Rob_Haswell's Blog

I told this story on the air the other day but I'll tell it again here...

When I first moved here a couple of years ago, I was excited to go to the State Fair.  I have kids, they love they love a good fair and I love eating fair food too!

However, I was very suspicious of all the cream puss hype! 

EVERYone was talking about the puffs.  They were counting down the days!  They were actually drooling!  Not knowing any better, I was suspicious.  Was this just hype.  I mean, they're just cream puffs right?  How great could the be?

I was SO WRONG!

There are few things in life that actually live up to the hype.  Wisconsin State Fair cream puffs are one of them!  They are awesome and must be experienced to be understood.

My first bite was amazing and I look forward to them every year now too!

What was your first cream puff experience like?

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I really can't wait for tonight. This is a great match up because they couldn't be more different and they are both very very deserving.

The only bummer is that we could have done this finally on week 2! We all knew they were the top two back then so no surprises this year.

I think they both have a great chance. David A. has the younger girls and the Grandma scene sewed up while David C. has the rocker scene, the women over 14 and most guys but will that scene vote as much and as quickly as the very text friendly and phone crazy tweens?! Who knows! That's why it is so much fun right?

But can a male Idol actually be a superstar? Both previous male winners have recently been dropped by their record labels. Both Ruben and Taylor! Rubens debut album did better than Taylors and yes Taylors debut did go gold but neither could keep the ball rolling. Ruben only sold about 230,000 copies of his last release and that was enough in this day and age for the record company to say goodbye.

Of the two I think David C. could sell more albums. David A. might have luck in the short term - like Clay Aiken - but I don't see a long term success in the same way that Cook might be able to achieve. Daughtry is a good example of what I mean.

But that said there are a lot of fans for both so who knows!

What do you think?!

We had a great day again this year at the West Bend Bike Safety Jambouree!



Thanks for coming out and saying hi!

Well, you don' have to search the internet to find me wearing womens shoes - the picture is right here!

I was part of the big "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes" even at Marquette university on Sunday. It is a great cause and we had a great day for it with sunny skies and comfy temperatures.

I would encourage you all - especially my male blog readers - to get out there next year and walk against violence against women.

On a light side-note - I don't think I look too bad in heels! What do you think?

What a hoot we had for my oldest daughters birthday on Sunday at the My Little Pony show!


It was a lot of fun for the three little girls who attended the Worlds Largest Tea party!

Of course, most of my fun was in watching my daughter sing along, wave her favorite pony in the air and even hold up her little pinkie for her sip of pretend tea!

She had been asking me for days leading up to this if the ponies were real!  I didn't want to blow the illusion for her so I creatively answered, " I don't know, we'll have to see at the show"  She told me that if she could see feet or hands then they'd just be puppets.  Of course, the puppets of this production are a little more advance than your average Halloween costume so when she saw them for the first time, her face lit up and she screamed "they're real!  Papa, they're real!".  Too cute.

Now for the record, the little one had be driving me up the proverbial parental wall earlier in the day with temper tantrums, talking back and not sharing.  Shutting down the whole event was threated more than once but half way through the party she leaned over and whispered "I love you" in my ear so all was forgiven... and them some!

I seriously doubt the Idol contestants have time to read anything let alone my blog but it did seem as if a couple of them followed my advice!

JASON CASTRO:

Last night was the first time I have ever fully enjoyed his performance and he did pretty much what I suggested which was to find a song he could really rock ( I don't mean hard rock ) and stand out from the crowd.  He needed to prove he could actually win and not just place well.  He did that last night.  I'll bet it's the hottest iTunes download from the Idol bunch last night.

KRISTY LEE COOK:

She did it! She finally committed to a good solid country tune and knocked it out of the ball park!  I actually got a bit of a chill when she hit some of the big notes.  That said, she still can't win.  But this will get her further.

DAVID ARCHULETA:

Okay... that was another ballad but I think David found a way to make it fresh.  The piano playing was a good way to show his skills.  He really nailed this one!  I still say he'll have to do something other than a ballad or power-ballad to win.  You have to show you could make an album.  Even Clay Aiken did an upbeat tune or two.

Okay... now the bad news...

BROOKE WHITE:

Once again, I can't even remember what she sang.  Plus she really suffered having to follow David.  She does better behind the keys too but she would have looked silly following David and also playing the piano.

