An Ol’ Broad’s Ramblings
Archive for The Chadcast
The Chadcast
You may or may not have noticed that I’ve been pretty quiet both on this blog and the other blog. The reason for this is twofold. One, I’ve had a lot of stuff going on in my life recently, because YES – I DO have a life outside of cyberspace. Two, I’m just having a hard time getting worked up over current events. It seems like it’s the same crap, different day. Oh, I know that eventually something will get me worked up, but with everything else going on, it’s just not happening lately.
ANYWAY…the Chad has once again started podcasting. In the first part of this week’s podcast, Chad reflects on his wedding. I posted my thoughts on the wedding here. I enjoyed hearing the groom’s take on that wonderful day.
In the second part of the podcast, Chad opines on Cash for Clunkers. I really don’t have much to add to that because, as often happens, he pretty much said exactly what I think about the whole situation.
Go on – take a listen!!
The Chadcast: The Cult of Me
In this podcast, the subject is selfishness and human nature. What exactly is selfishness?
Chad makes the point that being selfish means putting your needs before God and others. That is very true. I try to put the needs of God and others before the needs of myself. I consider myself a very generous person – I’m always ready to give someone I care about a helping hand, or the shirt off my back. But – BUT – I’ve learned that a little bit of selfishness is okay. That’s called taking care of myself. If I don’t take care of myself, I can’t be the best mother I can be; I can’t be the best wife I can be; and I can’t be the best friend I can be. The point here, my friends, is balance. Taking care of yourself, so you CAN help others. And yes, he touches on that as well.
Another point is the age of electronics. With all the ways we have to communicate these days, are we or are we not ignoring our real relationships? I’m ashamed to say that I am guilty of that. I have a couple of friends who would go to the ends of the earth for me, as I would for them, but I’m embarrassed to say that I haven’t called them in awhile. Well, to be honest, I called one of them today. But that’s because she reached out to me and I was there for her. But weeks shouldn’t go by before I call my best friends. His words made me think about that. Don’t get me wrong – I’ve made some awesome friends as a result of the blogs, Twitter, Facebook, what have you. But those who have been through hell and back with me? I need to get off the damned computer and spend some time with them.
What I took from this podcast is that we need to step back, take a deep breath and consider what is REALLY important in our lives. I know it made me think…I hope it makes you think too.
The Chadcast: No More Heroes
In this week’s podcast, Chad talks about hero worship, human beings and expectations. I’ve just a few comments to make on this one.
As Chad said, we tend to put heroes, whether they be athletes or pop icons, on a pedestal. I’m guilty of that myself. I can’t tell you how disappointed I was to hear that Steve McNair was unfaithful to his wife. This, as we know, resulted in his death. But…BUT…I, along with others, must remember that these are human beings. They are as susceptible as any one of us to temptation, whether it be another woman/man, drugs, or something else. I can’t explain why I feel disappointed when I hear that someone who “seemed like a good guy” gets in trouble. Folks, that happens every day of the week. The difference is, if you’re not in the public eye, people are not dissecting every aspect of your home life, your social life, etc. Is it fair to those who ARE in the public eye? Probably not. Especially, in my opinion, when it comes to someone who attempts to keep his/her life private but is simply not allowed to. But, it is a result of fame.
In the same vein, we come to the “humanness” of some people that we see on TV. On Tuesday, through very odd circumstances that I will not get into, I met one of the Green Bay Packers at his home. Now some of you know, and some of you don’t, that I am a born and bred Bears fan…BUT…my husband is a Packer fan and I live in Wisconsin, so I know nearly more about the Pack than the Bears. Anyway, silly me! I was actually a bit nervous on the way! I’ve seen this guy on the field, and he rocks. But ya know what? He is a kind, sweet gentle soul. Very soft-spoken, we spoke of kids and dogs. The only HINT I got that he is the same guy I see on the field is when he called to his dog – he put on his “football voice.” And God help me – by the time I left, I felt almost maternal!! And I AIN’T that old!! What I’m trying to point out is that these people we idolize, respect, whatever you want to call it, are simply human beings. No more, no less. Yes, they may have special talents, but they are no more or less susceptible to the same things as you or me.
As for the rest of the podcast, just go take a listen. I will not comment, because it made me think, and think HARD.
Enjoy!!
The Chadcast: Money and Dead People
In this podcast, The Chad takes on a number of issues, the first being Cap & Trade. Chad breaks down the basics of Cap & Trade so simply (not simplistically) that anyone can understand it…even a lib! 
And this hits home for me, because yes, the Chris he mentions IS me. Another thing he brings up is the fact that the left just doesn’t understand how the manufacturing in this country supports them. When you kill the manufacturing, it will kill this economy. I’m not going to spoil it for you…I want you to hear it from him.
He then takes on the Wisconsin budget (hold me back!!). I agree 100% in that the taxes and/or fees are bad enough, but when you sneak public policy into a BUDGET, that is despicable. We’re talking same sex partner benefits and in-state tuition to ILLEGAL immigrants, just to name a couple. At one point there was the provision for “drivers cards” for illegals, but that was shot down (thank goodness). Please, can anyone tell me what in the world this has to do with the budget??? And I don’t want to hear about the pros and cons of these provisions…I’m just pointing out that this does NOT belong in the budget.
