I've been told. The birds shouldn't notice any difference - no saliva. Be grateful you just have squirrels. My folks are dealing with chipmunks and gophers which love to dig holes everywhere. They've also had skunks dig up the yard for grubs; but I guess it isn't that season yet since I haven't heard too many complaints along those lines this year. Hot pepper to shoo off squirrels - that's the ticket! -viewer from Merrill

Thanks Merrill viewer! I'll give it a try. Today, I borrowed a pellet gun from a friend and took care of one of the squirrels in a different way.
J

ODDS AND ENDS (6/25/07)

OK, first up, sorry about the lack of new blogs lately. There's no excuse for it. I've just been really busy. I promise I will step up the effort to keep these up to date. Remember though, I start a new diet every Monday morning, too. ;)

Nice to see the Brewers playing well again. I'll admit when things were going poorly in May I was completely on the "Fire Yost" bandwagon. But they kept saying "every team has these stretches." I guess they were right. I just booked one of those tables at the restaurant in left field for a game in September. Hopefully, they'll still be in the thick of the race for the post season, or may be even running away with it by then.

I was pretty happy to see "The Young and the Restless" take home the Emmy (in a tie with Guiding Light) for best daytime drama. I don't really watch the show, it just happens to be on every day when I eat my lunch.

I saw my Godson, Christopher this weekend. He came up for my church picnic. He's a great kid and I'm completely unbiased. He took his naps without fighting it, played nicely with his trucks, didn't fight it when it was time to let one of the other children play on the games at the picnic and even behaved pretty well during church. Then, came time to have his picture taken during a portrait sitting. Let's just say the 2-year old in him re-emerged. As much as I would have liked him to smile instead of cry during the picture taking, I think it's kind of funny that's the only time out of the weekend he was less than an angel. And again, I'm completely unbiased.

Never got a chance to talk to you about the story we did a few weeks ago that lead to a tip and an arrest in the Rhonda Mertes murder case. In a nutshell, we did a series of reports on unsolved homicides in the area, including Rhonda's. Two days later, police got a tip call and it lead to an arrest. That's about as good a feeling as you get in this business. But the bigger kudos go to the police for their hard work, the tipster and to Rhonda's family for simply hanging in there during a time of hell on earth.

One last thing. Big congratulations to Matt Mattek! He's the young man who borrowed my flag tie to wear in his graduation picture. It's a tribute to his brother who was killed in the war in Iraq. Matt and his family invited me to his graduation party. They showed incredible warmth and made me feel right at home. Congrats Matt! And thanks again for the invite.

That's it for today. Hope to talk to you again soon.

J

hi jeff,
I am a big counrty music fan.I like dogs. I cook. I am a big fan of this station. I only watch this station for news, weather and sports. Have a great evening and keep on smiling.
kate

Thanks for the kind words, Kate.
J

THE BEST COUNTRY SONGS OF ALL TIME (5/10/07)

OK, this is a blog repeat. Sorry about that. I did it last year in honor of the ACM Awards and thought it would be fun to bring them back for this year's ACM Awards. It's my personal list of what I think are the best country songs of all time. I couldn't narrow it down to just 10, so I went all the way to 22. By the way, the ACMs (hosted by Reba McEntire) are Tuesday, May 15 on NewsChannel 7.

1) RING OF FIRE
Co-written by June Carter-Cash to describe the feeling of the controversial love she had for Johnny Cash. Then the idea of adding the famous horns came to Johnny in a dream. The record company didn't want to release it as a single because "there had never been a country song with horns on before." Finally, it goes on to become one of the biggest and most recognizable country songs of all time. And most importantly it's just a great song!

2) GOOD HEARTED WOMAN
The consummate country party song! The Outlaws were the first platinum selling country act. How can you miss with Willie & Waylon? And thanks to former NewsChannel 7 videographer Jess Omdahl for reminding me about the song, because quite frankly I almost forgot about it. (What kind of a country fan am I?)

3) WHEN I CALL YOUR NAME
It's the song that turned Vince Gill from a well respected musician in Nashville to one of the biggest country stars of the 90's. Love the opening piano rift! Love the Patty Loveless harmonies! Love the song!

4) THE GRAND TOUR
A lot of critics say George Jones' song "He Stopped Loving Her Today" is one of the best of all time. I say it's this one. The final line "Oh, she left me without mercy, taking nothing but our baby and my heart" sung by the king of all country voices and crying in your beer music doesn't get any better.

5) HE'LL HAVE TO GO
"Put your sweet lips a little closer to the phone." I hear that line in that smooth Jim Reeves voice and just wish I could write a song like that just once.

6) I HOPE YOU DANCE
Love what the song says, love the harmony and love Leaane Womack's "throwback" voice. And I use the term throwback as a compliment to mean REAL COUNTRY like Dolly Parton.

7) EL PASO
Another song (just like Ring of Fire) that I think even people who don't like country music say they like. It's one of Marty Robbins' best. The "love that is stronger than death" story song that sets the standard.

8) IF LOVIN' YOU IS WRONG, I DON'T WANNA BE RIGHT
Barbara Mandrell was the queen of country in the late 70's and early 80's. Songs like this are the reason why. A steamy, smoldering song of forbidden love.

9) YOU'VE NEVER BEEN THIS FAR BEFORE
Speaking of steamy and smoldering, just listen closely to Conway Twitty in this song. The pitch, the words, the crescendo and then the relaxation. You know what he's singing about.

10) BEHIND CLOSED DOORS
They called him the "Silver Fox." I remember my Mom and Aunts talking about how the name fit Charlie Rich perfectly. The piano, which I believe Rich played himself, on this song is great. I'll hit the replay on it at least 3 times when I pop the Charlie Rich's Greatest Hits CD in.

11) MOUNTAIN MUSIC/DIXIELAND DELIGHT
Before Garth Brooks came along, it was Alabama in the 80's showing young people it was OK to like country music. I saw them in concert at the old MECCA in Milwaukee in 1982 and they rocked the house with songs like this. These two best exemplify what they did to expand the genre. And more importantly, the songs are great!

12) COAL MINER'S DAUGHTER
I really believe the reason people love Loretta Lynn is because the songs she wrote and sang were her REAL LIFE. And this one is the best examples of that. Great song and movie, too.

13) SWEET DREAMS/I FALL TO PIECES
To this day, Patsy Cline is the voice by which other female performer's voices are measured. Love the violins that start "Sweet Dreams" and her voice makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up.

14) LET'S FALL TO PIECES TOGETHER
Of the 2+ decades of George Strait hits, I like this on the best. "Pardon me, you left your tears on the jukebox and I'm afraid they got mixed up with mine..." Now, that's a country song lyric. And kudos to my friend Lee Peek from the morning show at Great County, WDEZ who reminded me that I overlooked Strait and another superstar when I gave him an early look at the list.

15) IT WASN'T GOD WHO MADE HONKY-TONK ANGELS.
Kitty Wells was the first queen of country music. I believe this was the first song by a woman to hit number one on the country charts. It was written as an answer song to one called "I Didn't Know God Made Honky-Tonk Angels" and for that era it's got
some real female empowerment.

16) THE LORD'S PRAYER/HOW GREAT THOU ART
If someone were to put me on a desert island and tell me I could only have one CD, it would be the Statler Brother's "New Testament." It's a REALLY GOOD gospel album. The Bros always have great harmonies. These two songs get me misty every time I play the CD. I know they've been done a lot and may not be classic country songs, but the Bros put a country arrangement on them. Absolutely Beautiful!

17) WHERE WERE YOU WHEN THE WORLD STOPPED TURNING
A song written by one of country's best writers, Alan Jackson. It helped a nation heal a little after we were attacked. And kudos again to Lee. It's the other one I overlooked on the orginal list.

18) YOUNG LOVE
I have an extremely personal reason for putting this song on the list. My Mom sang it to me as a baby. Her and Dad started dating when they were very young and I think the Sonny James work was sort of their theme song, which was passed on to me when I came along.

19) DON'T LET ME CROSS OVER LOVES CHEATING LINES
I know this song was done twice. I think Carl & Pearl Butler sang it the first time, but it was re-released by Jim Reeves and Debra Allen in the early 80's years after Reeves died. I believe they just dubbed her voice onto it from a library of stuff he recorded. It's a beautiful country song.

20) SAFE IN THE ARMS OF LOVE
If you ever see Martina McBride in concert, count how many times you say to yourself "gosh, can this woman sing!" This song is one of her best. And of all the country songs ever released, it has one of the most unique sounds you'll ever hear on country radio.

21) IS ANYBODY GOING TO SAN ANTONE/KISS AN ANGEL GOOD MORNING
The great Charlie Pride! He was the second biggest selling artist on RCA records in the 70's after Elvis. Plus, it must have taken GREAT COURAGE to be an African American country singer in front of small town, mostly white crowds in the late 60's and early 70's. More importantly, they're great songs.

22) AMANDA
If I ever have a daughter this will be her name. It is hands down, Don Williams' best. Plus, former NewsChannel 7 reporter Amanda Lutz loves it when I sing it to her in the newsroom.

What's in your top 10 or 22?

J

blogging with you last week, was dispointed not to have some kind of responce k9

Hi K9
Web producer Bill Martens was on vacation. He thought he set up that the blog responses would come right to us while he was gone (they normally go to him) but something went wrong and they got stuck in the e-twilight zone. But he's back and so are the blog responses.
J

I guess some people have to much time on there hands Jeff you might be one of them,country, rap, rock n roll, who cares its all just music if you like find if not thats ok to, I think the last couple of weeks in marathion county you might have come up with something bettter to blog about. k9

What would you suggest?
J

Really, is there any point of having this much touted blog centre - weeks go by & there are few changes. Shake it uop a bit, it's pretty boring. Also Jeff I have noticed on occasion that if someone doesn't agree with you your slightly sarcastic response can infer that person is not open minded. I am very open minded but dislike country music. That's my opinion. You obviously like it, that's yours. Thank you.

When it comes to the criticism of not updating the blog enough, you are absolutely right. Since I was named assistant news director, I just don't have the time to give it as much as I used to. But we are still the only TV station in the area that offers it, and a monthly update and some discussion is better than none at all, right? As for the sarcasm. your response of "there's no such thing as a good country song" tells me you believe from the time the Carter family put out thier first record to whatever country cd will be released tomorrow there's never been a good country song. That's ridiculous and gets a snarky response.
J

Hey Jeff it wasn't me that suggested there was no good country song, somebody else did. But there you go again. I'm a lover of classical music amongst other genres. If someone said to me there was no good classical music I would just laugh, not mention the word ridiculous because this person obviously is not hearing the same beauty that I do. We all hear something different. Thank you.

Did you really just use the word "amongst?"
J

FYI Jeff - 'amongst' is actually a word - look it up.

I know. It's just not a word you hear too much in general conversation, (or in this case writing) anymore.
J

I agree Jeff...you may not get to participate as much as you want to in the blog now but all these other people obviously enjoy it. I don't understand the negative comments from the other blogger. Ya can't make everyone happy, but it must be nice that the blogger misses you when you are absent!

Thanks for the input.
J

Country (stinks)! Metal Rules!

My cousin used to play drums in a metal band. My mom and I went to see him play one night. We lasted 2 minutes. But I certainly respect the fact he learned to play drums and I quit my lessons after 3 weekis.
J

Jeff - It's hard to argue with any of the songs already mentioned, but once you start adding a few it's hard to stop. Here's a list of five that I find myself singing along the loudest to when I pop them in on my way home from a long day of work: Roger Miller's "King of the Road", David Allen Coe's "You Never Even Call Me By My Name", Hank William Sr's "Kawlija", Toby Keith's "How Do You Like Me Now", and almost anything from Johnny Cash. I was going to add "Silver Haired Daddy of Mine", but the only copy I have on CD is by Frank Yankovic so I believe technically my version may be a polka.

Deion - Sussex, WI

Hi Deion.
"Silver Haired Daddy of Mine" holds a special place in the Thelen Family heart. We used to sing it to my Grandpa and it would make him choke up every time. A memory I treasure. When I redo this list sometime in the future, I may have to add 'King of the Road." What a classic.
J

Hi Jeff.
This is Aric your viewer from madison wi. I watch your newsshow on distant channel antenna from my home in madison wi. A grad of the UW-Madison with a degree in "Geography/Meteorology and a "post bacc" certification in GIS and Education. My top 20 county music songs.

So there are my top 20 country music songs. I have been to grand ole opray once in mashville tn during my college days on a sumemr trip to the outer banks of north carolina but never to a country music festival in the state of wisconsin. I will get there one of these days. Have a great week and hope to see more blog postings.

Thanks Arik, I've never been tot he Grand Ole Opry. I try to convince Holiday Travels every time I'm lucky enough to host one of their trips that they need to add Nashville to the list and let me host.
J

Jeff, You missed "Feed Jake" and "The Dance"... Classics! Changing your mind?

The Dance is a good song and a GREAD video. Sorry, we'll have to agree to disagree on Feed Jake.
J

Heard an old Bellamy Brothers song today on the rad. Remember their day? I wonder why they dont make music anymore. I thought they were good. I find their music soothing. --NND

Love the Bellamy Bros. Espcially the song "More of You"
J

Hi Jeff,
Do you like Gene Watson songs? I think he's the best. Good job on picking your top 20.I was hoping Gene Watson would be in there somewhere. By the way I just love you on channel 7.
Take Care Bev.

Thanks, Bev.
I know the name, can you name any of his songs? I bet I like them.
J

George Strait is a mixed bag. The songs I like of his are "Marina Del Ray", Nobody In His Right Mind Would've Left Her", "Amarillo By Morning", and maybe "The Cowboy Rides Away". --NND

Strait is the king! I don't think he's ever released a bad song.
J

Have you ever been to the Country Music Hall of Fame, Grand Ole Opry or the Ryman Auditorium? They are a must-see for any country music fan.

Not yet, but I hoping to go someday. Then, I'll be singing in a karaoke bar in Nashville when the head of some record company will hear me and I'll be the next Vince Gill. A guy can dream, can't he?
J

Hay Jeff...just a little correction on the Conway Twitty song "You've Never Been this Far Before"--the song is actually about touching a woman's hair. That info is from an interview with Conway's wife.

Sweet T/Marshfield

Thanks for the blog comment, Sweet T. But I must respectfully disagree. You absolutely cannot hear that song, it's tone and it's lyrics and not know exactly what it's about. Maybe Conway's wife was just embarrassed about what it was really about ;) And yes, "Let's Fall to Pieces Together" where the tears on the jukebox line comes from was a single. I'ts on my Greatest Hits CD.
J

There is no such thing as a good country song.

Thanks for the nice open minded reponse.
J

I like your top 22!I might have had Looking for love by Johnny Lee and Bop by Dan Seals in the list as well along with I cross my heart by George Strait!~just me

Those are good songs, just me.
J

Jeff,
Did you know that in the music video for I Hope You Dance, one of the girls that appear to be playing a violin is a local Wausau girl?

I did not know that. Thanks for the interesting tidbit.
J

Oops! That Alabama song I mentioned is not called "Falling"; it's called, "The Closer You Get (The Further I Fall)". From the 80's. Love that song. Only Alabama song I can say that about. -NND

P.S. That last post was me again, NND. And no, I don't notice any new blog site design. What am I missing?
You might want to get them to design a place for a person to type their sign-on name or handle.

Good suggestions.
J

Finally this blog is back online?! Bout time. Hey, Jeff, how can you NOT like the song "A Country Boy Can Survive"! That's almost a travesty for a country music fan! I'm not even technically a Hank WIlliams Jr. fan, it's just that one song. And what's this about you being hot in love with actress Shirley Jones and the Partridge Family? I just don't see the attraction, but then men are all weird anyway. You like blondes? We citizens of Wausau should hunt around and try to find you a match and get you married. Give us a grocery list. How about your co-anchor Stephanie...? Lol...

Steph is more like a sister than anything else...
J

HEY JEFF I SEE YOU OUT WALKING YOUR DOG ALL THE TIME. YOU LIVE BY MY BROTHER HE HAS A FISHING BOAT. AT ONE TIME YOU WANTED TO GO, WELL NOW IS YOUR CHANCE. HE BOUGHT A BIGGER ONE, (BASS BOAT) IT CAN DO 90....MPH WE CAN GET TO THE SPOT FASTER NOW.. COME ON OVER AND VISIT.
JEFFREY BPCOMMUNICATIONS....

Thanks for the invite! But, could we just cruise the water? With apologies to anglers, fishing gets me really bored really fast. Love fish fries, though.
J

One of my favorites is The Chair sung by George Strait. What makes this song unusual is it's a song without a chorus. I like Tennessee Ernie Ford's gospel music. To pick a favorite of his is almost impossible.

The chair is a great song! The only down side is I've tried that line and it didn't work. If I were George Strait, I guess that would be a different story. And if I every re-write my top country songs list, I'll have to include "16 Tons" by Tennessee Ernie Ford. God Bless his Pea-Pickin' heart! (that was his famous line)
J

Jeff,
I just wanted to Thank Channel 7 and Dale's Weston Lanes for have the pinbuster tournament within a tournament. I strongly believe that Todd Fenske should join the Pro Tour!!

Dale "The Hunkster" Hanke

Thanks, Dale. I didn't make it, but heard a good time was had by all.
J

Hi Jeff:
I am a big 7 fan . i just found out that 2 of my shows have been cancelled, JERICO and CLOSE TO HOME how come? They did not ask me my opinion.
ED

Hi Ed. I was surprised by "Close to Home" being cancelled because it won it's time slot on Friday nights. As for Jerico, the network blew it themselves. They took it off the air over the winter months and it lost it's audiance. The ratings were way down when it came back on. I understand the same thing happened to Lost on ABC.
J

Jeff, I have to say you did a whale of a job on picking your top 20 country music songs. I couldn't have done it any better.
Bonnie

Thanks, Bonnie!

Yea! Carrie Underwood cleaned house at the CMA Awards last night! Yeee-haw!
She's my fave. Rodney Atkins and Little Big Town and Rascal Flats all did well too; i like em all. I just can't stand Brooks and Dunn.

-NND

Even though it's a pretty "female" oriented song, I always catch myself singing along with that one where she "dug her key into the side of his pretty little souped up four wheel drive." I don't even know the title. American Idol truly got it right the year she won. As for Brooks and Dunn, I tend to like their older stuff a little better. Boot Scootin' Boogie and Neon Moon, for example. There's is still one of the best concerts I've ever seen.
J

Happy belated birthday Jeff......does everyone know that one of your favorite shows growing up was "The Partridge Family".

Thanks for blogging on . In fact "I Think I Love You" for your comment.
Sorry, couldn't resist. When I was a kid, I wanted to go on tour with them. Now, when I see the old footage of Shirley Jones, who was probably about the age I am now when that show was done, I think she's hands down one of the most stunning God ever made! As for Partridge Family music... It's like eating a Twinkie. We've all done it (listened to it) but none of us admit it. Come on, get happy!
J

Isn't this blog working anymore?

-No Name Dummy

Hi No Name Dummy. (great nickname by the way) I'll pass that along to web producer Bill Martens who's in charge of putting them in. He's been slacking! Just kidding about that. I don't know if you've seen the changes on our site, but that's all Bill's doing. Obviously, it's kept him very busy.
J

Hey! Grrrrrrreat topic!! I love Country music too. I totally agree with your choices of #3, #6, # 10, #13: these are some of my all times favorites also! I would also add the following: "Wasted" by Carrie Underwood (2007), "Only God (Could Stop Me Loving You)", by Emerson Drive, "Fall Into Me" also by Emerson Drive, "Falling" by Alabama, "Let Me Love You One More Time" and "Being Human" both by Michael Peterson, and I also love just about everything done by Keith Urban, Craig Morgan, and Little Big Town. The awesome song about a teen suicide by Blaine Larsen (sp?) (which title I presently forget) will always stick with me. Another all-time great: "A Country Boy Can Survive", by Hank Williams!!! Rascal Flats' "What Hurts The Most", Dirks Bentley...oh man, there's so many great ones! I like Matt Redmann's gospel hit "You Never Let Go". And have you ever heard any of Charlie Daniel's gospel albums? I have his "Steel Witness" album, although it's not one of my favorites, as I prefer old hymns.

I don't have any Charlie Daniel's gosel cd's, but I've heard him sing it on TV and yes, it sounds great! I like Deirks Bentley's music, too. He seems a little more raw than a lot of today's stars, sort of like he and the band go into the studeo and perform. They don't re-record and overdub 'til they get it perfect. As for Hank Jr, sorry, never was a huge fan. I know that probably puts my status as a country fan in jeopardy. I like the first cd from Rascal Flats the best, especially "I'm Moving On." And I agree 100% that "Fall Into Me" by Emerson Drive is a GREAT song. I like their latest, I think it's called "I've Had My Moments" is a really good one, too.
J

hi jeff,
i was wondering if you could tell me who the new sports guy is. i've seen him on the last few weeks and there was a picture of him in the paper today (5-10), but i can't find a bio on him on the website. tell him i think he's good...and easy on the eyes as well. thanks.
beth

We actually got two new guys at the same time. Both return to NorthCentral Wisconsin. Monday through Friday is Mike "Jocko" Jacques who worked her a few years ago and is coming back after some time in Madison. The new weekend guy is Dale Ryman, who used to work up at Channel 12 and returns from Iowa. And to have that level of talent in a sports department in this size market is pretty remarkable. Although, I'd never compliment either one of them to their face. ;)
J

VIRUS VULTURES 4/4/07
THEY SAID IT AT GUNPOINT
JOCKO'S BACK
CHRIST THE LORD IS RISEN TODAY

Got a few things on my mind this week. Here goes.

First, a lesson on just how dependent on computers we've become. Several viruses attacked the Gray Broadcasting Inc. computer system this week. It took a bite out of almost every station in the company. Here, it chose to hit hardest on election day. A day when we use computers to show you the results of the races. At one point, we were going to use a white board, like the guy in the UPS commercials, to show you the results. Alison Struve did a great job of getting the noon show together using handwritten scripts and scripts salvaged from the garbage can until our engineering staff got the problem worked out. And by the way, I'm fully expecting a a new order from the company about installing the most stringent virus protection that exists.

Did you see any of the video of the British Marines and Sailors from Iranian TV? It shows them apologizing for going into Iranian waters and thanking the country for forgiving them. Is there any doubt there was someone off camera threatening their lives as the made the tapes? Something tells me Iran is going to be a thorn in our, and the rest of world's side, for quite some time.

It's great to have Jocko back! Just so you know, the kidding around you see on the air increases 10 fold when the cameras and microphones are not around. He really takes the department to the next level. But, I'd never tell him to his face or it would go right to his head.

I'll make every excuse in the world not to go to church on Good Friday. Sorry, it's just such a downer. But, Easter Sunday morning is absolutely the best time! It's so joyous! And it's the one time of year we get to hear my favorite hymn. "Christ the Lord is Risen Today." Also my, Godson should be pretty fun this year. He turned two in January. Don't tell him, but he's getting some candy, a stuffed bunny and a book titled "My First Badger Book" giving him some important early lessons about our favorite college teams.

OK, that's it. I'd love to hear your thoughts on any subject. You know what to do.

J

P.S. Regarding Good Friday: I now know what it is that I was trying to allude to about the fasting; it is that self-denial and self-sacrifice on this day help one to identify with Christ's suffering, and to share in it. That's why it was so powerful for me I guess, and succeeded where church and other activities don't. In other words, it doesn't have to be fasting; another form of self-denial of personal pleasure on that day would work just as well. Anyone can play "church", whereas being intimate with God by identifying with Him for His sake makes things deeply personal.

Thanks for the comment.
J

So Jeff, why is Good Friday such a downer for you at your church?

I've admit I've always found Good Friday services to be quite disappointing, in that it's such a sacred day it deserves something EXTRA special. Yet very few people would show up for those services i noticed. I never knew what to do with it or how to honor it and church left it flat. I's a very sacred day that has succeeded in escaping commercialism. It's the day honoring how Christ was tortured to death on a cross for me/us. So I first started honoring it by taking off work that day. But that didn't seem to exalt the day either. So now what I do every Good Friday is I commit to fast unto the Lord that day. I keep it to myself. The fast is either from desserts/fun foods or from all food completely. Whichever i choose it is unto the Lord and between me and Him. The first time i did this I was amazed at the terrific spiritual experience i had! This was finally the thing that really gave Good Friday power for me.
The best way to celebrate Good Friday is to do something special (for The Lord or including Him in it)that day that you don't do any other. This year I did a fast which I didn't break until Easter Sunday. And I didn't allow any commercialism into any of it.

Thanks for blogging on. The Good Friday services at my church I'm sure are just fine. It's just a personal choice of mine not to go. I have all the respect in the world for how much effort you put into it, though.
J

Hi Jeff,

Thanks, Lee

You know Lee, I don't know. I would guess it may be with the local historical society.
J

Hello to my favorite co-anchor!!! Just wanted to say hi. I miss you all at Channel 7 .. but am loving Green Bay, too. Hope you're still singing at all the wrong moments ... :)
Love,
Ang

Hi Dupus! (that was my nickname for Angela Salscheider)
Nice to hear from you again. Things here are great, except we miss you. And unlike you Stephanie loves my singing, wants me to sing louder and more often ;)
J

Jeff,
The Annual Pinbusters is the richest one day team tournament in Wisconsin.
Why is it every year, they barely mention the results on tv? I know its on the website etc, but it seems that you barely allow enough time for the results. Why not allow a special 5 minute program on pinbusters every year?
"The Hunkster"

Hi Hunkster (great name, by the way) thanks for blogging on.
I'm greatful for the feedback, but I must disagree. I just talked with Jocko who tells me the men's and women's tourneys each got a 2:30 story the night of the event and follow ups the next two days. That's more than any sports story, event he Packers ever get.
J

Hi Jeff,

Thanks Lee

I don't know, I'll talk to the boss and her about getting her one.
J

Hi Jeff,

Quick question.....why did Angela change her last name to Kelley? Did she marry? My husband and I saw her on WLUK.
Thanks!! Tina

Hi Tina. I'm not sure. Some people just choose to do that in this business. For example, I tried to change my last name from Thelen to Schnicklefritz, but the station wouldn't allow it. J/K. Ang checks in here sometimes so may be she can answer the question herself.
J

Jeff

At the 5 P.M. news on 04/24 you said you thought you saw it all with the "Bobcat" used on an A.T.M. machine burglary. News flash - burglars have used tow trucks as far back as the "60's to back into the glass of a store, pick up the safe and bye bye.
Kevin

OK, thanks Kevin.
J

Hi Jeff

--Karl

Thanks for the info, Karl.
J

Hi Jeff: Do you have any public appearances coming up soon? I would love to see you in person; I have watched you for years. I have always enjoyed your newcasts and go back as way as your morning show.

A fan

Thanks fan! I'll be a celebrity phone answerer (since they couldn't find any real celebs they asked me) for the trivia contest in Stevens Point on Sunday April 22. I'll be at the news conference for the Gus Macker Monday morning and at the Wausau Chamber of Commerce event Thursday, April 26.
J

Glad to see Jackco back, but what happened to the other sports guy???? You all look like your really having fun.

Yes, we are having fun! And former sports director Matt Zahn took a job in Madison.
J

Jeff, I watch nothing but you, Susan and Mike. I love your professionalism and also the way you play off one another. Mike is a stitch, but please tell Jocko it's about about the reporting and not ABOUT HIM.

Faithful viewer

Thanks Faithful viewer. I'll pass along the words of advice to Jocko. In his defense, it may come off that way, but it really is just about him and the viewers having fun with something that's supposed to be fun, sports.
J

Why are people ripping Jocko? My husband and I haven't watched sports on local TV in 2 years, but now that he's back we lose a little sleep. Well worth it! Keep up the great work Jeff. We Love Channel 7.
Beth and Mark
Wausau

Thanks, Beth and Mark!
J

I've worked with computers for over 15 years and PC malware acts like human viruses. If you want 99 percent protection - disconnected. If you want 100 percent protection, pull the plug. On that sad note, for our Good Friday service our pastor showed us a modern short film called 'Most' which strongly reflected the message of the day. Not a dry eye in the church. Easter's sunrise service was much better though. It's the one time of year I don't mind getting up extra early to go to church. I had to pass on Easter breakfast though. Doctor appointment coming up and the menu was fat, cholesterol and sugar - I mean sausage, eggs, and pancakes with syrup. I know the youth group works hard, but think they would they be offended if I gave them money and brought in my own breakfast? One last thing, sounds like you'll be a good godparent. Just keep pointing that godson in the direction of the Badgers and Packers and you'll do fine. Lots of candy helps (ha ha.) - E in Merrill

Thanks, E. We never eat a very big Easter breakfast. Usually we go for 1PM Easter dinner to my Uncle Rocky and Auntie Verna's house and that includes ham and all the trimmings. The best is my Auntie Verna's cauliflower. OK, it's not really the cauliflower, it's the white sauce that goes over it. The best in the world!
J

Great to see you and Jocko horsing around again. Your team is complete.

Regards,
Mary
Wis. Rapids

Thanks, Mary! It's like the fourth leg of the table has been put back in place.
J

Hi Jeff!
I find your humor and quite comical ways refreshing, and enlightening. With all the negative stuff going on in the world, and here in our own back yards- you,Jocko, (great to have him back, by the way), Chad, all of the news channel 7 team- make it easier to watch the news and still find humor and smile about something, no matter how small ie: cute animals, etc.
I am a believer in Christ, and even with prayer&faith- I still find myself a bit scared over the stuff going on around us- he is risen, and is a shield around me; but I still fear for our troops, and our children- we are even destroying ourselves with the stuff we allow in our homes- the music our kids listen too- ever listen to the words? As I was once told, garbage in, then garbage out. What our kids are taking in, is what they are acting out.
And parents- the ones who do care- are losing control- do not have the right to say no anymore, or the kids call social services on them.
Lord Jesus help us- we have a war here to battle on our own turf,a spiritual one, and one with our children and what they are doing to themselves, and to others.
Sorry this is long- wanted to get things off my chest, but I had to say that I agree with you in a lot of the things you write in here, and hope that you continue to share your smile with us- I know I sure appreciate it!
A channel 7 fan and of course a Jeff fan,
Linda from Wausau

ps you, Chad, Jocko- all in the studio at once- Comedy Central!!!!!! LOL

Thanks for the kind words Linda! This no doubt it is a scary time. So hang in there.
J

So Jeff, where is Angela these days?

DM

Hi DM,
She left us for a job in Green Bay.
J

Where has Angela S. been all week? I miss her on the 10pm news. The two of you are my favorite local news team.

Hi there. I miss her like crazy as well. But Steph is a good addition to our newsteam. And she's originally from the Wausau area, so we think she'll be around for a while.
J

Thanks for finally updating your blog Jeff!!! I usually check it out several times a week. Yes it is awesome to see Jocko back!! I love watching the two of you on camera and can't imagine what it is like off camera but very happy to see him back, the sports department need him badly!! And on the subject of Good Friday you are right there it is such a downer and then Easter is such a Happy time of the church year. Nothing like the song "Christ is risen today" can't wait to sing it this year along with my three year old grandadughter who will be attending church with us. Here's wishing you a very Blessed Easter. JB

Thanks JB! Ever since I added Assistant News Director to my title here, I don't have the time to update the blog as much as I'd like. I'm happy to report we did sing my favorite hymn at Easter Sunday (or in my case Saturday night) service. I went to a rural church called Shephard of the Hills outside of Fond du Lac where my folks live. And the chior was fantastic!
J

WHEN I WATCH SPORTS I WANT TO HEAR WHATS GOING ON, NOT WATCH SOME CLOWN WHO THINKS HE'S A STAND UP COMEDIAN!
I'LL WATCH 9 INSTEAD.

I bet you're a lot of fun at parties.
J

Hey J! Viruses really (stink). I got nailed by a Trojan horse last year. Norton Internet Security (made by Symantec) didn't take care of it. A note for home readers, I did find that there is a FREE antivirus software called AVG Free that is made by a company called Grisoft. That did take care of the Trojan. I have since not renewed my Symantec and now run AVG Free, Ad-Aware and Spybot. The combo of these FREE softwares keeps me on top of anything that could affect my PC.
-RK
P.S. Maybe you can find out for me, why does the program guide on my HD receiver show the same shows on 7.1 as on 7.2 when they are completely different programs? The TV Listings on AOL shows the correct shows. 9.2 (CW) seems to have the correct shows on the program guide as what is airing on that channel. Thanks!

Thanks, RK. Hope you stay virus free from now on. And I'll talk to our program director about your PS.
j

Hi Jeff Once again i saw you wear your tie for election day, what a great reminder for us all to vote. Your blog withMatt and your tie was included in Our Wi support group news letter. Everyone wa very touched by it. I'd like to send you a copy. should I just sed it to the station?. I also saw a response from Ssgt. Brian Romans someone whom will always be very special to us. How cllo that he was able to see that while serving in Iraq.
Thanks Jeff. You and all of channel 7 are wonderful, and welcome back to Jocko! Marsha Mattek

Thanks, Marsha. Sure, just send it to the station. And I continue to be touched by the reaction to the story about the tie.
J

Jeff,
Great to see you and Jocko having fun again. Keep up the great work and keep Jocko in line!
TL

Thanks, but I'm not sure if keeping Jocko in line is even possible.
J

Hi Jeff,

Thanks, Lee

Hi, Lee. Sorry, Sir 7 scared you as a kid. Just like the times changing so do TV station logos and Sir 7 was retired several years ago. Here's a little tease, however. In a few weeks, be looking for him in a fundraising project I'm involved in.
J

######################################################

OH WHAT A NIGHT (3/12/07)

OK, so it sounds like the first words of a song from the 70's. But it really describes the night I had last Saturday as I was on hand to see Wausau East High School pull off the upset and make it to state.

The Lumberjacks struggled to get the ball past a stifling Superior High School full court press. But they hung in there and took a 5-point lead into halftime. After the half, they actually boosted the lead to 7. However, Superior came back and actually, I think, got back on top somewhere around the end of the third quarter and start of the fourth. But Wausau didn't buckle. They applied their own pressure defense and got a couple of turnovers mixed in with some key free throws to seal the victory!*

But the game numbers only tell part of the story. There's some other stuff that are like the mashed potatoes, gravy and stuffing that go with the turkey on Thanksgiving Day.

Stuff like a Wausau East Band that absolutely rocked the house during the game. Not to mention putting on a 5th quarter type celebration the Wisconsin Band would be very impressed with... Or parents who's hearts break for every mistake their son makes in a game, but leap for joy when it all turns out for the best. That's followed by the beginning process of getting time off work and booking hotel rooms for that trip to Madison... You could also mention the student section chanting catchy phrases throughout the game that culminate in "ON TO STATE" after the win. There might be nothing more fun to watch than a high school kid dressed in a ridiculous outfit cheering on a school team... It's also fun watching Coach Jason Teske's honest joy after winning a tough game and humble "thanks for coming" when you shake his hand and offer congratulations. He's building a program that inching closer to being mentioned with DC Everest football, SPASH hockey, Newman girls basketball and Rapids wrestling... And then there's the party with the parents after the game... On second thought, I think we'll just leave that one off the blog for now.

Anyway, congrats to East for the unlikely trip to the top. I hope it's been as fun getting there as it's been watching you earn the trip.

J

*those numbers are all from memory and not a record book, so they may not be completely accurate. But they do give you the picture.

jeff i thought i had a friend but she is acting different what should i do


Hi Jeff,
How are you doing? This is not about the basketball HOwever it is still a sport. 33 years ago My brother wrestled in the State finallys for Merril High School. He took home a 3rd place. I see now that they are filmings the games as they take place. Would there be a possiability that they may still have thee film in the arcives. My brother passed away a few months after state in a tragic car accident and we have no films or anything that might have been filmed. Could you find out for me. It is greatly appeciated.
Thanks
Sue

Sorry to hear about your brother Sue. Let me check, but I don't think so. Film has to be kept in a refridgerated setting and I think several ownership groups ago, they decided not to spend the money on storage any more. But again, let me check.
J

You did a fantastic job at the Farm/City Dinner on Friday night. Everyone spoke favorably about you.
Thanks again.

