Ross Maxwell Pisses You Off

Happy Birthday To...

2011-09-19T08:31:00.000-05:00

...Lita Ford! If you see the former Runaway today, kiss her deadly 'cause she's 53.

Happy Birthday To...

2011-04-20T08:31:00.020-05:00

...Crispin Glover! "George McFly" is 47 today. Remember when he was on David Letterman a number of years back?

He can kick.

Happy Birthday To...

2011-03-21T08:25:00.000-05:00

... Buck "Rock n' Roll" ZumHofe! No AWA show would be complete without Buck coming out to the ring with his signature boom box. I'm not sure if he ever upgraded to CDs though. Happy Birthday Buck!

"Survivor" is a whole new game.

2011-02-16T12:01:00.004-06:00

The first time I heard of "Survivor" was after my overnight shift one morning while I was hanging around the station. A story came over the news wire that about a new CBS show stranding a group of people on an island with little or no provisions and they would have to fend for themselves for a month. I'm thinking, these people are going to end up killing each other and I specifically remember saying sarcastically to a coworker, "Yeah. THAT'S a good idea."

It was.

The show that gave us arrogant nudie and tax evader (not to mention first winner) Richard Hatch, outspoken conservative and "The View" panelist Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Milwaukee trucker Susan Hawk and weaselly wrestling fan and granny killer Johnny Fairplay is back tonight on CBS for its 22nd season. Arguably the spearhead of the reality TV movement in the new millennium, the show still has legs although (like others of the genre) is starting to show signs of decline. Once a powerhouse on Thursday night, in recent years it has been under attack in its time slot to the point where the show was eventually forced to move to Wednesdays. Still, its been quite popular in recent seasons. And a lot of its success can be credited to a short stocky guy from Texas who has become in many people's eyes as the show's greatest uncrowned champion.

Russell Hantz appeared on two consecutive seasons (Samoa & Heroes vs Villains) and went to the end each time. He also came up short each time as his path to the final vote was one of burned bridges, blatant lies and broken promises. He stuck it to the producers of the show by finding multiple immunity idols... with NO CLUES. During the Heroes vs Villains season, he butted heads with another notorious "Survivor" bad boy, Rob Mariano -- "Boston Rob" -- and bested him. Is he important to the show's success? Three of the last four seasons (including tonight's) will feature Russell on the cast. So yeah, CBS sure thinks so.

Which brings us to tonight's premiere of "Survivor: Redemption Island", featuring Russell versus Boston Rob Part Two. An important note: this will also be the first season that this season's players actually got to see Russell in action and how he played the game on the show before filming (Being on consecutive seasons, the Samoa season aired immediately after the Heroes vs Villains season was filmed.) And unless this season's cast has never seen "Survivor" or is completely clueless, Russell Hantz should be the first person voted out. People know his game, how dangerous and devious he can be so his ouster should be a no-brainer, right?

Enter "Redemption Island". "Survivor" has changed the one constant of the game over the past twenty-one seasons by saying that if you're voted out at tribal council... you're not necessarily voted out of the game. You're sent to "Redemption Island" to duel another outcast one on one to get back in the game. So if/when CBS' favorite "Survivor" Russell Hantz gets voted off, he's not necessarily out. And more Russell means higher ratings.

Well played, CBS. As a radio-tv-film major from Oshkosh, I find this an interesting study of how even a reality show with little control who gets to stay around from week to week can manipulate the rules to get the most out of its cast. "Survivor: Redemption Island" premieres tonight at 7pm on WFRV Channel 5 or your local CBS affiliate.

It's spelled wrong...

2011-01-18T06:03:00.000-06:00

...or is it.

Well played, Press-Gazette. Well played.

Happy Birthday To...

2011-01-17T08:30:00.001-06:00

...Susanna Hoffs of The Bangles who turns 52 today! Arguably THE hottest rock chick of the 80's, Susanna is married Jay Roach (who directed the Austin Powers and Fockers movies) and knocked out a couple of kids. She's no stranger to movies either. If you remember her 80's film The Allnighter then it's because of this scene...

Not surprisingly, this was the highlight of the film.

Happy Birthday To...

2011-01-07T08:31:00.019-06:00

...Dustin Diamond! Last I heard, the now 34-year-old "Screech" continues to try to pay the mortgage on his Wisconsin home. Give a spaz a birthday gift and help him out by buying his book.

Van Der Beek In Da House!

2011-01-05T13:56:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday To...

2011-01-05T08:26:00.000-06:00

...Ted Lange! Your ship's bartender is 63 today!

How To Ruin Christmas - Part Three

2010-12-26T06:41:00.000-06:00

Candy is dandy but its not good for your body work.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T08:01:00.004-06:00

Auto Correct? Not Necessarily.

2010-12-21T11:30:00.000-06:00

One of my new favorite websites is damnyouautocorrect.com. If you own an iPhone (or any smart phone with this feature), you'll know what I mean. Here's a sample...

How To Ruin Christmas - Part Two

2010-12-21T09:30:00.000-06:00

Camels may not need water a lot but they do enjoy the church wine.

How to Ruin Christmas - Part One

2010-12-07T13:28:00.005-06:00

With the help of Rudolph, we see first-hand the before and after effects of a lobotomy. It's not pretty.

And the band played on.

