West Side Stories

I suppose that I could blame Al Gore. After all, he once claimed to have invented it. The internet, that is. Or, as I sometimes refer to it: the soul-sucking, mega-time-wasting resource that I simply cannot avoid. Yes, it’s true. Hi, my name is Karen and I’m addicted to the internet.

First of all, it’s obvious. I blog, therefore I am…addicted, that is. In fact, I can hardly remember the world before the internet. (Yes, boys and girls, there was a time when we actually went to the library and did research in books and periodicals when we had to write a paper. Ooooooooooh.)

Let’s face it, the internet is here to stay. And despite the obvious reasons to avoid it - A) Virtually no calories are burned when surfing digitally and B) I really could be doing almost anything more productive – there are some actually worthwhile places to go on the information superhighway.

And so, as a service to you, my 4 or 5 readers, I give you a peek at some of the bookmarks I have in my browser. These are in addition to the links that I have here on my blog (over there on the right side of this page under the heading “I heart these blogs.”) These are just extra little fun places I like to visit. (The sites are hotlinked - click on them to get to the sites):

The Tosa Town Square  – If you haven’t been there lately, well, why not? The discussions are lively, thought-provoking and sometimes very funny. And YES you can remain anonymous. Think of it as our own little witness protection program.

The City of Wauwatosa Website  – OK, fine. It’s not fun, per se, but it’s chock full of info. You can find meeting minutes, updates on city projects, e-mail addresses for everyone in local government and so much more. You can even find out info about the assessed value of your own home (or your neighbors, if you’re kinda nosy.)

Weather Underground Radar - I’m a huge radar geek. If inclement weather is moving into the area, the first thing I think is: “Oooh, I wish I could look at the radar.” Yeah, I know. It’s lame, but pretty fun on a stormy day!

Fashion websites - I am fashion challenged. I couldn’t style my way out of a paper bag. It doesn’t occur to me that something is in fashion until it’s on the sale rack at Target and then, it’s SO yesterday. Style Dash gives tips on the latest do’s and don’ts. Go Fug Yourself pokes fun at celebs who should rethink their red carpet look.

TV News - I grew up in front of the television. (Explains a lot, doesn’t it?) I try to be picky about what I watch. For instance: “The Hills,” in my opinion, can lower your IQ with just one viewing. “The Office,” is just great fun. So if I want to know the latest scoop on TV shows, I check out TV Tattle or Entertainment Weekly.

Well, that’s all for today. Hope you have fun with these sites. But remember, as with anything, the internet should be enjoyed responsibly and in moderation. Now let's all put the mouse down and step away from the computer….but do come back soon! (And be sure to comment or e-mail – we bloggers love to get feedback!)

Millie (see above) and I took a walk on this splendid, picture-perfect, day. She had a lot on her mind. Here are some things that she was wondering:

Millie wonders why some dogs walk their owners versus the other way around. How can that be fun with all the pulling and choking going on?

Millie wonders why the bike path/walking path for Menomonee River Parkway begins at the Harmonee Bridge and ends prior to Swan Boulevard. Did they think that people would be too tired to continue?

Millie wonders why some people bike, run or walk on the left side of the path.

Millie wonders why parking is allowed on both sides of the parkway when soccer games are being played. It seems so dangerous with so many kids running in between cars and across the road and people getting in their cars with little regard for traffic.

Millie wonders why I wouldn’t let her consume the old breadstick that she found on the sidewalk.

Millie wonders why drivers in Tosa interpret stop signs as “slow down” signs and roll through intersections.

Millie wonders if the street repairs at the corner of Milwaukee Avenue and Wauwatosa Avenue will ever be finished.

Millie wonders why the Root Commons Park (area in front of Drews) is called the Root Commons Park.

Millie wonders if any Tosa mayoral candidates have a chance against joeythelovesponge.

Millie wonders if we realize how lucky we are to have Ray’s here in Tosa with its amazing wine selection and knowledgeable staff.

Millie wonders if that store near 92^nd and North is really called Wallpaper Wallpaper.

Millie wonders if the Times Cinema will ever invest in slightly more comfortable seating to match the great films and great ownership.

Millie wonders if The Firefly will ever expand its menu and if it will ever be open for lunch.

Millie wonders if and when the new recycling program will start in Tosa and if many of us will get stuck with extra blue bags when it does.

Millie wonders why we all can’t just have trick or treat on Halloween (a.k.a. October 31st) from now on.

OK, truth be told, it’s not really their fault. If I could quit finding excuses to risk my life eating microwave popcorn, I’d probably spare a few pounds. But they’re not helping.

We are what could be called the poster family for Time Warner. We have it all, or as they call it: All the Best. TV-Phone-Internet. We are wired and wireless. And because our addiction to television could be termed chronic, we have HD and DVRs, thereby completing our cable alphabet soup.

We have lots of distractions to keep us immobile and entertained. Our DVRs are programmed to the hilt. We have so many season passes, there are not enough hours in the day to catch up on what has been recorded. We are expert time-shifters and we have multiple episodes of My Name is Earl  to prove it. I have no clue whether we’ll ever get around to watching them, but it’s nice to know that they’re there and saved.