It was a lot of fun! Thanks for having me come in and be a last minute fill in MC.
J

Jeff --
As a member of the Wausau East Band, I really appreciate and enjoyed being mentioned on the news and as well as your blog. As most in the band would probably agree, it was very exciting for us to be recognized for our hard work along with the sports teams. Thanks again.
--Josh W.

Hi Josh... I call them like I see them, or in this case hear them. Have fun at state!
J

IN THE MINORITY ON TRICK OR TREATING HOURS (1/26/07)

There have been a few things I've given my opinion on over the years on this blog. Native American nicknames for sports teams, a smoking ban in Wausau, a Hillary Clinton v. Condoleeza Rice presidential race are three examples. But for the most part, I prefer to just encourage the conversation, letting readers give their opinions and playing "devil's advocate" on occasion.

But here's one I just can't hold back on. Trick or Treat times. The City of Wausau is taking an online survey on whether people always want it held on October 31, Halloween itself. The Wausau Daily Herald reports 3/4 of the people responding are in favor of the idea. I have to go on record to say sorry, I disagree. Mostly because of my age and where I come from.

I was 7-years old and in the prime Trick or Treating time of my life in 1973. My parents never went along. I just went from house to house with a huge group of kids from my neighborhood in the little Village of Campbellsport where I grew up. But that was the last year for that sort of carefree Halloween for me and probably every other kid in Campbellsport, Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin and may many other parts of the country.

You see, Halloween 1973 was the day Lisa French, a 9-year-old from Fond du Lac, knocked on some piece of slime's door looking for candy. He abducted, raped and murdered the little girl, leaving her body in a trash bag on the side of the road. It wasn't her or her parent's fault, it was a time of innocence when none of us knew that kind of evil existed in the world.

Now, we know better. That's one of the reasons why we have Trick or Treat on the weekend in mostly daylight. Yes, it's for convenience to. But the main reason is so it's easier for parents or guardians to go with their kids when they're going door to door when it's at least partially light out. And yes, no matter how many measures we take to keep kids safe, some will fall victim to evil. But every little bit helps, doesn't it? Yes, I know the huge majority of parents go with their kids these days. But we need the daylight, weekend Trick or Treating to protect the .001% of little one's whose parents don't.

It sort of feels like we've all forgotten what happened in the early 70's. And now that the measure's we've taken have worked so well for so many years, we're going to go back to the old ways again.

Please, don't move Trick or Treating from weekends. Please keep them in mostly daylight hours. Please, don't ever let there be another Lisa French story again!

J

Is WSAW putting additional March madness games on digital 7-2 (mytv)and 7-3 (24/7 Weather)? I know this is done in other places, I think this would be great to have here in Wausau, plus there would be more advertising opprotunity for local businesses with 3 games on at a time

Thanks for the question. But sorry, I don't know the answer. CBS has the right's to the games and I think it's DirecTV who owns the rights to the deal where you can buy them all through satellite, so I'm not sure if we could do that or not. But, I'll run it past the boss.
J

Hi Jeff, I went to High School(Antigo) with former Ch. 7 reporter Bobbie Brooks. Awhile ago you mentioned you would have an update on her. We have a class reunion this summer and was wondering where she is now. Tony

Hi Tony. We're still working on putting that together. You could probably GOOGLE her name and find her. She works for a Cincinnatti TV station.
J

Theres alot of people i know that trick-or-treating should be at night on halloween. Its was more fun back than. Its so boring in the daytime hour. These kids should enjoy what we did back then. They shouldnt suffer because one girl decided to go by herslf. It could happen in the daylight to if a kid went by themself. Theres never 100% sure things things would stop in daylight hours.

You're right, it's not 100% sure that Trick or Treating in the daylight stops the crimes. But I'd be willing to bet my bottom dollar it's reduced them. And as for that girl trick or treating by herself. That was in 1972. It was a different era.
J

I haven't seen Matt Z the sports director on lately. Did he take another job?
Casey, Wausau

Yes, he want to Madison.
J

hey jeffwhat happend to matt Z the sport guy i miss him a lot :(

Hi Matt. (just kidding) He took a job in Madison.
J

I MISS your old morning show crew so much

Which crew? There have been a lot since I left 6 years ago.
J

Here's this for a missed morning crew.
Chad, you and Bobbi.
Dream Team stuff.

I loved working the morning show. But that shift really does take it's toll on your body after a while. Start time is 2AM.
J

why do the morning news people treat chad like a cast off? They should be happy to work with him, yet they seemed (ticked) at him all the time. Is chad that much of a jerk? or is it chastity and bao honestly don't like him

I'm sorry to hear that's your impression of Chastity and Bao's feelings for Chad. I can honestly assure you that's not the case. They all get along very well.
J

Hi JT thoughts from K9. Out and about this A.M. 2/25/7 had to, work to do, One thing that gets me in a MOOD real fast cars with no lights on in this kind of weather snow ,fog rain,dawn,and so on. I thought that local police depts. and the DOT recommend that you ture on your lights in this kind of weather , also its a good idea to do in the day light hours as well. My point I saw 3 police cars this A.M. with out lights on what kind on message dose this send. (YES I DRIVE WITH MINE ON ALL THE TIME)K9

Hi K9. Seems like a good idea. In fact, aren't there some states where it's a law you have to turn you lights on when it rains?
J

Parents teach their children throughout childhood: don't talk to strangers, don't accept gifts from strangers and work for what they want...

Mystified...

Thanks for your input, Mystified.
J

I am Cathy's cousin. THere is nothing more chilling than reading the 911/EMT conversation from the night she was murdered. What upsets me the most is how non-responsive her husband was. If I heard the call that there was a scruffy looking man in a rain coat I would have been non-stop on the radio trying to have communication with my wife. He was very non-responsive and waited minutes between trying to contact her. I'm sorry but you would think that he would have been on the radio non-stop trying to contact her for more information.

Thanks for blogging on. This is a response to a story we ran about DNA tests showing a man killed Cathy Nemeth. She was found dead a few years ago outside her parents cottage in Elcho, north of Antigo. On her EMT radio, she described her killer as a scruffy looking man. Her husband, David told me himself he knows many people in Elcho think he had something to do with it, although he denies it vehemently.
J

Jeff- Sorry I have to go off subject here; but I feel I need to vent a bit on the story of the man that broke in on the guy watching porn because he thought a woman was being raped. He may have only been misguided just a bit(should have called the police or knocked on the guys door or something) but heaven knows his heart was in the right place and I really hope he doesn't get punished for trying to save someone from a violent crime, even if there was really no crime. What got me annoyed was the guy watching the porn made himself sound like a victim. WHAT?!? Guess again-I hope anybody watching the story would know better than to believe that. Hope you understand where I'm coming from. Thanks for letting me vent-
Lindy from Wausau

Hi Lindy. Yea, that's straight out of the "no good deed goes unpunished" catagory. Since he was honestly trying to save someone who he thought was in trouble, I find it hard to believe the district attorney in that county will press charges.
J

Hi, Jeff

Jodi from Stevens Point

Hi Jodi. Thanks for the compliment! I get my suits from Andrew's Limited in Stevens Point or Putzer's Big and Tall (from the tall section of course). And my shirts and ties come from TJ Maxx.
J

please let's get back to day time trick or treating. It's much safer for our kids. Let's have it start at 1P.m. and end at 4P.M.

Agreed.
J

J.T.About the story you reported on those 120 people being permanently laid off from Graphic Packaging,how is it that corporate restructring ends up costing people their jobs if there are no negative or financial reasons from that employer unlike what GM and Chrysler had to do with their workers do to poor sales because know if any of those now former Graphic Packaging employees where to land a new job the difficuty that they would have is getting through whats called company probationary period where they can get laid off again without cause just for trying or learning something new that you or they haven't done before or from going from doing one thing you know how to do too doing somethings you never done before? 2/22/ 2007

Thanks for your input.
J

FYI its Graphic Packaging not Graphic's Packaging.

I know there was one newscast I misspoke and said Graphic's Packaging by mistake. Thanks for calling me on it.
J

I agree with the other parent on your blog. I really don't think it matters what day of the week trick-or-treating is held as long as it's during daylight hours. Most parents are used to having to work around childrens' schedules with parent teacher conferences, teacher-in-school days, etc. and it's just something you work with. Trick-or-treating still happens on actual Halloween up in Rhinelander and other local cities and it's no less safe than what we do in Wausau because it's during daylight.

Thanks for joining in.
J

Hi Jeff,

Denise

Thanks, Denise.
J

Here's something completely off topic. It belongs in a pet peeve column somewhere. What ever happened to picking up one's feet while walking? In the malls this weekend, shuffling groups of teenagers walked past. When did that noise become 'cool'? Maybe it's just me. I can stand the screech of fingernails on blackboard, but not the sound of shuffling shoes.

Just wait until one of those times they're not properly lifting thier feet on a sidewalk and one of those "uneven cracks" that catches us all at one time or another causes them to trip. They'll lift their feet after that!
J

As a parent of 4 children I half agree with you. I believe it should be on during the daylight but does it really make a difference what day of the week when the times don't change. Whether its on a Tuesday or a Sunday, they have always had the same time frame 3 to 6 or 4 to 7 does it matter than what day it is? I think it should be during the daylight hours meaning 12-3 or 1-4. But thats my opinion. Thanks

Your opinion is always valued, thanks.
J

I see Matt Zahn has left. Are you planning on bringing back your buddy Jocko? We would love to see him again!
You guys had so much fun together. Anyways, just a thought.

I don't know if the restraining order I had filed against him would allow it.
Just kidding, we'd all love to have Jocko back, but I don't know how likely it is to happen.
J

In response to Jocko coming back-I second that motion. The dude was funny and a little wacky, too!
John
Stevens Point
PS-We like you, too!

Actually, he was a lot wacky. And thanks for the compliment.
J

J.T.The big dog Westminster Show was held already in New York and my question for you is as long as you had Bailey your dog have you ever entered her in any dog shows around here or during the fair in Wausau? 2/14/2007

Never have. I don't think it would be fair, because Baillie is the smartest, cutest dog ever and the other dogs could not stand a chance.
J

Hey, is it just me or is it real hard to know where this blog or topics begin(s) and end(s)? It gets real difficult to follow the convo and to find the replies, etc. Maybe the blog sites should be "remodeled" to make them easier to read and follow. And some topic headings would be nice...

Great suggestion! Our web producer (Bill Martens who used to do mornings for us) has given us some ideas to make the blogs more reader friendly. You'll probably see them popping up soon.
J

JEFF THE GAS IS GOING UP WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THAT PLEASE BRING THIS UP ON TV THANK YOU 229.9

Does gas going back up really surprise you? I guess we all sort of knew the $1.99 a gallon was too good to last.
J

Hi,

Nancy

Hi Nancy. It's not my department, but this is how I understand it works. We buy that Badger package deal from ESPN. I don't think it includes all the games in the first place. And second, CBS will only allow us to pre-emt a certain number of hours from the network every year. So, some of the games we put on our digital cable channel. Now, some of the Badger games, like a couple of Sunday's ago, are carried by CBS itself, those will always be on 7. Does that confuse you as much as it does me? If it helps, we'll always let you know a few days before the game both on the website and during the newscast if it will be on 7 or the digital channel.
J

Hi Jeff,

Thanks!
nancy

No Problem!
J

Hey Jeff, you got me interested in the Lisa French story and so I did some digging and it is infuriating to discover that the killer Gerald Turner never had to complete his entire 39 year sentence. He served only 18 years and then was paroled (of course!), sued a Waste Management Company for refusing to hire him as a convicted felon (because they had regular kids' tour groups to the site!) and won a settlement from them after the DWD sided with him! Then later on it was discovered that he had hard-core porn stored on a computer at the group home he was living at so that (thankfully) got him escorted back to prison. Many other parole violations as well. What is also disturbing (besides the fact that the state protects predators like these and routinely lets them out so they can kill again) is that if you look at Wisconsin's Sexual Offender Registry, you will find that Gerald Turner's offense given there has been watered down to read: "Enticing a Child For Immoral Purposes". For God's sake! I guess raping and murdering a little girl isn't worth listing...Even though Gerald Turner, now roughly 57 years old, hasn't changed a bit.

Midnight

Thanks for being part of the discussion, Midnight.
J

Care to share the "story" of your tie choice on Fri. evening? (2-2-07) The black "winning isn't everything..." I could tell there was more but couldn't see what exactly that was. Also, since I'm asking, why did it seem like the Zarm murder conviction got pushed to back of the day's headlines a bit; or was is it just my opinion? Thanks- Lindy

Hi Lindy and thanks for watching.
My tie last Friday was Vince Lombardi and his famous "Winning is not everything, it is the only thing" speech. I wore it in honor of Brett Favre's decision to come back to the Packers. As for the Zarm story, you're right it did not get the lead on Friday, the day Favre made his announcement. But, on Thursday from final arguments to when the jury came back to the verdict to the family's reaction it was the lead both in our newscasts and in numerous special reports. And if I may toot our own horn here for a second, NewsChannel 7 brought you all that information before anyone else. Both on the air and on our website. On Friday, we did a follow up on the CSI effect on juries and how fewer and fewer are convicting people without evidence like DNA.
J

"I thought you might like a little update on the phrase that was really said and how it was changed around, Jeff."
Larry

Sanders, who was known for droll "one-liners", probably meant the quote as a nonsensical witticism. However, it was transformed into the tag line for the strident Lombardian ethic which became part of the Culture war of the 1960s, and continues to influence a certain breed of athletic coach.

Thanks for the Lombardi history lesson, Larry. I had once heard that final part of the famous speech was miquoted "the effort toward winning" part. But I have never heard the rest of that story. It's interesting stuff!
J

i think that Trick or Treating should always be done on the week-end. Here in my little town of Rib Lake it has been that way for quite a few years already.Along with the Trick or Treating we also have a little parade with the kids showing off their costumes and it is great for everything to come out and admire the kids. We did change it three years ago and most parents didn't like that we did it on Halloween which was a friday night. It is so much safer during the day. Times have changed so much like you said Jeff from the 70's. If Wausau does the right thing they have it on a week-end. JB

Thanks for the input, JB!
J

The only holidays I truly acknowledge are Easter and Christmas. Never cared for Halloween because it was too close to my birthday and I refuse to share my birthday month with such a twisted holiday. Also if I don't get off of work, it isn't a holiday. Would be nice if the holidays were rearranged so a 'day-off' holiday would fall between New Year's and Easter. To me, Halloween and Valentine's Day are just a couple days when people go nuts over candy.

I have to wait until the last minute to buy my Halloween Candy, or it disappears out of my cupboard before the kids ever ring my bell. Must be mice. ;)
J

Hi Jeff, I'm going test your knowledge of country songs. A number of years ago I heard a song once and never again, also have friends that say the same. It is about aman who was told he could not enter the church because he was not dressed in the right way. He then stood outside thinking about all the grand cars and well dressed people, wondering if Jesus would be allowed in as he also was dressed in sandles unshaven and long hair. Isure hope you can give me the name. Also do you know the female that sings "The cold gray days of Dec." That one is for my husband.Thankyou EH Antigo

Boy, EH, you are really putting me to the test! The only thing I could suggest is Googling the words you remember from the song you heard and add the word "lyric." That may be able to help you find it. When I get the chance, I'll do the same. Let me know if you come up with the answer before I do.
J

Jeff:
I am sorry, But, you are just too OLD to go treat and treating.

But, don't you think I'd look in the Superman tights and cape?
J

Jeff, I also agree with you. Even though Halloween trick or treating is a tradition... I can think of 3 good reasons that it should be held on the weekend. First and foremost, is the safty measure that we as a community need to grasp. I know last year there was a place for sex offenders to go during the trick or treating hours... well, I know for a fact that there was an offenders house that had his light on handing out candy. That is very disturbing. Secondly, there is the 2nd shift parents and are not able to take part in this with their children. Perhaps that would add to the safty measure also. My last and final point is, children get out of school at 3:00. By the time they get home it is at least 3:30 and you have to get them ready in their costumes and fed dinner by the time trick or treating starts because you want to get them home at a normal hour so that they can calm down and get ready for bed, being they would have school the next day. I have 3 young daughters and I know that this is really a headache, when you are doing it alone. With my husband being on second shift last year I know this. My vote is for weekend trick or treating!!! You are doing a great job Jeff... keep up the good work! Thanks, Krissy

Thanks, Krissy.
J

I remember the Lisa French story, I grew up in New Berlin and we went trick or treating during the daytime on the weekend too with a huge group of friends too. It was a time of innocence until that happened. It was so memorable to me because my name is Lisa too. I love to see the little ones during the daylight hours instead of in the dark too. Lisa

Thanks, Lisa.
J

i think they should have trick or treating on the weekend. it just works out the best.

Thanks for your input. Honestly, I'm surprised people aren't taking me to task for my stand on the issue.
J

Jeff,
I also have to agree with you. Keep Trick or Treating on the weekend during daylight hours and keep the kids safe. I remember running around in the dark and having the time of my life on Halloween, but sad to say that was a different time. Besides, when it's dark outside you miss seeing all the wonderful costumes. Lori

Thanks, Lori.
J

Wow, I had never heard that story before. The only rape and murder of Wisconsin girls I was aware of were the ones involving Cora Jones and Ronelle Eichstadt, from the 90's. I guess Wisconsin is home to far more monsters than we know. Thanks for the info, Jeff. I'm no fan of Halloween though, and I think the door to door tradition should just be replaced with indoor parties. Maybe the kids could then go from party to party, via parents, and those could be held in the evening hours.

If I remember correctly, the man who was found guilty of the Jones and Eichstadt murders, David Spanbauer, was actually out on probation from a sex related crime in the 70's. Unfortunately, this stuff goes back a long way.
J

Jeff, Even though I would've sided with the majority on this issue; reading your post brought a lump to my throat. Now I have to agree with you and keep T-or-T to daylight hours. Keeping one accident from happening is worth some inconvenience to others.
(Keep up the good work) Lindy from Wausau

Thanks Lindy. I'm surprised that the first response was with me. I think I might be in the minority here and was expecting to take a verbal beating.
J

************************

A SPECIAL PICTURE (1/16/07)

Check out this high school graduation picture. At first glance it probably looks like the millions of those that are taken, traded with friends and given to aunts and uncles all across the country.

But to me, it's very special.

This is Matt Mattek, who will be a proud graduate of Antigo High School in the Class of '07. And that tie he's wearing is a tribute to his brother John Mattek. John was a Lance Corporal in the US Marines who was killed while fighting the war in Iraq. I've never talked with Matt, but his sister told me after he saw the tie, he knew he had to wear it for his graduation picture. He saw it one night while I was wearing it on the air. You see, the tie is mine.

I usually wear it when I have to work on Memorial Day, July 4th or on an election night. I got it from a friend for Christmas. I thought it was pretty nice when I first got it. It's a nice tribute to the nation. Now, it has special new meaning for me and always will.

Matt you can borrow that tie anytime. God Bless you, your family and especially John for a sacrifice that goes beyond imagination.

J

Jeff,
I came across your blog and saw the picture of Matt with the tie and I cna honestly tell you the words below the picture brought me to tears. I am cuurently in Iraq with 2D Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Matt's older brothers unit.
You see, nearly two years ago, I met the most couragous family under the worst circumstances, I informed the Mattek family about their Marine. I was with the family in Maryland where Cpl Mattek passed. Never before inmy military experience have I had the opportunity to see the extraordinary connection to ambition that one person had to his family, community and the Corps. I thank you for the ability to see and read about Matt's tribute to his brother, Cpl Mattek. 'You will never be forgotten, your Legacy lives on.'
SSgt Romans


Hi Jeff,

Captain Lee

Nice to hear from you Captain Lee! And normally I would take this opportunity to tease an old buddy in the business. But, in this case, just a prayer that your son stays safe. I remember Jeremy as just a kid at some of those old WDUX events. How time flies!
J

You are a very special announcer. I will never forget visiting with you at our son, Rich Frost"s wedding back in '94 when you were an usher. Keep up the good work. Marie from Pittsville.

Mrs Frost! Nice to hear from you! How's Rich, Amy and the kids? I haven't heard from them in a long time. And thanks for the kind words.
J

Rich and Amy have Brianna 9, Ryan 7 and Brady 4. He is head of the Math Dept. at Neenah high, and this will be his 3rd year of coaching the girl's softball team. Amy is a stay at home Mom, but wants to go back to teaching in a couple years. Our son, Alan, who was best man works for INTEL at Folsom, Calif. Bill and I get out there once or twice a year, always drive. I am glad I finally got to writing you. Keep up the great work. One of your favorite fans, Marie in Pittsville

Thanks for the update. Have Rich drop me an e-mail when he gets the chance.
J

Dear Jeff,
I want you know how proud I am of you!!!!!!!!!!I hope the viewers,co-workers, and bosses realize how lucky they are, and how jealous I am that you are there and not here.

Love you,
Aunt in Milwaukee

Thanks Christine Martha, Love you too!
J

something good to check out fyi...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8HAzI63X8Q&eurl

Thanks, that was fun.
J

Jeff, I think that the tie is beautiful, and I have seen you wear it. I believe that as long as you didn't tear apart a flag to create it, people have nothing to squable about. I think that is it a wonderful way for you and our young friend here to show there patriotism for our country and honor our fallen hero's. And if there is anyone that can honestly take offense to that, they really need to read a newspaper, for there are many other things that are going wrong in this world, country, state and small town. If they are so upset about this tie being worn as a symbol of patriotism and memory, then they should go to a soup kitchen and help out there... perhaps they will put there mind on something else that they can be upset by. They can be upset that a 3 year old has no food because his father lost his job. Sometimes, I think people take something that is so pure and innocent (like a small tie) and turn it into a big ordeal. I mean, gimme a break, you just keep on wearing it~~~

Thanks for the support and being part of the discussion.
J

What a great picture. I love the story and Matts way of honoring his brother, brought tears to my eyes. Way to go! Lisa

Thanks, Lisa. To my eyes, too.
J

Hey Jeff,
I am consumed with a great deal of pride as I write this, not only for being your cousin Jeff, but for Matt and his family as well. At a moment in our nations history, when more than half of our adult population chooses to dwell on and complain about our foreign policy, without any plans of their own to fix it, a young man steps forward and displays not only the courage to express himself as he did, but to do it in such an incredible show of patriotism. I am overwhelmed with the satisfaction that there are young men and women out there that are not afraid to be heard. Cousin Rory

Thanks and Love ya!
J

Jeff, Every once and awhile a proposed amendment that would protect the flag from being burned or otherwise abused is suggested. Wearing the flag is often mentioned as something that would be made illegal. The way and reason you wear it would not matter. I think that is wrong. This picture and the story show why we need to leave the way we treat the flag the way it is.

Thanks for the input. I've actually taken some negative feedback for wearing that tie on the air in the past. It wasn't nasty or anything, just someone pointing out that some consider it bad taste or disrespectful to wear an image of Old Glory. In fact, the man said there are even some federal laws against it. But, 99% of the people I talk with say if it's done to show respect, it's OK.
J

Jeff this is Matt Mattek, I never had a chance to thank you for letting me use your tie. I appreciate everything that you have done, I think that we both look stunning in the tie.
MM

Thanks Matt. I think it probably looks a little better on you than me.
J

Thanks Jeff, for including this story on your blog. It brings tears to my eyes to read it--and to see Matt's picture with your patriotic tie. Johnny Mattek holds a special place in the heart of so many in Antigo--but also in the hearts of all who knew him. And, Matt makes us all proud (and I'm sure Johnny is smiling down at him) as he remembers and honors Johnny--as well as all who are serving our country and willingly putting themselves in harms way to preserve our freedoms--through his picture. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the Mattek family, and all the other area and Wisconsin families who have lost loved ones through this war. God bless these families, and our Nation.
Sarah & Dan Stoehr and family

Thanks Sarah and Dan. I've asked the Almighty for so long now to protect our men and women serving our country overseas, it's absolutely never dawned on me to include a prayer for their families back home. But after reading your comment, it will be part of every prayer I say.
J

Matt Mattek is a wonderful young man! I had the privilege to be his teacher at Antigo High School!
He is a smart, mature senior who will succeed in whatever he chooses. Plus, peanut butter fudge is his favorite!
Nancy Bugni

Thanks Ms. Bugni. And anyone who likes any kind of fudge is ok in my book!
J

What a honor for you and for Matt's brother. I have seen your broadcast's where you have worn this tie. I think this is one of the most awesome things you could have done for Matt and for his brother. Just goes to show you we do watch you often and that people notice and love your news reporting. Thanks Jeff for sharing this story with all of us. JB

Thanks for the nice words, JB
J

What an awesome story! I really appreciate reading this as I am an Antigo native. I've always enjoyed listening to you, Jeff, on air and now I like you even more. Keep up the good work!

Thanks a bunch. But the point of the story is not to make me look better. It's to show how touched I was by the whole thing.
J

Hi Jeff, We as a family were so touched by your Blog. It is so wonderful to think a tie could have such special meaning, and that when Matt saw you on the air with it he knew that's what he wanted for his picture. We now have it hanging next to his brother and our other two children. Thank-You for helping us keep Johnny's spirit alive.
Sincerely, Marsha and John Jill and Matt Mattek

Thank you all so much.
J

That is awesome! Way to go Matt. For those of us who knew and loved Johnny, Matt is the spittin' image of his older brother. The bond they had/have will always be with Matt. Thanks Jeff for being a part of this senior's memorial. Matt, you've done your brother proud. Not a day goes by that I don't think of him.

Good Stuff! Thanks for being part of the discussion.
J

Are you the Jeff Thelen from Evansville, Wisconsin???

Nope, from Campbellsport. Go Cougars!
J

**************

REMEMBERING PRESIDENT FORD (1/3/07)

So much is floating through my mind as I watch all the services for President Gerald Ford.

First, I have to tell you a great story that comes from my hometown of Campbellsport from when he was there campaigning in 1976. I don't even know if it's true or if it's an urban legend. But it's such a good one, I just have to share it with you. Before the President came to town, the Secret Service sent it's advance team. As part of their investigation, two agents walked into a local tavern and asked one of the barflies what he what he would do if the President came in. The man, legend has it, looked back at him and said "I'd shoot the SOB" only he said the words and not SOB. The man was promptly detained, but later released when the Secret Service realized he was just smarting off and didn't really mean it. Again, don't know if it's true or not, but it's still one of my favorite stories.

Now, on to the serious observations.

It must really stink to have to grieve in public. Losing the love of your life, a parent, grandparent or any loved one is the worst possible time. But, to have camera's on you as you're going through the process must make it even tougher. The Ford family has handled it with an incredible amount of dignity. I know some of you will say I'm a hypocrite having that opinion while working in this business, but I assure you we have the family's permission every time we do a funeral story. And with the war in Iraq, we've had far too many of those to cover lately.

That brings me to thought number two about President Ford. He didn't agree with some of the way the current President has handled Iraq, but didn't say anything to be published until he passed away. Seems the perfect way to be a former President.

He and President Jimmy Carter, as I understand it, became good friends even after being rivals in the 1976 election. As we seem to see more and more mudslinging and nastiness between parties now-a-days, it makes me wonder if today's politicians can have disagreements on issues, but still be gentlemen and ladies about it. Sometimes, I doubt it.

And finally, President Ford pardoned President Nixon after the Watergate scandal. Whether or not that was the right thing to do, I don't know. But he did it, probably knowing full well it would cost him the next election. Makes me wonder if any of today's politicians would take an action they think is the right thing to do, even if they knew it would cost them the next election. Again, sometimes I doubt it.

Have any observations about President Ford? I'd love to hear them. You know what to do.

J

Jeff,

Can you explain why "Everybody Loves Raymond" is now off at 6:30 p.m. I'm sure it has to do with syndication rights but please advise us viewers. Thanks. Lori

Thanks for the comment, Lori.
This is the official word from our program director, Patty Shook.
"We will be losing that show in June 2008 and we felt it has been played out. We have seen all the episodes numerous times and felt new fresh programming would be more appreciated by our viewers. Raymond is still on our air, late night, at 12:37am."
J

thanks for clarifying that about "Everybody Loves Raymond" off the 630 slot ..... I don't care for the replacement at all, and without cable (as we live in the country) we have taken to turning off the TV after the 6:00 news; there isn't much to choose from in the 630 time slot.

Lori, thanks for watching the news before you turn off the TV. And just between you and me, I don't think there's been a decent sitcom on the air since Raymond decided to end his show. (except of course for all those great ones on CBS ;)
J

I have to admit that I was one of those who wanted Nixon to be tried and go to jail. I was upset that Ford pardoned him and thought that it was a case of partisan politics protecting someone from his own party. But from the perspective of 30+ years, I believe he did the right thing by not dragging the country through another tragedy for the purpose of revenge.
Ford was treated with disrespect and shame because of the pardon, but he was a very good president because of his abilities as a proficient lawyer and an experienced politician. He understood how the politics work in Washington and understood the financial part of running the federal government. He stood in the gap and took the heat for what he believed was right, and now history is giving him the respect he deserved.
I think that President Bush will be remembered in the same way. His policies are unpopular and there is an embarassing amount of disrespect being directed at him through the media, but he has taken the difficult path and it has cost himself and his party dearly, but believe he will be remembered for doing the right thing too.

Thanks for your input. Anyone out there care to disagree with the observation about our current President?
J

You bet your sweet bippy re wanting to disagree with a previous blogger's opinion re our current president. History will be the judge and it will not judge him well in my opinion. In my mind he has not proven to be executive material,he is inarticulate and not particularly intelligent.Any president is just an elected official, a fellow human being. I think it is not disrespectful to criticise, ask the tough questions nor hold him accountable the way heads of government are in some other countries. Kid glove treatment and being surrounded by reverential 'yes' men have played a role in the flawed decision making of President Bush. Who is coming next?. Rudolph Giuliani?. I shudder to think.

Did you use the phrase "you bet your sweet bippy?" I haven't heard that one in years. Anyway, thanks for joining in the conversation. And that's the type of response I expected after the last post about the President.
J

I watched the coverage of the services at the Washington Cathedral. I don't remember which network I was watching, but the newspeople kept blathering on and on pointing out tidbits from Ford's life. I shouldn't complain about that since some points were interesting and filled me in on what he was like. I was too young to remember him in office. One correspondent had the nerve to proudly pull out his Blackberry. He had just received, and read aloud for everyone, part of a speech that Bush Sr. was going to be reading in church. I was relieved and a bit impressed that the service in the cathedral was comment-free from the reporters. At least the play-by-play was put on hold until after the family left the cathedral. Then everything that had been said was being picked apart and explained for the rest of the country like after any other governmental speech. On a lighter note, as a camera panned around the pews in the church, I wondered what some of the former presidents were thinking about. Mom piped up, 'Clinton was probably wondering if his hair was combed just right for the cameras.'

Thanks for your comments. Honestly, I didn't notice if anyone was commenting too much. I was actually switching from network to network to compare the coverage and was looking forward to hearing the comments. Just to see who seemed to know the most. Tom Brokaw on NBC (much as I hate to admit that working on a CBS affiliate) seemed to have the best handle on it. Then, when I saw him deliver a eulogy it was clear why. He wasn't just a reporter covering Ford, he was a friend of the man.
J

By all reports Gerald Ford seems to have been a fine decent man. But he was only mediocre as a President. The pardon of Richard Nixon, by Ford's own words,was influenced by their friendship. That doesn't seem appropriate. Had he waited until justice had been done and then pardoned him, assumng he was guilty, it would have been much better. Plus since he thought the war in Iraq was a mistake he should have spoken out. As an ex-president his words would have been taken seriously. Perhaps fewer good American men and women would have died there. Remember what Edmund Burke said about good men doing nothing.

Thanks for being part of the discussion. I'm not saying this is where I stand on these issues, but I'll play devils advocate just to keep the conversation going. The pardon was best thing to do for the country at the time, just so we wouldn't have to go through a trial, disgracing the presidency even more. I believe even Democratic Senator Ted Kennedy said that. And isn't there sort of an unwritten rule that former presidents don't speak out about the policies of the person currently in office? Just as an aside, if you're looking for a good laugh about that era rent the movie "Dick" with Kirstan Dunst. It's about two teenage girls who wonder away from a White House tour, meet President Nixon and get in the middle of the whole Watergate scandal. It was just on TV this last weekend and had me laughing out loud several times. Especially how Woodward and Berstein were portrayed.
J

Jeff, you're right about the movie "Dick". It does have some real laughs. You're also right about the unwritten rule about ex-presidents, but you're not right about it actually happening. Nixon was critical of Carter, Carter has been critical of both Bushes, the first Bush was critical of Clinton, and Clinton has been critical of the current President Bush. Again I say that if expresidents feel the current one is making major policy errors, like this war, they have an obligation to ordinary citizens like me and you to speak out and try to change it.

Thanks for continuing the discussion. And you make some excellent points.
J

Jeff
At the time I was angry as can be when Pres. Ford pardoned Richard Nixon. Little did I know houw much ahead of his time he was. I wondered at the time "could be legal" when in all acutallity I don't remember the man even being charged yet. History paints him well and will paint him even more gloriuously in the futrue.
As far as the blog concerning Babise Bush - read a few books on her and one will realize she's just a frustrated
old bitty. Baby George only got in because of lies from Rove and MONEY.
K

I'm sorry, who do you mean by Babise Bush?
J

Babsie Bush - Why Jeff it's Momma Bush. Litte George's mama
k

Thanks for clearing that up, k. Anyone out there care to disagree?
J

J.T. My observation is the fact that he died the same age Ronald Reagan did at age 93 that I wont even be surprised if now the oldest living ex president Jimmy Carter lives longer than that otherwise you took the words right out my mouth about his political acomplishments.01/04/2007

Thanks for being part of the discussion.
J

we watched the funeral and was beautifully done , was so pretty where he was to be buried,you could tell he was much loved by his family and many people.loved the planes going over with the one missing brought tears to your eyes.

Thanks for blogging on. I'll admit, I get a little misty when I saw Mrs. Ford kiss the folded flag after it was handed to her by the Vice President.
J

SHARING CHRISTMAS MEMORIES (12/8/06)

Santa is so smart.

When I was a kid my Mom, Grandpa and Grandma Kudek and I always drove to the nursing home to pick up Great-Grandpa Ruplinger to be part of our Christmas celebration. But, since the holidays are such a tough time of year, Dad was always too tired to drive along. He needed to stay home and take a nap. Round trip time from our house to the nursing home and back was probably about 45 minutes. And when Dad was home catching some shut eye on the couch, Santa dropped off all our presents!!!! How did he know Dad would be sleeping? And how was he able to land the sled on the roof and not wake him up? It was feat that still amazes me today!

Christmas Eve when I was a kid was always spent by Grandpa and Grandma Kudek and Christmas Day was by Grandpa and Grandma Thelen. I'm blessed to be in two families that really don't have any dysfunctional animosity. It was just a joy to get together with my Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Distant Relatives or friends who may stop by. The Thelens would always end up singing. The Kudeks tried, but let's just say that side of the family will never give the Von Traps a run for their money. Peanuts creator Charles Schultz once said true security is sleeping in the back seat of the car while your Dad's driving home. That's the feeling that comes over me when I think back to those days is like that.

Part of my family tradition is also popcorn balls which we're making this weekend. We've been doing this so many years, we have it down to a science. Everyone in the family, who can make it, joins in on the process in my parents basement (they have a stove down there and it's a lot easier to clean up) And everyone has their own job. We'll put together more than 400 of them, even though we won't need anywhere that many.

Last year for the first time, I spent Christmas Eve with my Godson. That's a new tradition that I certainly hope will continue. What a joy it was to watch his face! I think that will be even more fun this year now that he's going on two years old and finally getting the concept of presents. It's the first time I was ever invited to a house where we sang Happy Birthday to the Baby Jesus before we could open presents. What a great way to remind the kids what the days really all about before they tear into the gifts.