MICHAEL JOHNS:

Aerosmith?  I love 'em too but so not his style.  There are so many other great songs that inspire and could have been great for him.  What about "We are the champions?", "Eye of the Tiger"; "More Than a Feeling"; "Hero"... etc.!?! 

CARLY SMITHSON:

She should be prepared for a bottom three seat.  That was another overdone performance that just didn't hit home.  She'd make a great studio singer or background singer.  She can sing but when she performs there's just nothing there.  And cover up that arm just once - we get it ... you've got tattoos big whoop so do I.

SYESHA MERCADO:

A Fantasia song?  Really?!  There are so many things wrong with that but here's the biggest of the problems: 
1. You don't have her signature sound
2. It's not a very well known song and while it might inspire you, most of your audience isn't that familiar with it
3. With all the artists you could have chosen from, you go with a relatively new artist?
4. It just seems too "inside" too in the the Idol family
She should get ready to sit beside Carly and possibly Brooke in that bottom 3.

Finally...

DAVID COOK:

That was awful.  Self indulgent and poorly performed.  Where was the guitar?  What's the deal with the doodle on the hand?  Idol gives back was still 24 hours away!!  Oh well, you'll likely get away with it this week but another lame duck performance like that and I'll be picking a new choice for winner.


So, in short, last nights big its were David A., Jason Castro and Kristy Lee Cook.

My choice for bottom 3 would be Carly, Brooke and Syesha.   My guess is that time has run out for Syesha but it will be close and could easily be Carly going home.

So we're down to 8 on Idol.

This is when it gets really good because we're finally down to the 8 who could actually win this thing or at least go on to be stars like non-winners Jennifer Hudson, Chris Daughtry or even Clay Aiken!

Here's what I think each of the final 8 need to do to make it to the final two:

BROOKE WHITE:
Brook has been excellent and mediocre all at the same time.  She has one week when she blows us away with a great performance and then dresses like the sun in a elementary school play and does a bad  "Here Comes The Sun".  She cannot afford even one more average performance.  She has to hit it out of the part EVERY time in order to maintain her fan base and keep up with the other leaders.  If not she could go in the next two weeks.

CARLY SMITHSON:
For me Carly has been the most over rated and under performing contestant of all!  She gets praises for songs that sound awful to my ear.  She has to break out this week or next if she's gong to survive.  Quick... what did she sing last week?  I don't know either.  Forgettable.

DAVID ARCHULETA:
Drop the "aw shucks" attitude when you get good comments - it's getting old.  David MUST find something else he can sing other than ballad's.  Yes those are amazing but even a one trick pony with a really good trick is just a one trick pony!

JASON CASTRO:
Honestly, I don't even know how he got this far!  He is about as good as any local bar band or Karaoke host but his looks take him further.  I am hoping to see him leave in the next week but to stay he needs to really rock one!  I mean blow away the rest one week just to prove he can.  So far, he's just a good middling act for the tour.

KRISTY LEE COOK:
Her friendship with Britney isn't much in the way of music industry currency these days so that's not an option.  She needs to embrace her country sound and really get it rockin'!  She's gone country because the judges said it was a good idea but she hasn't bought in yet!  She needs to buy a ticket to the and really ride it!  She's the only country option and there are a LOT of country fans out there!  If Chikeze had stuck to his southern sound he'd still be around!

MICHAEL JOHNS:
Michael is my sleeper pick to win the whole thing.  He was slow to start but he's hitting his stride at just the right time!  That being said he needs to keep picking songs that showcase his big voice.  One slip could do him in!

SYESHA MERCADO:
Here's another sleeper potential.  She needs to find a way to stand out though.  Maybe find a way to explore other sounds?  Some Nelly Furtado maybe?  I dunno but some how she has to stand out and show she could be a winner.  ALSO... please someone tell her to keep the hair curly.  Much better look if you ask me.

And finally,  my pick to win it all...

DAVID COOK:
He sounds great, he's kinda geeky cool and he can really play!  However, he has to stay fresh and current.  He can't just keep remaking songs or he'll end up as our beat boxer did last year - #2!  I also think he should just let loose and play his guitar!  Let's hear a solo dude!

Your thoughts?

Okay, time to wade into the AI fray and have my say.

The boys were great this week! David Archuleta is amazing! I also found a new love of Chickezie, who I didn't like at all at first. He won me over this week.

The women were very weak! Okay, not all of them but they are not nearly as strong as the men have been so far.

I think Amanda Overmyer should go.