Controllable Christmas Lights for Charity

2010-12-02T11:15:00.000-06:00

Here's one of my favorite internet destinations at Christmas. This guy's Xmas lights setup is fully controllable from your web browser. So you can inflate and deflate his inflatables and go on/off with his lights. He does accept donations for charity too. I dig it if only for the fact that the randomly blinking lights must piss off the neighbors. Do your part by clicking the link below.

Alek's CONTROLLABLE Christmas Lights for Celiac Disease

The Mad Traveler Comes Back!

2010-11-29T10:40:00.000-06:00

Kevin Revolinski -- The Mad Traveler -- comes back to the area next week. He's making stops in Green Bay, Manitowoc and Sheboygan to sign his book "The Wisconsin Beer Guide: A Travel Companion". This would make a great Christmas gift for the beer enthusiast in your life. His schedule is at his website.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T08:01:00.003-06:00

Ryan Reynolds - Before the Sexy

2010-11-17T12:55:00.000-06:00

It's official, ladies! Ryan Reynolds has been named People Magazine's Sexiest Man Alive for 2010. The guy who's about to become The Green Lantern has come a long way considering how he looked when I first saw him on television.

Back in 1990 or 1991 when I was living on my own in Marshfield, I'd drag myself out of bed Saturday morning and flip on Nickelodeon at 11am for my guilty pleasure, a Canadian soap opera for young people called "Fifteen". This thespian train wreck was horrible but yet -- like many disasters -- I couldn't tear myself away. Each week I'd try to shake off the previous night's hangover by watching this cluster. After Nick found that they too couldn't stomach "Fifteen", they dropped it and I was forced to move on. Years later I started watching ABC's "Two Guys, A Girl and a Pizza Place" and realized that one of the characters looked very familiar. It took a while but I figured out that Ryan Reynolds on "Two Guys" was one of the kids on "Fifteen".

Of course, Reynolds moved on since then ("Van Wilder" et.al.) but if you've never seen the really early days of "The Sexiest Man Alive", enjoy these clips from "Fifteen" featuring a teenaged Ryan Reynolds and bask in the bad. (I especially like the breathy blonde. Is she whispering?)

We're Worth HOW Much!?

2010-11-12T07:25:00.008-06:00

Open those checkbooks, WAPL faithful! Here's your chance to own what seems to be a historic and influential album (according to the listed price) thanks to eBay! And if you're really that tempted to use the "Buy It Now" feature, hold off until you talk to me. I have a copy of this piece of WAPL history that I'll sell you. And a bridge.

Look At This F*cking Flying Shark!

2010-11-09T12:11:00.001-06:00

Look At This F*cking Flying Shark!

Is it November 2nd yet?

2010-10-29T20:29:00.009-05:00

I guess this explains why no one in the area races are running on a pro-environment platform.

Seriously? It's bad enough that there's three political ads every commercial break (TV and radio) not to mention all the Robo-Calls I get each week. Now you're dumping all your propaganda on me like leaflets during the Korean conflict. Do you think I don't know you all are running for office? By now people on the island nation of Togo know you're running for office.

I'm no tree-hugger but this pile of waste is ridiculous. I give two shits how crappy you think the other guy is and if I did care I'd watch it on your television commercial (I'm sure there's one on right now somewhere) because then when you start bashing your opponent I can switch channels. Here's a question. Instead of worrying about what the other guy's done, what have you done good that you should get my vote?

I guess it doesn't matter. I wish I could say I'm going to make it to the polls on Tuesday but now I'm not sure. Not because I'm fed up with political ads. I just don't think I'll be done shredding all these election mailings before then.

Well, I'm certainly in a weird mood today...

2010-10-28T11:39:00.000-05:00

F**k Mexico

2010-10-27T10:23:00.001-05:00

At least it appears that the weather will.

Time to drop some mad beats, yo...

2010-10-25T11:11:00.000-05:00

...or something to that effect. Enjoy Vanilla Thunder.

Budweiser 2011

2010-10-20T13:06:00.003-05:00

NASCAR fans... When Kevin Harvick hits the track for Budweiser next year this is what his car is going to look like.

Sharp.

Credit to jayski.com

All I Want For Christmas...

2010-10-07T12:23:00.003-05:00

... is no more teeth.

And yes, you'll need to take out a home loan to buy this.

No More Brewers

2010-10-04T07:57:00.004-05:00

Halloweener Dogs!

2010-09-29T14:09:00.009-05:00

Halloween is coming up and I know what you're thinking. You're wondering what kind of embarrassing outfit you can dress your dog up in this year. Well don't worry...

The cat had it comin'.

Y-M-C-Woof.

I poop in your food!

Invisible jet? I wish I had an invisible vet instead.

Yo quiero to pee on your leg right now.

Packers/Bears Tonight!

2010-09-27T11:52:00.005-05:00

The rivalry continues...

Catch the game tonight on 105.7 WAPL with pre-game starting at 5pm. This year, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the legendary Chester Marcol touchdown where he caught his own blocked field goal and ran it in to beat them in overtime, 12-6. Poland cheered while Chicago cried!