OK, I've probably bored you to tears with my Christmas memories. I'd love to hear some of yours. And if I don't get to talk to you again before the big day, Merry Christmas. May it give you the feeling of sleeping in the back of the car while your Dad is driving home.

J

Hi Jeff, HOw are you doing. I didn't see you on the news last night, YOu had the day off. I get a day off every once in awhile to. What I'm writing to you about the death of Gerald Ford. I see former Presidents and alot of goverment employee at the side of Mrs Betty Ford and her family. Usually at funerals you see that. I think of all the years this people fight and sling insults to each other. They can all work together at a funeral but why not all the time. It just goes to show you that it takes a crisis for them to show any emotion.If they would work together all the time just like that. We would be living in a much better world and not wait until someone gets sick or passes away. This would be really nice if you could put some of it's content on the news. Have a safe and Happy New Year.
Sue

Happy New Year to you to, Sue! You can see my thoughts about President Ford on the new blog topic I just posted (1/3/07).
J

This may not fit in this catagory but I really would like to know why there is so much bad language on the programs. I am embaressed to have the TV on when the grandchildren are here, and even turn it off when I am alone. I have great respect for you and the news team on channel 7 EH

Thanks for the kind words, EH. And there is no doubt more people are using coarse language in real life and they're in more shows on TV now-a-days as well.
J

hi
I was reading about the man who asked about the ghost in the courthouse, I went to google and checked it out, you can find it on google, it's pretty interesting. Jackie

Thanks, Jackie!
J

You recently celebrated 10 years at the station. Congratulations. My husband and I were recently talking about how many people have come and gone at your station in the last 10 years and discussed our favorites. Which got us to thinking, who are some of your favorite people that have come and gone at WSAW? We want to compare our list to yours.
Merry Christmas Jeff, you of course are at the top of our list.
Mary and Jim, Wausau

Thanks Mary and Jim! Hope you had a great Christmas, to! So many people have come and gone, that's a really tough question. I don't know if I have any favorites. But there are some people I've stayed in touch with and others who I haven't. I tell you what, I think this will make a great blog topic somewhere down the road. So, stay tuned.
J

I will have to agree with you about Santa. He is a sneaky guy for having the ability to get in and out without being herd... but my favorite part is how he always knew that we went the the 4:00 church service before going to my Grandma's house on Christmas Eve and he would make a special trip for us just so that we could open our gifts when we returned home. Usually he would stop by when people are asleep at night but knowing that we opened our gifts that night, Santa always made sure that he was at our house when we were out that evening. Santa always remembered us and our traditions, I just wish my Mom would have stopped forgetting things because she would always have to run back in the house for something. My heart is filled with so many memories of Christmas with my family growing up, I just hope that my kids will have the same feeling with they get older.

I'm guessing as much as you treasure your childhood Christmas memories, you'll make sure your children get the same warm feelings as they grow up. Thanks for the story!
J

Jeff
I really like the Christmas ties you've been wearing this season.

Thanks! The latest was a gift from my Godson, although he's just two years old and I think his Grandma really picked it out for me. It's the M & M guys in Santa hats... And it plays a Christmas song when you press a button. That's the second "singing tie" I have in the Christmas collection which now stands at 4. So, when I wear them on the air, I have to be very carefull that they don't start Christmas Caroling during a serious story.
J

I can't believe that you station showed the crash video where a person died. thanks for WAOW for not showing that. at least they show compassion for the victims family. you should be ashamed. i will not watch your station no more.

Thanks for your input.
First, for those of you who don't know what this blogger is talking about, here's a link to the story for you to make your own judgement.
We did go over that tape before it was aired, but decided to put it in the newscast and on the website. Not to shock or show a lack of compassion to the victim's family, but to show our viewers what exactly happened. Clearly, you thought the judgement was wrong. Please know it was made after a lot of thought and discussion was put into it. As for not watching us anymore, while I disgree with that decision for many reasons, you are free to make that choice.
J

As someone that works in EMS I have to respond to this comment. There is nothing wrong with showing the video of the crash, it's a reality. The only person that should be ashamed is the person that cause the accident, she is to blame. You had a choice not to view the video. Liz

Thanks for joining in the discussion, Liz.
J

One of my favorite Christmas memories is making tons of different cookies with me Dad. I really miss being able to spend that time with him, but now that I have kids of my own it is a little easier. Another thing that I miss is every year I used to buy my Grandma a box of Chocolate covered cherries. I had bought her a box the weekend before she died in December of 1997. Since she passed away right before Christams that year, I took the cherries to the funeral home and placed them next to her in the casket. It made me feel better, knowing that while she didn't get to share and enjoy them, they went with her. Hope you have a blessed holiday and a wonderful new year!

Thanks for the sweet memories! Your Grandma has chocolate covered cherries in Heaven and there, they don't have calories!
J

Hi jeff..That dude they arrested for stealing with the black longer hair/beard... was sitting on the side of highway ten and the corner of V one day,this summer looking for gas, because his van was out...I am almost sure that was him..Anyway, Good for the person who saw him and got him caught!good team work!
Also, can you put the story about the court house ghost you had on Monday night 12/18/06 I have a friend who will want to know about.Thank you again..You are all the best!

Thanks for watching and for the kind words! If you saw this suspect at a certain time and place that may be related to the crimes, you need to call the police and tell them. It could help their investigation. As for the court house ghost story, I'm sorry we won't be able to get that one on the website. Have your friend Google court, house and ghost and see what he finds.
J

Jeff, as a kid were you ever a snoop as to what your presents were going to be? I amazed at how many kids try that these days. i remember always picking up the gifts with my name on them and shaking it but never opening it. I can also remember christmas being a big family get together and now it seems like that has all just ended. have a great christmas and a wonderful new year. keep up the great work and congrats on the work you did on the food drive

Thanks for the nice feed back. You can see my thank you card to the incredible generosity to the food drive by clicking on the "Share Your Holidays" icon on this site. I really never snooped. Of course, gifts from Santa are never at the house until he delivers them. As for gifts from Mom and Dad, I recall my Mom telling me exactly where they'd be hidden and if I wanted to ruin Christmas, I was free to look. The reverse psychology worked, I never looked.
J

Great Christmas memories you have there Jeff. One of mine was when we lived in Milwaukee\, my dad took my brothers and sister and I out to look at all the Christmas lights and when we got home Santa had come and brought all kinds of presents. We never did figure out how he got in the house. The other memory is when my Grandma and Grandpa finally got to our house\, they just made everything complete by being there. I really miss them\, especially at this time of the year. Lisa

Thanks, Lisa. I'm with ya! There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of my Grandparents.
J

Christmas time in our family was always the greatest time of year. To get together and celebrate and shoot the breeze. A few years ago someone came up with the idea of going caroling. We had a flat bed trailer\, bales of hay and plenty of layers. Froze! The next year we had walls. The next year a roof and heaters. Now we are modern. With windows\, heaters. Sometimes we don't even need to wear a jacket. We do it to spread christmas cheer and also for my grandmother. She always has a mic in her hands. And to see the joy on her face is priceless. Even on the kids. We always hit the Stevens Point area\, Plover\, Rosholt and Amherst. On Christmas Eve is the greatest time of year. We go to the nursing homes. We always call them ahead of time\, so that they can be in the windows. It is the Most Precious time of Christmas for my family and I. To bring joy to others. My most memorable moment was when a daughter called because her father didn't have long to live. He just loved silent night. so the nurses brought him out to sing with us. Not a dry eye in the house. We hope that we are teaching our children\, that Christmas if not only about toys and games. But sharing the joy with others. Hope that I didn't bore you\, but these are the most remarkable Christmas' of my life. Happy Holidays.

Not a dry eye here after reading that story either! Thanks for sharing it and thanks for what you do for people on Christmas! My Grandpa Thelen was the biggest, strongest, toughest man I ever knew. But whenever the family began to sing Christmas Carols, tears would always stream down his face. He was so sentimental. There are two songs that do me in every time I hear them, as well. "O, Holy Night" with it's beautiful opening piano rift and "Let It Be Christmas," a relatively new Christmas song written and sung by Alan Jackson. Again, thanks for sharing your memories with us and have a Merry Christmas!
J

This inquiring mind wants to know just how many popcorn balls were made this year. Was is a record breaker? -E

Thanks for blogging on E. This year we did 566. Based on the one's I've eaten so far, it's a great year for them and everyone had a great time making them! 566 is not a record breaker. We set that the year before Grandma Thelen passed away and have decided to never go over it again.
J

Hi Jeff.. Thanks for 10 years. I like to watch NewsChannell7 and enjoy watching everyone on 5 6 and 10.. Even if i dont get a chance to watch you all at 5\, 6 or 10\, 7 to go is a great advantage for me on my cellular phone. thanks to you and everyone there!! keep up the EXCELLENT job!! Martin

Very kind words, Martin, thanks! All of the studies in this business show people are getting busier all the time and depending on the computer and cell phone more and more to get their news. Sounds like you're a perfect example of that! That's why we push www.wsaw.com and 7 to go so much.
J

This doesn't have anything to do with my favorite Christmas story\, But is Bill and Wendy from the morning show still with the station or did they move on to something else. Haven't seen them for a while. AP Wisconsin Rapids

Thanks AP. Bill is still here, he's our first ever web producer. And unfortunately, Wendy moved on to another station in Green Bay. As much as we miss both of them on the air, I think you'll like Bao and Chastity taking over the show. And of course, Chad is still there.
J

J.T.Hey Jeffery Thelen I have any idea in mind it may sound corny but its also funny and I think this idea should be tried @ NewsChannel 7\,O.K.get a tall Christmas tree or one that will fit in the studio then decorate it but instead of topping it off with a star or an angel you top it off with a Giant Meatball and once you get one on top of the tree then between you and the your co-workers @ the station take a football and have or take turns to see who can knock it off and the first person to knock the Giant Meatball off with the football win a christmas present of your liking\,what do you think Jeff!?!? 12/9/2006.

Sounds like fun! But it also sounds a lot like something Letterman does every year and he might not like us stealing his idea ;)
J

AN IMPACT (11/17/06)

All the stories we bring to you have an impact on me to one degree or another. Some of them just haunt me a little longer than others. Here are a few off the top of my head.

There's a piece of video that we have in our archives that makes me tear up every time I see it. It's a soldier coming home from war, getting a huge hug from a couple of people I assume are his wife and son. The boy is probably about 12 years old and is fighting tooth and nail not to cry... But failing. For some reason, I just feel for the kid so much. He's probably been the man of the house for more than a year and worried, hoped and prayed for his Dad's safe return. And since that return has happened, a combination of relief and joy overwhelm the kid... His true emotions give him away and the tears flood his face. I don't know if that's his story, but that's the imaginary one I always put with it, causing my own eyes to well up.

When the serial arsonist was spreading his evil in my neighborhood in Wausau. All I heard were my neighbors worrying outloud about their garages and their safety. I was making jokes about my little one car and how if he took my garage out, insurance was going to build me a nice two and a half car building. But the joke was only a cover to hide how nervous I was, as well. Then, hearing people question the efforts and the intelligence of the police force. Trust me, they took it personally and worked their butts off on it! There were countless 6am to 2am shifts while they were trying to solve it. And other departments sent people to help out, some on their own time. Finally, the relief when the arrest, conviction and finally sentence came. That one probably hit hard because it was my neighborhood.

The series of reports I put together for November have had an impact as well. It's about Cold Cases, unsolved crimes in our viewing area.
Cold Case: Catherine Nameth Stabbing Death
>Hearing Catherine Nameth's voice from the 911 call she made via her EMT radio. They were the haunting last words anyone but her killer ever heard.
Cold Case: Jim Southworth Shooting Death
>Hearing the Clark County Sheriff describe Jim Southworth as a genuinely good guy and wondering why in the world anyone would want to kill him. (air date 11/19/06)
Cold Case: The Rhonda Mertes Murder
>Watching the looks on the faces of the investigators at the Wausau Police Department. And being so impressed with the resolve they show to get the Rhonda Mertes murder mystery solved. (air date 11/26/06)
They've all hit me pretty hard.

I don't know if there's a point to make in this blog. May be it just feels better to talk about it a little bit. So, thanks for listening. Do you have anything you want to talk about?

J

You know that one dude they are looking for with the credit cards stealing and use..and the dude who held up some places with the baseball cap and hoody...Here is something weird...at "The store"H& main Marsh field\, I saw two guys with a close description driving a purplish older car\, I think a older Buick or Pontiac with a dent in the front or side who looked sort of like those two guy's.What I am wondering is could they be working together they saw me looking and seemed very nervous?I was heading to work.Anyway..thanks for the information and the news..Pss.*keeping an eye out too!I also believe they used a credit card to pay they did go in too.

Thanks for blogging on. I think you must be referring to the case in Wood County where someone is stealing purses from cars parked at church, then using the credit cards at convenience stores. And if you think your incident may be even remotely related to that story, you need to tell the police. They always welcome tips. You never know which one will ultimately help solve a case!
J

Here's a topic since we are entering the holiday season. When does everyone put up their holiday decorations and when is it time to take them down? In our house we put up the outside lights the first Saturday of Dec\, and the tree goes up 2 weekends before Christmas and we leave them until the Feast of the Epiphany. jjg

What a fun topic! I was going to put my stuff up the first weekend in December as well. But then last week before Thanksgiving, Mike's forecast was calling for the temps to dip after the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. So, I put them up the Saturday after Thanksgiving outside. The rest is going up as first planned. And it comes down sometime in early or middle January.
J

We put a few things outside right after Thanksgiving and before the ground freezes. Thank goodness we don't have that problem this year. Our tree goes up right after Thanksgiving but with our little grandson running around this year we decided to way longer. I know he will get into it for sure. He is a very active boy. I take the tree down a few days after Christmas because my hubands B-Day is the 1st of Jan. and like to have that special day for him.

Thanks for taking part in the conversation!
J

Hi\, Jeff!

A Loyal Channel 7 Viewer!
Jodi from Stevens Point

Thanks for giving us your opinion and for the kind words, Jodi.
Have a nice Thanksgiving!
J

Regarding the cold case stories in central WI\,....a few years ago the media and newspaper made a big "production" about the ex-huming of the body of the Raasch murder from the 80's. Yet nothing has ever been said anymore of the findings....is this still an open case? Why has there not been any more follow ups?

Thanks for blogging on. For those who don't know the story, Janet Raasch was a 20-year old UW Stevens Point college student from Merrill who vanished in 1984. Her remains were found by a hunter about a month later. In 2002, her body was exhumed and some evidence taken for forensic tests. I checked our archives and it looks like the last update we ran on the story was in June of 2003. At that time, we were told evidence collected could help crack the case, but were not given a hard timeline for when there may be an arrest.
J

Hi Jeff
I really like your news cast. YOU have a great sense of humor. I like that. Ok what I have to comment about is the Janet Raasch case. She and I went to School together. I was really shocked when she turned up dead. Now comes the crazy part. I had a dream about her and she told me she knew her klller and that I should tell the police about it. I refused on the account of being put in the nut house. She still keeps asking. She told me that this person was someone she knew. He wanted a relationship and she did not and this is what started off bad. She would never tell me the persons name though. She said that the police would know what she was talking about. Her case is like 20+ years.I'm one of those people who see the second sight in dreams. Well anyway I told what she wanted and therest is up the police. I hope you don't think I too crazy. Have a good one and don't ever loose your sense of humor

First, thanks for blogging on and for the kind words. Now, about the Raasch case. I don't know how seriously investigators would take your call. I think some departments work more closely with paranormal input than others. But, after doing this cold case series, my gut tells me as a case ages and leads start to dwindle, investigators will look into EVERY tip they get. In other words, hey it can't hurt, right? Would'nt it be great if it helped finally get some justice for that victim?
J

The 'colon hydro therapist' segment under the guise of 'jobs that we're glad somebody else has' was in extremely poor taste. The others were okay in that they are necessary i.e. disposal of the dead\, pest removal etc..I don't expect you to be sitting there telling us about constipation\, bowel movements and the like unless it is really a news story and this wasn't. I'm not a prude\, am an ex R.N. so I've seen it all and then some. Don't get preachy and defensive on me now as you surely will. CS in Kronenwetter.

Thanks for the input, CS.
J
PS,
Hopefully that wasn't too "preachy and defensive" for you.

Hi Jeff
Could you please tell me if news 7 is going to list the names of local soilders this year so we can send them Holiday cards and letters. I have emailed others in the station with no response and I know if anyone would get on this it would be you. Your the best and thank you forward.
Carla Drews-Aniwa

I'm sorry, Carla. It doesn't look like we're going to be doing it this year.
J

whats up with Sue not blogging for ever now

It's a very busy time in the newsroom right now. Once we get closer to the middle of December, we'll probably all be better at keeping up with our blogs.
J

TRICK or TREATING (1/1/06)

It was a good year for Trick-or-Treating at the Thelen house this year.

First, I waited until the final day before the doorbell started to ring to buy the candy. It has a tendency to disappear at my house before the big day if I get it too far in advance. I don't know what happens, it just vanishes.

Plus, I had 20 more kids stop by. I don't have so many that I have to skip the mortgage payment to buy them candy, so I'm always happy to see a few more. The folks here at work probably don't like that, because I didn't have leftover candy to bring to the office, but it was nice to have a few more.

The cutest, by the way, was a little girl in a pink sheeps costume.

Just three little negatives. First, it seems like fewer kids are saying "Thank You." Second, if kids are old enough that they're embarrassed to say "Trick or Treat," perhaps they're too old to be doing it in the first place. And third, whoever invented Trick-or-Treating was clearly a dog hater. It's probably the time of the year when Baillie gets the most nervous.

But all in all, it's just a lot of fun.

How was your Halloween?

J

Jeff haven't checked your blog in awhile but just want to say keep up the good work! We just love watching your news programs. The love you have for the news and sports is wonderful to hear. Some programs just report the news and they seem so straight forward we like it when you add your little comments. My husband is a big sports fan also and agrees with your comments must of the time. He even made the comment he would love to watch a Packers or Badgers game with you sometime. Thanks for making the news an upbeat when most of the time there is so much tragic events in it. JB

Thanks for the kind words, JB. The art of the ad-lib is knowing when to say something and when to hit the "self-edit button" as we like to call it. As for watching a game, sometimes I say words Grandma Thelen would not be happy with with I watch my two favorite teams ;)
J

Howdy neighbor!
I'm not sure how you had so many children trick or treating at your house. We had hardly any! of course\, I had to eat all the leftover candy. That's never a good thing. I guess it holds true when they say "once you hit 40.....everything slows down". My metabolism definitely does.

Robin (up the hill)

Hi Robin...
Henry (the puppy) was not happy at my house. He didn't like the fact he was greeted by Baillie (my dog) and wouldn't even take a treat from me. But you're right, he was really cute.
J

Jeff this isn't a response\, but a heads up scam alert on the phone\, targeting people on SS. They call and say that Medicare is issueing new medicare cards with new ID # because of all problems with displaying SS#s. Then they try to get your bank and routing # to access your account. Some of our older SS people could easily be scamed into giving up all this info and they would be the people that probably need the money the most. Thanks JZA

Thanks for giving me and everyone who reads the blog the heads up, JZA! Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
J

Go for it. Get the tatto!
Jim
Rothschild

Thanks for bloggin on, Jim.
For those who didn't see it, Jim is referring to a little ad lib I made after our "Jobs We're Glad Someone Else Has" report on a tattoo artist. I made a crack about getting "Sue" on one arm, "Angela" on the other and "Mike" and "Matt" on a different part of my body;) Problem is, I'm too big a wimp to go through the pain. And, as I always say, tattoos look great on young, tight skin. But when it starts to get old and saggy, like mine, they don't always look so good anymore.
J

Are you able to tell us where to find Amish or Mennonite-made bicycles for sale?

Many thanks

I haven't heard of any locally. But if anybody out there knows something on this topic, let's help this blogger out. You may also want to try the web.
J

Hello Jeff - I really enjoy watching the interaction between you and the others on the newscasts. We moved here from WA state 2 years ago and found your newscasts are very interesting and balanced compared to some that I have watched. I actually look forward to watching news to see what you all are into for the day.:))) Thank you for making the news not such a depressing experience. E in AF

Thanks for the nice words, E. There are times in this business you have to be stone cold serious. But to be that way when it's not serious news, that's just not my style. Getting along with all my co-workers certainly helps, too.
J

Hello moder!

Excuse me?
J

Jeff We live in Rothschild and had over 140 trick or treaters - and yes\, the darling little ones were extremely well mannered but somewhere they seem to lose their p's and q's. It was the same over in Mpls on 10/31 where we handed out candy for our daughter's home so they could both go with their kids. PS We had over 160 trick or treaters.
Planning on going to Alaska again? I think Jer would go again in a heart beat. M

Nice to hear from you! If that Holiday trip was offered to me again, I would take it in a heart beat as well.
J

I would rather my older kids treat or treat than egg houses or toilet paper houses. There is nothing wrong with trick or treating at an older age. My son was 14 for his last time.

Good point. And please let me make it clear it's only a small percentage that have poor manners, just like adults. Most are good kids.
J

Jeff - the answer to not getting into the candy before Halloween is to ONLY buy stuff that you personally don't like (if any). It worked very well for me this year\, didn't pre-eat a single thing. I live in Kronenwetter & was delighted by the good manners of pretty much all the kids. Glad it's only once a year though !. C.S.

You're right, C.S. But I think I'll stick to waiting until the last minute to buy it. And I'll stick with the Snickers, Hershey's, etc. because I don't want to become that house that gives out toothbrushes or healthy snacks. No offense to people who do that, but honestly the kids hate it.
J

Does Rick still bring in the bucket o' love?

Sweet Chuck

Hi Sweet Chuck. The bucket o' love was a huge plastic container filled with candy a former director used to bring in on occasion. And no, since he no longer works here, he no longer brings it in. But, I think I'll give him a call to see if he'd drop one off just for old times ;) And that sounds like a good idea with the leash. Is that your's or the Dog Whisperer's?
J

Hi Jeff\,
I would have to agree with you on the lack of manners and such\, as well as the older kids being out there. My son is two and already knows "please" and "thank you" in the right manner. He would say "trick or treat please" too cute. :) But anyway\, we had quite a few kids also. Although somehow that chocolate tends to disappear around here too fast!!! :)
Have a good weekend!
Krista.

Thanks Krista! Sounds like you're raising your son with some pretty good manners. My folks and the nuns I had as teachers in grade school did the same for me.
J

I must say our kids here in town were very polite this year in saying "trick or treat" "Happy Halloween" "thank you" and a few others did the noise scares\, screams etc. We did have kids that are in HIGH SCHOOL come to the door which I feel is getting to old to be out there. We ended up with 45 and that is really down from years ago. We had alot of adults dress up this year to.

One little girl was so cute in her pumpkin outfit with that dark brown hair of hers.

Nice! Thanks for blogging on.
J

I'LL BE BACK SOON (10/18/06)

Hi everybody. Sorry, I've been so tardy in answering lately. I truely appreciate your responses and am not ignoring you. Please keep sending them in. It's just been really busy behind the scenes. And for the next few days I'll be on vacation. See you next week!

J

HOW DO WE STOP IT? (10/4/06)

Here we go again. An apparent rash of violence in schools. And don't they just seem to be getting worse all the time?

First, in Pennsylvania, the thought of lining up a group of little girls and opening fire on them is unbearable. And may be it's just me, but the fact they were Amish only seems to make it worse. Don't get me wrong, the death of any child is repulsive, but when he or she comes from a group of gentle people like the Amish, it takes it to another level of awful.

Then, the principal in Cazenovia. The man is survived by a wife and three kids. By all accounts he gave his life to save more people in his school Honestly, with all the stuff I've had to tell you over my ten years here, this is one of the toughest.

So how do we stop it? The ideas and opinions almost make my head spin. Guns are just too easy to get. If more people could carry guns, it would stop more people from using them. The media's to blame, if we stopped reporting it, fewer people would get the idea to do it. From our video games to our movies, songs and TV shows, violence is so prevalent we've become numb to it. If more people were raised by the Good Book, less people would be doing terrible things. It's the fault of too many broken families. It's bullies. It's children raised in abusive homes. And on and on and on and on and on.

May be none of the theories are right or may be all of them are. I don't know. All I know is I want it to stop. If there's one thing that conservative, liberal, black, white, man, woman, old, young, happy and sad can all agree on is that WE NEED TO PROTECT OUR CHILDREN.

J

Hi Jeff\,

Scott from Rothschild

Hi Scott...
Thanks for the kind words. As for what's fun, it's hard to answer the question without knowing how old your children are. I'd suggest asking people at your job or your church who have the same age kids. You could always ask their teachers as welll, or just give the local chamber of commerce a call. There must be a ton of municipal and church fall festivals going on right now, so that might fill your weekends for a while. Good Luck!
J

I agree with you on one point\, news media needs to down play these incidents. yes\, we as human beings seem to crave news\, but at certain times\, some news needs to be kept quiet. Maybe to report that it has happened is one thing\, but when the Amish requested leaving them alone to mourn did the news media leave\, no Way\, they just had to have the pictures of the funeral processions\, etc. These people wanted to be left alone\, and I didn't see that on the news\, that whole week was nothing but the killings of 5 girls in PA. The news media needs to use a little common sense in cases like this. I think it would make a difference. I truly believe some people do it to get attention and if you don't give them the attention then it hopefully wouldn't happen again and again. These are my thoughts
Juleen Brecke Abbotsford WI

Hi Juleen. Thanks for the response. I didn't have time watch much of it, I have to be honest, so I can't give you an educated opinion on the national coverage. In what little I did see, I was surprised to see many shots of the Amish on video, who I believe don't want their pictures or video taken. There is a show on Fox News Channel called Fox News Watch where they (two conservatives and two liberals) discuss how the media handles big stories. On that show praised the coverage overall. And I think I've mentioned this already, so I'm sorry for repeating myself.
J

hey there\,was watchin the debate and noticed something green looked into the camera and boldly said he was a redskin fans sorta speakin something bout the bears beatin up on his redskins green tryin to unseat doyle in nov should have had respect for the cheeseheads that support packers im a cowboy fan and upsetted me that our redskins lost hes runnin for gov he should say at least hes a packer fan and uw fan the idea that a gov of wi suggests in a debate hes not in touch with the voters in wi that backs green bays team ya wanta be gov green get in touch with wisconsin usa not washington runnin for the top spot in madison you seem to back that team hope ya can see what im gettin at thanx al

Hi Al. That's interesting. Usually politicians will not give away their favorite times to avoid ticking off fans of other teams. Except in Wisconsin where saying you're a Packer fan will probably always get you votes ;)
J

I hate to say it\, but I do not think we can stop it altogether. The human heart is deceitful\, we know that. Stopping video games and TV shows that have story's about this type of thing will help. I have noticed over the years that once it happens there will 3 or 4 more of them. We have seen that this year as well.

Thanks for the comment.
J

not to change the subject. But why are we fighting the war in Irag? Does anyone really know.. We are spending billions of dollars over there to rebuild schools\, hospital\,etc. And we can't even do that here. We have people in the USA that can't afford medical insurance\, lunches for their children\, a car to get to work. A warm place to call home. The Salvation Army is asking for sheets\, and I think how easy is that\, but we have to ask for that. And we can rebuild stuff for the Irag people\, that we probably blew up. Why can't our country help us as much as we help the others. What a bunch of hipocrates. We are no different than any other country. Our government runs all our lives. It is time for the people to start speaking up. We all sit back and listen to the president and do what he says\, and agree with what he says. Time for a change. We as American Citizens need to speak up and be heard. It is just to easy to sit back\, and let someone else do the dirty work for us.

Thanks for the comment. I think we'll have to get into this discussion in depth when I get back from vacation.
J

jeff i think we hear more about this because of the media. and if we didn't\, how would we know how to protect our children. after 911 think of all the changes the airlines made. now think if we never heard of these school shootings. how would we learn to protect the young. 20 - 30 years ago\, all we practiced were fire drills and tornado drills. the world is changing. so hearing about the other schools make my childs school step up on security makes me feel much better. and we need to make the kids that hear something that may happen\, know that they will be safe if they report it. they probably feel like something may happen to them if they report it. maybe there should be a hotline number that these kids could call and be anonymous\, and report anything that they might have heard or seen. and post this number in schools. that is just my opinion. i have a daughter that is 8 years old\, and i am just getting scared to send her to school.

Thanks for the input. Obviously, I agree 100%. But the media still has to be responsible about what it puts on. I heard on the radio today that Cory Lidle's dad heard on the radio that his son had died. He's the New York Yankee who's plane flew into the highrise apartment buildling.
J

J.T.Its unfortunate what has been going on in our country lately with these shootings and my response to that is "Where is our Homeland Security when we need them and why aren't they on the ball on these recent situations Jeff!?!?" Tuesday October 10th\,2006.

Good question!
J

I don't think the news media is to blame for school shootings\, and I don't see how you could not cover something like that. I do believe the violence that is so prevalent in movies and video games has made some (not all) young people more desensitized to violence and made it seem like an everything thing that is OK. Perhaps we need to make the producers of these "entertainment" options more accountable somehow.
-Jim

Thanks for the comments, Jim. I remember a show called "Quincy" about a medical examiner when I was a kid. It starred Jack Klugman. And it never showed the body he was working on. Now, on the CSI shows, they take us INSIDE the body. It's amazing how times have changed.
J

When I grew up in central Wisconsin\, there were plenty of Amish around. I developed a tremendous amount of respect for them. They are the most honest\, trustworthy people I've known. Along with everyone else\, I was horrified at the Pennsylvania killings. I'm a little dismayed at some of the reporting. This Sunday morning on the CBS morning news (not local) was a report that described the Amish history\, its strictness and 'severe' lifestyle. Almost sounded like the Amish were being shunned for their severity at the end of the segment. I wish that reporter would have perhaps done a little more research and reported what the current rate of Amish-committed crime is - state THAT for the whole world to hear. Perhaps a little more strictness and severity in the right place (in my opinion that's at home) is what the world needs. -E

Hi E. Thanks for joining in the discussion. There's a show on Fox News Channel called Newswatch. It has 4 experts (2 liberal and 2 conservative) talking about how the news media has covered the big stories of the week. I was surprised on their last show they all praised how the media handled the Amish and explained their religion after the deadly shootings. It's disappointing to hear that wasn't the case in the story you saw. I didn't see it, so I can't pass judgement.
J

I have to wonder where the parents are in all of this. How can they not know that their child is being picked on and bullied to the point of planning this type of attack? How can they not be aware of what their child is doing on the internet and in their own home? It's pathetic that people have children and then don't pay enough attention to them to know they are in trouble. Lisa

Thanks for your input, Lisa.
J

Hi Jeff. In your blog you asked how this school violence can be stopped\, and you touched on fault. Do you feel the media is at least partially to blame for the "repeat" actions that have followed the Columbine shooting. I read where in a recent school shooting the killer said he was mocking what he heard and seen about Columbine. The paper\, T.V.\, radio all pump up a story like that. And to me if it gives even "one" kid the idea to mimic it\, thats still way to many. Could the media have contributed to the tragedy's since Columbine with all their massive coverage? Please think about it. Thank's.

Thanks for blogging on. Years ago when we had the rash of school bomb threats we did enact the policy of not reporting them anymore. For the very reason you point out. We just report when someone is arrested for the threat. As for school shootings, I don't know that we would ever get to the point of not reporting them because the case crosses the line from threat to actual crime. I'm sure if this violence continues (heaven forbid) we'll at least have the discussion about whether we should stop reporting it. When it comes to these tough decisions, please be aware that they are never taken lightly and we do think about it, all the time.
J

Hey Jeff\,

I have 2 children is the wausau school system and realized I have no idea if their schools have a plan if this type of school violence should happen here.

Thanks for you input. I'm pretty sure all schools have safety plans. They don't share the details because they don't want to make them public for safety reasons.
J

Hi Jeff\,

I have not done this before but being the mother to a 2-year-old it scars that this could get worse before he goes to school. Now the state of Wisconsin are bringing up the possibility of teachers carrying guns. That is repulsive in my view. These poor teachers may find themselves shooting a student just because what they think maybe harmful in the student's hands could only very well be a school supply. I think guns in the teacher's hands would make this worse. We need to protect our children but also the staff. I would rather see more cameras maybe for security to view of front doors or enterances of schools so that if something is seen it can be stopped immediately by an officer\, not someone untrained to carry guns. This is just my opinion but it would to me be like putting a gun in a child's hands and telling him to protect himself. Jenny from Rhinelander.

Thanks, Jenny. I'm not defending the proposal to arm teachers, but it actually doesn't require all teachers to carry guns. Just those that want to. And those that want to will have to go through extensive training.
J

I wonder how the politician Jack Lesee thinks giving teachers guns will help the situation. I thin more guns would put more people at risk.
MH

Thanks, MH. I bet a lot of people agree with you.
J

RANTING AND RAVING (9/21/06)

OK, it's been a while. I see even Zahn has a newer blog than I do, so it's about time I get mine updated.

Here are a couple rants I need to get off my chest.

1) STOP THROWING STUFF OUT OF YOUR CAR WINDOW!!!! In the last couple of weeks, I must have seen this four times. All in Wausau. The latest was as I was heading to work. A young woman threw what looked like a gum wrapper out of her window. Then, she turned into the court house parking lot. I thought to myself, "I bet she's facing charges of littering." It just seems so disrespectful. Not just of the earth, but of everyone who lives on it. We can argue and debate and disagree about global warming. But there's no disagreeing about the fact that tossing garbage out the car window onto a busy street is just plain rude!

2) Now, let's talk about Ned Yost. I don't know if many of you follow the Brewers anymore, but this week the Milwaukee manager said he wouldn't put Derrick Turnbow in to pitch in close games anymore. HELLO? Where was this back after the All Star Game when the former closer lost at least four games in a row for the team. And as for Geoff Jenkins, the streaky right fielder who is finally getting hot and getting some hits this season, I have one thing to say. TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE! Wow, I'm in an ugly mood today.

3) How long do we have to wait until we start to ask serious questions about Ted Thompson as the general manager of the Green Bay Packers? His record in the first couple of years is certainly less than stellar. And what he did to the offensive line in front of his future Hall of Fame quarterback is simply (sorry, about this) offensive. Supporters will say he inherited a mess from former GM Mike Sherman, but I sure haven't seen any improvement yet.

OK, big sigh of relief now. I feel better after ranting a little. Thanks for listening. And, I'll do the same if you want to blow off some steam.

J

I used to get annoyed with children crying in church until a wise person said "God would rather hear the cry of a child than the snores of a saint". I agree and no longer complain. Craig


Congratulations\, Jeff\, on your success. Glad to see your doing well. The garbage along the roads is awful - even in small towns like Campbellsport.
From a fellow 1984 graduate.

Thanks for the input! And the mid 80's is when fashion and pop culture hit it's prime! Remember Footloose, skinny ties and mullets? That's as good as it gets.
J

I agree with the anti-littering and will take it one stop further by saying the same is true of cigarettes. Don't cars come with ashtrays\, or do people consider the world their ashtray? I've even followed a patrol car where the officer through a cigarette out the window. Personal pet peeve\, I know\, and I'll probably get beat up by the smokers\, but that is my opinion.