She has never really impressed me. Janis Joplin impersonators are a dime a dozen and I don't think she really ever showed she could do anything else. She'd be a good front person for a bar band but she doesn't have what it takes to be the Idol. Her performance was never on note and I think the judges were pretty easy on her considering. And what was with the hair?!

She strikes me as a bit of a pretender or a poser and I put high value on being genuine.

IF she survives, she'll have to either dive into the Joplin stuff 100% and own it or show she can do something else all together.

Who do you think should go?

November 7th 1932 marked the radio debut of Buck Rogers in the 25th Century!

I remember it better as a cheesy tv show starring Gil Gerrard and his robot buddie Tweakie!

You know you're getting old when your coworkers have no idea what you're talking about. I mentioned the show to Nicole this morning and she looked at me like I was from the 25th century or perhaps the 19th!

This year my son and daughter are both going as pirates.  Part of that is that my daughter is a bit of a copy cat and wants to do everything her big brother does but the other part is that Pirate is a very popular costume this year.

 

For his first halloween (where he got to choose), my son was a bee.  He was a bee again for the next year (he insisted) and then last year it was a scarecrow but I think Pirate is his favorite.

 

Do you remember your favorite costume?

 

I was super-pumpkin once .. a character of my own making and it was one of my fav's.

What about you?

It's a ways away but if you're wondering, here's a link to our list of Trick or Treat times in the Milwaukee area.

 

TRICK OR TREAT 

 

If you're area isn't on the list, let us know or if you know, pass it along! 

Yes, that's right, I have a monkey on my back and it's name is Costco!

 

Please note, this is NOT an endorsement or commercial for the new Big Box retailer in Northern Ozaukee but I just had to vent a bit about how quickly I have become a convert to the warehouse super store!

 

I can't get enough!  I tour around, trying sample after sample until I couldn't possibly have another and then I buy more toilet paper than I'll ever use before settling down to a hot dog and soda ( I call it pop but that's a topic for another blog ) for 1.50 and just smile smile smile!

 

I am certain the thrill will wear off eventually but I must say I am enjoying the new shopping opportunity.

 

So are you as thrilled?

 

Maybe you hate big box stores and want to give a shout out to your favorite Mom and Pop shop - I have several of those I like too!

 
Either way, let's hear your thoughts!

SCHOOL'S BACK IN SESSION BUT THAT DOSEN'T MEAN YOU DON'T HAVE TO KEEP THE KIDS BUSY ON THE WEEKENDS AND AFTER SCHOOL - ESPECIALLY THOSE PRE-SCHOOLERS!

HERE'S A LOOK AHEAD AT THE MONTH...

FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY, YOU CAN CHECK OUT THE INDIAN SUMMER FESTIVAL AT MAIER FESTIVAL PARK!

SOME OF THE BEST NATIVE AMERICAN ENTERTAINERS, MUSICIANS, ARTISTS AND CRAFTER WILL BE THERE ADN THIS YEARS THEME IS ONE DRUM, MANY VOICES.

THE KIDS WILL LOVE THE AUTHENTIC TRIBAL VILLAGES, STORYTELLERS, DANCE TROUPES, AND YES EVEN LACROSSE!

OF COURSE YOU CAN'T FORGET THE FIREWORKS DISPLAY ON
SATURDAY!

 

GO TO MYFOXMILWAUKEE.COM FOR A LINK TO THE INDIAN SUMMER WEBSITE OR CALL 414-604-1000 FOR MORE.


IF YOUR KIDS ARE LIKE MINE AND GET ALL WIDE-EYED AROUND ANY MANNER OF CONSTRUCTION EQUIPEMTN THEN THIS SATURDAY'S DOZER DAY IS FOR YOU!

IT'S A FUNDRAISING EVENT BENEFITING THE HAMILTON EDUCATION FOUNDATION AND YOU CAN GET UP-CLOSE AND EVEN RIDE GIANT CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT, FIRE ENGINES AND EVEV MILITARY VEHICLES OF ALL TYPES.   DOZER DAYS IS AT THE HALQUIST STONE QUARRY IN SUSSEX FROM 9 TO 4CALL     262-246-9000.

ON SEPT 23RD FROM 9 A.M. - 4 P.M.
IT'S ONE OF THE JURIED ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIRS AROUND WITH OVER 150 EXHIBITORS!

THE 39TH ANNUAL CHEERY CHERRY FALL FAIR IS IN BEAUTIFUL MENOMONEE FALLS VILLAGE PARK.