Engaging the Public

2010-09-15T13:33:00.003-05:00

While WAPL management encourages the air staff to answer the e-mail's of our listeners who have comments and questions about us or our shows, they frown upon us getting in an online pissing match with people who have an obvious disdain for the station and abusively tell us so. I for one enjoy a good internet sparring match as our aggressors usually back down after we respond. But I could learn a few things from David Thorne who handles this persistent fellow with grace and aplomb.

Only the Village People know for sure...

2010-07-19T06:28:00.001-05:00

Back From Hodag...

2010-07-13T09:35:00.003-05:00

...and couldn't be happier. Nine days is waaay too much country music and camper time for me. I uploaded pictures from last week. If you want to see what all the fuss is about and you're a Ross Maxwell "friend" on Facebook, they're in my Hodag photo album.

Two BIG thank you's. First, to Paul's Trailer & RV in Morrison for giving us a deal on the camper for nine days. And a HUGE thank you to PB&J RV Repair and Road Service on Hwys 10 & 76 west of the Fox Cities. We were on our way out of town and were having trouble with the electric brakes on the truck and had to stop in. It was 15 minutes before they were closing for the holiday weekend and they stayed over an hour to take care of the problem. They could have stuck us with a pricey labor bill but they were very cool and did a great job. They just opened earlier this year so if you need your camper worked on, they're your guys. Thanks again!

Mmmm. Twangy.

2010-07-02T05:59:00.008-05:00

In mere hours I will be leaving for my yearly trek to the Wisconsin northwoods and the Hodag Country Music Festival. Yes, I know. It's country music. Those of you familiar with the situation know that this trip is not of my choice. My wife is the big country music fan and this trip is her deal. So to fulfill my husbandly duties I go along to listen to such artists as George Jones and Neal McCoy while self-medicating with Anheuser-Busch products.

Actually, it could be worse. Unlike other country music festivals where you have to buy their warm overpriced beer I can bring in my own. And since I grew up on old country I don't mind seeing ol' Possum or Loretta Lynn. In fact, the highlight of my Hodag weekend will be when she sings "Fist City". Then I can pass out happy.

Hodag runs from July 8th through the 11th but I'll be posting updates at various times during the week. And once the festival starts, I'll upload some pictures of some of the more interesting things I see (including some quality "eye candy", fellas... I just posted one from last year.). Check my "Mobile Uploads" at my personal Facebook page (not the fan page).

And wish me luck. I'll need it.

What'll You Have?

2010-06-30T13:15:00.003-05:00

Changes afoot for a Wisconsin mainstay...

Thanks to my good friend Ron for the link.

Go Big Reds

2010-06-09T10:42:00.018-05:00

Nebraska in the Big Ten Conference. Outstanding news. Having relatives who were transplanted to the Omaha area for many years, Nebraska has always been my number two behind Bucky. They will fit right in and I welcome the huge thorn that will be stuck in the side of Iowa with this move. That's going to be a great rivalry.

Nebraskans are as passionate for their Huskers as Wisconsinites are for the Packers. The Huskers are their pro football team. Tom Osbourne is a god in NE. And they know how to party. I was in Omaha over Labor Day weekend last year which was the same weekend as their first game and we were invited to my cousins in-laws for a tailgate party. Beer, tons of food, a sea of red, TVs on everywhere. It might not seem any different than what we do here but when every house up and down their road was doing the same it really says something about how important the school is to the people of Nebraska.

The Nebraska fan attitude is a lot like how it used to be here with the Packers. People didn't care how Green Bay did. Sure, there was frustration many times but we loved our Packers regardless of final score or division record. Then around 1992 and the influx of "bandwagon fans" that attitude became tainted. There's this pure love for their team that Nebraskans have that I don't sense as much anymore here. It's too bad but I guess it was inevitable.

In any event, I'm looking forward to having Nebraska around. They and their fans will fit right in with the Big Ten attitude. Welcome... and "Go Big Red"!

Rockin' Apple Sider

2010-06-02T20:01:00.001-05:00

It's Side One of Foreigner's "Double Vision", tonight at midnight on 105.7 WAPL.

Rockin' Apple Sider

2010-06-01T20:01:00.000-05:00

Tonight at midnight it's The Doobie Brothers and Side One of "Toulouse Street" on 105.7 WAPL.

Ross' Wacky-Ass Vinyl Find of the Week

2010-05-31T07:30:00.006-05:00

Here's one for Len. Actually, it may belong to Len's since I found it here at the station.

He was no fool. He'd never get the attention of the promoters in the highly lucrative world of polka music with a name like Joe Oberaitis. It may as well have been "Joe Blow". Not to be daunted, Joe renounced his birth name and took a step into the flashy by anointing himself "Mr. Polka Dynamite". And the rest is history. Look at the new found confidence brought on by his career choice. You can tell that he's ready to take on the polka world with such hits as "Dancing Doll Waltz" and "The Golden Kielbasa", a tune which I hope I never find out the backstory. And backed by his polka posse, there's no stopping this wildman.

God bless you, "Mr. Polka Dynamite"... and your polyester gang of four. You make our weddings and ethnic festivals something to remember.

Rockin' Apple Sider

2010-05-27T20:01:00.003-05:00

Join us tonight at midnight for Side One of "British Steel" by Judas Priest on 105.7 WAPL.

Rockin' Apple Sider

2010-05-26T20:01:00.002-05:00

It's Side One of Def Leppard's "High 'n' Dry", tonight at midnight on 105.7 WAPL.

