Jen_Lada's Blog

I came to Milwaukee ten years ago. I was a freshman at Marquette University.

If you ask me,  there have been significant improvements to the Downtown area in the last decade - shopping, lodging, dining options continue to arrive making the scene much more welcoming to visitors and locals.

But there are still things that can be done to improve the vitality of the area.

Take a moment and make your voice heard.

You always hear people complain that no-one asks THEIR opinion when it matters. Can't say that in this case. They're asking. Are you talking?

While standing outside Lambeau this morning, photojournalist Suzanne and I met a Green Bay resident who wanted to make sure he was first in line for the snow shoveling opportunity. His (very) early arrival gave us the chance to make small talk and he told us he was a soldier home from Iraq.

I remembered the Valentine's drive our station is doing with FM 106.1 and asked him to tell me some things that the soldiers would really appreciate receiving from the States.

Here are some of his suggestions:

Magazines - all kinds

Crossword puzzles, Word Search and other game books, UNO to help pass the time

Socks, Foot Powder, Baby Powder, Baby wipes

Batteries - AA and AAA (Rechargeable with chargers if possible)

new CD's or DVD's

Newspaper articles on their favorite teams from home town newspapers

Toothpastes, toothbrushes, Chapstick

Mini footballs, Hackysacs, Dice/Dice Cups

Letters are always appreciated.

Hope these suggestions help.

You've undoubtedly seen Ted's 'Going Green' pieces and this is right along the same lines. I just saw a cool story on this concept... it was called No Impact Man where a family of three in NYC eliminate their negative impact on the planet and increase their positive contributions for one whole year.

From the website: No Impact Man is my experiment with researching, developing and adopting a way of life for me and my little family—one wife, one toddler, one dog—to live in the heart of New York City while causing no net environmental impact. To do this, we will decrease the things we do that hurt the earth—make trash, cause carbon dioxide emissions, for example—and increase the things we do that help the earth—clean up the banks of the Hudson River, give money to charity, rescue sea birds, say.

It was a very interesting... they only shop at Farmer's Markets where they're certain the foods haven't traveled far (vehicle emissions,) use only recyclable materials, got rid of the TV, Tivo, computer, AC etc (carbon emissions) and have a compost box in their kitchen for waste. They walk (or scooter) everywhere. It's awfully ambitious but very admirable. Check out the website:

No Impact Man 

It seems appropriate on this Opening Day to shed a little light on a very startling fact I learned a few years ago. As every baseball fan knows there are usually two songs played at every game: the seventh inning stretch tune AND the National Anthem. Well three if you go to games in Milwaukee ("We'll have a barrel of fun...") :)

BUT...

Did you know that more people know the words to "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" than "The Star Spangled Banner"???

It's true... I saw a study released two summers ago where they polled baseball fans at multiple ballparks. Before they were wasted I'm assuming. Now, I know the latter has many more words but isn't that disappointing? That more fans can chime in to "buy me some peanuts and Crackerjack" than "and the home of the brave"?

How about you? Do you know both tunes? Or are you one of the folks who can sing the praises of a break during baseball but not our country?

How awesome was the weather these past few days??? I don't know about you but I tried my best to take full advantage of the Summer(!) like temperatures from sun-up til sun-down. From outdoor dining to outdoor excercising and a jump start on our outdoor house projects, Sunday and Monday provided the perfect settings.

But on Tuesday, as the winds howl in and an overcast sky looms, I can't help but take inventory on the weekend's activities.  Fortunately, I come up only slightly short.

I present to you my Hazards of Spring:

(1)During a terrific lunch at one of our favorite Bayview diners, the pleasant breeze that had been keeping us comfortable against the blazing sun whipped my glass of water all over my lap. Food: wonderful. Company: engaging. Soggy shorts: annoying.

(2)After raking our yard for a few hours Sunday afternoon, I now have dime-sized blisters between my thumbs and palms. The lawn is finally free of the leafy blanket that smothered it all winter but now holding cups, washing my hair and all other hand-necessary activities only irritate the open wounds.

(3)And after an intense two-hour bike ride along the Southside Lakeshore Monday evening... well... let's just say it's clearly time to invest in a more comfortable seat. Ouch.

Here in Wisconsin, we spend eight months waiting and whining for days like the ones we had Sunday and Monday to arrive. So when the sun finally does a hostile takeover on the sky, it's only natural to soak it all in. The trick is not overdoing it. Otherwise you spend the rest of the week soaking in a hot tub to alleviate the aches.

Anyone else overdo the 'Spring Homecoming Parade' this weekend?