THERE'S EVEN SOME ENTERTAINMENT WITH MUSIC AND A CHILDREN'S TENT WITH ACTIVITIES.

NOT MUCH TO CHOOSE FROM AT THE MOVIES THIS MONTH FOR KIDS BUT YOU MIGHT WANT TO CHECK OUT IN THE SHADOW OF THE MOON

THE SURVIVING CREW MEMBERS FROM EVERY SINGLE APOLLO MISSION THAT FLEW TO THE MOON; CONTRUBUTED TO THIS AMAZINE DOCUMENTARY THAT ALLOWS THEM TO TELL THEIR STORY IN THEIR OWN WORDS.

IT OPENS THIS WEEKEND IN LIMITED RELEASE - SO YOU MIGHT HAVE TO LOOK HARD FOR IT  AND IT'S RATED PG FOR SOME MILD LANGUAGE, BRIEF VIOLENT IMAGES AND INCIDENTAL SMOKING.

A MUCH MORE WIDELY RELEASED FILM IS DRAGON WARS, THE STORY OF A YOUNG WOMAN WHO CAN TRANSFORM A LEGENDARY GIANT SERPENT INTO A DRAGON BUT OF COURSE THE FORCES OF DARKNESS ARE OUT TO CLAIM THE YOUNG WOMAN AS THEIR OWN!

IT OPENS SEPTEMBER 14TH AND IT'S RATED PG-13 FOR VIOLENCE.

AND FINALLY A HEADS UP FOR RALPHS WORLD FANS...

GET TICKETS NOW, THEY GO FAST!!!!

NEWLY SIGNED TO DISNEY, RALPH IS IN TOWN OCT 7TH AT DOMINICAN HIGH SCHOOL

CALL 414-906-9908

PROCEEDS SUPPORT THE CHILDRENS HOSPITAL.
 
 

Okay, I am not a restaurant reviewer, and this is NOT a free plug for a local place but I have to say that my family enjoyed a night out to dinner last night.

 

With two kids (3 and 5) we don't go to restaurants that don't sell McFood very often.  Not because our kids misbehave but because they'll only eat a burger or chicken strips anyway so why pay more than the dollar menu prices!  Also, my wife and I are frequently dissatisfied when we do dine out.  You know I'm cheap... er thrifty ... well, I look like a big spender next to my wife and we feel that when you spend a few more bucks on dinner vs. you basic McFood place you should see the difference in service and food quality and with one of two exceptions, we're frequently disappointed.

 

On our reliable list are Olive Garden, Ponderosa and the County Buffet and we can now at Texas Roadhouse Grill!

 

We were blown away by the service and the food!  Add to that the fact that the prices were actually quite reasonable!  You know I like the free stuff and here you get free peanuts and warm bread with a cinnamon butter!  Yummy!  The steaks were perfect and the kids enjoyed their meals too - yes still a burger and chicken nuggets. 

 

The topper was the dancing!  My little girl LOVES to dance ( she looks a bit like Elaine when she does but she loves it ) and the staff dancing fascinated her!  She insisted on dancing our way out of there!

 

It was a good night out for the Haswell!  Hope you have similar nights with your family this holiday weekend!

Not quite the farmer in the dell but you get the idea.

 

The Haswell's had a blast again this year on our pilgrimage to the Wisconsin Dells.

 

We made our first visit to Mount Olympus which was a lot of fun but we made the mistake of thinking we could keep the kids busy with the dry rides until we checked into the hotel.  That didn't fly with my son the water rat - you name a kid Noah and I guess he has to like water right!?!  Anyway... he enjoyed the dry rides at Mt. Olympus but at one point says to me, "why don't we just save some money and go to the water park now?!"  So we did and he got soaked in the splash pad and on the kids slides.

 

Then it was off to the Wilderness Resort.  We like this one because the parks are spread out and you can do one then move to another and mix it up a bit.  However, my son fell in love with the Wild West water park and went down the "yellow and blue" slides as he called them, about 50 times or more.  My daughter likes the water too but she's not the water rat Noah has become in recent years.  Nyla is more into swings and I spent a good deal of my time pushing her on the water swings.  She's also a bit of a foodie so she was always looking forward to a chip break!

 

We had a great time in the Dells and I hope you all get a chance to check it out if you haven't already.

 

For the Dell's regulars, what are your fav's?