Rockin' Apple Sider

2010-05-25T20:01:00.000-05:00

Join us tonight at midnight for Side Two of Metallica's Black album on 105.7 WAPL.

Ross' Wacky-Ass Vinyl Find of the Week

2010-05-24T07:30:00.002-05:00

If you're used to seeing the Gomer Pyle-side of Jim Nabors, the musical side may come as quite a shock. In reality, his singing career started at the same time as his acting career. Although Nabors has professionally retired his baritone voice to become a gentleman macadamia nut farmer in Hawaii, he still tries to perform at least one song a year. He will be returning to the Indianapolis 500 this weekend to sing "Back Home In Indiana", a tradition since 1972. He can still belt it out, too. Not bad for a guy who will be eighty in a couple weeks.

S-A-TUR-DAY... NIGHT!

2010-05-22T17:30:00.006-05:00

Big night tonight on WAPL.

6-8pm - Yours truly.
8-9pm - Stone Temple Pilots Radio Special, previewing the new album coming out on Tuesday.
9-Mid - House of Hair w/Dee Snider.

And you thought all you'd have to look forward to tonight was sudoku.

Sometimes you feel like a nut...

2010-05-22T14:01:00.003-05:00

The Dundas Testicle Festival is tonight. Two Of A Kind Bar has their outdoor tent set up and they're ready to rock with 1st Degree at 3-7pm. Then it's Half Empty starting at 7:30pm until whenever. Need directions? It's #1 on the map below.

Rockin' Apple Sider

2010-05-20T20:01:00.001-05:00

We remember the late Ronnie James Dio with Side Two of "Holy Diver" tonight at midnight on 105.7 WAPL.

There's nothing wrong with this video.

2010-05-20T13:00:00.003-05:00

That is...

1)...if you don't think John Parr looks like a creepy peeper when he's looking through the window.

2)...if you don't get uncomfortable watching JP sing to each member of the cast towards the end.

3)...if you don't notice the resemblance between John Parr and WAPL's Scott Stevens.

Discuss.

Rockin' Apple Sider

2010-05-19T20:01:00.003-05:00

We remember the late Ronnie James Dio with Side One of "Holy Diver" tonight at midnight on 105.7 WAPL.

Rockin' Apple Sider

2010-05-18T20:00:00.000-05:00

Inh honor of his new album, we'll be playing both sides of Meat Loaf's "Bat Out Of Hell" on consecutive nights. Tonight at midnight, Side Two on 105.7 WAPL.

Rockin' Apple Sider

2010-05-17T20:00:00.000-05:00

Inh honor of his new album, we'll be playing both sides of Meat Loaf's "Bat Out Of Hell" on consecutive nights. Tonight at midnight, Side One on 105.7 WAPL.

Ross' Wacky-Ass Vinyl Find of the Week

2010-05-17T07:31:00.005-05:00

By purchasing this album at an antique store for a buck, little did I know of the many questions it would raise:

1) How many people were there in Up With People?

2) Why are they always smiling?

3) Why do they have their own theme song?

and...

4) Why is it that Joe Calgaro knows the theme song word for word?

Seriously. He comes into my office, picks up the album and sings the Up With People theme song, dead nuts on. What the f**k? I'm not as disturbed about him singing the song as I am that song. Who the hell knows that? You should ask Calgaro about his love for Up With People. Kinda weird and a bit creepy.

Rockin' Apple Sider

2010-05-16T20:00:00.000-05:00

It's "Some Girls" by The Rolling Stones tonight at midnight on 105.7 WAPL.

Rockin' Apple Sider

2010-05-13T20:00:00.000-05:00

Side One of Springsteen's "Born To Run" tonight at midnight on 105.7 WAPL.

Ross Maxwell suggests a friend for you on Facebook...

2010-05-13T07:17:00.001-05:00

Rockin' Apple Sider

2010-05-11T20:01:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday, Billy Squier! We celebrate with Side One of Billy's "Don't Say No" release from 1981 tonight at midnight on 105.7 WAPL.

The New Fantastic Four

2010-05-11T09:45:00.002-05:00

Don't get me wrong. I'm all about Iron Man. But here's a superhero team I'd really like to see.

Rockin Apple Sider

2010-05-10T20:00:00.000-05:00

Tonight at midnight, Side One of Queen's "The Game" on 105.7 WAPL.

A Message For Our Local Racing Community

2010-05-10T11:29:00.005-05:00

For a number of years, I've been reporting national and local racing results on WAPL's In The Draft. And while its easy to pronounce the names of NASCAR drivers just because I hear them on a weekly basis, its just as easy for me to completely obliterate some the names of our local drivers. You've heard it. Hell, there's some names that I'll pronounce different ways each time I read it off. No, I don't do it on purpose. I just don't have the correct pronunciation of your name.

So here's what I need from y'all. If I'm mispronouncing someone's name during In The Draft, e-mail me and let me know how it should be read. I feel bad not knowing I'm butchering a driver's name so help a brother out and catch my In The Draft reports Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1:40 on 105.7 WAPL... "Your Station For Speed".