Thanks. I think even many smokers would probably agree with you.
J

As of this writing there are no responses to your 9/21 blog. Either no one has read and cared to respond or the system of posting responses isn't working. Everyone in the news business should get a big bouquet of flowers for all the flack they have to put up with (well\, not nasty gossips.) Also\, since what the public sees is edited\, I'm not sure I want a glimpse of what all of you see being cut out behind the scenes. Rant and rave all you want. Storms clean the air (maybe that's too deep.) Since I've misplaced my Fairy Godmother wand\, I'll just have to keep you in my prayers and pass the buck to someone higher up. As for me\, I've enough steam built up that if I let it all out 'Old Faithful' would have a rival. I just go for a good long walk and work it out. It's even better if some pounds go off with all that steam (water weight I suppose.) I used to keep a journal where I'd take out my frustrations. I was so angry at myself one time that I deleted the whole thing. That ended that - guess I showed me!
Seriously now\, I'm completely backing you on your first item. Younger children than those in preschool know how to dispose of refuse. It's amazing that adults can't grasp the same concept. -E

Hi E! "Storms clear the air" I like that! And thanks for the prayers! Yea, we haven't gotten too many reponses on this one. I guess "don't litter" is not exactly controversial ;) It just feels to me like something that we really took seriously when I was a kid. Remember the TV commercial with the Native American standing over the litter and shedding a tear? But, it sort of feels like we've gotten away from that these days.
J

POLITICAL COMMERCIALS (9/1/06)

So, we have a campaign for governor this year in Wisconsin. Honestly, at this point I'm undecided. And the first political commercials I've seen make me want to vote against both Governor Doyle and his opponent, Mark Green. Here's why.

The first Doyle commercial was an attempt to make it look like Green hates little girls with diabetes. The first Green commercial I saw was an attempt to make Doyle look like the second coming of Richard Nixon. Quite frankly, both of them turned me off.

Both candidates will distance themselves from those sort of ads, claiming they'd like to just keep the campaign about the issues. When you hear that sort of spin from politicians, don't buy it. It works the same when they are out at a public appearance. It's never the politician who says "time's running out, I have to go." It's an aid. That way the politician doesn't look like the bad guy.

The unfortunate thing is, as I understand it, studies show these sorts of commercials really work. So I don't think we're anywhere near seeing the end of them.

As long as I'm on the subject, let me vent about something else. People who are so entrenched in their political parties, they're almost blind.

This morning on WSAU radio's "55 Feedback" a lady called in to say something like this "Democrats hate soldiers, they do nothing but raise taxes, they want all unborn babies killed, blah, blah, blah." A couple weeks ago, while having a discussion with a good friend who's a liberal Democrat he dropped the Bush-Hitler comparison that some extreme liberals love to use. I stopped him in his tracks saying that, even if you don't believe in the Presidents policies, that's nonsense. Let's just say both extremes are sickening.

OK, I'm getting a little preachy. Sorry about that. Please, just take those political commercials with a grain of salt. And when it comes to voting, I try to live by what my Grandpa Thelen used to say. "You vote for the man and not the party." Now, I guess that phrase should be "You vote for the person and not the party."

What do you think?

J

Here's another political pet peeve - my parents were on vacation for 2 or 3 days leaving my brother in charge of checking on things like pets\, mail\, etc. He did his morning duty and by afternoon there was a republican sign posted in the yard. No one had asked permission to put it there and none had ever been granted. Dutifully\, my brother pulled it out. Maybe Dad can make pinwheels out of it since it can't be used for firewood or recycled any other way around here. Guess that Republican doesn't believe in saving the environment.

Yea, that's pretty rude. The other thing you could have done was leave the signt up and put another sign right next to it that said "Don't Vote for This Guy." ;) That would have taught a lesson.
J

You could not be any more right. There are times when it would be best to vote for the independent. Sadly you would still have the same problem. I guess that the only choice that we have is to stand with our principles and hope for someone to take the honest road.

Thanks for blogging on. I think that's why "The West Wing" was so popular when it was on. I never watched it until the final show. Jimmy Smits beat Alan Alda for president. (sorry, I don't remember their character names) But, Smits had so much respect for Alda he made him a part of his cabinet even though he was from the other party. And Alda didn't take the election results to court because it wasn't the right thing to do. In other words, they behaved like we wish our REAL politicians would.
J

jeff i was completly shocked i am sure not only me but our community about that shooting that occured in our area that is really sad i have only lived in wausau for 4 years and it was very touching to me in many different ways one because i am a mom and for them childern to see that happen not only to one of their parents but to both of them and also because i work with padalina and pau chang our factory was very torn about the news you never think that it woulkd happen to someone you know and something so tragic and for me only being here for 4 yeas i hope that this was a lesson learned for others in that culture and also for others that VIOLENCE really is not the answer and there are people out there to help you in avy way i wish everyone involved and others that new them 3 in any other way the best of luck and most of all for them childern that now will go on the rest of their lives with no mom or dad thanks for letting me take the time to express my feelings about this situation and hope others with put theirs in also Bobbie jo in wausau

Thanks for the blog, Bobbie Jo.
J

hey jeff how long have u been with channel 7

Thanks for the question. August 20th marked my 10th anniversary here.
J

J.T. Well Jeff to put it to you bluntly Im NOT gonna vote for any canidate thats gonna keep mudslinging their opponents on TV rather than promoting themselves in a good political clean matter and just letting us voters know what are they going todo for us rather what their opponents are against but aside from that knowing that i'm a Badger fan and your going to the game in person this Saturday I would like to announce on here that for those who may not get the network that the game that the Badgers are carried on on TV you can catch it in its entirety on PBS's WHRM-TV and ALL the other Wisconsin PBS stations on Saturday nites @ 10:30PM so that we Badger fans are all in good luck Jeffery Thelen.GO BADGERS!!! *Friday September 15th\,2006*.

Thanks for the heads up and Go Badgers!!
J

I was majorly ticked when I voted that it had to be staight party\, there could be no cross over. A person should be able to vote for who they want\, maybe even some of both parties. I bet a lot of people would agree. How about raising this question on your newscast Jeff - how/when this got started in the first place & what it would take to change it - should be changed PDQ in my opinion. Thank you. CS in Kronenwetter.

Hi CS. I've never liked that system either. The way to change it is through your state representatives. But I'm not sure they will because I think it works to their advantage.
J

It's bad enough to have to tolerate the political bashing on TV and radio ads\, but what really gets on my nerves are the phone calls that are just a recorded political message 'asking' me to vote for their party. What happened to that Do Not Call List? Apparently they didn't get the hint with that. So much for listening to the public. -E

Hi E.
In the last presidential election, I had some people stop at my house just to "remind me to vote." Well, after the "reminder" I was bombarded with reasons I should vote for the candidate in their party. I won't tell you which one, because I'm sure both sides do it. I kicked them off my property. (Gosh, I've always wanted to do that) It stuck in my craw that they lied their way onto my front portch to get their political message across.
J

Our response to political ads is to hit the mute button immediately. Too bad it has gotten to that. I'll probably vote\, but I'm not very enthused about any of the candidates.
-Jim

Jim. I probably shouldn't say this, but if there was a "none of the above" box in the last presidential election, I would have checked it.
J

Hello Jeff, I wanted to say that like many others you are handsome and since I saw youre picture recently. It is my opinion that you would give great hugs. Just another Fan of yours. My name is Jeannette

Jeannette, you're making me blush! And I do give good hugs. I think it goes along with being fat. Even when we don't try, we end up giving big bear hugs :)
J

I just wish our politicians would come clean. Say it like it is and we as the american public can choose to like it or not. I hate campaign ads, they are nothing more than political nonsense and public bashing! I vote at every election. Hat from Antigo

Hi Hat. Thanks for joining the discussion.
J

After 30 years of hearing the political ads continue to slide downhill (into the mud), I will not a) listen to them, b) give them the time of day in print or any other form, and c) have gotten so tired of all of it, won't vote. There doesn't seem to be a point to all of it, and it gets to be so draining by the time the actual election takes place I'm glad to see it go away.

Thanks for the comments. I can respect that you feel that way, but please don't stop voting.
J

Jeff, I think you right about a lot of what you say about the political atmosphere these days. I also agree with the writer who says part of the problem is the closed primary system. Here's a question for you that I think is related. You mentioned 550's Feedback program. Is the community well served when the only radio station devoted to political discussion presents only a conservative point of View? All of their programming id conservative, and doesn't seem designed to have frank and helpful discussions but instead to promote a conservative point of view and attack all the moderate and liberal points of view and has way too many personal attacks on people who don't agree with them? What do you think?

Thanks for blogging on. When Pat Snyder is saying something negative about the press, he's always very careful to note he's talking about the national media and thinks the locals do a fine job. Finally, I get a chance to return the favor! 55 Feedback is the only radio talk show I've ever heard that has both a conservative and liberal co-host, and I like that. When it comes to the callers on that show, you're right, most seem to have a conservative point of view. As for the other nationally syndacated shows (Limbaugh, Hannity, etc) on WSAU, I really can't comment, because I don't get a chance to listen.
J

Jeff, I'm not sure you understood my point about the conservative slant od local talk radio. It wouldn't matter if they were an all liberal talk station. There is no balance. Everyone knows that Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, and Michael Savage are among the most attack oriented conservative talk show hosts. They don't even pretend to offer a balanced view of current affairs. They are similar to Air America on the left. Aren't we better off with some balance on the airwaves. By the way it is my impression that Pat Snyder is never critical of the right wing media but almost always critical of the left wing media. And almost all of the guests on 550 Feedback are conservative. Isn't balance a better thing for all of us?

Thanks for the further comments. I think the thing that worries me the most about the national shows is how so many people think they're news and not commentary. As for Pat, I'll stick with my original comment that I like 55 Feedback putting both Pat (conservative) and Tom(liberal) on as co-hosts. And even if flaws in their show exist, isn't it a good thing to just get people talking?
J

Doesn't sound to preachy to me, Jeffy! Think it's about time to pound another meatball sub?

Thanks, and that sounds good to me!
J

I agree with you grandfather that we should vote for the person not the party, but do you know how WI conducts their primaries? We are forced to vote straight party no crossing over. How does this allow us to pick the best person? MH

It doesn't, MH. Wish it did.
J

Hi Jeff--I really appreciate your honest thoughts about things. When I see a political ad, I think of a con artist. I have such little trust in politicians. Your thoughts please. G

Hi G. You're comment sparked the blog topic above. Thanks!
J

I don't think G is far from wrong. Just a little different twist-I think many politicians do not have the public interest at heart as opposed to, let's say; their personal interest or more importantly party interest. For instance; how much is the GOP doing now, just for the sake of keeping the party in power. Consider how words and phrases are changed just to change opinion. What is wrong with questioning the "Decider" once in a while? Could it be that persons with opposing views can't even get near him.

I think you have a point. But I don't think Republicans are the only ones who do whatever it takes to stay in power.
J

A COUPLE OF GOOD QUESTIONS (8/17/06)

Hi bloggers! A couple of off-topic questions came in this week. I thought they were good ones, so I used them to spark a new topic. It might be time again to open it up to you to talk about any issue you want. Anything (with-in reason) is fair game. And you know the rules.

J

AS A LONG TIME FAN OF THE POLICE DEPTS. IN AND AROUND MARATHON COUNTY YOUR PEICE ON THE E.M.P.D. OFFICER THAT TOOK HIS OWN LIFE LEFT OUT HIS NAME I UNDERSTAND THIS TO A POINT , WOULD WE HAVE GOTTEN HAS NAME IF HE HAD A HEART ATACK OR GOD FORBID WAS KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY ITS A FINE LINE AT BEST JUST SOME THOUGHTS K9

HI K9. First, for the rest of you who did not see the story. Here's a link to the video. Sorry, the computer cut a bit of the start of the story, off, but you can still get the idea.

Emergency Responders at Higher Risk for Suicide

Now, please know that when we got word of the incident we debated how, or even if, we should cover this story for quite a while. This kind of stuff is never taken lightly. And we came to the conclusion it needed to be covered because there were probably a lot of questions in the community about the incident. Then, when we learned the tragedy was the result of the officers personal life and not because he did anything wrong in his job with the police department, we decided to leave his name out of it. Finally, we thought it would also be good to show the public just how high stress jobs in emergency services really are, and what it does to the suicide rate in those jobs. I don't know if everyone will agree with what we did or how we did it, but the goal was completely honest. To inform and educate while still being respectful to the officer and his family.
J

As someone who knows the family and has worked professionally with them for years, I was relieved that you handled this story in the professional manner in which you reported it. I believe it is important for the public to understand that the stress police & fire personnel deal with is very intense, and I also believe it was important to get the word out that Weston was going to be cared for by the other departments while the EMPD took time out to deal with their grief. However, I honestly do not believe it is ever necessary to air a family's personal grief in a public forum by naming them, though. While I am a regular viewer of your newscast, I specifically watched the broadcast to see if or how you'd deal with this tragedy, and I commend you, once again, on your professionalism in reporting this incident while respecting the family's privacy at this very sad time in their lives. T, Wittenberg

Thanks for the input, T.
J

I too agree that not naming the officer who took his life was the most professional and responsible way to handle the situation. However, that same courtsey should be given to all people not just members of law enforcement. lb

Hi lb and thanks for the reponse. But, I'm not sure what you're referring to. Most suicides we dont' even cover, so obviously, the names would not be mentioned. Names of sexual assault victims are never mentioned either. Are you saying you'd like us not to mention names of suspects in a crime or victims of crimes other than sexual assault? I've very curious about what you're referencing.
J

Jeff -
A change of topic. I read that the FCC is investigating the use of paid for "news" segments provided by private businesses during news segments without them being identified as commercials under the payola laws. I always considered the 'medical' reports that occur during news segments and use news staff as being close to this. How often does this happen as WSAW and is it made clear that these are advertisements? It doesn't always seem that way to me.

Thanks for the good questions. The FCC is going after video news releases, or VNR's as they're called. They're stories done by private companies and sent to TV stations. In this age of smaller budgets meaning smaller staffs, it can be attractive for stations to use them to fill their newscasts. But we've had a policy for years in this newsroom not to use them. And I believe the 'medical' reports you refer to are the Aspirus advertisements, which I've answered questions about on this blog before. They're not news reports and the staff has nothing to do with them. They're commercials. A lot of people seem a bit confused by that, but I'm not even sure if legally we could ask them to stop making them look like news reports.
J

Hi Jeff,
I was interested in the blogger who was talking about the medical segments-your response was that these are paid advertisements. Is that why you guys don't introduce them? What about the ones that run on Channel 9? If the FCC rules really read like that, how can they use their main people introducing the information, and actually act as "spokespeople" when telling people to watch? What about Susan Scott? I've never seen her on your news except in this capacity, but don't these laws apply here too? Just wondering.

Hi. Sorry, I can't speak for Channel 9. I don't know how they handle medical segments. As for Susan Scott. You're right. She is not an employee of NewsChannel 7. I assume she's a paid spokeswoman for Aspirus.
J

What is this MYTV stuff being advertised all the time? I really dont know anything about it. Thank you

Gosh, I wish I could help you. But I really don't know what it is either. If you go back to our homepage on a scroll abou thalf way down, there's a MYTV icon there. There may be some more information there.
J

[EDITOR'S NOTE: MyTv is a new channel that will be carried on digital subchannel 7.2. In order to receive this channel, you will need an HD receiver, or a standard TV with a digital tuner, or digital cable service. The programming will include repeates of "Dr. Phil" and "Oprah" as well as first-run dramas called "Desire" and "Fashion House."]

Back in April I asked for a good anniversary song. I wanted to thank you for your suggestion of 'Young Love' by Sonny James. We used it and actually quite a few people sang along with it. Many thanks!!

No problem. Glad it worked out for you! And since you brought it up, that song has been running through my mind non-stop!
J

A DIVERSION (8/10/08)

OK, between the war in Iraq, the war in Lebanon and the terrorist plot from Great Britain, the news this week has been a real downer.

So, let's have a little diversion. Let's have a little mindless fun. I want to know, what is your guiltiest TV pleasure? That show (or shows) you really shouldn't watch, but you can't help yourself, you do.

I'll start. First, the shows that I watch that some would call a guilty pleasure. I can watch NFL football literally from noon until bedtime during the season on Sundays, but I'm not ashamed of that. It's a guy thing. I still watch the Brewers, even though they've done nothing but break my heart since the end of the World Series in 1982. But, I'm not ashamed of that, it's America's pastime. (even though football is better) I watch Golden Girls reruns, and I'm not ashamed of that either. It's one of the funniest shows of all time. I also like Curb Appeal and the other landscaping shows on HGTV. Again, no apologies, because someday when I get out of TV I'm going to go back to school for landscape architecture.

So here goes, the two shows I watch that I have no choice but to admit they're guilty pleasures. Now, don't laugh. The Real World and the Real World-Road Rules Challenge on MTV. I'm way too old for these teeny-bopper shows with no social value what-so-ever, but I can't help myself. They're fun. I watch and pine for the days I was in my 20's with not a worry in the world except where my next beer was coming from.

OK, now I've fessed up. What are your guilty pleasure shows? You know what to do. (And we'll get back to real issues next time, I promise)

J

i get addicted to the show lost! cant stop watching it... i cant wait till the next season starts.

Thanks for playing along! I've never seen it, but I hear a lot of people talking about it.
J

I would have to agree that I am also addicted MTV's "Real World" and "Real World/Road Rules Challange". There is just something about watching people my own age that act so different and really don't have a care in the world!!! Bringing in the ranks next are Golden Girls re-runs, Sweet 16, Bridezilla, and Law & Order: SVU. Keep up the good work Jeff and Angela!!!! JK - Nekoosa

Thanks, JK!
J

Hey Jeff, did you hear Sara Evans is going to be on "Dancing With the Stars" this season? Pretty sweet, huh?
And I still love "The Apprentice"...even though you once told me, "I can't believe a woman with your intelligence watches a show that's so dumb!" Oh well, what can you do?

(This is a message from former NewsChannel 7 reporter Amanda Lutz who now works in Minneapolis)
Hi Amanda. Nice to hear from you! Hope all is well in the Twin Cities (except for the Vikings, of course) I wouldn't have teased you about watching the Apprentice if it was the only reality show you watched. But along with that one I think you were also a fan of at least 14 other ones. Heck, I'm surprised you had time to come to work!!
Take Care,
J

My guilty pleasure is Big Brother All Stars. I don't always watch this, but this year I am hooked. I also love Golden Girls. What a great show. I see myself in both Rose and Dorothy. Keep up the great work. What were you going to say in your blog about Bobbie? Ann Wis. Rapids

Hi Ann... In the history of TV, nobody has ever delivered a sarcastic line like Bea Arthur. And Betty White has the Emmy Awards to show how good she is. Rue McClanahan and Estelle Getty also both rock the house. Between that and the writing, the GG are one of the best of all time. As for the Bobbie update, I'm still working on it.
J

ok i will admitt it. i like to wach tv land. thats were all the great shows are. i realy like the lucy show,all in the family, duke of hazard. dont forget green acres. thanks jeff for this blog question, james

What's up James? They just don't make like they used to, do they?
J

I feel pretty stupid watching a NASCAR race because it has such a redneck reputation, but I can't help myself. I'm a big fan of our Wisconsin ace, Matt Kenseth, but you won't see me putting a No. 17 on my car anytime soon.
-Jim

Hay Jim! My buddy Lee Peek from WDEZ always tells me he can't figure out why I'm NOT a Nascar addict. Since I grew up rurally and like country music, I certainly fit the demo of it's fans. But, I just never got into it. And I don't want to start, because between college football, the NFL and the Brewers, I already watch enough sports. And you certainly shouldn't be ashamed you're a fan. Along with the NFL, it's the fastest growing sport in the US, so you are definately not alone.
J

J.T.Call me a HDTV techy but you mentioned a recent purchase of your new HDTV well I have some techy things I found out about,but first Jeff if your HDTV a plasma,LCD, or DLP set which stands for 'Digital Light Processors' invented by Texas Instuments? then you should found out the display weather its 720p or 1080i which is the highest display in high definition of resolution and finally you should also check if the back of your set has whats currently called a 'HDMI' output which stands for High Definition Multi Interface that requires a special connection from any sources that has an HDMI output that lets you view video and audio in HD quality,this special input/output allows you to upconvert standard video to HD video,currently SONY has whats called the 'Blue-Ray' disc thats a HD video disc that plays Blue ray discs in High Definition but its players cost between $1,000 - $2,500 so hopefully at the same time when the FCC orders local stations to turn off analog broadcasting the demand for HD movie discs and maybe ones that can record in HD over the standard definition DVD's which been around since 1996.*Saturday August 12th,2006*

Hi and thanks for writing in. But you lost me after about the third word of the first sentence. I honestly don't know any of that stuff. I bought my HDTV from a buddy who works at a "Superstore where they sell Furniture and Appliances" ;) He recommended the brand and came to my house to set it up for me. The shows that have really stuck out so far are sports and travel shows.
J

Dancing With the Stars (sorry, wrong network!)
But I'm crazy for that show. And I have everyone I know watching it, too.

Thanks! Haven't seen it, but I hear it's fun stuff.
J

Yeah,I have to admit I'm stuck on the golden girls too. Seen you out and about with your beautiful dog.

Thanks. The Golden Girls rock! And as for the dog, in the last couple of weeks, I finally had the chance to take her to that dog park in Weston, as well. What a great place! Now all I have to say is "do you want to go to the puppy park" and she's all over it!
J

Meaningless tv for me, would have to be SOAPS!!!! Thank goodness for soapnet!!
I also am loving the csi show. They are extremely interesting. Bridezilla definetly on top too. Angela is not the only one. I would have to say that a close second to the above would be Blue's Clues, Dora the Explorer, and GO! Diego GO! I am completely hooked. Have a great day.

Thanks for blogging on. I'm not big on the CSI shows. Honestly, they're a little too gory for my taste. But, I'm sure glad they're on our network, because they're so popular. When it comes to crime shows, I'm a "Law & Order" guy, although it hasn't been the same since Jerry Orbach "Det. Lenny Briscoe" passed away. I think "Special Victims Unit" is the best of the L & O's right now. As for the soaps, I don't watch any. "The Young and the Restless" just happens to be on my TV every weekday when I eat lunch, but I don't really watch it ;) And based on your love of those other shows, just a guess here, but I bet you have kids.
J

Hi Jeff,
I would have to say my guilty pleasure of t.v. shows would have to be Big Brother. Like much of the reality shows on, it too has absolutely NO social value but some how, it is addicting! Maybe because I am a 23 year old stay at home mom of a 2 year old, I am living my life vicariously through them?!!? lol Also, I tend to indulge myself in ANY of the 48 Hour, Dateline type shows! That is more knowledgeable but tends to make you a little paranoid! I think its great that you watch Real World! :) Too funny! :)

Thanks for playing along! At least you can say the 48 Hour/Dateline shows are news and you're educating yourself, right? As for Big Brother. Yea, that's nothing but Guilty Pleasure TV.
J

My favorite "guilty" shows? Sweet 16, Project Runway, Days of Our Lives, Intervention, Run's House, Roseanne re-runs, Bridezilla, Who's Wedding is it Anyway?, and Dr. 90210. Most of these shows I catch when I get home from work late at night. There's not a whole lot else on at 11:00 p.m.! I'd probably still watch these anyway ... :)
~Your 10 o'clock co-anchor.

Gosh, Breunling, I would have never picked you as a "Bridezilla" type of guy! J/K I know it's you, Angela. I sometimes see "Intervention" and it feels like I'm doing nothing but intruding on those people's personal lives. Still, it's hard to turn away.
J

CHILDREN IN CHURCH (7/31/06)

First off, let me say I have all the respect in the world for young parents who take their children to church. Especially those who do it every week. It's obviously the best way to teach that little one this is a place that's very important in life. I like to think if I ever have kids, I'll do the same thing.

But, Sunday morning I was sitting in front of a beautiful young family with a little girl I'm guessing to be in the neighborhood of a year. She was absolutely as sweet as honey. But, by about 3/4 the way through the service I just wanted to turn around and say (very nicely) "there is a lovely cry room right over there." Between the running back and forth in the pew, head butting the portion of my butt that was sticking through the bottom of the chair, the occasional scream, Daddy talking baby talk to the little girl, and a book that spoke phrases like "Mommy loves me" and "I have a dirty diaper" it about sent me over the edge.

My folks tell me I acted a lot like the creepy little British kid in the original "Omen" when I was in church as a youngster. And to be really honest about it, I actually remember acting pretty badly at times. But I also remember the little toys and books my folks took with us to church had a religious tone to them, so they stuff brought along to entertain me was trying to get the same point across as the preacher at the front of the church.

Today, I keep going back and forth in my mind. Part of me thinks if I were more focused on the service it wouldn't have bothered me as much. I also fear that saying something turns me into that crabby neighbor who always yells at the kids and keeps the ball when it comes into his yard. But on the other hand, if it was bothering me, it was probably bothering other people. Plus, that's what we put those cry rooms in churches for.

So, here's what this ranting and raving is leading to. What do you think I should have done? Should I have just sat there and taken it? Should I have moved to a different part of church? Should I have turned around and nicely asked them to move to the cry room? You know what to do to be part of the discussion.

J

PS.
I'm going on a mini-vacation from August 2-6. So, if I don't answer your response right away, I'm not ignoring you, I'm just not around.

I believe that children should be allowed to participate in worship if they can do it without interrupting or detracting from the worship of others. If that means they are removed when they begin to fuss, etc so be it. I find that I will not sit near families with young children any more because my worship experience becomes more like a marathon to tolerate it until I can leave. If it gets really bad, I will leave for my own sanity. It just seems that more and more people (including the very young) have no respect for others. This is the time to instill in them the respect for each other's presence. Maybe it would rub off on the parents who talk or whisper, or actually have their cell phone on? just my thoughts.

Thanks for your thoughts!
J

A minister I know once said that the sound of crying children during the church service was 'the sound of growth'. . .a welcome thought in any church I'd guess.
You want no interruptions? Sit in the front row (!) or watch at home on tv.

Thanks for blogging on. Your minister had a great point! On the other hand, I've been to a church where they have a sign hung up that read "Although the sound of a child crying can be as sweet as an angel singing, it's not fair to the other people who come to this place for an peaceful meditation. Please feel free to use our cryroom, if you have little ones." (that's a paraphrase, it's been a lot of years since I was to that church and can't remember the exact wording, but it was something along that line) And it seems to go back to the "MY children are misbehaving, so YOU should move or not come here at all." And sorry, that just doesn't work for me.
J

c'mon mellow out on the little kid in church. her parents sound like the kind of people who will raise the child in a christian environment. as far as head butting your rear end, a little diet and excercise will take off those pounds. thanks

Someone talks about parents who will "raise the child in a christian environment" then goes on to take a nice passive-agressive shot like that. I bet you're one of those folks who walk proudly up to the front of church every Sunday. Then, have no idea how to treat people on Monday through Saturday.
J

Tonight I noticed how much more articulate Katie weather report has been over the past weeks. I went to your blog to pass that on, as well as to welcome you back on the air. After reading your kids in church blog I think you will take comfort in knowing that just like Katie's progress, as well as your's since childhood; the little girl will grow in her church behavior too. Relax, find a way to enjoy the youth around you. I wish I would have been there to see you get poked in the seat. I always am up for a quiet laugh in church even at the age of 50! Jane

Thanks for the kind words about Katie, Jane. We always knew she had the science and the on air stuff would come eventually. She's also taken a verbal beating on this blog and elsewhere, so a kind word is really appreciated. As for the advice about children and church, thanks!
J

J.T. Well G Jeff I thought most of you regulars on TV that do the evening news @ 6 & 10 where all gone to the Wisconsin Valley Fair last weekend but if that wasn't the case I hope you had fun where you spent your time and glad to see you all back on Newschannel 7 Jeff! *Wednesday August 9th,2006*

Thanks for the good wishes. I didn't do anything special. A little yard work. (which to me is relaxing) A little golf. A little time with my Godson. A little fish fry with my parents. A little catching up with an uncle, aunt and a couple cousins. And a not-so-little HDTV delivered to my house. They all added up to a good few days off of work. (By the way, I'm working a lot more years to actually pay off that HDTV)
J

I think that too many parents these days assume that their children have the right to be obnoxious. Sounds like the parents of the child misbehaving at your church did not respect those around them enough to do the right thing and exit the church. Kids don't know any better; PARENTS SHOULD!!!! (So all of you parents out there who let your kids rule the world, please take some responsibility!!)

Thanks for the input.
J

I too have a very active two year old and attend church every Sunday on my own with her because I feel it is important for her to be raised with religion. Our church does not have a cry room either. I no longer take toys or food to entertain her as that is not what it is about. There are many Sundays when I leave wondering why I even bothered but I have to remember that in order for her to behave in church later on in life it has to be part of her young life. I do however apologize to those who have sat near us at the end. For the most part we are pretty successful in church with behaviors but I ask you...a parent that constantly takes their child out of church for bad behavior, what does that teach the child? (If I misbehave we can get out of this place!??)

That's a good point I haven't heard in this dicussion, yet. Thanks.
J

While I do not feel it is appropriate to keep a badly misbehaving child in church, a certain amount of noise will come from a young child. I think that can be tolerated. As far as "a lovely crying room" I will disagree. For a church that places such a high value on being part of the church community, it is hard to feel part of it in that closed off room.
jjg

Hi jjg, thanks for the input. I got into a discussion about this very subject while visiting some cousins during my vacation. They had just gotten done with taking care of their young grandchildren and said the cry room was a rough experience. In the church in my hometown, there is no air conditioning and it was during that heatwave which made already squirming kids even more "wiggly." Plus, my cousin told me a lot of people seem to see the "cry room" as a "play room" and instead of using it as a place to teach children about proper behavior at church they just let them run around as they wish.
J

Advice on raising children. Raise your own and let other parents raise their own.

That goes without saying, of course. But is there a point when you can say something to parents about their children's behavior? Such as when it's disruptive in church. That's sort of the point of the discussion.
J

During one particularly noisy service that had many heads turning, our pastor relieved the tension by saying, "I'm glad to hear we have so many children in our congregation today. Lets be thankful they are not lost on the street." Another instance had me sitting with my sister's young family. The kids, aged 2 & 4, actually behaved very well for once. The 4-yr-old even whispered his very few comments to his mother - a first and we praised him for it. Unfortunately, an older visiting woman sat directly in front of us (FYI-we were seated first.) After one of my nephew's whisperings, this woman turned around and in a normal voice said, "could you please keep your son quiet!" My nephew heard and understood it quite well. It brought tears to his eyes and a great deal of protective anger from my sister. Afterwards, my sister with her now-quietly-crying son growled for the woman's ears only "next time go sit in the pulpit!" Other members who had seen this woman's church behavior and comforted my sister by saying that the woman was wrong to make such a comment. My suggestion is that if you don't like sitting in front of children, don't - even if you have to move before the service begins. Otherwise, have patience. If anything, compliment those children who do behave. I'm not defending those parents who don't take out their screaming children. Just stating a couple of my experiences. -E

Thanks for the input, E.
J

I've got to say I agree with much of what "J" had to say about organized religion. At least fanatical followers seem to be causing many of the problems in the world. Regarding your problem at church, there's no reason why people going to worship service should have to be distracted by misbehaving children. That's what they have the special room for. The parents should make use of it! The kids aren't getting anything out of the service and neither are the people sitting near them.

Thank you for your thoughts.
J

That's a tough one...If you say something to the parents, chances are they will be offended. And, in my opinion, you shouldn't have to move because the children are misbehaving. I have 2 children myself and it seems as if alot of parents are afraid to disciple their children. They learn by the guidance from the adults in their lives and I betcha they'll be the same way next Sunday. I think I probably would have not said anything but next Sunday, find a different place to sit:)

Thanks for being part of the conversation.
J

Jeff, I wholeheartedly agree with you regarding children and church. My church is a big echo-chamber so having crying and screaming kids can be a real problem. Many parents do not utilize the cry room and I wonder why--the service can still be heard and the 'action' can still be seen. There was one occasion when I could make out about every fourth word of the sermon due to the cacophony of crying kids. Here I thought I was the only one! Thanks for being so forthcoming; I really enjoy your blog. Shannon

Thanks, Shannon.
J

Jeff, I don't have any children either, but I'll tell you one thing, my parents would never have let me get away with behavior like that in church. I agree with you and just because you don't have kids doesn't mean you don't have a right to "judge" others. I don't think that's what you were trying to do anyway. And if a child's behavior in church is distracting you or anyone else, as I am sure it was, you have a right to be upset. Quite frankly, if I were the little girl's parents I would have been embarrassed and would have taken her out of the room out of respect for the other worshipers. Kids aren't always easy but there are appropriate times for books that make sounds and talk and one of them is NOT church. And whoever made the comment about you "judging" was perhaps judging you for not having children of your own. Some people tend to make the mistake of thinking because there are people without children that we have no experience with them and therefore should not have an opinion. Keep up the excellent work and blog topics. Tammy

Good point, Tammy.
J

In response to Tammy. I am sorry but until you have and raise children of your own, you do not know what it is like to have and raise children of your own. Experience with children is entirely different. A comparison; I am not blind but if I close my eyes I have experience on what it is like to not see. If I told a blind person that I know what they go through because I close my eyes, I am sure they would disagree and perhaps be offended by that statement.
jjg

Thanks, jjg. To some extent, you're right. Those of us who don't have children don't know what it's like. But I can't agree with you 100%. I think Tammy's right when she says just because we don't have them doesn't mean we can't form an opinion about children. And forming an opinion is not passing judgement. To say a child may be misbehaving is just an observation. All kids do misbehave on occasion. To say a child may be misbehaving and then go on to say "That's a bad kid" would be passing judgement. (I hope that makes sense, I'm pretty tired as I write this)
J

To jjg, I failed to mention that I raise my niece, but I guess that doesn't count because she's not biologically mine? What I am trying to say is that books that talk are inappropriate in a church setting. And that my parents would never have let my brother and I get away with anything like that in church, much less being rude to other people by letting us interrupt their religious services. But apparently my opinion doesn't count because I have no biological children of my own. Tammy

Thanks, Tammy.
J

Tammy, I apologize. If you are the fulltime provider for your niece you indeed are raising a child. Perhaps I chose the wrong word when I used "having" I consider parents who adopt or foster parents as "having and raising children" and I think that is a great chose. The point I was trying to make was that raising children is far different from experience with children, such as spending time with nieces and nephews or babysitting neighbors kids.

Thanks, jjg
J

Jeff, I understand. But one can wonder how different that opinion would be if you had children. Thanks for keeping up with this.
jjg

Thanks, again.
J

Jeff...Thanks for your help in getting the background noise of the printer removed from the background in your broadcast. Really enjoy the news now...LS

No problem!
J

Who are you to say the child was misbehaving?? Since you don't have children you should really think before you judge others... It is not any easy task. And yes you should be the one to move.If it bothered you that much you should have got up and moved. I hope the family you are complaining about doesn't read this blog, because I would hate to think something I said or did would make a family feel uncomfortable at church. Maybe make them not want to come back. We are at church to learn to serve our fellow man and I am sure Jesus didn't complain when he had children around. You should really think and pray before you complain.

Thanks for your input. And clearly in your case, I touched a nerve. Now, please check out the next response.
J

I have two beautiful girls ages six and three and we attend church regularly. I feel church and our faith is extremly important to our lives. That being said I feel it is in poor taste for parents to allow their crying or disruptful children to stay in church. Many Sunday's I have to walk out with one or both of my children and I do so with respect to those around me. Just because their are pews marked "Reserved for parents of small children" doesn't mean small children's naughty behavior should be tolerated there or anywhere. My Mother has told me I was horrendous in church as a child but grew out of it. Until my girls grow out of inappropriate behavior in church we will continue to attend services but will walk out as needed.

Thanks for being part of the discussion.
J

I just want to add Jeff that it's very brave of you to be so open and honest with your blogging and it's refreshing to see someone take so much criticism so well. I may not always agree with you but I respect your thoughts and opinions. As a news anchor it is nearly impossible to please everyone but your integrity is refreshing!

Thanks for the kind words. If it spurs a good discussion, my blog mission is accomplished.
J

I am sorry that you had a bad experience at church. As a mother of three children ages 6, 5 and almost 4 it can be very difficult to try and keep them entertained. I bring along stuff for them to do, and if that doesn't work then we leave. The church I used to go to had activities for the children going on at the same time that services were. They seemed to enjoy that better than having to try to sit still and be quiet. And I do agree that the parents of the children should be the ones to move, not you.