This state is losing businesses left and right (no pun intended) and those in Madison just don’t seem to care! Chad mentions that Mercury Marine is considering moving their headquarters…this again hits home. My brother was one of the top engineers at Merc…and got laid off about two months ago. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…this state is a trial lawyer’s dream, a business owner’s nightmare, and they don’t give a s**t about us “ordinary” citizens. They are taxing everyone right out of the state. I am from Illinois. I was born there and grew up there. I had a feeling when I married a cheesehead I would end up here. And I did. But ya know what? I LOVE Wisconsin!! I really do! I love the people, I love the friendliness…I’m happier here than I ever was in Illinois. But I gotta tell you friends, if things keep going the way their going, even WE may have to leave. The government here is drunk with power, and they don’t seem to give a damn about the “regular” people. I have to wonder…are they THAT out of touch, or do they just not care?
To lighten it up, The Chad then goes on to talk about celebrities and happiness. I’ve not much to add to that, but I suggest that you go and listen…some wise words.
The Chadcast – Obamacare and More
He’s baaack!!! The Chad has finally found a new home for his podcast. In this episode he takes on Obamacare and more. In my opinion, it’s a must read…ummm…listen. I really don’t have anything to add to this, because in my honest opinion, he’s really said it all. AND, he even gets snarky!! Go on – take a listen…
The Chadcast – Sickness and Hype
In this week’s podcast, The Chad takes on media hype and bias.
I will be the first to admit that I am a news junkie. One problem we have is that there is now 24 hour news coverage, which leads to stations grabbing onto whatever is necessary to fill those 24 hours. Another problem is that there are so many different news channels, in order to keep a viewer tuned in to a particular channel, that station has to create enough interest to hold on to a viewer. So, what’s a TV executive to do? Easy – create a panic. The Swine Flu stories are just the latest example of a media induced panic. While I agree that caution was/is needed, the absolute panic was ridiculous. Here in Wisconsin, schools were closing all over the state before we had a single confirmed case. This was, I believe, a result of hearing about the virus everywhere we turned; on the radio, the network news, the cable news. If one were to sit back, take a breath and think about it, the “regular” flu kills tens of thousands of people every year. Why do we not close schools then? Even my normally intelligent husband got caught up in the panic; he didn’t want me to get on a plane last week. Needless to say, I did get on the plane and I’m still here, healthy (relatively speaking) as always. I think it was irresponsible of the media to build this into something far more dire than it really was.
As far as media bias is concerned, I was going to post my thoughts on that particular subject, but time is short and my thoughts are not – I’ll save that for another day.
Enjoy the podcast!
The Chadcast – Taxes
Wanna hear a good rant on taxes? Take a listen…
I don’t have much to add – The Chad pretty much said exactly what many of us think. We are being taxed to death. Raising taxes in the current economy is one of the most fiscally irresponsible things that can be done. Higher taxes means less discretionary income means less spending means jobs lost means…well, you get the idea.
The Chadcast – Personal Technology Invasion
In this week’s podcast, the technological wizard opines about…well…technology! He gives his take on how technology has become a necessary fabric of our lives, yet can be unhealthy as well.
One thing that really hit home for me was becoming “unplugged”. As I’ve mentioned, I was on a retreat over the weekend, and I was more or less “forced” to be unplugged. I’ve got to tell you, it was NOT easy for the first night. It did get a little easier as time went on.
Until I found myself in that situation, I had no idea how much I rely on technology. It’s a habit. When I manage to have down time at home, my family can nearly always find me sitting in my den with my laptop open, my blackberry by my side and my IPod touch next to that. Oh yeah, that one piece of ancient technology is there as well…my land line phone. I knew the situation was bad when my husband had to make a date with me to watch a movie with him in the family room. And had to clarify…NO LAPTOP ALLOWED!!
So from now on, I’m going to try to take The Chad’s advice and limit my time online (note I say try!). Spend time with my family. I’ve made some very good friends in my online communities, but I can’t do that at the expense of those around me.
Cross Posted at Silent E Speaks
The Chadcast – 2nd Amendment, Economy and more…
I first referenced this podcast in this post. A fellow blogger and someone I am privileged to call a friend, has started podcasting. I am shamelessly hyping the podcast for a number of reasons. First, because he’s a friend. 
Second, because I think he does a darn good job of vocalizing things that have been going on in my head. I may have commentary, I may not. I’m just experimenting with this.
In this week’s podcast, he touches on the horrible shootings in the last few days. One thing really stood out…the gun is not the problem. Think about it…the gun is NOT the problem. The people are the problem. I agree wholeheartedly when he mentions that all the gun laws and gun control in the world will NOT keep the guns out of the hands of criminals.
Another thing he touches on is how the government is killing small business. Specifically mentioned is a small machining business. This hits home for me, you see, because my husband also owns a small machining business. Very interesting stuff.
Also discussed is the auto industry and South Korea.
Are ya curious? Give it a listen…