Ross' Wacky-Ass Vinyl Find of the Week

2010-05-10T07:30:00.003-05:00

Here's one that no God-fearing family can live without. As the back of the album states, "Here is a family that truly enjoys singing the praises of the Lord..." I can tell. Look at 'em. They're itching to pull out the ol' gee-tar and belt out such favorites as "Little Church of White", "Don't Let Me Cross Jordan Alone" and -- my personal fave -- "No Rioting or Looting in Glory". Dang-a-lang!

Rockin Apple Sider

2010-05-09T20:00:00.000-05:00

Tonight at midnight check out Side Two of "Cheap Trick at Budokan" on 105.7 WAPL.

Rockin' Apple Sider

2010-05-06T20:00:00.001-05:00

This week we're playing albums from artists who were also in prominent bands. Don't miss out on the Red Rocker tonight at midnight. Apple Sider features Side One of Sammy Hagar's "Three Lock Box" on 105.7 WAPL.

Apple Sider - Tonight at Midnight

2010-05-05T20:00:00.003-05:00

This week we're playing albums from artists who were also in prominent bands. Get ready to enjoy the dulcet tones of Ozzy Osbourne and Side One of "No More Tears" on Rockin' Apple Sider tonight at midnight on 105.7 WAPL.

Apple Sider Tonight!

2010-05-04T20:00:00.005-05:00

This week we're playing albums from artists who were also in prominent bands. Tonight at midnight on Rockin' Apple Sider it's Joe Walsh and Side One of "The Smoker You Drink, The Player You Get" on 105.7 WAPL.

Advice for Baseball Fans Everywhere

2010-05-04T08:33:00.003-05:00

DON'T RUN OUT ON THE FIELD DURING A GAME!

Ross' Wacky-Ass Vinyl Find of the Week

2010-04-30T11:22:00.008-05:00

I'm a guy who buys a lot of vinyl records. Old ones. Stuff that you can't find on CD... weird s**t... If I see it, I'll buy it. I could spend half the day at Goodwill and St. Vinnie's just going through their racks. Long story short, I have a lot of strange and wonderful vinyl gems. And now through the magic of the internet, I'm going to share them with you on a (hopefully) regular basis.

My aunt and uncle had this classic by music's equivalent of the Wonder Twins when they lived in the Madison area. My cousins and I made sure to listen to it whenever we came to visit. But I thought the wholesome goodness of this Donny and Marie release was lost forever until I found a copy at a resale store. Oh the joy of hearing "'A' Is For Alice" and "C'Mon Marianne" again in all its crackly glory. Marie's spoken lyrics during "Deep Purple" still melt my heart and you can never go wrong with "A Little Bit Country, A Little Bit Rock 'N Roll". If you ever come across this little slice of heaven at a garage sale or church swap meet, grab it and run -- don't walk -- to the nearest cashier, throw a five-spot down and yell, "Quickly, before the Mormons find out!"

Car Wars

2010-04-28T07:38:00.005-05:00

Could it be that the Hendrick Empire is crumbling?

After Sunday's race at Talladega there's no doubt that things between Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson ain't all sunshine and flowers.

Seeing as how Hendrick Motorsports rarely shows weakness within the organization, probably not the preferred response that Rick Hendrick would have liked to see. But what's said is said and brings up a lot of questions. Mainly, what the hell is going on with those two. Both have always maintained that even though they're teammates they are still going to race each other hard if they had to. But last Monday at Texas when Gordon got on the radio to complain about Jimmie's rough driving and now at Talladega when Johnson's block on Gordon started a chain of events that ended up taking Gordon out has now thrown a red flag that won't stop the rumor mill. And far be it from me to not add to it.

Honestly, it could be as simple as coincidence. Two separate incidents at two consecutive races that happened between two competitive drivers. Gordon may just be frustrated about his recent lack of success and took it out on his friend and teammate. Or it could be that Jimmie Johnson has finally convinced himself that he is the end-all and be-all of NASCAR and to hell with whoever gets in his way, not even his car part-owner. Who knows.

It should be noted that Johnson did apologize for the Talladega incident although he waited until hours later, long after he left the track. But I'm guessing that apology was expedited by Rick Hendrick as to lessen the distraction that Gordon's comments have started within the organization. Hendrick's next probable move (if it hasn't happened already) will most likely be to sit Gordon and Johnson down Cole Trickle-Rowdy Gaines style and tell them their on-track issues aren't good for business and -- for the sake of the media -- kiss and make up. How that plays out will tell the real story.

Until then, Richmond looks a lot more interesting, don't you think?

I Have a (Messed-Up) Dream

2010-04-20T08:55:00.010-05:00

I don't dream that often but this one was an odd music-related one so I'll share it. I'm going to have to paraphrase a lot of the verbiage because I don't remember but I need to type this out now or I'll forget all of it. Think 60s psychedelic and the styles of fashion and music that came with it as I go into this.

Last night I dreamed that I was working for some record company in the mid-to-late 60s and there was this band who wanted our company to represent them, so they had to audition for my record company boss and I with one of their original songs. I remember there were at least three of them and the main guy had one of those Nehru jackets that was orange-gold in color and he wore a 4-inch medallion that looked like a mini-gong.

So the band starts playing. Musically, they sound like a 60s psychedelic rock band. As they get into the lyrics... well, let me put it this way. Remember when Ice-T and Body Count came out with their album in the 90s and the strong reaction it got? Think of this band's lyrics the same way only not quite as bad.