Thanks for your comment.
J

Crying?. Church?. Yes the whole world should be crying as I did this morning when I saw on TV the frightened, anguished faces of children, retarded persons, old women in the Middle East. Religion is the basis of it all - think of all the millions who have died throughout the centuries in the name of some god or other. Religion skews perception of reality, breeds fanaticism. I think all religion shoud be banned, the world would be a better place. And before conclusions are jumped to I probably am more principled, moral, kind, compassionate, law abiding etc. than many church goers. No I'm not a communist but an atheist and proud of it!. Thank you.

Thanks for your input. This is America and we are all free to believe what we want. I'm sure plenty of people out there would love to respond. So, I'll let them handle it. But I do have just one question. You say, "I think all religion should be banned." Isn't that just as bad coming from an atheist as a believer trying to force his opinions on you?
J

With all due respect Jeff the point I was trying to make was that religion is often the cause of war / conflict. Okay, I'll retract my bannning of religion statement & replace it with my opinion that the world would be a more peaceful place in the absence of religion. Listen to the words of John Lennon's 'Imagine', about sums it up for me. Thank you.

Gotcha. Thanks for the clarification.
J

As a mother of a "active" 2 year old, I have found that we get alot of not-so-nice looks from a few people in our church---I am amused that they come from older people sitting in the pews marked "Reserved for families with small children". I am a parent that believes very strongly that a child needs to be brought up in a church setting. Our church does not have a cry room, if it did, I would not have a problem using it -- active 2 year old -- church pews -- always asking for something interesting to happen. I am sorry for your experience--hopefully the parents will read this, and next time take the little one out. I know I have had to do this. Have a great day.

Thanks for the input. And please don't get me wrong, it wasn't a horrible experience. Just something I thought perhaps other people may have gone through and would make a good blog topic.
J

When I made the reference to the pew "reserved for parents with small children", I wasn't making an excuse for parents--I was noting the fact the older people without children were sitting in those seats and giving my son a dirty look because he was there. When he gets loud/unruly/NAUGHTY, I have no problem taking him out. I do have a problem with receiving dirty looks, just because he is there. Don't sit where it distinctly states "for parents with small children". There is bound to be a small disturbance at times.

Thank you!
J

first of all. it should not be any ones place to ask the parents to take the child to a cry room.
the parents of a unruley child should know enough to take that child to the cry room.
as far you go jeff. if i was you. i would have asked the parents if they knew there was a cry room. if they said no they didnt know there was a cry room. then explain to them what it is use for. hopefully they would get the message to go there.

That sounds like a good way to handle it. Thanks!
J

I think you should be truly Thankful the parents of the little girl cared enough to bring the child to church. Parents that are trying to raise a child in church are few and far between these days and I would say that is part of what is wrong with our world today.And you should pray for patience and understanding while you are sitting there. I am a mother of 4 chilren ages 7, 5, 3, and 2 and church isn't easy on Sunday but we are there and my husband and I do our best. And some Sundays are easier than others.You should move if it bothers you that much..try sitting on the front row...Stephanie

Thanks for your perspective Stephanie! I bet just getting all those little ones ready for church on Sunday wears you and your husband out! Kudos to you for getting them there every week. But, as much as I respect and agree with the importance of bringing the children to church, I can't agree when you seem to be saying "MY children are misbehaving, so YOU have to move."
J

I AGREE WITH STEPHANIE AND QUITE YOUR WHINNING.

Just a guess here, but you weren't the captain of your high school debate team, where you?
J

MORE SAD THAN NORMAL (7/13/06)
NO OFFENSE INTENDED
THE FLAG TIE

Three different topics on my mind this week.

I don't know why, but the latest round of fighting in the Middle East (Israel vs. Lebanon) just struck me as a little sadder than normal. There's been fighting between people in that region for generations. So much so, we almost become numb to it. But for some reason I keep picturing folks who live there who just want to go on with their lives. Like us, they want to love their wives (husbands) and children, have a good job, a nice home and all the other stuff we dream of. But what I'm sure is a small percentage of people just keep the fighting going and they get caught in the middle. Maybe it's my imagination, but the sadness I feel for the non-fighting people is larger than ever.

On a recent newscast I referred to my Dad as "my old man." I thought it was pretty harmless. It was just an introduction to weather with a story of how I borrowed his power edger to do my sidewalk. And how glad I was to have it because the ground (thanks to our dry weather) is so hard. Well, the boss took a couple of complaints about my use of that phrase, saying it was disrespectful and had no business in a newscast. It wasn't meant to be disrespectful to my Dad. And he doesn't have a problem with the phrase. But, if you were offended by it, sorry.

On Memorial Day, the 4th of July and sometimes on an election I'll wear what I call my flag tie. It's meant as a tribute to the vets on Memorial Day and to the country on the 4th. This year I actually got an e-mail from a gentleman who said he found it offensive. He even quoted me a statute saying it's illegal to wear a configuration of Old Glory as clothing and that some people find it as bad a burning the flag. On the other hand, the brother of a local soldier who was killed in Iraq actually asked to borrow the flag tie. He wore it as a tribute to his fallen loved one in his graduation portrait. I was very touched.

Want to talk about any of these subjects or have something else on your mind? You know what to do.

J

Jeff:
Regarding the comment about problems receiving Channel 7's signal in Adams County ... the reception here has been terrible lately. It seems it is worse whenever it is warm and humid outside. Sometimes we are not able to receive any television signals. Perhaps one of your technical people know the reason for the reception problems??

Steve

Thanks, Steve. I'll run it past Geordi, our engineer. (Scotty retired)
J

Jeff, here's a question on a different subject. This late afternoon (Sunday, July 30), I sat down to watch News 7 at 5:30. However, a different program was being run at that time, with a scroll across the bottom of the screen saying that News 7 at 5:30 was cancelled, and that the News 7 at 10:00 would be broadcast normally.

Alan S., Wausau

Hi Alan. You can blame Mother Nature. The NewsChannel 7/K-Tech Golf Tournament got a late start Sunday morning because of the storm that came through. And many members of the crew who work behind the scenes of the news on the weekend were also working behind the scenes of the Golf Tourney that we were taping for broadcast Sunday night. (Running cameras, pulling cable, generating graphics, etc.) I would have volunteered to run cameras, but I'm sure they want them in focus ;) You can still find all the local stories from that day on the website. Thanks for your patience and thanks for watching!
J

It is nice to see that you guys have compassion for the people in Lebanon. I know that covering the news everyday must get somewhat depressing at times... your doing a fine job. It truly is sad what is happening over there. My coworker had just come back from Lebanon in June with his family. It is so sad, you're right, these people are just like us, and it's sad that the middle east continues to fight a war against what? I'm still confused about that one.
Also I am very proud of you for wearing your tie on holidays. I too, wear American t-shirts, hang flags, ect. What is so wrong with being patriotic? It's a way to show you care and please continue to do so. I know that my family appreciates it. I think that so many times we are so worried about being politically incorrect that eventually we won't know what to say.
So in that respect, it's okay with me if it's okay with your dad to mention him as your old man. Tell your boss to back off and let you be you. It's what people like aobut you.

Thanks for the input!
J

hey there why is it the kids block out over the air transmiossion of your 10 pm newscasts in adams if ya dont know ask someone that does thank

I'm sorry, you lost me. Is something interfering with our broadcast in Adams County? Has anyone else has this problem?
J

I was wondering (if you don't mind) how far do you walk with Bailey every day? I have started walking about 2 miles every night. To make the time seem to go by faster I let my threee kids ride their bikes in front of me.

I don't really know how far it is. It's about 1/2 hour in my hilly neighborhood first thing in the morning and 1/2 hour again before I get ready for work in the early afternoon. I once saw on Oprah (so it has to be true) that a lot of pet misbehavior can be traced to a lack of excercise, so I try to give the dog a lot of it. And she really is well behaved. We've been skipping or shortening the afternoon walk a lot lately because of the heat wave. Doesn't seem like a good idea for either one of us to be walking in 90 degree weather at 12:30 in the afternoon. Have fun with your walks. Bet the dog (and the kids) love it!
J

Hi Jeff, I have no response to your blog, however, I am curious about a remark you made on this evening's news about if you hear thunder withing 30 sec or less after seeing lightening you should seek shelter. Did you mean to say 3 sec.? 30 seconds seems awfully long after you see lightening. Help!!! Thanks, Grandma Judy (Hancock) PS. Love channel 7 news!!!

Hi Grandma Judy! Sorry, about the late response. (I was under the weather yesterday) I honestly don't know. But, I'll send an inter-office e-mail to Chad Franzen who was our expert for that story to find out. Thanks for the kind words as well!
J
And here's Chad's response to my question. He calls is the 30/30 rule.
30 Seconds:
Count the seconds between seeing lightning and hearing thunder. If this time is less than 30 seconds, lightning is still a potential threat. Seek shelter immediately.
30 minutes:
After the last lightning flash, wait 30 minutes before leaving shelter. Half of all lightning deaths occur after the storm passes. Stay in a safe area until you are sure the threat has passed

Concerning the Flag Tie:
Way to go Jeff, we need all the patriotizm we can get. I am so very proud of you for wearing that tie. My husband and I do the same thing. We have few shirts with flags on them and we wear them when we go to large events so people know we are proud of who we are. A proud American.

Hi proud American. Thanks for the kind words.
J

Hey Jeff I really enjoyed listening to you on wdez 101.9 this morning I think you are a cool news man, and watch you every night on channel 7 I enjoy Listening to all your stories about your house and all the troubles you have with the snow shoveling. Keep up the good work and keep smiling.
Cindy (Antigo) P.S. Do you know what ever happened to Bobby Brooks? She was a news reporter there a few years ago and then she was gone.

Hi Cindy. Thanks for the nice feedback. It's always a blast working with the WDEZ folks! And as long as they keeping asking us to fill in when one of them goes on vacation, we'll be happy to help! As for Bobbie, look for a blog on that topic very soon.
J

I have to laugh at something that happened here the other night. My collie is 12 years old and I refer to him as "old man" or gramps, and that night I was holding open the kitchen door for him to come up the stairs and into the kitchen, I said to him are you coming in old man? And I hear (from my husband) no...I have a few other things I have to get done before I come in. I laughed so hard while explaining to hubby that I was talking to the dog. I still laugh about hearing that voice answer to old man. Lisa

Thanks for the laugh, Lisa.
J

Hey Jeff. you have helped me before, so here goes....Where did the morning weather man go, the one with the broad shoulders. We Miss him.
Carol

I think you're talking about Jay Polk and he's no longer with us. I'm not sure where he went. But we wish him the best, he's a genuninely good guy.
J

There are a couple of comments that I would like to submit. I will only watch Channel 7 news for starters. I love the way there is a chemistry between all of you. It seems like you are all family to each other and brings a nice warmth to the show. However, if I were running the show, there are a couple of things that I would change. First thing, listening to a printer in the background during the news cast. When a person works all day with printers around them, the last thing I want to do is listen to the sound of something being printed in the background. Can't these printers be moved off stage somewhere? Secondly, I think the use of "breaking news" is starting to be abused. This should be saved for truly important issues and not because someone signed a contract with a major sports team. I used to run to the TV when the music played for "breaking news" to find out what was going on. I don't do that anymore.
Thanks for the great show and allowing me to "Sound Off"
A long time veiwer..LS

Hi LS, and thanks for the input! We always appreciated it.
First, the printers are part of the Weather Lab which is more than just a set, it's really a working office. I've run your comment past the boss who says he'll talk to the weather folks and our engineer about finding a way to cover the sound.
Now, about the "breaking news" music. You've touched on something that is a major debate in our industry right now. How often should newscasts use it and at what point is it overused? We had gotten some expert advice on it earlier this year and quite frankly were told to use it a lot! And, again quite frankly, we may have gone a little overboard with it. But, we've tapered off on it to a point where hopefully it's not overused anymore.
I checked our news archives for the last week and here's what I found: We used it three times. 1) during the 6PM news Thursday for the Lincoln County wildfire that closed a lane of Highway 51 and caused a big traffic back-up. 2) during the 10PM news on Tuesday after getting word Israeli troops had gone into Lebanon. 3) during the 5PM news, again on Tuesday, after getting word the Senate had approved the expansion of spending on embryonic stem cell research. All of the events happened just a short time before the newscast and that was the first time we had the story.
The sports story you referred came from Thursday, July 13 during the 6PM sports. It was about a local hockey player signing a deal with a pro team. I believe Matt chose to put the "breaking news" music on it because he was the first person, not only in Wausau, but in the whole state to get the story.
I guess what it boils down to is we've gone from putting it on every single new story in the to only putting it on those that seem to deserve it. Hopefully that will show to people like you, our most loyal viewers. Keep watching for a while and let me know if you see a difference.
Thanks again for the input and thanks even more for watching!
J

ok, enough of the tavern stories these are mostly very good people. i think its wrong for the police to solicit under age people to go into these places. do they do that in any ohter businesses. maybe they should go into fast food restaurants and fine anyone that sells burgers to obese people that would be a hoot. and as far as letting police set up road blocks/ where do we live> the usa> not china. will they set up road blocks to stop people from talking on sell phones or eating. these people kill and mame thousands each year. come people wake up!!!

Thanks for blogging on and sharing your views.
J

It's not wrong for the police to use underagers for stings in bars. If they are following the law, then they have nothing to worry about. Just like if you are driving, if you are not speeding-you won't get pulled over and get a speeing ticket. As for the comment about the burger at a fast food restaurant- IT'S NOT ILLEGAL FOR ANYONE, AT ANY AGE TO PURCHASE A BURGER OR ANY FAST FOOD AT A FAST FOOD RESTAURANT. If people break the law, sooner or later they will be caught and penalized for it. They need to grow up and own up to their mistakes and pay the consequences.

Thanks for giving us the counter-point to this discussion.
J

I am not responding to anything here, but I do have question... I just heard on tonights 5 p.m. news about a site that allows you to use your computer to talk on the phone called voit. what is the actual web site? thanks S.

Hi S. There's probably more information on the Money Talks website, www.moneytalks.org, or try this one: comparevoipproviders.org
J

Congratulations on your 10th anniversary with Channel 7.

Thank You! It's been a great! And I'm now officially a decade closer to retirement!
J

I want to comment on the tragic story July 4th when the young man drowned in Wisconsin Rapids in the boating incident. The media kept bringing the story up with his past with the police and blah blah blah. How horrible for his family don't ya think to hear the media bringing up his past when they are planning a funeral? I think you guys do a good job but did have to frown on that story over and over.

Thanks for your comment. I can understand how you could get that impression, but respectfully, I have to disagree. When the young man first went missing, we were told by authorities that they weren't sure if he was missing because of the boating accident or if he had run away because of previous run-ins with police. It's an unusual part of this story, but a very important one that had to be included as everyone was still holding out hope he had run away and not drowned. When we got the word his body found, that part of the story was dropped from all our coverage. Other coverage included how search dogs are trained, the danger in packing too many people on a boat and whether the driver, who's suspected of opering the boat while intoxicated, will also be charged in the young man's death.
J

Some one asked about Bill and Wendy having a blog, what about Chad? I think with his humor and knowlege, he would end up with a very fun blog and full of information too.

I think you're right!
J

Jeff, The song "The Old Man" ---itunes, Singer John McDermott, Album Timeless Memories. You'll find the song listed. You really need to listen to it. G

Thanks, G. I'll check it out when I get the chance.
J

jeff just a question about a story tha you all have been talking about for awhile the pine bar!!! i heard you all say that it was going to be voted about staying open or closing i never did hear the out come of that and now i hear about the bad stuff that went on in there this past weekend are you going to cover the story or let it be what it is?? my opinion is that they place was no good i had never been there but it does not sound like a place that i would want to be either i and others would like to know what happened?? thank you Bobbie Jo in wausau

Hi Bobbie Jo. The last update we had on that comes from July 11. The city council delayed a vote and gave the owner until July 31 to come up with written arguments about why her liquor license should not be pulled. I honestly don't know what, if anything happened there this weekend.
J

Hey Jeff, any talk about Wendy or Bill having a blog?? I've asked before with no response.

Hi.
I'm sure they'd both be great at it, but I think they already have a lot on their plates. Bill does our weekly Scams & Ripoffs report and has a couple other irons in the fire I can't talk about yet. Wendy does several general assignment reports for us per week. Not to mention doing the morning and noon shows. And having worked that shift, I know as well as anyone how difficult it is.
J

Just keep up the good work Jeff, as long as your old man didn't have a problem with your comment don't worry about it. It's much better than "the old guy" or the "old a--hole" which, as a foster mom I hear all too often!!!!!
Oh, yes....about the flag tie thing, too bad people don't have more stuff to worry about than how newspeople dress. This was probably the same guy my son (a first Gulf War veteran) saw at the local 4th of July parade who, among others, did not salute, take his hat off, etc., the color guard.
My son says this REALLY ticks him off.
Perhaps next year you can dress up as Uncle Sam (or Betsy Ross, even) and really knock the guy's socks off!
Hang in there, Jeff...remember what your "old man" probably taught you....what doesn't kill you will only make you strong!!!! Moi

Thanks, Moi. The thought of me in a Betsy Ross costume makes me laugh out loud!
J

Hi Jeff! I had to make a comment about the tie. I was in the Marines and my husband is the local Marine Corps recruiter. Both of my grandfathers were in the Navy as well as my step-grandfather. We don't take offense to the tie and we are proud that you wear yours. With the war going on right now it's nice to see some people still care about our vets and our current troops enough to show it. THANK YOU! Tammy

Thanks, Tammy. And thanks to your family for all the service to our country.
J

This is an intersesting website on the U.S. flag. (www.usflag.org) Click on FAQ and then flag etiquette to see the standards of respect for the flag.

Thanks, I'll check it out.
J

Dear Jeff,
I just thought I would comment about you getting complaints about how you used the phrase "my old man", I think you guys are so funny yet serious when need be so don't stop the "laxy daisiness" so to speak. You guys are a great team and I love watching your newscasts. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Krista.

Thanks, Krista. Honestly, that's one of the nicest compliments I've ever gotten. Because, since I started anchoring here 10 years ago, it's something I've always strived for. Trying to let people know when it's time to relax and not take ourselves to seriously and when we need to be completely serious.
J

Jeff
I think your tie is awesome. It shows that you are proud to wear your Countries colors. My children, husband, and myself are always proud to wear flag or red, white, and blue clothing, earings, ect. on important days of the year. I think that it shows we are proud to be Americans and support our Country. These items are not "an actual flag!" Keep wearing that tie! Also about people being obnoxious and down right crude on your blogs, I have read them. "Good" criticism can help and also point out things that could improve you or what people want to see in channel 7's newscasts. I would love to see what some of these people do for a living! Do they know and do their jobs perfectly everyday without mistakes! Yes we have the freedom of speech but it should be done adult like and respectful to others. My husband and I are both volunteers for our local fire department (my husband is Fire Chief)and we are both EMT's with our ambulance service. We spend many hours training and time away from our family to help our community. I received a phone call from a woman the other day that wanted to speak with the Fire Chief, I explained he was at work and maybe I could help or have my husband call her back. I helped her out with some questions and then some others I could not and also explained that being the Chief in our community was not a full time postion and I could have him reach her after work. She called me "DUMB". Something like "Thanks for the info" might have been a better choice of words. I guess it takes all kinds to make our world go around! I say News Channel 7 keep up the great work! A true blue (and red and white) channel 7 watcher.
D from Elcho

Thanks, D. Sometimes it seems like simple courtesy has vanished, doesn't it? And thanks for all the work you and your husband do for the Fire Dept. Among the many things we learned on 9/11 is just what heroes firefighters and police really are.
J

How lucky the ones are that have nothing more to worry about other than your tie, and your comments. If the term "old man" doesn't bother your father, then it's none of their business. There is an old Irish song called "The Old Man". A tribute to his father, and one of the most beatiful ,loving songs, I've ever heard. Don't fret about what people think. Your doing a great job. G.

Thanks, G. I'd love to hear it! In my family that song is "Silver Haired Daddy of Mine" first sung by Gene Autry, I think. Whenever we sang it at family get-togethers when I was a kid it always got my big, strong mountain of a Grandpa pretty emotional.
J

This may be a "racy" subject but I feel it has to be addressed. Its about 9/11 and its not a joke. 9/11 was carried out by the US government to make an excuse for invading middle east nations, and so it would make us citizens live in fear of the evil men in caves and accept control devices such as the Patriot Act so "they" can have more power and get richer while we live under the control device of fear, in turn we are easily manipulated. Governments have been doing this for thousands of years. Nero did it in Roman times. Its nothing new. Please, believe the truth. The evidence would fill books. I have researched it A LOT. Now there spying on us from every angle, watching our financial records. The war on terror is nothing more than an excuse to control us more and further evil agendas in the middle east.

Hi and thanks for blogging on. You say "the evidence would fill books" and "I have researched it A LOT." Can you give us some specifics? Until then, with all due respect, it just seems like the latest conspiracy theory.
J

It is extremely unfortuanate to see such pain and bloodshed and violence all around the world. Our lives are so short and they are spent so often killing each other for such petty things that society has created. This society is breaking down very fast.

These are scary times, aren't they?
J

I have something I wonder about.
In between Mothers Day and Armed Forces Day, a couple of veterans organizations sponsored a Women Veterans Information Fair in Wausau. I emailed your community calendar and left a poster with your station receptionist before the event. None of the women attending reported they found out about the event from television. Is there some way we could do better?
James

Hi, James. I'm sorry, but I have nothing to do with Community Calendar. I know the station is making an effort to beef it up and put it on more. Your best bet is to just call the station's main number and ask the receptist for more information.
J

Liked the flag tie.
The newscast just ended (10pm) just a note about the Madison Muskies. That was the name of the Madison team in the late 70's early 80's. I was living in Madison and attended several of the games. They were just as much fun as the Woodchuck games sound.
Hope you rain gauge gets some use. Thanks for keeping us informed.
Tina in WR

Thank you for the quick Wisconsin sports history lesson, Tina!
J
By the way, the rain gauge now has a cactus growing in it. ;)

The same thought about the ?innocents? of war came to me last night while reading a novel about the Civil War and the toll it took on the people just trying to keep the home fires burning (so to speak.) My friend?s brother was in Iraq. Whenever he wrote home, he always asked for lots of candy to give to all the children he met. He couldn?t keep enough gum in his pockets. He said most of the kids had never seen it and they loved it. What a reminder that was that we take so many little things for granted.
?My old man? was a phrase never heard in our house. Not saying it?s bad or good ? we simply never used it. I have another story though. When my sister-in-law joined the family, she thought it strange that we asked for soda when we wanted a carbonated beverage. We never asked for pop. Being the joker of the family, Dad broke us of the term Pop when we were little since. He came every time we asked for a pop. Thus we always ask for soda and the word ?pop? is never, ever used. (Bubbler is another term that puzzled people new to the area.)
As for your flag tie, I?ve always liked it and look forward to seeing it on the holidays. Mom has a book from the ?50s or ?60s that explains the proper ways to handle and display the colors. She frequently refers to it. I?ll have to see what her ?flag bible? says.
Oh dear, I have to end this. The news is on and I?ve got to see what tie you?re wearing today (hee hee.) -E

Thanks, E

I agree totally re innocents being killed/hurt/lives disrupted during conflicts. Unfortunately though the Bush administration has done nothing to help end the Palestinian/Israeli conflict. America should have been putting pressure on Arab nations in the region to co-erce the Palestinians to come to the table and to pressure Israel to do the same ( he who pays the piper should be calling the tune ). There needs to be dialogue and compromise, compromise, compromise. When the Muslim world sees Israeli force they see the U.S.A. Perhaps if we weren't mired down in Iraq effort might have been spent on this quest. It is all part of the problems in the Middle East. America opened Pandora's box by invading and occupying Iraq and now the whole region appears to be on the brink of a downward spiral. I am constantly appalled & saddened by the brutality and savagery of humans. Violence/force in any form is rarely the answer. Thank you.

Thanks for the comments. I'm not a Bush lover or hater. I hope I can judge the job he's done fairly. But I just have to ask can ANY president of EITHER party do anything to stop the fighting there? These various factions have hated each other for generations. Can land or money or whatever is part of a negotiated deal end that? Sadly, I don't think so.
J

Being a Bush lover or hater has got nothing to do with it Jeff re the Arab/Israeli conflict. We should have been trying for years to resolve the problems there.At Least Presidents Carter & Clinton tried. The Brits seem to have done it with the IRA after years of continual talks, coming to the table etc. We need some elder statesman like Henry Kissinger, shuttle diplomacy and all that. Condie Rice was a college professor, now she is Sec. of State?. I don't think she has been effective. All party politics aside, if the U.S. had helped achieve peace over there we might not be seeing all this carnage. Not to mention gas at $3 a gallon & you know it is only going to go up.

Hi again. And thanks for keeping the conversation going! This very issue was addressed on "The Chris Matthews Show" last night. (10:35 Sunday nights on NewsChannel 7) Most of the reporters on the round table of that show said that the Bush Administration has been so focused on Iraq/Afghanistan that other places that need attention have been overlooked. Sounds just like the points your making. As for Dr. Rice, they said the President now listens to her more than VP Cheney and it's Rice who's urging diplomacy instead of military action with N. Korea and Iran. And the turmoil in the Middle East does have something to do with the price of gas, but I think it's more complex than that. For example if we all didn't drive huge trucks and SUV's that only got 5 mpg, may be we wouldn't be so dependant on foreign oil. (I consider myself middle of the road on most issues, but that's one where I definately side with liberals)
J

Jeff,
I hope you continue to keep a stiff upper lip, you have really been bashed lately. My husband has the exact same flag tie you have and never gets any complaints from his customers/clients/etc. I also agree with you, the Middle East is truly a sad situation. What I think we sometimes forget is even though they live in a foreign land and have a different culture, they are parents, children, students, elderly, just like we are here. We all have to live in this big world, shouldn't we all just try to get along. Instead of critizing you about calling your father an "old man", did anyone compliment you on keeping your sidewalk nice by power edging it? I think this world could use a lot more compliments and a lot less criticism. Thanks for continuing your blog, Jeff, you all do a super job.
Lori in Antigo

Thanks Lori. Of all the compliments I get, perhaps the ones that are most heartfelt are those directed at my yard. It's sort of my hobby/passion. One neighbor once told me I "set the standard" for landscaping in the neighborhood. It's the coolest thing I've heard since buying the house in 2000.
J

Jeff, I agree with your comments about the ordinary people in the Middle East. It has to be tough for them, and especially the kids. As far as the "old man" comment and your flag tie, it's just amazing to me how many hang-ups people have. Go on being colorful; it makes you more fun to watch.
-Jim

Thanks, Jim! I have a cousin who served in Iraq. He says of all the hell he saw over there, the children in danger was the worst part.
J

IT'S NOT EASY BEING MEAN, OR MAYBE IT IS (7/5/06)

This is going to sound pretty ornery. And it's really not meant for the 99.9% of you who use this blog like it should be. So, I'm sorry you have to read through this. But, I have to put it out there.

Things are getting a little mean around here.

Here's some background.

When you respond to one of our blogs, it doesn't get posted right away. It actually goes to our news director who decides if it's appropriate to put on. And we've had countless discussions about what types of responses should be held off. Obviously, those that contain inappropriate language or something that could get us sued are not put on. But pretty much everything else is fair game. Along with a huge number of nice comments and some good discussion about important issues, we've also taken some pretty sharp criticism. But, that's good, because for it to be an honest place of the exchange of ideas we can't sanitize the feedback.

But, in the last couple of weeks, things seem to have taken a different turn...

Someone's called us "f'n roundheads!" (I'm not quite sure what that even means) on my blog. Someone smacked Sue for talking about her child too much. And on Angela's blog, someone took a cheap shot at Nikki Montgomery from WDEZ. And for those of you who respond and have our backs after we got those types of responses, thanks!

But, I really don't want to sit down to a meeting with the boss about increased restrictions on what we post here, so I'm going to ask you this nicely. Leave the cheap shots and name calling out of your responses. If you don't like me or something we do here at NewsChannel 7, bring it up. It's OK. Let's talk about it. But let's make sure we talk about it in a way that our grandmas, bosses and preachers would be comfortable in the discussion, too.

Thanks a bunch. And do you have something you want to talk about? (nicely, of course)

J

I really hate to hear that under age drinking is a problem in this city or any other city. It doesent seem to be a problem when we send our 18 and 19 and 20 year olds to fight for our freedom, so we can do checks like this, (checking for under age drinking). A person can almost get his or her head or a body part blowen away but can't have a beer when they return. Isn't it time that the politicians get there heads out of there butts. If 18 and 19 and 20 year olds can vote for some of these knuckleheads then they should also be entitled to a beer. Lets get the drinking age back to 19 or move the voting age up to 19. Then we might just as well move the driving age up to 19 also. They can be responsible for one but not the other. I don't think thats right and alot of other people agree with this.Thanks You

Thanks for the comments. Honestly, I think a lot of people probably agree with you. But, others would say that as long as the drinking age is what it is, police should enforce it.
J

hi jeff k9 back at you i need to check the blog page more often looks like i missed some good stuff anybody with commen (CENTS) should know that that type of thing should not be done any way bill wendy and chad what a great cobo NEWS 7 has put together but i bet it wont belong before someone will start to b******* sorry i think i may have made a mistake with that commet i love what they do to start my 5am day off with a smile (sure hope bill will not melt this weekend) why not the weekends only if its only for half hour i need that smile ok hope you caught the (cent) thing if not i will e-mail you on how that could fit in you and all the crews at NEWS 7 keep up the good work see ya k9

Hi K9, thanks for the comment. I think this might be the best morning show crew we've ever had. Gosh, I hope Martens doesn't read this or it will go right to his head!
J

i miss Jay too.. but i am verry happy that you have Chad working there. he has a lot of energy and ofers a lot to the morning show.
i see you have been there for ten years. that is great jeff and all of you keep up the good work. amanda, merrill

Thanks, Amanda. Yes, August 20th will mark my 10th Anniversary with NewsChannel 7. (I'll blog more about that in a few weeks) And you know what that means ANOTHER WEEKS VACATION!! ;)
J

Hey Jeff-

Quite an interesting discussion going on here these days. I work at a local radio station and when you work in the media, as I'm sure you know, everyone has an opinion! You're doing a great job, though. Keep up the great work!

Thanks for joining in the conversation! I guess the opinion doesn't bother me at all. The way a few people choose to share it, however, can get pretty nasty.
J

hey jeff it is greg in rid lake i wacth the 10:oopm news on monday and u amd matt said jeff gordorn was bad b\c he hit number 17 car in the race thank u greg t.

Hi Greg. I don't know if we said Gordon was bad. Just that pushing Kenseth out of the way to get the victory didn't seem very nice. Then again, I don't know racing and may be that's the way it's done.
J

I just got to thinking more about your comment. Have you or any of your coworkers every been verbally assaulted like what is going on here in your blog while you have been out in public? Thanks. Lori in Antigo

Hi Lori.
The answer is 'sort of.' When I get recognized in public, 99.9% of the time it's people being very nice. There are the rare times when someone says something nasty. But they never seem to say it to my face. It's always said to someone else, but definately loud enough for me to hear it. I guess it's the same thing as saying something really mean on a blog where you don't have to give your name.
J

HI Jeff,
Another blogger asked about Jay Polk. Seems as if you don't catch the newscast where they wish journalists good luck, you have no idea what happend to them. So, what about Colleen McPartlin, Page and Justin Ware? Where are they now?

Sorry, I really can't say what happened to Jay except for he's no longer with us and we wish him the best. Colleen went back to college. Paige and Justin both got jobs at our sister station in Madison.
J

I love watching channel 7 news and love when things get a little out of the ordinary, like last night, when you did the Bob Dylan "Lay Lady Lay" I laughed soooo hard, it was great! Please keep up the good work!!!!

Thanks! I probably shouldn't have done that. But that song and those three words in it are so distinctive that I couldn't help myself. Sort of like the rare occasions I've had to say the word "dummy" on the air. It always seems to sound like Redd Foxx in "Sanford and Son." Just the danger of growing up a pop culture geek I guess.
J

YOU PEOPLE ARE IDIOTS, AND INSTEAD OF ME CHANGING CHANNELS - CHANGE YOUR STUPIDITY, SO CHANNEL 7 IS A DECENT STATION TO WATCH.

See comments above.
Thank you.
J

I agree! Touche' to you! Let's just say that the people that have nothing good to say and have no response but a "negative" one; are just unhappy with themselves! Let's also take into consideration, this has been leading up to a "full moon". Let's leave it at that!

Thanks.
J

I agree wholeheartedly with keeping blogs clean and decent but come on, can we only make positive, glowing comments? Surely freedom of speech encompasses critique, reality and difference of opinion. This whole attitude seems pervasive throughout the country. It seems to be considered unpatriotic to question or criticise. We see the President telling us that there will be victory in Irag - the way things are going over there this seems impossible, it will not happen yet no-one in the administration, at least not publicly appear to have the guts to acknowledge the reality and criticise the insanity of it all. CS.

Thanks, CS. No that's not what I'm saying at all. We welcome all feedback, positive and negative. But it has to be professional and, just like in any other business, can't have name calling or foul language.
J

FYI - I think the word 'roundhead' may refer to the derogatory term given to the followers of the austere Parliamentarians around the time of the English Civil War - mid 1600's. Came from their kind of hairstyle at the time. Oliver Cromwell ( that nasty man) was a Roundhead as were some of the Puritans. From a local Brit.

Thanks for the quick history lesson!
J

I am missing Jay Polk...I hope he isn't sick, would like to see him back or else someone should say where he went....Watch your weather from Adams,Wi

Hi. Jay is no longer with us. I'm not sure why. The only personal file I have access to is my own, you know? He is a great guy, though and everyone here wishes him the best.
J

I think all your regular watchers think of you and Sue and the rest of the gang as family and we enjoy hearing about "little Arthur" I guess there are always going to be people with small brains who just are not happy unless they can pick on others. You people at "7" rock. Keep up the good work. Nancy from Merrill

Thanks, Nancy!
J

Just recently I was sitting in my care with my two girls. One is 12 and the other is 13. We were waiting for my mother to come out of a store. It was a warm day and our car windows were open and there were two young adults in the care next to us. Jeff, every other word out of their mouth was a swear word. Is there no common decency in society anymore? I was not eavesdropping on their conversation, they just began arguing and swearing. My girls have heard they words before, but it just struck me that "common decency" is fast leaving our society. Thank you for your comments and please know that many of us enjoy your blogs and tidbits regarding your life. It brings you into our homes each and every day as part of our family. Keep smiling. Lori in Antigo

Thanks, Lori. If more people lived by the rule "Would I say this if my Grandma could here it?" we'd probably have a lot less swearing in the world.
J

I like hearing reporters mention their families. We only watch Channel 7 news & almost feel like they are part of our family.
JH

Thanks, JH!
J

Thanks for having the courage to say this to the whole world -- and to put the issue out there. Have seen the not so nice entries and wondered what the impetus for such was, when in this day and age, if you don't like some one or some thing, change the channel! We won't -- we are avid ch 7 viewers and appreciate the quality you (all) bring to news. Keep it up!

Between all the channels on TV now and the computer, there sure is enough of a selection out there now-a-days.
Thanks!
J

as a 35 year old female with 3 kids I have only one small comment to add -- the freedom of speech is just that freedom to speak -- BUT -- those of us who like to read these blogs like our freedom too. I AGREE -- KEEP IT CLEAN!! My children read these with me - show them how grown-ups should behave. I am sorry, Jeff and others. Sorry that you had to read the blogs that were disrespectful and rude. Keep up the GREAT work!! Thanks from Rhinelander.