I’m writing this post via our Road Runner internet connection. We switched from AT&T DSL. In my opinion, there is virtually no difference. It is slightly faster, but likely bogged down by our computers that are laden with iTunes and family photos and old video games that haven’t been launched in years. Our desktop is starting to look like my kids’ high school lockers. Not pretty.

Recently, we added digital phone service. It was a money-saving move that we reluctantly made. The idea that one company had a monopoly on all of the “devices” in our household was a little unnerving. But, it was time. So we made the switch. Again, very little difference between Time Warner and AT&T, except for those random moments when I pick up the phone and there’s no dial tone. It doesn’t happen a lot and I hate talking on the phone, so I choose to ignore it.

And now, we have the ultimate lazy feature in our many-faceted digital home. When we watch TV and the telephone rings, the caller’s name appears on our TV screen. I found this feature to be a little odd. I’d say that most people that have digital cable are likely to have caller ID and cordless phones. But now, thanks to Time Warner, I can sit on my couch and have the luxury of not turning my head to look at the phone when my mother calls.

Who knows what’s next. It’s all about convenience. As someone who remembers television before the introduction of remote controls, I can’t help but wonder what this means for future generations. I’ll think about that later. I have two episodes of Desperate Housewives to catch up on. Oh and while you're up, can you pass me the popcorn?

I’m not looking for trouble or trying to stir up emotions. In fact, I’m unsure how I feel about it. This is the sign on the west side of Swan Pharmacy at 92nd and North. It seems obvious that it’s in response to the opening of the stores across the street at the new Locker’s Pointe. And although I have applauded the developers of that new project, I can understand how it might bother existing stores to have their parking spaces used by customers visiting another establishment.

On the other hand, couldn’t new and bursting businesses be good for everyone within walking distance? Could it be that people that need a cup of coffee, a bouquet of flowers or a box of chocolate might also need a bottle of Tylenol or some decongestant? If we could create more walkable space in Tosa, couldn’t everyone benefit?

What do you think? Is this “sour grapes” or just a sensible business practice intended to look out for customers? Should one of these businesses (i.e. Swan, Alterra, Locker’s or Stam) be more flexible and compromise in some way?

Please use the comment tool below! I'd love to hear your opinions!

Millie and I (see above) just returned from a walk on Menomonee River Parkway. I do my best blog-thinking on these walks and today was an outstanding day for such a venture. Here are just a few of the gems that popped into my head as we walked:

Let’s hear it for the weather – clap, clap, clap, clap. Fall is, hands-down, my absolutely favorite season. Today is a spectacular example of why I love this time of year. The weather is cool and crisp, the bugs are gone, the sun is shining brightly and there’s a crunch with every footstep. Bravo Mother Nature.

Every time I walk Millie on the parkway, I’m pretty sure I’m violating some county ordinance. I know this because there are a few well-hidden signs that say NO DOGS ALLOWED. I’m guessing this is because of a few crummy dog-walkers who have not picked up after their dogs. You know who you are. Or maybe you don’t because you are one of those elite runners that allows your dog to run behind you unleashed. You’re moving so fast that you don’t know when your dog stops and leaves a souvenir on the pathway. In any case, I think the parkway should be open to well-managed, leashed dogs and their owners. I think we can coexist with the runners, the walkers and the stroller-pushers.

Today while walking, I heard a voice behind me say: “Coming up on your left. I have plenty of room. Thank you.” This was a courteous cyclist. It was also shocking to hear. I’m used to bikes whizzing past me with no warning. They can see me, but neither I nor my dog can see or hear them. The dog gets startled when they suddenly appear and then the cyclist gets mad when the dog inadvertently lunges in their path. If you’re riding behind a dog walker or anyone, give notice. Buy a bell. Give a shout out.

Maybe it was just a tease, but it sure looked like there were road repairs going on just west of Church Street on the parkway. Could it be that the infamous potholes are actually being fixed? We can dream, can’t we?

You might not have noticed but your friendly neighborhood bloggers have some new tools for their blogs. Now we can add photos, links, and other enhancements to our blogposts. We're hoping this makes our blogs more inviting and interesting to read. In addition to our new tools, you also have some new tools. Now you have an opportunity to comment on our blogs. That's right, next time we say something that drives you nuts or perhaps something that sounds brilliant, you can say so, right below each of our posts. Oh and if you really want, you can even remain anonymous. I think I speak for all of the bloggers when I say that we put a fair amount of thought into our posts and it would be great if we could hear from you. So here's your chance!

We do ask that you be respectful and polite, but we'd expect nothing less from our fellow Tosans. So dig in, read our blogs and by all means, comment early and often!

Along with the ability to comment, there are two other really cool features that I wanted to point out. If you look on the right side of this page, you'll see a section called "Tags" with lots of different sized words. Those words represent categories. I've marked every one of my posts (over a year and half of them!) and tagged them. Click on the words and you'll find my posts related to that tag.

Then there's the section called "I heart these blogs." These are blogs that I recommend, starting with my own personal blog called Momhood which I've worked on for over 3 years. The others are just plain fun. You'll find cute puppies, the writing of Jess Riley who is a hilarious Wisconsin writer, an MU basketball blog and TMZ.com - famous people doing infamous things. Check them out and enjoy.

Oh and in case I didn't say it before, thank you so much for reading my blog. I really appreciate it because "I heart my readers!"