They get done playing and me and my record company boss go into another room and he asks me, "What do you think?" I say, "Well visually they look great. Musically they're just what we're looking for. But those lyrics. I mean, what the hell!? Singing about killing and murder!? I want to think they played that as some sort of joke but I don't know. If we do sign them we're going to have to have someone write all their songs for them 'cause there's just no way..." We go back out by the band and I say to them, "I want to ask you this as not to offend you but was that song some sort of a joke?" They didn't say much about it.

Then the dream continues and I tell the band that if we signed them we'd have to write all their songs and we'd have to change the name of the band (the band's name was never revealed) and the band's new name became... Bubble Puppy. For those who don't know, they are an actual psychedelic band from the 60s (you may remember "Hot Smoke and Sassafras") and as I type this I found this while looking for a Bubble Puppy link...

Note the guy at the bottom. Not the same type of medallion but the same size. And the guy in the orange is close to the color I saw in my dream. I should also point out that last night I dealt with the topic of puppies AND bubbles at separate times so I'm guessing that had something to do with the band's name showing up in my dream. Friggin' odd. I don't even know how to end this other than the fact that this will become a regular feature if I continue to eat weird crap before bed.

Be My Fan

2010-04-19T09:21:00.006-05:00

In response to the other members of the airstaff setting up their own Facebook "fan pages", I started one for me, too. Not because I need to validate myself with a lot of fans. I just want more than the rest of the staff so I can rub their nose in it. And just on principle alone, the Illinois natives on staff shouldn't have more fans than any Wisconsinite. It's geography.

Learning The Hard Way

2010-04-13T06:19:00.001-05:00

Learning The Hard Way

Posted using ShareThis

Young Prince

2010-04-06T14:18:00.001-05:00

He sure was skinny back then...

Thanks for finding this, Mak!

News Dare!

2010-03-24T10:42:00.004-05:00

Hey WFRV 5's Angenette Levy! If you do live on camera what the reporter in this story did, I'll give you five bucks.

Billy, We Hardly Knew Ye

2010-03-18T12:03:00.000-05:00

I'm speechless.

Dance, White Boy... Dance.

2010-03-06T07:01:00.003-06:00

When Marquette makes the NCAA tournament this year, we have something to look forward to... the hot moves of coach Buzz Williams.

Then again...

Minnesota Math

2010-02-18T13:53:00.005-06:00

There's a group on Facebook you can join called "4 MILLION VIKINGS FANS WANT BRETT FAVRE BACK IN MINNESOTA FOR 2010".

As of right now, the group has 136,803 members.

If you ever buy anything in Minnesota, count your change.

Douchebag Closure

2010-02-15T08:09:00.004-06:00

A couple weeks ago, I gave Rick some grief off-air about not having a Thursday call-in topic. I normally do anyway but that day it may have been a bit excessive. That's why the theme was to ring us up and call me a douchebag.

For those of you that heard it, you know that it turned out to be rather popular. For those of you that actually called in to call me a d-bag, go to hell. As a final tribute to that special day, Rick made this cartoon for me...

Two Thumbs Up... Your Butt.

2010-02-05T09:08:00.002-06:00

Sure movie reviewers Siskel and Ebert had their disagreements but they must have gotten along in real life. Right?

Sure.

Packers News... Sort Of...

2010-02-02T11:36:00.001-06:00

Gotta love The Onion. Note the high school on one of the graphics...

Packers Fan Announces He Will Return To Drinking For Another Season

So you wanna be a Flintstone?

2010-01-26T08:42:00.002-06:00

During the Rick & Len Show call-in today we played a song by The Screaming Blue Messiahs called "I Wanna Be A Flintstone". For those of you who missed it or want to hear it again, here 'tis...

Find it on their album "Bikini Red" or just go to iTunes.

If "Anchorman" was animated...

2010-01-06T12:44:00.000-06:00

Question...

2010-01-05T08:08:00.002-06:00

Who has two thumbs and is bad at keeping up with his blog page?

I'll try to do better in 2010. Pinky swear.

Reports From The Stand?

2009-11-17T14:31:00.000-06:00

So I've been toying with the idea of doing Twitter updates while I'm in the tree stand this weekend.

Do I dare?

I'd need the good phone which my wife might not let me take into the wilderness for fear of me losing it. That's fair.

Hmmm. Maybe just opening morning...

Happy Manniversary

2009-11-10T13:41:00.002-06:00

14 years ago today I was hired at WAPL. I'm still here and it's official...

This is the longest relationship I've ever been in.

Parts Unknown

2009-11-02T10:14:00.003-06:00

Ever wonder where all those wrestlers who were billed as being from "Parts Unknown" were really from. The WWE's Chris Jericho says he has the answer.

I've Got Mail - October Edition Follow-Up

2009-10-12T08:16:00.004-05:00

Well that didn't take long. "Sim Jevero" of Oshkosh has already read my previous post and has crafted his well-planned rebuttal...

Comments: Here is just a quick thought, YOU SUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Think about it. You are just luck to have a job.

Sorry "Sim". All I can think about is why someone with a hyphen and now an exclamation mark fetish is spending waaaay too much time at my web page. It makes me a bit uncomfortable.

See what I put up with? Until next time.