Thanks, Rhinelander!
J

Jeff--I've watched you so long, I feel I know you personally. I know you went to Catholic School as did I. Anyway, it seemed a short time went by when I wasn't watching in the early morning and all of a sudden Jay Polk isn't there. Is he okay? I understand if he moved on but I wouldn't want him hurt. He is a super nice guy. You're good people. I like Sue, she seems so good. Dorothy

Thanks, Dorothy. Jay's no longer with us. I'm not sure why. As I've told countless people since he left, the only personel file I have access to is my own. He is a great guy and we all with him the best.
J

Jeff:
You are right on with your comments. I also thought things were getting out-of-hand. Along with the examples you cited, how about the negative comments about Katie O'Brien. Channel 7 has done a great job in providing email addresses for its employees. If someone has a complaint or negative comment, they should email it directly to the appropriate manager and not post it where everyone can see it. Most importanly, keep in mind that Channel 7 is doing an outstanding job serving the people of Central Wisconsin. Everyone in your organization should be very proud of the work you do.
Steve

Thanks, Steve!
J

Hi Jeff,
This is in response to a blog about reporting on the punishment of others, etc. I believe the comments that were written to you were most likely about the David Schuetz story. He was convicted back on June 7th for 2 accounts of sexual assualt of a child and then Judge Brady denied the D.A.'s pettition to revoke Mr. Schuetz $2000 bond and put him in jail while awaiting sentencing, I believe.
I'm thankful for Channel 7 reporting this story. Mr. Schuetz lives between Marathon Park and Resevoir Park and about a block away from John Muir school. Unfortunately, I live in this area as well. I have two children, one is a special needs child. I've seen Mr. Schuetz walking in the area and now I know that until he is in jail, my children do not even go out in their own yard without an adult present. I have written Judge Brady regarding his decision, the Daily Herald, and even been in contact with Donna Seidel's office in Madison over this.
Mr. Schuetz has been convicted. This isn't just an accusation. He hasn't served his time in jail, and he knows he is going to jail. What is to stop him from doing this again? He is 55 years old and could potentially face up to 40 years jail time--although that is unlikely. Your story allowed me, as a parent to make an informed decision on the supervision I felt my children needed this summer, haveing a convicted child molester in our neighborhood. Thanks for reporting this story! As for God judging him,I think Mr Schuetz should be very concerned about that as well.
Vicki

Thanks, Vicki!
J

What about Patriots, Texans, Titans, Raiders, Cowboys, Giants, Packers, Vikings, Saints, Buccaneers, 49ers, Yankees, Rangers, Mariners, Dodgers, Metropolatins, Phillies, Nationals, Brewers, Pirates, Padres, Celtics, Cavaliers, Pacers, Trailblazers, Kings, and Mavericks? jjg

I'm sorry, jjg. Could you explain further what you mean?
J

I agree wholeheartedly. I don't know what "roundhead" means either but the word in front of it was pretty clear. I also recall the guy who wrote something about college grads having common sense go right out the other ear. You can't stop people from making fools of themselves, but you can stop them from making comments that are nothing but hurtful to others.
-Jim

Thanks, Jim!
J

way to go, jeff

Thank you!
J

Jeff, I'm so glad you wrote this. I just posted to Sue's blog with a similar message. I think people forget how lucky they are to have a venue like this to express their thoughts. Kudos to the team at Channel 7 for allowing us as viewers to express our opinions here.

Thanks for the nice words!
J

So if they don't like you, why are they watching. And why does it matter so much to them what you blog. I think you guys are great. Only watch Channel 7. If they are so frustrated with you, turn the channel. They must not have anything better to do with there life than to cut others down.. Take it with a grain of salt.

Sue and I just talked about this the other day. And the only good thing about getting nasty comments is people always "have our backs." A nasty comment always brings on a lot more nice comments.
J

INTERESTING QUESTION (6/19/06)

Hi bloggers. We've been doing a lot of talking about fluff lately. (not that there's anything wrong with that). But, I was thinking it's time to get into a good news discussion. Then, this was posted on my blog. So, give it a read, read my response and let me know what you think.

J

Actually this blog is directed more towards Gil than you. But it was easier to contact you.
Talking about someone's conviction on the news... That's nice, but is it news?
1) I could care less about someones punishment for their crimes. 2) Do you consider yourselves contentious, and to laugh at others misfortunes and mistakes? Do you really feel better? 3) You see it as freedom of speech and freedom of the press, I could see it as slander, libel, and defamation of someone elses character.
I live with faith in God - no one escapes judgement and justice- nobody can. My best friend God will see to that. You MUST treat your neighbor as yourself in order for you to enter into the Kingdom of God.
Again, I don't care about punishment for their crimes. Keep it in court where it belongs.

Hi and thanks for your comment.
Hopefully, it will spark a good discussion on this blog
First, for those of you who don't know, the "Gil" referenced in that comment is Gil Buettner, our News Director.
Now, to respond to your comment...
1) I would venture to guess that you not caring about someone's punishment for their crimes puts you in a definite minority. Especially if it's a high profile crime.
For example, didn't all the people whose garages were burned down and their neighbors who lived in fear during the arson spree have the right to know what the person eventually convicted of the crime got for it?
How about if an employee of a municipality steals money that comes from taxpayers. Don't the taxpayers have the right to know the punishment since it was their money in the first place?
And here's one more. If a popular local mobile DJ has a child molestation conviction in his/her past, don't the people who have children he/she may be performing for now have the right to know?
It's also very important for people to see what the judges are doing when it comes to sentencing, so they can make an informed vote on those judges in the elections.

2) Just putting someone's sentence in a newscast doesn't mean we're laughing at their misfortunes or mistakes. We are just informing the public.

3) As for slander, libel or defamation of character. If the stories we broadcast or put on the internet are true, they are none of the above.

And about your faith in God, I'd be willing to bet that most of my viewers and people who come to this website agree with you. But many would probably say that doesn't mean people should not be punished for the crimes committed here on earth and that the people who live in society with them shouldn't know about it.
J

First you're omitting viewer polls and now recent blog comments are omitted. You f'n roundheads!

Responses do not get posted directly to the blogs. They are sent to the News Director who weeds out the ones that are inappropriate. Most get put on, and if you look through these blogs you'll see we don't even keep them off when they get pretty critical of our work. That would certainly violate the main goal, which is a discussion with the viewer.
But those responses that slander someone or are nothing but personal attacks are deleted. My boss tells me your response was a personal attack directed at several members of our staff and that's why it didn't get posted. As for omitting viewer polls, please see my response to the person who said we were unfair in our coverage of the "entrapped" taverns. Moreover, since you obviously cannot have a civil discussion without using terms like "f'n roundheads" you are no longer welcome on my blog.
J

hi jeff
i hope you can respond rather quickly. i had misplaced my husband's channel 7 golf player information sheet that had to go in today with payment. i would like to give you payment with credit card so i can get him in. CAN YOU HELP ME1!?!??!?! OR CAN YOU DIRECT ME TO WHO CAN?

I'm sorry, I have nothing to do with the tournament. Your best bet is to call Mark Zelich or Matt Zahn.
J

I so agree. These taverns need these "stings". Come on no one has the right to be upset. They should not be serving minors. As for the cops should come in them selfs and card. I was a minor once and I knew every way out of a bar or hiding spot in one if the cops came in. The sting is the most effective way. And yes it is to protect our children. Jeff, you guys do a "great" job and Im very excited for "TITAN". Hope it all goes well.

Thanks for taking part in the discussion and for the kind words.
J

HI JEFF YOU SEAM TO BE SMART GUY OK I HAVE A HEN HOUSE JUST BUSTTING WIT CHICKENS I PUT SIGNS ALL OVER THE WOODS AROUND MY PLACE EVEN WENT TO GET 2 OR 3 FOXS TO COME ON IN IF TAVERNS CAN BE TOLD WHEN IT MIGHT GO DOWN WHY NOT THE FOXES

BET HE OR SHE WOULD CARE IF IT WAS WIFE OR KIDS JUST A THOUGHT K9

Thanks for the comments, K9.
J

I don't know why anyone but a tavern keeper who got busted should be upset by the stings. The whole idea is to try to make it safer for our kids and everyone who comes in contact with them. But anyway, Jeff, I hope you have a nice holiday weekend. I'll be going to Madison to visit my mother and taking in the big fireworks there Saturday night. If you've never see them, they're supposed to be the biggest in the Midwest, and set to music on a local radio station. Unbelievable. Have a good one!
-Jim

Thanks, Jim. You have a good holiday, too!
J

Why is the recent viewer poll not shown on T.V. regarding entrapment of local taverns? Your job in news is to show the facts, not your own biased opinions on how those facts are presented (like by you omitting facts that don't represent your personal views). My turn: see when people go to college all this academic knowledge goes in one ear, and common sense goes out the other.

Thanks for your blog comment. Actually, online polls for www.wsaw.com haven't been shown on our newscasts in several years, they're strictly for our online users. It has nothing to do with the subject matter or how they turn out. Now, here's a link to our coverage of the "entrapment" as you called it of local taverns. And when it comes to college and common sense, I'll just let that personal swipe pass without a response.

Officers Team Up for Alcohol Compliance Checks

Tavern League: Compliance Checks Not Handled Fairly

J

Here's a no-fluff topic Jeff - am incensed that politicians recently gave themselves a nice pay raise and yet the proposed minimum wage raise was voted down AGAIN!. Seems to me that democracy ends here when votes have been cast in elections. I see very little being done 'for the people & yet I see very little coverage / protest in all of the media. People should be up in arms over this. But I see nothing but apathy generally speaking.

This is really an interesting topic. A lot of people get very upset when politicians give themselves pay raises. And most would probably agree taxpayers have the right to be mad! But, when it comes to the amount of money they spend and the pork they add on to policies, their pay raises are really only a small part of the problem. You're right though, perhaps the issue deserves more coverage.
J

I think it's ludicrous to rely on faith in God to sort all of this out. We must be accountable for our misdeeds here on earth, or total anarchy will reign. I think the original blogger here must have gotten reported for something and, faced with the consequences, is trying to devise a way that it won't happen to him (or her) again.
-Jim

Thanks for your input, Jim.
J

Tell previous blogger that God didn't create nor does he run TV stations. If God appeared on earth at some point or even wound up in court this blogger would watch. The point is we all watch what we are interested in which is subjective so it's up to the news staff to figure out what the MAJORITY of viewers want to see, because let's not fool ourselves, ratings drives news and murderers in court produce ratings. I'll bet the previous blogger never slows down to check out a car accident when he drives by either. Just so the previous blogger knows, I too am a god fearing christian, but if Thelen started running stories about a bullfrog race or ice cream and candy conventions, WSAW goes out of business and I'll catch the news on channel 9. If you don't care about criminals in court like the majority of the viewing public does, public TV probably has a nice rerun of the Badger State games waiting for you two clicks away. MJ-Weston

Hi MJ. It's funny, when I run into people on the street I hear the phrase "How come you never do any good news?" all the time. (by the way, we have a "good news" story in almost every newscast) But, when we do extensive anonymous research it always says people don't really want to see that and just want the hard hitting stuff.
J

I agree with you, Jeff. And I think it is a good thing to "go public" with the names and info regarding crimes...that way maybe people will think twice before committing any.
As for the kingdom of God, the Bible says the only way is through faith in Christ.
Thanks for the great work you do, Jeff. I so much enjoy your newscast and your blog. J

Thanks for the nice comments, J. There is definately a reason the courts are open to the public. And as for entry into the Kingdom of God, I think Him (or Her) that we live in a place where we can believe (or not believe) in any legal way we want.
J

I feel it is important to show what these people get for punishment. Think about the shaken baby. If one person sees that and realizes that there are consequences for that. They may stop and think. Then there is one child saved. They may realize that they to get frustrated at a child at times and may than ask for help. So that the outcome isn't the same.

Thanks for your input.
J

For the Chistians who responded to court news coverage: What would Jesus do? a) turn the other cheek, or b) seek retribution on those who wronged him?

Thanks for responding. I'm not sure that retribution is the same as justice, but I'm not going to say anything beyond that. Anybody else want to chime in on the subject?
J

THE BIG CONCERT (6/8/06)

OK, you wanted it, so here goes.

This is the picture of me and the lovely Sara Evans, the ACM female vocalist of the year. It was taken during one of those meet and greets after her concert last week in Wausau. Meet and greets are sort of like a cattle calls. You stand in line with a bunch of other people who were lucky enough to get passes and get about 3 minutes to say "Hi" and take your picture. Then you are escorted out very quickly. Don't get me wrong, it's a really cool perk in the broadcasting business, meeting all those famous people. But, it's not exactly like your sitting down to dinner with them either. (The only exception to that for me was Peter Bergman, aka Jack Abbott from The Young and the Restless. A bunch of us from the station got to do dinner with him a few years back. He was a genuinely nice guy.)

Anyway back to the task at hand. I was trying to act really cool when I met Sara Evans. I brought up a couple things from the concert and was having what I thought was a professional chat with her when Angela Salscheider (my co-anchor from the 10 who was taking the picture) yelled out... "HE JUST LOVES YOU!" But Sara was very nice and said "I love him, too." She was very gracious.

Now, on to the show. It was GREAT! Sara Evans has a stunning voice that has a little bit of a raw edge on it that you won't find in a lot of country singers. And a group of songs that will make you say, "Oh yea, she did that one. It's a good song!" (SUDS IN THE BUCKET, NO PLACE THAT FAR, BORN TO FLY, A REAL FINE PLACE TO START, PERFECT, and COAL MINE to name a few) The chat between the songs seemed a little too rehearsed and unnatural. But, all and all I'd give it an A-.

Also, the Kinzie Benefit Concerts people did a great job! Here's hoping they'll get enough support through their next couple of concerts to make national acts coming to Wausau for summer evening concerts outside a regular thing.

Now, here are a couple of other pictures for you.

J

You said any topic is fair game as long as it is respectful so here it goes...any chance you are looking for a companion? I have a great friend in her mid-thirties who would love to meet you. She is a teacher,never been married, and very cute (5'5", brown long hair, about 125 lbs.).She is the godmother to our youngest child, and I hate to see her go through her life alone. Please respond either way. Thanks

Honestly, she sounds too good to be true. Is this one of my buddies trying to bait me into something?
J

This is for the person trying to find a companion for a great friend. You should count your blessings. Single friends are hard to find. I don't know what I'd do if my best friend, who is also single, found someone. She's a great babysitter, listener and personal shopper. She knows just what to give the kids for Christmas without annoying us parents. (The kids rank her up there with Santa Claus.) I showed her this blog and she says, "if the friend is in her mid-thirties, she's old enough to take care of herself and decide whether or not being alone is for her." She continued (actually she spouted off for 15 minutes. I'll just enter the highlight) "it's good to be concerned about a friend's welfare, but a truer friend knows when to butt out."

Thanks for blogging on. Whenever I have a friend who becomes a little to aggressive in setting me up with someone, I have to remind myself it's because they're happy with their husband/wife/boyfriend/girlfriend and they just want everyone else to be that happy, too. (hope that makes sense) When it comes to this blogger who want's to set me up with a friend, I'm still not convinced it's one of my buddies trying to play a practical joke.
J

J.T.It looks and sounded like there was a BIG turnout for that Sara Evens concert in Wausau since you got autographs with her Jeff did you manage to get any or anything autographed by her!?!? Last year when the group 'Starship' landed in Marathon Park in June of 2005 I wish there could of been as many people that attended that concert as many attended the Sara Evens concert but I managed to grab with me my Starship album 'Knee Deep In LaHoopla' from 21 years ago and have it autographed by the lead singer Mickey Thomas which was really cool and my personal highlight of last years Starship concert Jeff.*Tuesday June 13th,2006.*

Unfortunately, I didn't get anything autographed. I was trying to act cool. (although, if you see the story above and what Angela said as she was taking the picture, you know that was destroyed) And my camera didn't work because I failed to charge the batteries before the big show. Still, it was a GREAT time and hopefully the start of a lot of concerts under the stars here in Wausau! Oh, by the way, I mostly listen to country, but I like that Starship album, too.
J

I think the comment you made about if Channel 9 had sponsored the concert it would have been raining was very rude! I like to watch Channel 7, but not if this attitude sticks around. It was a great concert and no one has a phone to Mother Nature. What if it had started raining after you'd made the comment? Didn't your mother ever teach you that if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all? I know you are competitors, but was that comment really necessary?

Thanks for your comment.
For those of you who weren't there, here's the joke I used during my part of the intro at the Sara Evans concert...
"This beautiful weather is brought to you by the NewsChannel 7 Weather Lab. If Channel 9 was sponsoring this event, it would be raining."
It's a little quip I've said during almost every outdoor event I've MCed for the past 10 years (when it's nice out, of course) and it's always gotten a good chuckle. Because folks know that, as you said "...no one has a phone to Mother Nature" and that's what makes it a silly joke.
Please rest assured it was all in good fun.
J

Someone is complaining about a joke you said on stage?
Tell them to [buzz] off and relax!

Geez, you are all doing a great job! I am so glad to see Chad Fransen on your morning show.. he does a great job.

Thanks for having my back and the kind words. You should have seen the first response I wrote to that comment, before erasing it and coming up with my professional response ;)
J

Really, is making fun of channel 9 a good step? They haven't said anything about seven so really, it seems like a cheap shot.

Hi. Again, if I said something nasty about their newscast or what they cover or their what their people wear, etc. you are right, that would be a cheap shot. (by the way, I would never say that stuff) But since what I said was so ridiculous (check story above) most people could see it was just a harmless joke.
J

Hi Jeff,
You and Angela seemed to really enjoy yourself at the concert. I'm sure it was a great time. We enjoy watching the 10 pm news every night. I think you are a very genuine person and have a great smile!! Keep up the great work!
SD...Minocqua

Thanks for coming down from Minocqua and I hope you enjoyed yourself, to! Thanks for the kind words.
J

Nice photos! You truly are the "big man" in the Wausau news media these days.
-Jim

Just remember, the camera adds 10 pounds. (and they use 5 cameras on me)
J

Regarding the blog about the number of cameras - all the better to see your great smile!

You're too kind.
J

I'm not entirely sure what the blogger meant about you being the "big man" in newscasting, but I think it was a rude comment! You are by far one of the best! If you or Sue ever left Channel 7 we would find a new channel to watch. You do a wonderful job, and I agree that you have an awesome smile!
A Marshfield viewer

Thanks for the kind words.
J

READER'S CHOICE (5/31/06)

The well is dry this week. I have nothing exciting to talk about.
So, we'll do another reader's choice. Got something you want to talk about or ask me about? Pretty much any topic is fair game as long as we keep the discussion respectful.

J

ADD ON (6/1/06)

By the way, remember the dicussion of a few months ago about expressing opposition to the war in Iraq?
We heard from Roger C. who was actually serving in Afghanistan at the time. He said the enemy really does watch CNN and read the internet to get a pulse about support back here in the US. Too much opposition, Roger said, makes them bolder and can be used against our soldiers.
But he also agreed that stifling good debate is a dangerous place for our country to go.
Anyway, I ran into him today while I was walking the dog. Roger C. came back around Easter and is doing well.
Roger, if you're reading this, thanks to you and all who serve our country! And feel free to add your unique perspective to our discussion any time!

J

Hey Jeff how [about] you telling us of your experiences at the Sara Evans concert and who were the people in the Pictures with you on the WDEZ site. Barb

Hi Barb...
That stuff is coming later this week when I update my blog, I promise!
J

A faithful watcher of Ch 7. I miss Jay Polk. Where did he go? Also Chad has lots of engery. Great announcer.

Thanks for the feedback. I honestly don't know what happened to Jay. We were just told one day he was no longer with us. He really was one of the nicest guys I've ever worked with in the business and I wish him the best. But, Chad's also a good guy and will be a great addition to the staff.
J

Jeff I agree with your number 22 choice but I think it should be number 1. I named my daughter Amanda because i love the song so much.
SH Minocqua

Was just looking back at your previous blog about the best country music songs. Anything by Randy Travis is great. And as for the cartoon deal, anyone here remember Captain Caveman. Oh my gosh he was the coolest.
Amy Wis Rapids

Hi Amy...
ON THE OTHER HAND is probably my favorite song from Travis. And the Captain was pretty cool. (with help from the Teen Angels, of course)
J

Jeff.
We just passed Gooding Park on the way home to Mosinee from a Wausau shopping trip. After reading the Daily Herald this week, it appears that lovely spot of Green in an otherwise metal electic area will be scheduled for demolishment. I think we have lived with it so long, that we won't miss it until they start cutting trees. Do you think there is some way that Marathon County could put it under the County Park system?

I certainly can't hurt to give your County Board Representative a call and suggest it.
J

Hey Jeff,

All the best, Smitty

Ah Smitty, nice to hear from you again. WATERLOO is a really cool song. And ANY song by Cash ranks up there as well. If I had to pick one beside RING OF FIRE, it would probably be JACKSON or THE ONE ON THE RIGHT (I don't know if that's the title, but it's that song about the folk group that keeps getting in fights on stage because they have different political viewpoints) As for missing me in Chicago, I'll probably see plenty of Smitties this October in Miami. (private joke)
J

Hi Jeff

A news 7 viewer
Gary

That sounds like a classic scam to me. I think with legit. constest you will never have to send them money, a check or personal information to claim a prize. Remember the old saying "if it's too good to be true, it probably is." And our "Scams and Ripoffs" guy is now NewsChannel 7 This Morning and Noon anchor Bill Martens. His e-mail here is bmartens@wsaw.com.
J

J.T.Jeff yesterday on the air your brought up a headline concerning Merrill residents planting trees,plants ect.that the Wausau Daily Herald published and that goes on to say that homeowners have to get a permit from the city otherwise they may have to be removed but the residents that pay taxes for that property say how they have the right to maitain it as well so Jeff can you tell us how the city of Wausau controls or what they have ordaned to thier residents in the same matter if Wausau does it any different than Merrill!?!? *Thursday June 1st,2006*

Thanks for blogging on. I'm sorry, I really don't know the rules of planting stuff in the boulevard in Wausau. I guess every city has a different take on it. Perhaps a call to your city hall can get you the rules where you live.
J

TOP 10, NO 22 COUNTRY SONGS OF ALL TIME (5/22/06)

In honor of the ACM Awards this week, here are my personal choices for the best country songs of all time. I was going to stop at the Top 10, but couldn't whittle it down that far, so you're getting the Top 22. There's really no rhyme or reason for these, just songs that I crank way up when they come on the radio, or play them over and over on the CD.

1) RING OF FIRE
Co-written by June Carter-Cash to describe the feeling of the controversial love she had for Johnny Cash. Then the idea of adding the famous horns came to Johnny in a dream. The record company didn't want to release it as a single because "there had never been a country song with horns on before." Finally, it goes on to become one of the biggest and most recognizable country songs of all time. And most importantly it's just a great song!

2) GOOD HEARTED WOMAN
The consummate country party song! The Outlaws were the first platinum selling country act. How can you miss with Willie & Waylon? And thanks to former NewsChannel 7 videographer Jess Omdahl for reminding me about the song, because quite frankly I almost forgot about it. (What kind of a country fan am I?)

3) WHEN I CALL YOUR NAME
It's the song that turned Vince Gill from a well respected musician in Nashville to one of the biggest country stars of the 90's. Love the opening piano rift! Love the Patty Loveless harmonies! Love the song!

4) THE GRAND TOUR
A lot of critics say George Jones' song "He Stopped Loving Her Today" is one of the best of all time. I say it's this one. The final line "Oh, she left me without mercy, taking nothing but our baby and my heart" sung by the king of all country voices and crying in your beer music doesn't get any better.

5) HE'LL HAVE TO GO
"Put your sweet lips a little closer to the phone." I hear that line in that smooth Jim Reeves voice and just wish I could write a song like that just once.

6) I HOPE YOU DANCE
Love what the song says, love the harmony and love Leaane Womack's "throwback" voice. And I use the term throwback as a compliment to mean REAL COUNTRY like Dolly Parton.

7) EL PASO
Another song (just like Ring of Fire) that I think even people who don't like country music say they like. It's one of Marty Robbins' best. The "love that is stronger than death" story song that sets the standard.

8) IF LOVIN' YOU IS WRONG, I DON'T WANNA BE RIGHT
Barbara Mandrell was the queen of country in the late 70's and early 80's. Songs like this are the reason why. A steamy, smoldering song of forbidden love.

9) YOU'VE NEVER BEEN THIS FAR BEFORE
Speaking of steamy and smoldering, just listen closely to Conway Twitty in this song. The pitch, the words, the crescendo and then the relaxation. You know what he's singing about.

10) BEHIND CLOSED DOORS
They called him the "Silver Fox." I remember my Mom and Aunts talking about how the name fit Charlie Rich perfectly. The piano, which I believe Rich played himself, on this song is great. I'll hit the replay on it at least 3 times when I pop the Charlie Rich's Greatest Hits CD in.

11) MOUNTAIN MUSIC/DIXIELAND DELIGHT
Before Garth Brooks came along, it was Alabama in the 80's showing young people it was OK to like country music. I saw them in concert at the old MECCA in Milwaukee in 1982 and they rocked the house with songs like this. These two best exemplify what they did to expand the genre. And more importantly, the songs are great!

12) COAL MINER'S DAUGHTER
I really believe the reason people love Loretta Lynn is because the songs she wrote and sang were her REAL LIFE. And this one is the best examples of that. Great song and movie, too.

13) SWEET DREAMS/I FALL TO PIECES
To this day, Patsy Cline is the voice by which other female performer's voices are measured. Love the violins that start "Sweet Dreams" and her voice makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up.

14) LET'S FALL TO PIECES TOGETHER
Of the 2+ decades of George Strait hits, I like this on the best. "Pardon me, you left your tears on the jukebox and I'm afraid they got mixed up with mine..." Now, that's a country song lyric. And kudos to my friend Lee Peek from the morning show at Great County, WDEZ who reminded me that I overlooked Strait and another superstar when I gave him an early look at the list.

15) IT WASN'T GOD WHO MADE HONKY-TONK ANGELS.
Kitty Wells was the first queen of country music. I believe this was the first song by a woman to hit number one on the country charts. It was written as an answer song to one called "I Didn't Know God Made Honky-Tonk Angels" and for that era it's got
some real female empowerment.

16) THE LORD'S PRAYER/HOW GREAT THOU ART
If someone were to put me on a desert island and tell me I could only have one CD, it would be the Statler Brother's "New Testament." It's a REALLY GOOD gospel album. The Bros always have great harmonies. These two songs get me misty every time I play the CD. I know they've been done a lot and may not be classic country songs, but the Bros put a country arrangement on them. Absolutely Beautiful!

17) WHERE WERE YOU WHEN THE WORLD STOPPED TURNING
A song written by one of country's best writers, Alan Jackson. It helped a nation heal a little after we were attacked. And kudos again to Lee. It's the other one I overlooked on the orginal list.

18) YOUNG LOVE
I have an extremely personal reason for putting this song on the list. My Mom sang it to me as a baby. Her and Dad started dating when they were very young and I think the Sonny James work was sort of their theme song, which was passed on to me when I came along.

19) DON'T LET ME CROSS OVER LOVES CHEATING LINES
I know this song was done twice. I think Carl & Pearl Butler sang it the first time, but it was re-released by Jim Reeves and Debra Allen in the early 80's years after Reeves died. I believe they just dubbed her voice onto it from a library of stuff he recorded. It's a beautiful country song.

20) SAFE IN THE ARMS OF LOVE
If you ever see Martina McBride in concert, count how many times you say to yourself "gosh, can this woman sing!" This song is one of her best. And of all the country songs ever released, it has one of the most unique sounds you'll ever hear on country radio.

21) IS ANYBODY GOING TO SAN ANTONE/KISS AN ANGEL GOOD MORNING
The great Charlie Pride! He was the second biggest selling artist on RCA records in the 70's after Elvis. Plus, it must have taken GREAT COURAGE to be an African American country singer in front of small town, mostly white crowds in the late 60's and early 70's. More importantly, they're great songs.

22) AMANDA
If I ever have a daughter this will be her name. It is hands down, Don Williams' best. Plus, NewsChannel 7 reporter Amanda Lutz loves it when I sing it to her in the newsroom.

What's in your top 10 or 22?

J

Jeff,
How about the top 20 old time cartoons? Say from the era that us 40 year olds were growing up. My personal favorite, Quick Draw McGraw which no one has probably ever heard of and is never on T.V.
Thanks. Lori in Antigo

Hi, Lori. Two come to mind right away. The first two years of Scooby Doo, Where Are Your? Before they they added Scrappy and all that other nonsense. And a couple of the classic Bugs Bunny cartoons. The ones that come to mind are when he runs into the big orange monster, pretending to be a beautician and putting dynamite in his hair instead of curlers. The one where he's a bull fighter and pummels the bull. The one where Bugs falls in love with the mechanical rabbit at the greyhound race track. The one where he does the square dance with the two little hillbillies, putting them through a hay-bailer and over a cliff and the one where he golfs the little Scottish guy. Classics!
J

Some broken Hearts never mend by Don Williams and Please Help me I'm falling in love with you by Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn. Friends in Low Places, Garth Brooks, The Dance, Garth Brooks, Hello Darling, Conway Twitty, Like we never loved at all, Faith Hill & Tim McGraw, Boondocks, Little Big Town, I love this bar by Toby Keith, What's a guy gotta do, Joe Nichols. Walk the line, Johnny Cash, Jackson, Johnny Cash and June Carter.

All Great Songs! I didn't know Conway & Loretta covered PLEASE HELP ME I'M FALLING IN LOVE WITH YOU. I'm going to have to find that version. Their duets are great! Frankly, I've always been more impressed with Garth Brooks performing ability than his vocal ability. LIKE WE NEVER LOVED AT ALL is a good song, but if I had to choose a favorite by Hill and McGraw it would have to be IT'S YOUR LOVE. And when it comes to Johnny and June Carter-Cash everyone of their songs should be on a top songs list somewhere.
J

Dear Jeff, I believe that Chad adds alot to the morning show. It's allmost as good as it was when you had it. I was a BIG fan of your. Tell the morning show people good luck. JA

Thanks for the kind words, JA. I always found the morning show to be a lot of fun. As an anchor, you get to ad lib and joke a little bit more than at night. But man, that shift is a killer and there is definately a limit to the number of years you can put in on it. I'll pass along the best wishes to Bill, Wendy and Chad.
J

J.T. Request!?!? Since you did a country list like that for you blog can you do a Top 10 List of all the Country Acts that came to Wausau's Marathon Park since you first came to Wausau Jeff!?!?,Thanks! *Tuesday May 30th,2006*

The first that comes to mind is Martina McBride. As I mentioned in the original post, that voice coming from the tiny little body is remarkable. She also did an acapella version of INDEPEDANCE DAY that blew my socks off. I also saw The Beach Boys and Billie Dean there. Both nice shows, but Martina was by far the best.
J

I'm not sure if this song was considered country but 16 tons by Tennesee Ernie Ford is one of my all time favorites because I used to work in retail. " I owe my soul to the company store".

Oh my gosh, I forgot that one! What a great song! 16 TONS by Tennessee Ernie Ford (God bless his pea pickin' heart) Next time, I'm going to do a Top 25 so I can add a few more songs.
J

I have to comment on the clip on the news about the falling soldier in Merril. I think it was VERY tacky how they interview a little boy and keep questioning him over and over. Come on now. He is a little boy. Took that a bit far. The story is sad enough, let it be.

Thanks for your input. We really appreciate it.
Please know that when we have stories of this nature, they are never taken lightly. These are the types of ethical questions we wrestle all the time.
The reason we show interviews like that is the pain in that little boys face shows just how much PFC Grant Dampier's death is hurting his family and friends... It tells the story in a much better way than if we just said it ourselves.
Also, please be aware that the little boy's mother gave us permission to talk with him. We would never force a victim's family, especially a minor, to speak to us against their will. Sometimes they want to talk and sometimes they don't. Either way, we respect their decision.
Moreover, we've heard personally from the widow of PFC Dampier that she feels our coverage was very respectful.
But again, I do thank you for your input.
J

Since every one is asking you about the morning weather person, let me ask if Chad is really that nice and funny in person as he is on air? I and my wife, were laughing our butts off this morning with him, Bill, and Wendy. I think Chad makes your morning news more fun and a lot easier to watch ! Jim M. Athens

Thanks, Jim.
You can run into Chad Franzen any time and he'll have that big 'ol smile on his face. And when you work that shift, (I know, I did it for 5 years) that's not always easy.
J

JT,
You forgot THE best country song of all time...Talk Back Trembling Lips...it's a classic...in fact, didn't you do the original recording of the song?
Love,
I think you know

Hi, Jocko.
The story behind that is, I broke into that very old country song one night while Jocko still worked here. Normally when I pull out the really obscure oldies, no one can sing along. But Jocko joined right in. Sue says it's the worst song she ever heard, but bought me a version of it for Christmas that year anyway.
Hope all is well in Madison, old friend.
J

Hi Jeff, I am off topic but I have a comment for you... First I really enjoy watching you deliver the evening news and I get a kick out of you and Susan. I guess I am really sadden by the fact that you lost Jay Polk, I enjoyed watching him in the morning and hearing about his baby. I surely hope that this isn't another excellent weather man that your station has lost to WAOW? As I said before I really do enjoy you and Susan and I hope that you two aren't the next to leave. Is anyone else missing Jay??

Hi, there. Yes, we all miss Jay. He is a genuinely nice guy. Sorry, I don't know what his plans are for the future. Please give Chad Franzen, our new guy a chance, too. He's a good guy and a good weather man, as well.
J

Glad to see Vince, Conway, Jones made your list. Vince & Conway are two of my favorites. "He stopped loving her" is one of the best! Another song that comes to mind that isn't on the list is Neil McCoy's "If I was a drinkin' Man". Phil Vassar has a couple of tunes that are hard to beat on the way up north or when you're on the water with those you love.

Hi there! Oh yes, Vassar's JUST ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE is a great song! Some tunes are just recorded to play in the car on a long trip, aren't they?
J

Hey Jeff,

RT

I think this is a message from my own Silver Haired Daddy, Robert Thelen (RT)
So hi, Dad.
And here's the story for the rest of you. When the Thelen's got together when I was a kid, a lot of times, we would end up singing. It always happened on Christmas and many other times of the year. My Grandpa, who was the biggest, strongest man I ever knew was also the most sentimental. When his kids and grandkids broke into that song, Grandpa would tear-up. It's a great family memory that I treasure.
By the way, Happy Birthday a little early and I'll see you this weekend.
Love ya,
J

Hey Cousin Jeff,

Cousin RT

Cousin Rory!
Nice to hear from ya! Sorry, thought it was Dad dropping me a hint before his birthday.
Thanks for the "Nice-A-Really-Nice-A" blog response. (Private joke)
J

Hi Jeff,

Dawn in Medford

Thanks, Dawn.
J

You forgot "I've Been Doing Too Much Drinkin, You've Been Doin Too Much Thinkin." Can you tell I'm no country music fan?

Is that a real song or are you pulling my leg? If it's not, let's get together and write it. It sounds like a great chorus to a country song ;)
J

I'm not sure if "I've Been Doin' Too Much Drinkin, You've Been Doin Too Much Thinkin'" is the actual title of the song, but I definitely heard that refrain repeated throughout a song I heard on a country station. I also can't tell you who the artist is, but my wife and kids and I had a good laugh listening to it.

The country lyrics that make me laugh the hardest are these: "Work your fingers to the bone, what do you get? Boney fingers."
J

OMG...I love the song "AMANDA", maybe becuase my name is Amanda, but it is still one of my favorites...

Hi Amanda.
The high harmony voice in the background is what does it for me. I think Don Williams' tour bus is actually named Amanda after the song.
J

Speaking of music, who is your choice for American Idol? Kat or Taylor?

