I can't help it. My brain is still in first gear following a relaxing long weekend. I'm trying to get the inspiration to write something profound, something inspirational.
But today, all I've got is a few random thoughts on my brain. Nothing major, nothing life-changing.
Go Daddy, go dumb: I've read a few reports about a "too hot for TV" Web ad featuring Danica Patrick, who finished third in the Indy 500. Finally, I gave in and took a look. In a word, the GoDaddy.com ad is dumb. It's just a video of some stripper, dressed as a cop, writhing around on the hood of Patrick's car while the racecar driver drops a few lame one-liners. True, the "news reports" got me to GoDaddy.com, so kudos for that, but if this is too hot for TV, then television has gotten pretty cold. Take it from me, don't waste your time.
Brewers' nail biter: Driving home from the cabin yesterday, I found myself sweating bullets as I listened to the Brewers-Cardinals game on the radio. Oh great, I thought, Yovani Gallardo is going to pitch the game of his life, only to lose to Chris Carpenter in some epic, 1-0 perfect game. Fortunately, the Brewers got the last laugh, but despite a game-winning hit, I'm getting a little tired of Bill Hall. The sneak-into-the-tunnel celebration was a little weird, and I'm a bit perturbed that the Brewers responded to the Cardinals' barbs with a premeditated private celebration -- though I love that the Crew is suddenly a cocky force to be reckoned with (just don't bust out those sweep suits, please). But back to Hall: he's in the third season of a four-year, $24 million contract, and I simply don't think he's up to the caliber of the team's rising stars. His numbers against right-handed pitching are especially appalling. I appreciate his timely hit, but after last season and Hall's start so far, I'm pretty sure he's just dead weight.
I see Acai: I gave in to the hype and bought a jar of Acai berry capsules last week at Whole Foods. I did a bit of research and found that either this South American "superfood" is the most amazing fruit in the world, or it's a big waste of money. One week into it, and $20 in the hole, I feel absolutely no differently. I have no extra energy, no vivid dreams and I have lost exactly zero pounds. But, since I have 60 capsules and am supposed to take two daily, I'll give this little test a month and see if I get any results. I'm thinking I won't, but either way, I'll report back in three weeks.
Midwest by Southwest: I've flown Southwest Airlines many times over the years, and have been impressed by only one component of the airline's strategy: its prices. Gradually, however, I stopped being particularly interested in driving to Midway to save $100, opting for the convenience of flying out of Mitchell over the cost-savings of flying out of Chicago. Soon, however, Milwaukee will have an increasing number of direct flights from both AirTran and Southwest, and as a consumer, this is great news. Sure, everyone loves a free cookie on Midwest Airlines, but AirTran has wi-fi and will compete with Southwest for the best fares in Milwaukee. Will a new discount carrier hurt Midwest? Probably, but competition forces businesses to be their best, to not rest upon their laurels. Bring it, I say. In the end, we all win.
Andy is the president, publisher and founder of OnMilwaukee. He returned to Milwaukee in 1996 after living on the East Coast for nine years, where he wrote for The Dallas Morning News Washington Bureau and worked in the White House Office of Communications. He was also Associate Editor of The GW Hatchet, his college newspaper at The George Washington University.
Before launching OnMilwaukee.com in 1998 at age 23, he worked in public relations for two Milwaukee firms, most of the time daydreaming about starting his own publication.
Hobbies include running when he finds the time, fixing the rust on his '75 MGB, mowing the lawn at his cottage in the Northwoods, and making an annual pilgrimage to Phoenix for Brewers Spring Training.