I've Got Mail - October Edition

2009-10-12T06:41:00.008-05:00

Golly dinglefoot! I just love getting mail because then I can share it with you and maybe we'll all learn something. This is an e-mail I received from... well... we'll call him "Sim Jevero" of Oshkosh. Due to the "complexity" of the missive, I'll break it down to address all his queries. He writes...

Comments: YO WHAT UP? Are you a real DJ or just a over gloi - f- ied tape player?

First off, musically WAPL went from vinyl straight to CD in the late 80s. I think the last time tape was used at WAPL was in the late 90s and by then it was well on its way out. So I'll answer 'no' -- I'm not an "over gloi - f- ied tape player". And I don't know if "gloi - f- ied" is supposed to be how the kids are saying "glorified" these days but I'll chalk that up to a typo or someone who has a hyphen fetish. "Sim" continues...

How is it you can not answer the phone? Or maybe they take that responsibilty away from over night?

I get this often. My listeners' main issue with me is that I don't answer the phone. Guilty. I wont lie to you, gang. I don't answer the phone because I think that the person calling is going to be critical of my work or possibly drunk and belligerent (which never happens after midnight). But after getting this delightful e-mail, I don't know what I was ever worried about.

It is all nice you help out the morning show but what about your show? Maybe that is why U are still the night ...

And I believe this is where "Sim" was distracted by a rogue moth and proceeded to chase it around the apartment with a rolled up newspaper, hitting the computer keyboard and inadvertently sending his e-mail before he could rattle off a really serious burn. Tough luck.

If only my job was about playing music this wouldn't be an issue but unfortunately my other duties here at the station have me out of the studio during the show so I don't get to answer the phone. Hope that clears things up and I'm sorry for those of you who let the phone ring for an excessive amount of time just to be denied. But if you're still upset about it think about this. Is it really some huge thrill to talk to me anyway? Most people who know me don't think so.

Keep sending those e-mails! And I promise to be more diligent in my page updates, too. I've been so friggin' lazy about it.

Go Bucky!

2009-10-01T11:46:00.004-05:00

Whilst you surf the interweb today, why not vote for our own Bucky Badger in the Capitol One Mascot Challenge and stick it to that damn red thing that Western Kentucky calls a mascot. Here's the link.

B.J. Raji...

2009-08-10T06:37:00.000-05:00

Here's an idea... sign your contract, fatass. You haven't accomplished enough to justify being a dick yet.

Twittergate!

2009-07-30T06:09:00.002-05:00

It would seem that some asshat decided to hijack my Twitter account and send spam with it. If you were a follower of mine, a thousand apologies. It wasn't me who tried to direct you to porn. Hopefully it'll be up again in a week.

The Runaways movie - with pics!

2009-06-25T06:06:00.005-05:00

Wow... have I been anti-social. Better post something.

I promised to do this about a week ago but forgot. Here's a picture of Kristin Stewart as Joan Jett for the Runaways film...

...and here's Dakota Fanning as Cherie Currie...

The movie is set to be released in 2010.

Go Go You Pilots!

2009-05-05T08:52:00.010-05:00

I went to Sunday's Brewers game (Thanks again Ron & Gordo!) and realized that next year is The Brew Crew's 40th anniversary in Milwaukee. However, the team actually got its start 40 years ago this year when the Seattle Pilots took the field in Sick's Stadium.

For those that don't know, the Pilots moved to Milwaukee after one year in Seattle. From what I read, the story is rather complicated and I couldn't begin to explain it but this site can. Anyway, I found this video of Sick's Stadium with the official Seattle Pilots fight song as the soundtrack. The song is so full of hope for the Pilots' success and knowing what was eventually going to happen to the team... well, it almost brings a tear to my eye. Almost.

A-ha!

2009-04-30T14:15:00.001-05:00

Rap Chop

2009-04-28T06:09:00.003-05:00

Found this via my friend Doug who does mornings on WSSP-Milwaukee. Hilarious.

Should Vince be endorsing anything involving slapping?

I like eggs...

2009-04-24T09:13:00.002-05:00

...but I don't know how to take care of them. Thank goodness for Channel 5's Dr. Steve Brule...

Take Your Kid to Work Day

2009-04-23T13:35:00.006-05:00

So a bunch of coworkers brought their kids in for Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work® Day. Now I have to think if any of them heard me swear.

That's why I lock myself in my office.

A plea to the Green & Gold.

2009-04-20T14:06:00.006-05:00

Before you make your first draft pick Saturday, please remember the fun stuff that happened twenty years ago this year...

I would be irresponsible as a football fan if I didn't offer up this nugget of football history. Now choose wisely!

[By the way, catch draft updates all weekend on 1150 WHBY as well as 1570AM & 95.3FM The Score.]

Get to know me!

2009-04-13T11:18:00.008-05:00

Since us radio types can be secretive at times, how 'bout I regale you with some insightful "Ross Maxwell Fun Facts".

-My first car was a 1965 Plymouth Fury. My mom's uncle couldn't drive anymore so I bought it from him for $500. Because they never traveled far, it had 55,000 actual miles on it when I bought it in 1986.

-I have arguably the largest collection of Chester Marcol football cards in the world. 9!