Sorry, I don't watch it. Only right at the beginning when the terrible singers are on and Simon makes fun of them. So, I don't have a clue about what's going on in the show. I did see that one of the two finalists has gray hair. So, since I have a few of those myself, I guess I'll cheer for him.
J

These lists are always fun to read and should never be taken too seriously because they represent personal opinion. My own list would have had at least one song by Hank Williams. He's the greatest country singer/songwriter of all time. I would probably only have one or two of the same choices as your list. But that's the fun of it, isn't it? One correction to your list. "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels" was a response song to a song called "The Wild Side of Life" by Hank Thompson which does contain the line "I didn't know God made honky tonk angels".

Thanks for the correction. A lot of the songs on my list were probably influenced by what my Mom played on the gigantic Zenith stereo in our living room when I was a kid. And what my Dad and Uncles sang at family get-togethers when I was a kid. They bring back warm memories. As for Hank Sr., you're right. I CAN'T HELP IT IF I'M STILL IN LOVE WITH YOU comes to mind as my favorite of his.
J

Jeff, Jeff, Jeff.
We love you, but your song list doesn't include "He Stopped Loving Her Today"
??????????????????????

Judy L.

Hi Judy. I wondered how long it would take for someone to bring that one up. I've seen at least one of these "Top 100" list that puts this song at number one. And it is a great one! But, I personally think THE GRAND TOUR is Jones' best song.
J

Great Job today Jeff. And some great pics on here too.

Lee P.

Thanks, Lee.
J

Jeff, Where-O-Where did our Jay Polk go??? Life will never be the same without him. My daughter and I are just about besides ourselves that he is no longer on. He was like part of our family. We just loved
him and thought he was the greatest weather man around.
Chad may be well known and liked but so far can't quite
get used to him especially not knowing what happened with Jay. Sounds like his exit wasn't his choice-am I right on that? I know we am not alone on wondering why Jay is no longer employed at Channel 7, it is the talk of every one who is faithful viewers of Channel 7. Please give us some info or let us know where we can get some. It is like losing a best friend and not knowing if he will be OK.
We need closure.
Thanks p&d

Hi p&d. It sounds like I'm avoiding the question, but I honestly don't know what happened to Jay. We were just told by management that he is no longer with us. There were definately a few tears shed when we found that out. But, Chad's a really good guy, too. Please give him a chance.
J

ANGELS AMONG US (5/17/06)

O, I believe there are angels among us.
Sent down to us from somewhere up above.
They come to you and me, in our darkest hour.
To show us how to live.
To teach us how to give.
To guide us with the light of love.

That's the chorus from one of the country group Alabama's best songs, "Angels Among Us." And now I think I know who it was written about... Nurses.

My mom was in the hospital last week for knee replacement surgery. Every time she pressed that button for help with the various things people need after an operation, they were there with smiling faces. Even the nurse who worked a double shift one of the days my mom was in the hospital was always smiling and gentle. God bless them, they made the start of her recovery a little easier to go through.

It also brings to mind a story from years ago. A co-worker from my radio days had both his parents get fatal types of cancer. Both spent their last couple of months in a hospice. He said during the worst hours of the last days of thier lives, the nurses made the terrible time a whole lot more tolerable.

Yes, on occasion you'll get that crabby one who hates his/her job. But don't we have one of those in every work place? 99.9% of them really are "Angels Among Us."

I'd love to hear your story about being helped by a nurse. Or, whatever is on your mind.

J

I truly believe nurses are angels, My nephew Jacob was diagnosed with terminal Blastomycosis on April 11. He spent 3 weeks in a coma at St. Josephs CCU in Marshfield. The care he receved there was extrordinary. The nurses were very compassionate and we never worried about him not getting the best care possible. We thank God and his Angels everyday for keeping Jake safe and healing him. After 1 month to the day Jake was released and is now on his way to a long but successful recovery.

Thanks for sharing the story and all the best to Jake!
J

As a nurse myself I feel we are continuely overlooked and our thoughts and concerns are put on the back burner.That is very sad!! As a person who is in the front line and care about the client we are given very little thought, but we are like the energizer bunny, we keep goin and going, I wouldn't trade what I do for anything even if we are not noticed. Cindy

Thanks, Cindy!
J

Hi, I am a disabled/retired LPN with many years of taking care of others behind me. In this day and age if a nurse responds to a patient with a smile on their face, that is a GOOD thing. Hospitals are very short of staff, much different then the old days. I always felt that treating the patients in my care was a big responsibility and did my job to the best of my ability, treated them with the care that I would expect if I were the patient.
I also have a couple of questions, one is already answered in yours and Mikes blog...Jay leaving to where-ever, good luck to he and his family. The other changes that have been noted is Carrie(no blog noticed) Is she only on weekends now and on reporting duties?
Thanks for your newcasts, watched faithfully at Noon and 6, each weekday.
Have a great day,
PR from the Rapids

Hi PR. You're correct on all issues. Thanks for watching!
J

My best friend (since 1st grade) is a CNA at a veterans home. She frequently gets called in for overtime and double shifts. She's a very busy mom, too - goes home to 4 young, boisterous children and runs them all over town for errands in her own mini-carpool. Still we manage to get together and she finds the energy (or really good ear plugs) to act as a sounding board for my endless petty problems. What an angel she is!

Sounds like a great best friend!
J

My best friend was a registered nurse. She was the finest, most compassionate woman/soul I ever did meet. She died at 32.

Now, she's a REAL angel!
J

Three years ago I was diagnosed with malignant melanoma, and had an area near my shoulder removed (the area was the size of a softball). I was hospitalized for 2 weeks, and during that time I also had a skin graft done on that same area. It was painful, especially when they cleaned the wound and redressed it, but the nurses were always so gentle with me, and so very kind my entire stay. They all were cheerful and so pleasant to me. It made a very difficult time in my life better to be taken such good care of. A year later I had reconstuctive surgery done on the cancer area, and was again hospitalized. I was on the same floor, and had some of the same nurses! They all did a fantastic job and I so much appreciate each and every one of them.
I enjoy watching you, Jeff. You all do a great job!
J in Wausau

Hi J. I've heard that skin grafting is some of the most painful stuff around. Glad the nurses were able to help you through it. Hope you're all healed up now.
J

Hi Jeff and hi to all of my former NC 7 co-workers! I miss you guys! Jeff- what a great topic for a blog! I truly believe that nurses do make a world of difference no matter what the circumstance. I was blessed to have several "angels" touch my life during my stay in Wausau, and I am grateful for their work each and everyday. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, if any of my "angels" are reading this.

Karen Kostko - Chicago

Hi Karen. Thanks for being part of the discussion. Hope you're still doing well.
J

I have worked in hospice now for a little over two years. At first I was very hesitant to take the job, but it is much more rewarding than I thought it would be. I had thought "How fun can a job be where you know the patients aren't going to live?" It makes you face your own mortality, and that of your children on a daily basis. It is also a good way to keep your faith in check! It is hard to not get attached and overly involved with a family, but knowing that you can be helpful during a very difficult time in their lives makes it a bit easier. And to know that the patient themselves has accepted the prognosis, and you can ease the transition is very fullfilling. The program that I work for also encourages the employess to attend the services if it helps with closure and letting go of the patient. I am happy that I took the job, and about how much I have learned from patients and their families.

My parents volunteer at a hospice in Fond du Lac. While they never talk about specifics because of confidentiality, I can tell it's had a big impact on them. God bless you for what you do.
J

I see that Chad has recently joined your weather team this week. I have heard that tv people sign contracts that prevent them from working at other places in town because of the competetion... how can Chad then work there? Happy to see him aboard!
Jim, Rosholt

Good TV question Jim. I can't tell you what Chad had in his contract at his former station. But, most contracts in this business do include something called a "non-compete" clause. That means an employee can't go and work for a competing station. But that clause is only good for a certain amount of time after leaving. 1 year is pretty common. Now, there are some states that are making those clauses illegal. A development both TV owners and employees are watching very closely.
J
PS
We're happy he's here, too.

Jeff! Will really miss Jay. He was such a great guy. Do you know where he went???? Thanks, Arnie

I'm sorry Arnie, I don't. And you're right he is a great guy!
J

I had one of the greatest nurses when my first daughter was born. I had to have been the worse patient there! I had been in labor for an entire day when I finally went to the hopsital. She was calm, and explained everything to me. She even decided to stay after having worked 12 hours to be the nurse that helped the Dr. deliver the baby. After 68 hours of labor, my 9 pound 8 ounce baby was born. She did end up breaking her collar bone during delivery. Because she was a "large" baby and was born face up instead of face down she suffered a broken collar bone. The nurses were very helpful, when showing us how to care for a newborn with an injury like that and answering any quesions we had during our stay.

Nice! Sounds like that nurse was definately an Angel as well.
J

Jeff
I'm very disapointed in the WSAW 7 on the go contest. I have entered the word for the day for the past 3 days and now my e-mail account is FULL of spam! I thought news channel 7 was better than that. If anyone out there needs any Junk e-mail just enter the word WINDCHILL for May 18th.
I should have known better

Hello. Anything beyond turning on the computer is above my head. So, here's the word from Michael Braun, the technical director of Gray Interactive Media. (Gray is our parent company and Mr. Braun is the "chief computer guy" for all Gray stations)
"We never send out e-mails from our end, so it is not possible the spam came from WSAW. Since the viewer entered the contest on www.wsaw.com, then I am 100% sure the spam is not coming from us."
The other thing is we've run contests on our website for an estimated 5 years now, and this is the first complaint along this line we've ever gotten.
Hope this clears it up a little and you find the spam source.
J

Hi Jeff

Where'd Jay go? Just noticed that he hasn't been on the morning show lately. Thought he was just on vacation but this morning I saw Chad Franzen. Thought he looked familiar, then remembered that he used to be the weather guy on that channel up the road... Thanks for any info!!

Jay is no longer with us. I don't know what happened. The only personnel file I have access to is my own. Personally, I wish him the best, he is one of the nicest guys you'll meet in what is sometimes not a very nice business. As for Chad, yes he used to work for our friendly competitor, Channel 9. He's a good guy, too and it's nice to have him aboard.
J

I [have] seen you out for one of your walks with Baillie on Tuesday. She is a very pretty dog in person. I have been trying to find a set time during my day to get my dog out and walking, but with working part time and three children all with different schedules it is hard!! I am hoping that once my youngest is in school next fall, that I will have the time that the dog deserves.

As important as excercising a dog is, it sounds like you have your priorities in order. The kids should come first.
J

A VERY NICE UPDATE (5/10/06)

We have a very nice update this week.
First, here's a discussion from the middle of February that started it.

Dear Readers.
I received this nice response to the picture of my dog, Baillie from a reader in New York. I responded and then asked an expert to help answer the question.
J

Hey Jeff great pic of the dog, she seems great. New Yorker here (odd probably but wandered here by accident some time ago and really enjoy the exchange of opinions you have going on), tough having a dog in the Big Apple, but met a Katrina puppy last week in need of a permanent home. Like yours at first it sounds like, scared of her own shadow, and I'm on the fence about trying adoption.

Any advice?

Hi New Yorker. Thanks for joining us. Hope you were able to dig out safely from all that snow. I have heard that having a dog in New York is tougher. While we in the small town can just let the animal out in our back yard, it always means a trip outside your apartment and a walk for people in the big city. The only advice I ever got about adopting a dog is DON'T take the first one you see, just because it's cute. See if you really have a bond with the animal. However, I broke that rule and adopted Baillie even though she didn't want anything to do with me at first. And it's been great ever since! I honestly believe that animals rescued from a bad situation and given a good, loving home make the best, most greatful pets. Perhaps you want to ask your humane society if they have a "foster home" sort of program for you to take the pet for a little while and see if it works. If not, you can then take the critter back. Good Luck and let us know if it works out. Maybe even e-mail us a picture.
J

To the New Yorker who is considering adopting a Katrina dog:

Judy Lombard
Manager, Humane Society of Marathon County

Thanks for the information, Judy!
J

Hey guys, Steve from New York here, thanks for the great advice on the Katrina puppy, sounds like a lot of work but a risk worth taking, going for it, will keep you posted!

Can't wait to see a picture, Steve!
J

Wanted to share a story about adopting a shy dog from the Marathon County Humane Society. When we first went to see her, the ladies there told us to be cautious with her near our children since her history was unknown and she had shown some aggressive behavior toward the people working there. We spent a few days getting to know her and then we adopted her. She had lived with us only a couple days when I went to the garage to get the broom. As soon as she seen the broom she got "on edge" and coward into the corner of the yard. (I am assuming she was abused with her previous owners) I stopped what I was doing and went over to her with the broom and when she rolled over, I rubbed her belly with it and talked to her. It has taken a few months to get her to trust us, but she truly is a wonderful dog. And with three young children she is a very spoiled dog too!!

I was at a friends house watching a Packer game years ago. Screaming at various plays caused the hound they just adopted to run away, hide and tremble. After a couple of months of the same sort of loving treatment it sounds like you're giving your dog, that hound really came around to be a happy, adjusted dog as well. Nice work and I hope your pooch knows how good she has it now!
J

Now, here's the update from Steve in New York.

Hi Jeff,

Steve

Nice to hear from you again, Steve! What a great looking dog! I bet she's made a excellent addition to your family. And as for the name... Since it's still my dream to someday move to Nashville and get a big record contract after someone discovers me singing kareoke, I love it!
J

Good day Jeff!
I do see you out walking your dog occasionally and I think she is just adorable. I had mentioned this in a preivous note to Sue on her blog. If you ever need a "dog sitter" let me know! She is a terrific dog! I have a cat and I'm thinking he really needs a play-mate but mom says "no more cats" (I only have the one). What do you think?

I once saw on Oprah (so it has to be true) that many of the behavior problems people with their dogs are simply because the animal doesn't get enough exercise. So, Baillie gets two walks a day during the week and one a day on weekends. The walks don't hurt me at all either.
Thanks for the offer to do it, but my folks are usaully my primary "dog-sitters." I think it makes up for the lack of grandchildren I've given them. I also like to take Baillie to the kennel on occasion so she can get a little play-time with the other dogs. And as for a companion for your cat, it depends upon the animal. Some prefer to have others around and some prefer to be alone. Just, remember, a second pet means twice as much vacuuming, feeding, vet visits, etc...
J

Dear Steve in New York,
I LOVE your new dog!!! The ears alone will be good for a smile each day. Congratulations on your adoption and my wishes for many happy, happy years with your new companion. How wonderful that you are providing a safe, loving home when so many millions of animals never know that kind of peace, safety or kindness during their whole life.
Judy Lombard
Manager, Humane Society of Marathon County

Hi Judy
And thanks again for all the advice!
J

I recently read an article on your website that read "Stevens Point Man Arrested on Suspicion of Selling Medical Marijuana" Then I read though it and it was talking about the prescription drug, Marinol, a synthetic form of THC prescribed to patients with terminal illnesses. So I what to know how that is Medical Marijuana. Since Medical Marijuana is the plant Marijuana because there are things in the plant that are not in the prescription drug.

Josh

Hi Josh. I'm sorry, but I don't quite follow your question. Can you try sending it again, in different terms?
Thanks,
J

What I am saying Jeff is that the title for the article "Stevens Point Man Arrested on Suspicion of Selling Medical Marijuana" is not correct because the article is talking about the prescription drug Marinol. I just want to clarify that - many get the two mixed together but they are different drugs. Medical marijuana is the use of the plant marijuana to cure and treat patients. Marinol is a prescription drug that has just Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Delta 9 as the active ingredient but the actual plant marijuana has many other ingredients and not just THC. I think this is just something to keep in mind next time, thanks!

Thanks for the clarification. We actually didn't know so we looked it up. Apparently the source we used was wrong.
J

ODDS AND ENDS (5/4/06)

Met a very nice lady over the weekend who was quite complimentary about our website. She says it's very user friendly and that she appreciated how we keep it up to date. I said thanks, and while we will always work to put the best possible stuff on TV, our company sees "on demand" news as the future of this business. And it shows with the amount of money they've put into web-technology. I also paid kudos to our staff for whom getting stuff on the website is, frankly, just an extra job. But they do it anyway. It was a very nice coversation.
Then, it couldn't have been 20 minutes later when I ran into another lady, who was also very nice, but she told me she gets sick and tired of hearing about our website all the time and we should just concentrate on what goes on TV.
Just goes, to show you, you can't please them all.

Congratulations to my old radio station on turning 50 years old! It's WDUX in Waupaca. I'm proud to be an alum. They threw a nice party last week and most of the former employees were invited back. Here's a picture of some of the staff from the last half century. (if it's not here yet, it will be here shortly) I'm the short one on the far right. I'd love to name all these talented people off for you, but many of them worked at the station when I was not there. If you know who they are, please let me know.

Most of the pundits I've heard on ESPN are saying the Packers had a pretty good draft. I'm most excited about AJ Hawk, the first choice from Ohio State. He seems like the type who has a real "nose for the football." And always seems to be in on tackles. However as our sports director Matt Zahn will say, "You really don't know how good a draft is until a couple years later."

And finally, turning 40. Thanks to all of you who sent cards, gifts or good wishes. I'm really sort of keeping it low key and plan to celebrate later this year when I'm out of the viewing area ;)

I'd love to hear what you think about any of these subjects or anything else. You know what to do to be part of the conversation.

J

Hi Jeff,

Dawn in Medford

Thanks Dawn. Go Class of 84!
J

Is Sue turning 40 on May 13??

A gentleman never discusses the age of a lady. (But, yes she is)
J

a belated happy B day. I remember your day because its the same as mine ;) 40 is a piece of cake. My next B day is my 50th.. Hope your day was great.
Rosie B.

Thanks, Rosie!
J

This is in response to the lady who "gets sick and tired of hearing about our website all the time." Not everybody has perfect schedules where they can watch TV long enough or at all to catch the news. My schedule is so vastly different that I've just about given up watching TV altogether. There's nothing good on when I do have time to watch and setting the VCR has become too tedious when shows/stations constantly change their schedules. The internet has made checking the headlines so much easier, especially the local stations. Before the net, I didn't have a clue what was going on. At least now when I talk to people I'm not "out of the loop" on current issues. Some people are actually surprised I know so much. The streaming videos are very helpful since they put images, faces, and voices to the written stories. The blog area personalizes the whole package by sending a message that this news is coming from "real" people (don't know if I phrased that right-it's a compliment.) I know that many times when the newscast mentions the website, my parents will go online to find out more about topics that interest them.
Since I don't watch the news on TV very often, I can't say whether or not the website is mentioned too much. I'm sure I'm blowing this kind lady's comment out of proportion or more than likely misunderstood it. Any negative comment about the internet sets me off. ~A shift-worker from Merrill

Hi Shift-Worker. Thanks for the kind words. You certainly represent a growing part of our society. With more and more people working unusual shifts and getting busier all the time. That's why the number of people using "on demand" news sources is growing. As for the lady who said she thought we mentioned the internet too much. That was just some honest feedback and since she was nice and professional about it, it didn't bother me at all.
Keep logging on and thanks again!
J

CH CH CH CHANGES (4/24/06)

Hi all.

OK, thanks for being patient with me and my lack of new topics/responses while we were working on making all the changes around here. By now, I'm sure you've noticed them. In case you haven't, here's what has happened.

First, Sue Ramsett and I now do NewsChannel 7 at 5 and 6. Carrie Hutton is doing NewsChannel 7 Weekend. And Angela Salscheider is joining me on NewsChannel 7 at 10. Bill Martens and Wendy Neuberger will soon be adding NewsChannel 7 at Noon to their NewsChannel 7 This Morning duties. All this stuff is really about moving people's shifts a little bit to give you the best possible coverage.

Page 2 is now off the air. It was a nice show and Lauren Burgoyne poured her heart and soul into it. Unfortunately, it never found an audience, so we had to take it off the air. The good news is Lauren has joined Bill and Wendy on NewsChannel 7 This Morning as a reporter dedicated strictly to that shift. The only morning show reporter in NorthCentral Wisconsin. And behind the scenes, in spite of a show being canceled, no one lost a job.

Now, you've no doubt noticed our new look as well. Debates over the importance of updated sets and graphics go on all the time in this business. The best way I've ever heard it explained is this. It's like a fresh coat of paint. After how-ever many years, the rooms in your house, or may be the whole house, just need a good spruce up. So, our "7" has been updated a little bit and our graphics have been updated A LOT! In a nutshell, our "look" is now as modern as our technology. (First Warn Online, Streaming Video, 7 To Go, Etc.)

Along with all the "gift wrapping" of the new look, we've changed what we cover a little bit. There's nothing too major here, but we've just committed to covering more stories that our research says you want to see.

And there are some other major upgrades (sorry, can't tell you about them yet) still to come.

Now, I have to give a shout-out (as the young people say) to our graphics department. Bill, Sara, Xue and Keo took on the ENORMOUS challenge of updating the look and did a great job of it.

OK, so much for my opinion. Now, I want to know what you think. How do you like the changes?

J

Happy Birthday Jeff.....I never realized you were that old.

Thanks, I think.
J

Happy Birthday JT! Welcome to the wonderful world of forty. Hope you had a good one. Get down to Milwaukee sometime and we will celebrate by going to a Brewers game.
Carp

I'm there! And remember, Carp, no matter how old that CHS Class of '84 gets. You will ALWAYS be older than me.
J

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEFF! Hey,why don't you age like the rest of us do? Welcome to the Fab Forties and enjoy the age of wisdom but still know how to have fun. Nancy from Merrill

What a great way to put it!
Thanks, Nancy!
J

Jeff,
Please do a blog on turning 40. Welcome to the most wonderful decade. It only keeps getting better. Lori in Antigo

Hi Lori. Gosh, I hope so!
J

Speaking of changes: HAPPY 40TH BIRTHDAY JEFF ON MAY 3RD!! I hope that you have a great day. I remember years ago when your co-workers put pictures of you on the air of when you were a little boy. The one that sticks in my mind is a little boy holding a big fish. 40 is not bad; I look at it as a new chapter in life. Hope that it is memorable. Ann Wis. Rapids

Thanks, Ann. I'm hoping my co-workers will just ignore it this year and it will be a nice, quiet day.
J

Jeff, just wanted to say thank you for adding some humor to the news. It is refreshing to see someone so funny. I can say that i close the day with a smile after i watch your newscast. thank you. Davida in weston

Thanks Davida. While I would never joke around during the news portion of the newscast, but sports is supposed to be fun! And Matt is a genuinely funny guy, so it's easy to get a laugh or two in after his report.
J

So Jeff-I always hear about how CSI, Alias, Idol, and all those shows compete for ratings and we find out the next day who won. Do you guys have ratings every day betwen 9 and 12 and most importatly who wins?
Jamie-Wausau Newman HS

Hi Jamie. Those ratings you hear about the next day are called "overnights" and they're taken from big cities where they have "people meters," devices that are attached right to people's TVs to keep track of what they watch. The results are fed right back to the Nielson ratings company. In a smalller place like Wausau, the ratings are taken in what's called a "diary." A book is sent to a number of houses for people to write down what they watch and send back to Nielson where the numbers are all added up. That happens in February, May, July and November during what's called "sweeps." As for who wins, this market (Wausau-Rhinelander) seems to go back and forth between 7 and 9. We are in the May sweeps right now, so we'll find who the viewers favorite is in the third week of June when we get the results back.
J
PS
Go Fighting Cardinals!

jeff, i saw the end of the sports tonight. i don't think it was funny when the ump. was hit with the bat! a friend i know was almost killed when he was hit by a thrown bat. not so funny now.
now i know why i watch channel 9 news.

Hi, thanks for blogging on. You are absolutely right. Someone almost getting killed by a thrown bat is not funny. But, a minor league player throwing a tantrum and tossing a bat that hits a well padded umpire, WHO IS NOT HURT, is funny. As for which channel you watch, while I would disagree with that choice for obvious reasons, you are certainly free to make it.
J

Hi Jeff

Dawn in Medford

Thanks Dawn! Much as I hate to, I have to give the company some props. They spared no expense in this update and it really shows. And remember, more improvements are still to come.
J

Hey Jeff---
It was great meeting you at the WDUX 50th Anniversary party on Tuesday April 25th. I really enjoyed getting together with Jack, Darwin, and Captain Lee. It's the people that make WDUX so special. I also took time out to have lunch at Clearwater Harbor. As usual, the "Island Burger" (along with a cold beer)is awesome! I can't wait to visit Waupaca again. ---Mark Taylor (WDUX 1987-1991)

Hi Mark. It was great meeting you, too. And I had a great time myself! I plan to give WDUX some love in a later blog update.
J

Jeff- I was reALLY HAPPY TO SEE Sue on today I like the new look it looks great! I would like to comment about the early morning news cast i like that it is repeated because sometimes i am running around my house in the morning and i like to know what is going on around me in the night time i really dont have time to watch but i still try really hard i like watching all of you Bill is really one of a kind i think that him and wendy do well together i would not want to be at work that early but i would never be able to be at work that early and also look that good!! so great job to all of you! what about Brett????Bobbie Jo in wausau

Thanks Bobbie Jo. Working for 5 years on the morning show, I know how brutal that schedule is. And Bill and Wendy do a better job at it than I ever did! As for Brett, I hope he and the Packers have a great year.
J

Hey Jeff,
I love the new changes to the show. I watch almost every night at 10:00. You and Angela do agreat job.
Hunter

Hi Hunter. Thanks for the kind words. Angela has actually been working here 2 years. Learning how to be a good writer (the most important part of this business!) before she ever made it onto the air. And, I think we're off to a great start, too. Plus as we work together longer, we'll only get more comfortable and we should only improve. Thanks, again.
J

Love the new logo. Maybe in a few weeks when class lets out, I'll have time to set my VCR to tape an entire newscast. FYI - Clearwater Harbor Bar opened for the season on April 20th. This is according to my best friend who works at the vets home and enroute to work had to dodge those who had overindulged. Gonna spring for the awesome burger and onions??? ;) Just kidding -E

Hi E.
I was just down in Waupaca last night (4/25/06) for the 50th anniversary celebration for WDUX, where I used to work. I didn't get the chance to stop at the Harbor. But, I'll make sure to get down their for at least one burger (and the beverage that goes with it) sometime this summer.
J

I love the changes! The color is great and the music is a wonderful change. I start watching channel 7 at 5 in the morning, the thing that bothers me is, the constant repeat of all the news. It's the same thing over and over again. Sorry just my opinion. G

Thanks for the comments. And you don't have to apologize for expressing an opinion. I've asked Bill Martens from the morning show to respond as well. But, if I remember correctly from my time on the morning show, you write it to be a "news wheel." Most people only watch a small portion of the show as they're getting ready for the day. So you have different viewers from 5 to 5:30 and 5:30 to 6, etc. That's why stories are repeated, to make sure those viewers don't miss anything. If you watch the whole 2 hours, thanks!
J

Jeff, you pretty much nailed it with your "news wheel"
description. Trust me, Wendy and I know better than
anyone that the news on the morning show is repetitive.
(You get pretty darn good reading a story on the third
try!) People typically don't sit and watch for two
straight hours, mainly because nobody has that kind of
time in the morning. They're busy getting ready for work
or getting the kids ready for school, and then it's out
the door they go. There's a very high turnover rate of
viewership in mornings, so in order to make sure we get
the most important news to as many people as possible, we
have no choice but to repeat. (That includes weather,
which is the single most important part to any newscast
because it's the only thing that affects everyone) If a
story is big enough to run, say, each half hour, then we
make sure we have at least two different versions of it so
that there's some difference. I know the cycle may become
a little stale for someone watching from beginning to end,
but understand morning news was never designed for that
small slice of the population... although we certainly
don't appreciate you ironmen and women any less! We don't
thank those of you in TV Land enough, but trust me, you
guys are the reason we do this. Otherwise, we're looking
for other jobs!
Now if you'll excuse me, it's 5:30 p.m. and I'm past my
bed time.
~Bill

J.T. I would just like to say that the new Channel 7 look looks very Metro like they way that local T.V stations look like in the Metropolotin markets such as Chicago,Green Bay,Milwaukee ect,so the people involved in that my HATS OFF to them Jeff.-April 24th,2006.-

The change-over just happened today, so you are our first official response. Thanks for the kind words!
J

LAME, VERY LAME! (4/11/06)

Hi bloggers.

This is just an apology for being very lame with getting a new topic on and getting responses on my blog lately.

I don't know if you've noticed, but I'm on the 5PM news now, too. Along with that, we also reformatted the show. It's taking a lot of work behind the scenes and that's taking up a lot of my time. Lame excuse isn't it? Anyway the changes aren't done yet, so the next couple of weeks will be pretty hectic, too.

So, let's just make it bloggers choice again this week. Any questions, comments, criticism or remarks that you have about pretty much anything... feel free to send them in and I'll respond as soon as I have the time.

In other words, I'm Saturday Night Live's Linda Richmond and this is
"Coffee Talk, " so talk among yourselves. And I'll join in when I can.

J

Just wondered what ever happened to the series of "Your Town" stories that you were doing for a while? Any plans to do any more and if so, why not go "up North" for a story? How about Rib Lake or Medford? Plenty of things to do, places to see and people to meet!
Thanks!!

Yes, they are working on a "Your Town" for June. But, sorry I can't tell you where just yet. It's a closely guarded station secret until the commericials begin. I will pass along your suggestion about going "Up North" to management.
Thanks!
J

Jeff- how do you like sitting with Angela? what a change from Sue but i am sure that you sitting by all those nice looking women you will be just fine!!! i just wanted to drop a note and tell you that your doing a great job even though i really miss sue but we all have to do what our jobs need so great job!! Bobbie Jo in wausau

Hi Bobbie Jo. Angela is great! It takes a few months to REALLY get comfortable with a new co-anchor (I should know, I've had 8 of them) but Ang and I are off to a pretty good start. And while we may miss Sue at the 10, I honestly don't think that since the baby was born, she misses doing the 10.
J

Jeff I noticed your last name and there are not very many Thelen's we are in SC and my dad was Walter Thelen, his brother Joe Thelen and sister Norma are all here but a brother Cecil lives somewhere else. Where are you from and are we related?
Thanks Paula

Hi Paula! There are quite a few Thelen's in Wisconsin. Many have Americanized the pronounciation using the "TH" sound, but my family still uses the "TAIL-IN" pronounciation that I think comes from our German heritage. Unfortunately, I've never really traced my roots too far back. All I know is my Grandfather on that side was Leo and my Great-grandfather on that side was Michael Thelen. They had a family farm in Ashford, WI. A tiny town sort of in the middle between Green Bay and Milwaukee. As for whether we're related. If you've ever won the lottery, we're DEFINATELY cousins. Just kidding.
J

Jeff - I remember from a past blog entry that you are a Rat Pack fan. I would like to get one of their CDs. Can you recommend one?

I have Greatest Hits CD's of Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra in my collection and they're both great! I looked up on amazon.com and found that these get the best reviews: "The Rat Pack Live at the Sands," "The Ultimate Rat Pack Collection, " which looks to be both a CD and DVD and "EE-O-11: The Best of the Rat Pack." Hope that helps!
J

Really off the beaten path, but I'm putting together a video/slide show for my parent's 40th anniversary. Does anybody know what would be a good "getting together" song from the 60's (when my folks met)? Either country or rock?

OK, bloggers let's help this person out. I'll start. How about "Young Love" by Sonny James. I think it was sort of my own parents' theme song when they met and fell in love as teenagers in the 60's.
J

Hi Jeff,
I'm just wondering what is one of your favorite memories from your time at WDUX? ..WAIT! Could it be the "Dancing French Fries"?
Keep up the good work,
Captain

Captian Lee! What a nice surprise! OK, since you brought it up, I have to tell that story. I was working at WDUX radio in Waupaca. In my newsroom there was a window right in front of where my microphone was. One day we ordered lunch before the noon news. It arrived while I was reading one of my stories and as I looked up I saw two french fries dancing next to a sign that said "We're Here!!" It was one of the rare times that someone tried to make me laugh during a newscast and succeeded. And Captain Lee Stevens from WDUX was behind it all.
J

Hey there, what happened to one of my favorite shows. Page 2???????? I really miss that show. I'll be waiting to hear from you. Wis. Rapids

Page 2 was a great show and Lauren Burgoyne poured her heart and soul into it. However, it just never found an audiance so, we took it off the air. Luckily, no one lost thier jobs and Lauren is using her considerable talent as a reporter for our morning show, NewsChannel 7 This Morning.
J

Keep up your great work. You're Great, same with all the other news casters on channel 7. Have a Fabulous,warm,and enjoyable weekend out in the 70 degress weather.

Sincerley,
Your favortive
channel 7 watcher

Thanks for the kind words!
J

Jeff-where is Carrie???? I think that no matter what you all are doing behind the scenes i think that you all look really calm and make it look so natural and make our news very important i wach you all in the morning at 5:00 a.m and 5&6 so I think you all are doing a great [job] and we thank mike for the great weather we have been having. It takes a special person do that kind of work with everything that goes on in our couny and the surronding areas i was really happy to see that you all where working out into the public and getting out more in our community thats really great i just wanted to write and thank you all for the hard work that you all do!!! bobbie jo in wausau!!

Thanks Bobbie Jo!
J

I'M A'PICKIN & I'M A'GRINNIN (3/28/06)

Legendary country singer Buck Owens, who helped shape the sound of country music and starred in the long-running ``Hee Haw,'' TV series died Saturday (3/25) at his home. Owens had string of number one hits, selling more than 16 million albums. His biggest hits included ``Together Again'', ``I've Got a Tiger by the Tail,'' ``Love's Gonna Live Here,'' ``My Heart Skips a Beat'' and "Act Naturally." From 1969-1986 Owens hosted ``Hee Haw'' with guitarist Roy Clark. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1996.

That's the obit that greeted me as I looked over the wires on Monday (3/26/06) when I came back from the weekend off. Ironically, I found a website that sells obscure cd's and ordered "The Best of Buck Owens Vol. I & II" last week. I'd been looking for them in record stores (as they were called when I was a kid) for weeks. The cd's arrived in the mail just before I left for work. They made this morning's time on the treadmill seem a little shorter.

Gosh, that was a unique sound. As I understand it, Owens owned some radio stations and back in the days when AM was the dominant format, he knew what sounds would penetrate the airwaves the best and he produced his music with those sounds. If you listen closely to some of the songs your can really hear it. Especially "I've Got a Tiger by the Tail" and "My Heart Skips a Beat."

But, I'm no music critic. I just know what songs I like and what songs I don't. I think what really gets me about music is the memories they evoke. Buck Owens was one of the records my parents had when I was a kid. OK, my Mom. If it was up to my Dad they probably wouldn't have had too many records. But I was awoken pretty much every morning by the sound of Buck Owens or Charlie Pride or Farron Young or Kitty Wells blaring from the gigantic Zenith stereo that sat in our living room. It's probably why when I hear one of those songs on an oldies show now, I can pretty much sing along by heart.

And with Buck Owens, there's another childhood memory he evokes. It was Saturday nights right after "All Star Wrestling" (Nick Bockwinkle was a bad guy wasn't he?). It was a show called Hee Haw. The humor was terrible, but the music was great! And when I was a kid, I thought the animated dancing pigs along the bottom of the screen were the funniest thing on TV.

So, I'm saddened by the loss of Owens. For the obvious reasons and for another tiny piece of my childhood being stripped away. Hopefully, you're sharing a lot of music with your kids (I really didn't start this topic off to preach to you, but it's sort of turned into that) And hopefully, songs and the people who sing them evoke warm memories of your childhood as well.

In fact, if you'd like to share them, I'd love to hear them. You know what to do.