-I once put a crack in the windshield of a Chevy Nova with my head. My dad had stopped suddenly to avoid hitting a killdeer in the driveway. I was five.

Don't you feel closer to me now?

Shandy is dandy!

2009-04-01T16:28:00.006-05:00

Phone a friend! Call your grandma! Ride through town screaming like you're Paul-freakin'-Revere! Tell everyone you know that Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy is back on the shelf at your local repository!

Sorry... I'm a big fan.

This is the third year for Leinie's seasonal beer and for me it never disappoints. Light and crisp, it's perfect for those warmer months so as soon as I find out that they're selling it again I rush to the nearest store and grab some. It's the only beer that my wife buys without me having to ask because she likes it too.

So if you know someone who drinks it, let them know its back on the shelf.

For your health.

WAPL High Octane Crew 2009 - The Lineup

2009-03-31T09:41:00.010-05:00

Ladies and gentlemen... boys and girls... children of all ages. It is with great pride that I unveil the three local drivers that “Your Station for Speed” will sponsor for the 2009 racing season...
Actually, you already know them. But I’ll talk ‘em up anyway.

John Meidam

John’s back in his #3 Super Late Model at Wisconsin International Raceway. He drives for beer. You can’t go wrong with that.

Todd Verhagen

Freedom’s own “Tiny Terror” once again pilots the wheel of his #52 Limited Late Model at WIR. This year he’s going to have the best crew ever because I get to be part of it. I think. Maybe they’re just humoring me. Anyway, these are last year’s colors. I’m trying to talk him into black and red for this year. Wish me luck.

Scott Mullen

Scott is our lone dirt driver with his #1 IMCA Modified. You should see him whip that sucker around the track. Sometimes the front wheel is so far off the ground in the turn you’d swear he was gonna flip the car.

It’s good to have everyone on board again this year. As soon as I get updated pictures I'll post them on the High Octane Crew page... and no, I haven't fixed the pix there yet. I will soon.

Get ready. We light ‘em up in less than a month.

For Smelly Teens

2009-03-30T08:24:00.001-05:00

Here's another nugget of wisdom from Channel 5's Dr. Steve Brule...

Dan Seals... I'm sorry.

2009-03-26T10:14:00.006-05:00

I don't necessarily believe in the supernatural, unexplained occurrences and the like but I want to pass this along because I never had something happen like this before.

[REFLECTIVE PAUSE #1: God, this is starting to sound like the beginning of a Penthouse Forum letter. Anyway...]

Within the last week I somehow heard a certain song which I had stuck in my head for days... "Meet Me In Montana" by Dan Seals & Marie Osmond. I know, right? What the hell? I think I heard it in the car on the way to Marshfield this past weekend but I'm not sure. Now although I can stomach the occasional country tune I'm not a country music fan and I won't go out of my way to listen to it unless forced to...

[REFLECTIVE PAUSE #2: For those of you that know me you'll know that I go to the Hodag Country Music Festival every year. Not my choice as it is one of the many sacrifices I make for my lovely wife. Therefore when I say "unless forced to", that's what I'm talking about. Just know that I take at least four cases of beer along for the duration just so you have an idea how I cope.]

So this song has been stuck in my head for the last few days. I even found it online and downloaded it so I had it. Weird. Anyway, I'm on the Facebook Wednesday morning and Calgaro did a status update, saying...

"...light of the world, shine on me, love is the answer."

[REFLECTIVE PAUSE #3: Lyrics from "Love is the Answer".]

So I reply...

"England Dan & John Ford Coley? You're on the WRONG station."

[REFLECTIVE PAUSE #4: "England Dan" is Dan Seals if you didn't know. He's on the left.]

Later that morning Roxanne Steele, John Jordan, Elwood and I were talking and Calgaro walks up and first thing he says to me is that those lyrics were from Todd Rundgren, not ED&JFC. I replied that ED&JFC recorded and released that song too. Then we all had a short discussion about 70s music and moved on with our lives.

[REFLECTIVE PAUSE #5: Don't bail yet. I'm getting there.]

Yesterday, Dan Seals passed away. Found it out this morning after all this other stuff occurred. And now I'm wondering if the persistence of that song in my head and the whole Facebook thing was trying to tell me that this was going to happen. It's really strange that a guy who I haven't thought about in years suddenly crossed my mind on two separate occasions in the past week right before he left us. But I suppose it was just coincidence. It sounds like Seals was rather sick so if it was some supernatural sign I doubt I could have done anything anyway. But if I could have... well then, Dan Seals... I'm sorry.

Although I didn't mean it to, this may have come across as some flippant attempt at humor and if it did, I apologize. In all seriousness, Dan Seals was as big a part of my musical influence growing up as any artist on 70s radio. Whether it was the songs of England Dan & John Ford Coley or Seals' foray into country music where he also had success, he should be regarded as one of the best and rightly so. I doubt any of the larger country stations in NE Wisconsin will do any tributes to him but there may be something on 104.3 The Breeze later on. Dan Seals died of mantle cell lymphoma at the age of 61.

I'm now Twitter-pated.

2009-03-12T09:09:00.010-05:00

In order to be hip and in tune to what's hot in the world today, I've now signed up an account. Just click on the Twitter logo.

Now you can be a "Ross Maxwell follower" short of having to drink the Kool-Aid.

What? Too soon?