J

Hi Jeff
Boy this blog about Hee Haw and Buck Owens sure takes me (way) back. I can remember my brother,sister and me sitting down in front of the tv on a Saturday night, fresh from a bath, with pizza to watch Hee Haw and then the following program, Emergency. Remember that one? I, too, can relate to lots of the oldies-even some of the rock classics. My thirteen year old son often catches me singing along with an older song and will gladly tell me that my "oldness is showing". I'm turning 40 in about 33 days (not that I'm counting or anything) and I can't wait for more enlightening comments from that kid. Best to you, Jeff. Maybe we should get together and celebrate turning another year? Keep up the good newscasts!
Dawn in Medford

Hi Dawn. Do I remember Emergency?! DO I REMEMBER EMERGENCY?! How's this? "Rampart, this is Squad 51. We have a male subject, approximately 58 years old, suffering from an acute respiratory attack." etc. etc. etc. As for turning 40, my birthday might just be celebrated in Vegas doing things I'm not going to talk about on this blog ;)
J

eff-tonight you aired a story that alot of people deal with. Landlords i live here in wausau and i pay 625.00 a month for rent and i pay my rent every month and keep up my home even though it is a rental i still keep it up inside and out i still have to live there so i want it to look as good as posible but when it comes time to fix things my landlords will not help with any thing this last winter our heater went out and we did not have heat for 3 days they told me because it was a weekend it cost more so we waited 3 days to have heat now remind you i have 2 kids what do you do when this happens to you we also have a porch that is ready to fall down i hope this does not fall on my kids i could go on and on but what do you do when you cant buy a house and have to rent and are a dedicated tenant any comments from you or other viewers. thank you your wausau viewer

Thanks for blogging on and sorry it took so long to get back to you. May be this can help you out.
J

To the person who is unhsppy with their landlord - call First Call at United Way of Marathon County, number is in the phone book - they might be able to point you in the right direction.Good luck.

Thanks for the suggestion!
J

To the wausau viewer; you can legally withold rent from your landlord if they are not fixing problems that are important to live, i.e the heat. There is also a state phone number you can call if you can find it. They will tell you specifically what you can do as a tenant. I would suggest trying the library and looking over your lease very carefully. Tammy

Thanks for the help!
J

Jeff- I wrote a little time ago about the landlord stuff and i was wondering what your opinion is about it or what you know and what like to thank the people who did respond and i have gotton a little further now. Biobbie Jo

Thanks Bobbie Jo. Good Luck to you! And thanks again to the people who helped out!
J

My family watched Hee Haw, Lawrence Welk, Barbara Mandrell's show and whatever other music variety shows that were broadcast. I appreciate a very wide range of music - even some that weren't on those shows. Can't pick one genre as an absolute favorite. I think being involved in my school's band had a big influence. Playing the music showed me how difficult it is to get the right sound for a wide variety of music. Now I listen to all types with relatively equal amounts of praise and criticism for lyrics, music, and artist. Swear words knock a song down on my favorites list regardless of what I think of everything else.

As for radio's influence on me while growing up, Mom had control of the knobs. Every morning I would be subjected to hearing the local news from WDUX from some goofy announcer that made 'the ordeal' bearable (hey, news was boring for me when I was young!) Mom had it on every radio in the house so she wouldn't miss anything if she left the room. What I learned from that is a wonderful concept called 'Multiple Speaker Placement'. She still hasn't stopped listening even after the day she informed me 'that announcer is on TV now.' To this day I still like listening to news and Badger games (Dad's influence) on the radio. Thanks for the good mornings of the past and keep smiling. -E

Thanks for joining in, E. I really think that true music lovers listen to all different types of music. And based on your e-mail, it sounds like that's what you are. There's a show on CMT called "Country Crossroads." They have big country stars sing with big stars from other types of music. (my favorite so far have been Surgarland/Bon Jovi and Martina McBride/Pat Benatar) And along with the great harmony, I love the respect that the artists give back and forth to each other.

Now, as for radio. For those of you who don't know, E is teasing me a little bit. WDUX is the station I worked at before coming to NewsChannel 7. It's a great station in Waupaca and I'm proud to be a small part of it's history (celebrating it's 50th, this year!) Thanks for listening and for the kind words about my time there. But I just need to know. Is the Clearwater Harbor Bar open for the season yet?
J

I wouldn't know about the bar even if I did live in that area. Never was a bar-goer. I moved North, but not to Alaska. When I am down in the Waupaca area I'm too busy visiting family & friends. -E
P.S. You're fun to tease.

Hi again, E! The Harbor is definately a bar, but it also serves some of the best burgers with fried onions I've ever had. And even more importantly for the folks in the Waupaca area, when it re-opens for the season, it's a sign winter is definately over and summer is on the way.
J

I'm 40 and grew up on country music. Went through the teen years thinking WIFC was the greatest! but still came back to the country! I LOVE IT! So many people think it's still "old fashioned" but those are the people that really haven't noticed how it's changed over the years. I've heard that country music has the fastest growing listening crowd! Sure beats the rap noise!
I was saddened by Buck Owens myself and remember very well listening to Hee Haw on saturday nights! HOW GREAT IT WAS! Just FYI - - anyone looking for some old time artists and tunes.....I was recently at Wal-Mart and picked up a Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash and Marty Robbins C.D. at a VERY reasonable price!!

That's one of the other benefits of being a fan of this type of music. You can pick up the CD's almost anywhere for almost nothing. I found a 1/2 Marty Robbins and 1/2 Johnny Horton CD years ago for little to nothing. It has 6 songs of each and include their biggest hits. (North to Alaska, The Battle of New Orleans, El Paso, A White Sport Coat, etc) To this day it's one of my most played CDs.
J

Hi Jeff,
I know what you mean, about the music you grew up with. I am going to be 30 this year, and I love the 70's and 80's country music. I like all other kinds of music as well, but those are my favorites. It seems to me as the older folks pass on, I realize the good music is going with them. A lot of my friends have not even heard of 'Crystal Gayle', or 'Barbra Mandrell'. They look at me really funny. Give me some good ol' country music, and I will enjoy it!! Tina

Hi, Tina. Barbra Mandrell is so talented it's almost unbelievable! And Crystal Gayle always struck me as one of country's classiest performers. Some day when I win the lottery (along with buying my luxury box at Lambeau Field) I'm going to start up a radio station dedicated completely to country oldies.
J

Jeff, I just read your comments about Buck Owens. You're right about how influential he remains. Go to the upcoming Dwight Yoakam show and you can hear the "Bakerfield Sound" that Owens invented. I also find it ironic that you and another writer mention Barbara Mandrell and Crystal Gale has representatives of 'good ol' country music'. When Owens moved from Nashville to Bakerfield {and Willie and Waylon left to go to Texas} they did it to protest the pop sounds that Nashville was producing. They called it pop music with a southern accent. Barbara Mandrell and Crystal Gale were two of the people who produced this kind of music. Owens, Nelson, Haggard, Jennings et. al. wanted to return to the sound of people like Ernest Tubb, Hank Snow, Kitty Wells, Bob Wills, Ray Price and others. So, I guess it is all a matter of perspective. While the country music of the 70s may mean a lot to you and bring back a lot of good memories almost no one who knows the history of country music calls it the sound of good old country music.

Boy, you are definately a country fan who knows his or her stuff! Yoakim's greatest hits CD sits proudly in my collection. He is definately carrying the "Bakersfield Sound" torch.
I guess there have been some big rifts over the years about the music and what country really is. I've also heard from friends in country radio about how difficult it's been and sometimes still is about what songs to add to the play list. Are they "too country" or "not country enough?"
From my perspective, I don't care if it's classic-tradtiional stuff like "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels" by Kitty Wells or more country-pop like "He'll Have to Go" by Jim Reeves. I just know what songs I like and what songs I don't.
J

SUPPORTING THE TROOPS WHILE OPPOSING THE WAR,
IS IT POSSIBLE? (3/21/06)

I don't know why, but I find this a fascinating subject.

Can you support the troops and be opposed to the war? It was the topic of a forum in Wausau Tuesday (3/21/06) evening. Here's how reporter Julie Huck covered it for NewsChannel 7 at 10.

WSAW's "Support the Troops?" Article

A while ago in this blog, we got a response from a fellow named Roger who is serving our country in Afghanistan when we were talking about a similar issue. He said that the terrorists really do watch 24 hour news networks to get a pulse of how the American public feels and they try to use it to their advantage. A frightening thought. Do loose lips really sink ships?

But on the other hand, if we can't express opinions and ask honest questions about decisions the nations leaders make, are we headed down a dangerous path? And, is that a victory for the terrorists.

Perhaps the answer lies somewhere in between the two sides. I don't know. But, I'd sure love to hear what you have to say about it.

J

Boy, if we can't express our opinions on the war, we might just as well live under Taliban rule! I went to see the Islamic speaker at NTC Tuesday night, and I agree with him that the problem is with all the radical fundamentalists on BOTH sides, including our own Bush, Cheney, Runsfeld, etc. By imposing their will on everyone else, they are making it impossible to achieve the peace they say they want.-Jim

Hi Jim. Thanks for the response. I agree that stifling debate is a very dangerous place for a free country to go. But, here's a question that I heard Jon Stewart ask someone on his great program "The Daily Show" after a guest tossed out that sort of Taliban-Bush administration comparison. A lot of people have issues with the decisions that Bush and his advisors have made. But, don't you lose credibility in the debate when you use those really inflammatory images? And I would ask the same of a conservative who compared liberals asking tough questions of the President to terrorists. (cause I've heard that one to)
J

I'm not sure what you mean by inflammatory images. I just feel that fundamentalists by nature are not open-minded or tolerant of others' beliefs, and this is where we run into serious problems. Our fundamentalists are trying to impose our will on others for what, oil? And their fundamentalists believe we are the source of all evil. Can't we just have a little moderation and try to get along?-Jim

Hi again, Jim. To some extent, we're on the same page. I honestly believe that when it comes to conservative and liberal ideals, the biggest majority of Americans falls somewhere right in the middle. As for the inflammatory images, the Bush Administration-Taliban comparison always makes me recoil. But, your point about fundamentalists is taken.
J

Jeff, I certainly agree that most people are in the ideological middle. That's one of the reasons I'm so uncomfortable with how far to the right the balance of power in Washington has swung. I don't believe this represents the vast majority of Americans any more than the radical Muslims represent most people of Islamic faith. This is why the situation in Iraq seems so hopeless to me, and I think to many others as well. A more moderate approach to the Mid-East seems in order.

Thanks for joining the discussion.
J

Hi Jeff. This is Roger again, still here and just met a relative of Sue R. here.
No comment on the subject, but am interested in what others have to say.

Nice to hear from you again, Roger.
J

Jeff, about 'supporting the troops'. It seems to me that you can oppose this war and still support the troops. They did not make the decision to invade Iraq. But they were called on to go there and do their jobs. And they have done that to a high standard. We all know that many have died and been maimed in the effort. These are our friends and neighbors. What does bother me is that President Bush seems to have fallen short in his support of them. They still do not have the proper body armor or armored vehicles. And when they arrived in Iraq they were really short of the proper materials. Remeber the parent who had to send their children the proper body armor? The government wants to cut budgets for VA hospitals and veterans benefits. If you don't beleive that this is true ask yourself two questions - why does the Fallen Heroes Fund have to raise private funds to provide state of the art rehabilitation for the returning veterans? And, why do we locally have to buy ribbons etc. to provide money so that the families of our local service people can pay their heating bills, rent etc? The people who say that you must support the war effort to support the troops are very silent about opposing the administration that seems to want to fight this war on the cheap and to forget about the veterans when they return.

Thanks for the input.
J

if they are watching our news programs ,they are making judgement on us to see how we treat or support our men overseas..our men are fighting a war we should never have went into,i'm not the only one that feels this way there are others..the sooner they get out of there better life for them.vicki from point

Thank you, Vicki.
J

I think we need to worry about all the problems in our country...the troops should be here, protecting our homefront. Why do we keep giving to other countries and they just want to kill Americans? We have enough poor and hungry here...and will the way the world is going, things are going to get a lot worse. Tina

Tina, thanks for blogging on.
J

Hi Jeff,
I was wondering why your channel didn't show the president's speech on Tuesday when all the other channels showed it? I thought if the president was on, he had to be on all channels. I turned on channel 7 to catch part of the president and there was some show on gardening or something. I had to watch it on another channel. Don't you have to show the president when he speaks and is there a reason why you guys didn't show it? I thought it was strange you didn't and personally felt it was pretty insulting. Like him or not, he's still our president. Thank you for your time!
Dale from Rothschild

Hi Dale. Thanks for the question. The decision to not air the news conference was made before I got in for the day. But, I did ask my boss about it. He says his first thought was not to pre-empt our Page 2 newscast that airs at 9AM, giving the audiance a chance to watch something beside the news conference that was on every other channel. But, he says he since regrets that choice and wishes we had gone to the news conference. So, you're absolutely right.
J

I don't understand how a person can hear constantly, how they are in the wrong place for all the wrong reasons, that they are killing innocent men, women and children or that the job that they are doing is not making a difference, but we support you. How would anyone else like to hear their job being criticized constantly but yet feel supported? I don't think that it can be done. You either support the troops and the war or you don't support either.

Thanks for joining the discussion. I quess when I hear criticism about the war, it's a debate on whether we should have gone there in the first place. Or the plan (or what some call lack of a plan) about how to exit the country. I've not heard the criticisms directed at the trooops that you mention. They must be terribly offensive to the soldiers and their family and friends. Especially in light of all the stories you hear about our troops doing things like giving Iraqi children food and helping to build schools.
J

I am one of those people who do support our troops. I know many who are over there and pray for their safety to return back home with their loveones. But I have to say I am not in favor of us being over there. I don't think we had a good plan to go in and we sure don't have any plans of getting out. Why have so many of our men lost their lives over a war that we shouldn't be fighting. These people over there have been fighting amongst themselves for years and no matter when we pull out they will still be fighting. Why must we always play GOD and think that the Americans can solve everything. I think we need to help more of our own here and not waste so much money over there!! Just my opinion and know a lot of others that feel the same.
JB

Thanks, JB.

If a person didn't care about the troops they wouldn't protest. People don't protest something that the don't have a strong feeling about. Some people think that bringing the troops home is the best for them and the country. So YES you can do both. J.C.

Thanks, J.C.

NCAA TOURNAMENT MEMORIES (3/16/06)

What a great time of year to be a sports fan!

The NCAA tournament is already fun in the first place. But to watch Matt Zahn have a complete meltdown as his bracket goes up in flames makes it even better. Then to hear Carrie Hutton say "I think we shouldn't have to pick all these games to win" takes March Madness to a new high.

Here's my favorite NCAA Tournament memory.

I was in 6th grade in 1977 when the great Coach Al McGuire took the Marquette Warriors, as they were called back then, all the way to the national championship. Marquette University is a Catholic College in Milwaukee. (down in the southeastern part of the state where I grew up, people know that, but I'm not always sure if people know that up here do) Anyway, my Mom came into the living room to tell me it was time for bed. (it was a school night) But my Dad said no, tonight he gets to stay up and watch the whole game. Then, my Dad's cousin Matty Thelen stopped in. He had been at a school board meeting and wouldn't make it home (he lived out in the country) in time for the end of the game. So he stopped by us to watch it. Matty was the most passionate sports fan I've ever known. A trait he passed along to both his sons. The game came to a close with a Marquette win, Coach McGuire sitting on the bench shedding tears of joy and me getting one of the greatest sports watching memories I've ever had with my Dad. When you're klutz's like us, your sports memories are of watching and not playing sports.

Now, here's a more recent NCAA Tournament memory I shouldn't tell you about, but I think you'll enjoy.
A couple years ago, CBS switched away from a Badger game to a UW Milwaukee game. There was about 2 minutes left in the Badger game with about a 6 point difference in the game. Needless to say, viewers were not happy. We took countless calls ranging from those who were nice... to people who used words Grandma Thelen would not approve of. Well, one fellow called to complain JUST as the network switched back to the Badger game and then went right to commercial. The guy who was calling didn't notice that, so I couldn't resist having a little fun with him.

Caller: "What happened to the Badger game?"
Jeff: "What do you mean?"
Caller: "You switched away from it."
Jeff: "No, we didn't. It's been on the whole time."
Caller: "But, my TV is showing a different game."
Jeff: "Well, maybe your dog stepped on your remote. They're in a commercial right now. Let's see what's on when it comes
back to the game."

Then the game came back on and the guy was completely dumbfounded. Thinking he had lost his mind. Even though he was right and I was being nasty and having fun at his expense.

Caller: "Well, I don't know what to say. I know that game wasn't on before the commercial."
Jeff: "It's been on here the whole time. I don't know what to tell you."
Caller: "OK, well sorry I bothered you.""
Jeff: "That's OK. Enjoy the game."

If you're the guy who called that night, sorry I did that to you.
And if you call to yell at me for a game you want to see not being on this year, remember it's not us making that decision. It's the network.

Enjoy the Tourney!

J

Hey, that was me who called...no wait...just kidding!

MD

Hi, MD. I think doing backets is tougher now than it's ever been. We used to KNOW who the powerhouses were going to be. To some extent we still do. (Duke, UConn, UNC, etc) But now that so many players are either skipping college, or leaving college for the pros after thier freshman or sophomore years, it's getting harder and harder to pick. BRADLEY? GEORGE MASON? WICHITA STATE? Who would have guessed these teams to be in the Sweet 16. As much as they bust our brackets however, these "Cindarella Stories" are fun to watch. And most of America must agree, because the ratings for the Tournament are way up this year. (those of us at CBS affilitates love that news) So, even though your brackets are beyond repair, I hope you're at least enjoying the games.
J

I have to comment on the not wanting horrific news on ie: the bus accident. Im sorry but I am a concerned parent and I was sitting in front of the television wanting updates on the horrific accident. I would rather have news updates on it then hear rumors. I cant believe how rude some people are. Jeff, all of you at channel 7 do a terrific job. Thank you.

All the research that's been done in this industry for the past couple years shows two things. 1) The future lies in "on demand" news on the computer on cell phones 2) People's attitutes about hard news agrees with what you said, they just want to know what's happening, ASAP. You're definately part of the majority in where you stand. Thanks for the input and the kind words.
J

WOW! The blogger that has been sending such strong messages has certainly got some anger issues. I guess this person should be happy that you have a blog that allows them the chance to get it out so they don't explode. I give you a lot of credit for having the guts to put such comments on your blog. Personally, I think it is very cool how Channel 7 has this blog that allows people the chance to have "discussions" with you and others. I feel like Channel 7 cares about what I think. Keep up the good work and let the other blogger's comments roll off like water on a duck's back!

Thanks! That's the whole idea. We hear that people don't just want to be "talked at" from TV news, they want to "talk with" TV news. That's how the blog center here was born. As for that other blogger, I truely don't mind criticism. But, just like I wouldn't allow "cyber-yelling" at other people here, I don't think I should have to take it myself.
J

Jeff, How come we don't hear about the horrific bus crash that just happen in this area on the National News? The one in Florida and others are on the nat. news????

Thanks for blogging on.
That's a good question and I honestly don't know the answer to it. The only thing I can figure is at first the Adams County bus crash was not fatal, so it didn't immediately catch the national news' attention. The other thing it may depend on is what else was going on around the country that day. Frankly, we were so tuned in on covering that breaking news (the bus crash) that I couldn't tell you what else was going on nationally. If the national media had other stuff they deemed more important, that's why they didn't pick up on the terrible local wreck. But again, I'm only guessing and really don't know for sure.
J

RANDOM NOTES (3/7/06)

1) Did you watch the Oscars? I saw bits and pieces. I just wanted to see Jon Stewart's opening monologue and who won the biggies. Stewart, I thought was brilliant! If you have a chance to see "The Daily Show," which he's the host of, check it out. It's very funny. But, please don't watch the 10PM version, watch NewsChannel 7 at 10 instead. Watch "The Daily Show" at midnight or when it's re-broadcast a couple times after that.

As for the awards themselves, it's hard for me to give an opinion. The only nominated movie I actually saw was "Walk the Line," so I was pretty happy to see Reese Witherspoon win for her performance at June Carter-Cash. A good buddy of mine says "Crash" is a fantastic film. I'll rent it sometime and if it moves me enough I'll blog about it sometime in the future.

2) Big news at the Thelen home this week. I'm replacing my patio furniture! (Boy, my life is exciting isn't it?) I'm getting rid of the rusty old stuff from which the cushions have to be removed... And hope to replace them with a new rust-proof slingback set. That's the kind where you don't have to remove the cushions. Could my life get any better!?

3) I hope the NFL and its players union can get a deal worked out. Pro football has become the richest, most popular sport in America thanks in large part to harmony between the owners and players. And I have this fear down deep in my sports-loving heart that discord will set-in, big markets will be allowed to spend as much as they want and football will turn into baseball with only a few teams who can afford a winning team. I hear guys on ESPN radio tell me it's never going to be that way in the NFL because of revenue sharing. But, back in 1982 when the Brewers were in the World Series, we would have never thought baseball could become such an extreme of rich and poor teams, either.

4) And finally, on a much more serious and important note, isn't the latest twist in the Teresa Halbach murder case incredibly disturbing? The main suspect Steven Avery's nephew was arrested and accused of being part of the crime. He reportedly told police of some truly gruesome details of what lead up to her murder. It must be unbearable for the Halbach family to think about what that poor woman's life may have been like in her final hours. If you're a believer, you might want to include them in your prayers.

OK, that's what's on my mind this week. Let me know what you're thinking.

J

You raise the question about how it must be terrible for the Halbach family to hear about the last moments of Theresa's life. Well maybe the Halbach family wouldn't have to hear about it as much if news people like you would stop describing the details of her murder during your news reports. I realize the public probably didn't hear everything that happened on that day but the details which your station reported made me sick. Is it really necessary to give a STUPID "Breaking News" update every 5 minutes? What makes you think that a viewer like myself would want to hear about how a sick individual brutally raped and killed an innocent young lady. You and everyone in the news profession should be ashamed. Just think if you were in the shoes of the Halbach family. Would you like the whole public to know the details of how one of your family members tragically lost their life? I didn't think so. I remember when the news used to be about the informing the public in the public's best interest but now it has turned into exploitation of people and their misfortunes. Why don't you do more positive stories about people instead of sick stories about murders, car accidents, and house fires.

Thanks for your response. We value input whether it's a compliment or complaint. Here's an e-mail that was sent to our General Manager on the same subject.
J

Good morning Mr. Lancaster -

I'm not sure if you are the correct person to contact or not, but I
just wanted to take a moment to thank you for your conscientious news
reporting and tact.

At work today (Gresham School), many adults that I work with are
outraged and appalled about hearing the very graphic details about the
tragic death of Teresa Halbach on various TV stations last night. They
are contacting these stations to state their disgust concerning this
insensitive type of reporting. Our sympathy goes out to the suffering
family of this young lady.

I shared with coworkers that your station's report of this subject was
brief; and while sharing the update in this sensitive situation, did not
go into unecessary or horrific detail. I noticed the same thing on your
website. This demonstrates the moral fiber on your part to not jump on
the bandwagon and report something in such a hurtful and insensitive
manner in order to selfishly satisfy newsroom attention.

Again, thank you for your responsible news reporting.

Retta R.

I disagree with what that emailer said. I saw three different reports on this story and I felt your station was the worst. Why didn't you answer my questions? Why did choose to dodge the fact that I made a very good point? Instead you tell me what another viewer said. I didn't ask for their opinion I asked for yours. I want to know why your station reports on the bad news so much and doesn't report the good news. I saw a story today about a little girl that had an operation on her arm but you put it near the end of the news report. Why wasn't this shown earlier? Instead you started the show with a terrible bus crash story. You talked to a little boy who was in the accident. Is it really necessary to exploit this young man and to make him re-live the terrible experience all over again? How do you sleep at night reporting such garbage? You make me sick and I am no longer going to watch your news show.

This is a blog where we discuss ideas and differences of opinion. We do not insult each other. Therefore, I will not sink down into the round of "cybershouting" that I believe you are trying to bait me into. I stand behind the decisions we've made on both the Halbach and bus crash stories. So, I thank you for your input, but respectfully disagree. And if you feel the need to watch another station, that is your right.
J

You are unbelievable why can't you get off your high horse and just answer a simple question? My question is why has the news media, including you and your station, taken a dive into the garbage? Why do you refuse to cover good stories that the public wants to hear about? That is all I wanted to know but all you keep doing is avoiding the question claiming that you have been insulted. Get over yourself. My concern is about the future of news media in America and where it is headed if this downward trend in coverage of good stories continues.

Sir or Madam,
In your first comment you called our "Breaking News" alert STUPID, said everybody in the news profession should be ashamed and we do nothing but exploit people. Still, I thanked you for your comment and offered up another opinion about how we handled the Halbach story which sparked your ire.
That lead to a response in which you said we exploited a little boy, I made you sick and you wondered how I slept at night. Once again, I opted not to get into dirt kicking with you.
Now, the response that says I'm avoiding your question and should get over myself and am on a high horse.
Sir/Madam, we debate and discuss station policies and other issues on this blog all the time. But since you chose to yell and not talk, you will not be part of the discussion and you are no longer allowed on this blog.
Good Day.
J

I also believe that Pro-footbal players are paid too much, and that their salaries should be cut-back. Maybe that would enable them to play more for the love of the game rather than the money. Until that happens i am going to continue watching college football, because thats where the real love of the game is

Thanks for your input.
College football rocks! If the Packers were to make it to the Superbowl and the Badgers to which-ever bowl decided the national championship and I had a chance to go to just one or the other. I would take the Badgers in a second! As much as I love my Packers, the tradition of college football with the band, cheerleaders and student section is just great! As for what the pro players make, I might be in the minority on this, but it doesn't bother me all that much. The NFL, which is a multi-Billion dollar organization, is nothing without the best players in the world. So, it should pay them well. We saw what football was like with less talented teams in the XFL. It was terrible! The thing that frightened me was big markets being allowed to spend with no cap, giving small markets (like Green Bay) no chance to compete. I'm glad they struck a deal, avoiding the problem.
J

[Editor's Note: The following message has been edited.]

Hi Jeff
I just wanted to make a few comments about a story you conveyed on March 2nd, 2006. I thought it was wonderful to report on such positive community events such as the girls and science conference that was held on university campus in Stevens Point. It is an important issue; however, I was disappointed....(portion edited) It would have been wonderful to see the actual people who have had significance and positive impact in the lives of the younger generation such as teachers, counselors, and other faculty. Hopefully, the university will select a more suitable representative of their efforts in the future. Thank you? a concerned Point citizen.

Thanks for the nice comments on our story. If you feel that strongly about the other issue, the University is probably the place you need to contact.
J

I'm responding to the horrifying new details about Theresa Halbach's murder. I feel just sick about how she died and that the teenager was involved in this. Was he forced to do this by his uncle? What would have happened if he didn't go there that day? I pray for Theresa and her family and that this never happens to anyone else. I also must comment on how incredible I think it is that Steven Averys mother had an ad in an area shoppers guide wanting money donated to free an "innocent" man. UNREAL!

Thanks for your comment.
From all the early press from his family and attorneys, It's pretty clear the nephew, Brenden Dassey, is going to use the "I was forced into it" defense. And if all these "what if" questions weigh on our minds, imagine how they must work on those of Teresa Halbach's family. Keep them in your prayers, their nightmare is far from over.
J

Jeff - Another comment on the medical "reports". I remember when the government was criticized for producing "news" spots that were really commercials for government programs. They stopped because there was a law against using federal money to create propaganda. At that time many television stations said it was unethical to run commercials that looked like news. Isn't this exactly the situation with the "medical reports"? Why isn't a disclaimer made stating that it is an advertisement? Instead it seems that the newscasters go out of their way to make it look like real news.

Thanks for your input.
However, you're getting two issues mixed together. What your referring to is called a VNR or video news release. They're put together by the government or some company and sent to newsrooms as press releases. In this day of shrinking newsroom budgets, they're very tempting to use. But many times they have a specific agenda or product they want to sell. Many newsrooms, including NewsChannel 7, will not use them. When it comes to commercials that look like news reports, those companies just buy commercial time like any other company. Unless it's political, I'm not even sure if we can legally order them to put a disclaimer on them or not. In a nutshell, those VNR's are different than advertisements done to look like news reports. I know it's a bit confusing, but I hope it explains it a bit.
J

Jeff - the movie 'Crash' is a must-see movie. I'm an very late middle aged woman who picked up the DVD in desperation as there was nothing else at the video store that tempted me.Didn't think it was going to be my cup of tea. Surprisingly I found it spellbinding, a good story well told, relevant to the times we live in, thought provoking, clever, well acted. I don't think it even came to Wausau, probably too intelligent.

Want to start a blog re one of my pet peeves? - the incessant 'medical breakthrough' & 'healthbeat' type stuff in the newscasts. It really isn't news, really is an info-mercial which probably makes big money for the station. Thank you. C.S. in Kronenwetter

Thanks for your input on "Crash." I may rent it this weekend. (it's a non-payday no money to spend weekend).
As for medical reports we've actually cut back on them. We run a medical report on morning, noon and 5 shows. But none at 6 or 10.
Although it's produced to look like one, "Healthbeat" it's not a news story it's a commercial bought by Aspirus.
Now, we're always looking for input from the viewers, what sort of news would you like to see more of?
J

I work in Hospice, and happened to be working while the oscars were on, so the only thing I was able to see was what was covered on the news the next day. As for the case against Steven Avery and his nephew...it's one of the cases where I wish they could be tortured the exact same way they tortured her in her last momments. I do believe that in the end they will get what they deserve. I would have thought that after being in prison for a crime he didn't commit, that he would have known better. Finally, I hope that Teresa's family can recover from this horrible crime. I have been keeping them in my thoughts every day since Teresa's death.

Thanks for blogging on! If you work in Hospice you must be part angel. I have a friend who's parents both passed away of cancer and both spent their last days in Hospice care. He says the people there are the most caring around. As for the Avery story, he's innocent until proven guilty. But, if he is convicted, he does deserve the most harsh punishment possible.
J

Jeff, What a wide topic selection you have! I was working when the Oscars were on, so it was difficult for me to watch them, but alas, I did enjoy the little bits I did get to see (the beauty of working in tv, you always get to watch it!).

I miss all of the folks at WSAW, what a great crowd! Remember that one time I got married and you sang at my wedding but I didn't get to hear it? Ya that was a good time!

Hi Jess! Nice to hear from you! Hope all is well in Madison! I promise, if you come to visit sometime, I'll give you a private performance of "Come A Little Bit Closer." (that's the Jay & the Americans song I sang at her wedding) Have your MN relatives forgiven me for teasing them about the Badger-Gopher game yet? (Jess's wedding was the same day the Badger's blocked that punt to keep the ax and I REALLY rubbed it in to her many MN friends and family)
J

YOU PICKED THE TOPIC (3/1/06)

Hi bloggers.
It's one of those weeks that you picked the topic.

Here's the back story.

Because of some action in the state legislature, a referendum that will essentially ask whether same sex marriages and civil unions should be banned in Wisconsin will be on the November ballot.

Supporters say it will it protect the sanctity of marriage in the state against "activist" judges who may rule that gay marriage is OK from the bench. Opponents say it discriminates against people just because of their sexual orientation and is a Republican political move to get more people to the polls in an election where the incumbent Democratic Governor is up for re-election.

I hadn''t even brought it up in my blog and somebody already wants to talk about it. So, here's the first entry and let's discuss. Nicely, as always.

J

This is a little off of the topic on your blog right now, however, it is something that was in the news this evening that I am curious about.
Has anyone noticed that when it comes to the church having any effect on the state, everyone is in an uproar, however, now that we have the issue of weither or not gays should be allowed to marry, all of a sudden, the state wants to step in and effect the church.
Instead of the state deciding if they should be allowed to marry or not, why not let the different religions decide if it is going to be allowed.
This just seems like a double standard to me, or, do as I say and not as I do.
Thank you. Sue in Plover

Thanks, Sue. There's no doubt in my mind, this topic is going to spark some VERY interesting discussion.
J

I made the comment about the "two men and one woman" etc. I was not in any way trying to scold anyone; if anything, you scolded me Jeff. I was just giving my opinion just like everyone else can do. The reason I brought this up is because if you change the law, I want people to think of the broader picture and how things could gradually change. I do believe that for the most part people are born this way. I feel bad for them, but still believe that marriage is one man and one woman. Again, I was not trying to put anyone down, just be able to voice my opinion. Thank you.

Thanks for responding again. I think what you're talking about is called a "slippery slope." That one thing will lead to another. (i.e. same sex marriage recognition will lead to the one man and two women thing that you brought up the first time you blogged on) While I respect the argument that some people think homosexuality is a sin (not saying I agree with that) and should not be recognized by Uncle Sam, I cannot agree that gay people wanting equal rights as straight people is a slippery slope to other stuff. Does that make sence? (it's Friday as I write this, so my brain is nearly fried for the week) And I hope you don't take my first response to the first time you weighed in to mean I don't value your opinion. Because I do!
J

i personally think that only marriage should be bewteen a man and a woamn it is totally stupid to think that god allows such a thing in his kingdom. the bible clearly speaks against homosexual relationships. they should pas the laW and refuse to allow the gays this privalage that a normal man and woamn were given the legal right to do in the bible.

Thanks for your input.
J

I find it interesting that you warn the person who said that talking to conservatives was like talking to a brick wall as getting close to personal attacks. But you allowed another person who suggested that homosexuality was a criminal activity, similar to stealing, without comment. Usually in debates like this it is the religious conservatives who appear to be the most closed minded because thay are convinced that not only are they right but that people who disagree with them are not only wrong but are sinners as well. Aren't these things personal attacks as well?

Thanks for your response. Some people say homosexuality is a sin and the government should not be recognizing any part of it. Just like stealing is a sin and should not be condoned by Uncle Sam. (I'm not saying I agree with that, but I understand the comparison they're trying to make) Others say being gay is just a way some people are born and they deserve the same rights as straight people. I thought that the "like talking to a brick wall" reference went well beyond the "I respect your opinion, but I disagree with it" atmosphere that I like to keep at this blog. Just like the "what if one man wanted to marry two women" reference was a smokescreen and chided that person as well.
J

Marriage is the union of one man and one woman. It would be wrong and I believe against God for it to be any other way. For the people out there that believe otherwise, let me ask a question. What if there was two men and one women or two women and one man that wanted to be in a marriage. Would that be acceptable because they are all consenting adults?

Thanks for blogging on. If you think same sex marriage is sinful and wrong, that's your right. Many people certainly agree. But when you throw up the "what if..." arguments you muddy the waters of a fair discussion. The people who support same sex unions say they're just asking for the same rights as heterosexuals, not the other stuff you brought up.
J

There have been countless scientific studies done about what makes someone homosexual, and guess what, it deals with brain chemistry, so yes, people are born with and grow into their sexuality.

--An open minded, tolerant citizen

Thanks for your input. But be careful, you're getting pretty close to being disrepectful to some of the people who read this blog. And we won't have that.
J

Here is the "religious" side of the subject----God created this world and all that is in it. Nowhere in the Bible does it say that homosexuality is okay. Oh, you don't believe the Bible? Well, what is the natural thing between a male and a female? You are trying to tell us that it is inborn? Homosexuality is a sin in the eyes of God, and in the eyes of others who do not believe in God. If you steal something from a store, are you trying to tell me that the idea is inborn??? Or any other crime???? Take a good look at yourself, and tell me that you are not created by something bigger than you or I, and that you were not created to be with a member of your own sex. Course I guess you are entitled to your own opinion, but please do not say that I am wrong when I state mine. A Christian, and proud of it!!!

Thanks for joining in the discussion, Christian.
J

Homosexuality has been around since time immemorial, it is inborn not a choice. It's time for America to get with much of the rest of the world on this issue ( & quite a few others) & allow at least civil union between gay couples. For government to want to preserve the 'sanctity' of marriage is really their religious belief in disguise. Even though I personally feel that homosexuality is an abnormal sexual behaviour let us be tolerant and accepting and move with the times. From C.S. in Kronenwetter

Thanks for your input, C.S.
J

In this issue, what seems to get passed over by most people is that people don't have to get married in a church. There is no law stating that in order for a couple to get married, it must be sanctified by a religious organization. If a couple was married by a Catholic priest,or a Presbyterian priest, or by a Justice of the Peace, they are no more/no less married in the eyes of the law or their peers.

-Wisconsin Resident

Thanks, Wisconsin Resident.
J