Second Supper

DEAL OF THE WEEK: OIL CHANGE AND FILTER FOR $19.95 AT JOHN'S BAY • PAGE 4

aLso ...

Check out the schedule for freedom fest

LA CROSSE'S FREE PRESS

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VoLume 10, no. 22 | June 10, 2010

The Bandshell Battle

Is this 80-Year-Old Structure worth preserving?

PHOTO BY ASHLY CONRAD

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PLUS: SOCIAL NETWORKING • PAGE 7 | THE MAJAK MIXTAPE • PAGE 7 | THE ADVICE GODDESS • PAGE 11

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Second Supper

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Second Supper

Things To Do Cheer your favorite derby girls

The Top

Worst hair metal band names 1. Enuff Z'Nuff 2. Stryper 3. Winger 4. RATT 5. Dokken 6. Europe 7. L.A. Guns Teams we're rooting for in World Cup 1. U.S.A.!

2. South Africa 3. Côte d'Ivoire 4. New Zealand 5. Serbia 6. Uruguay 7. Cameroon

June 10, 2010 // 3

FIRST THINGS FIRST

Both La Crosse roller derby teams conclude their seasons Saturday, June 12. The La Crosse Skating Sirens face the Skee Town Skirtz from Muskegon, Mich., at 7 p.m. in the La Crosse Center. The bout is a tribute to members of the U.S. armed forces. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $7; members of the armed forces get half off. Tickets are available at the La Crosse Center box office or at ticketmaster.com. The team also will host its end-of-season bash at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, June 19, at Pla-Mor Lanes. Tickets are $15.

For information, visit www.skatingsirens.com. The Mississippi Valley Mayhem concludes its second season against the Harbor City Roller Dames from Duluth, Minn., in the Payback Picnic bout at 7 p.m. at Green Island Ice Arena, 2312 7th St. S. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 3-12.

Advance tickets can be purchased at Deaf Ear Records or online at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/113614. An after-party will be held at Yesterdays on Pearl Street. For information, visit mississippivalleymayhem.com.

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Find out more about Human Powered Trails

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Human Powered Trails will host a Trailfest from 3 to 7 p.m.

Saturday, June 12, at the trailhead off County Highway FA near La Crosse. (There is a trailhead and parking lot right next to the National Weather Service Station.)

The event is designed to introduce newcomers to the organization as well as to thank its many volunteers. There will be hikes and guided mountain bike rides for every level of rider. For information, contact aaron@humanpoweredtrails.com or visit humanpoweredtrails.com.

Take a swing at whiffleball

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Keeping with our sports theme, the La Crosse YMCA this year is offering an adult whiffleball league that begins play Sunday, June 14, through its North campus. The registration fee for a nineperson team is $60. Games are played weekly through Aug. 2 at Miracle Field, 400 Mason St., Onalaska. For more information, call (608) 783-9622.

Say hello to some very fine artists

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An artists reception honoring participants in the Wisconsin Regional Arts Program exhibit, sponsored by the La Crosse Society of Arts and Crafts, at the Pump House Regional Center for the Arts, 119 King St., will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 12. WRAP was established more than 40 years ago to encourage people who love to create art. The exhibit, one of several held throughout the state, features work of artists age 16 and over. It has been on display in the Kader Room since June 3.

Plan now to attend friendship concert

Busya Lugovier and fellow classical musicians will perform a concert celebrating 20 years of friendship between the cities of La Crosse and Dubna, Russia at 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 18, at the Pump House Regional Arts Center, 119 King St. The program will include works by composers such as Hayden, Rachmaninoff, Bruch, Bulachoff and Scott Joplin.

Musicians joining Lugovier include Jon Cowan (French horn), Mariel Crolius (French horn), Cassandra Sundram (violin), Raphaelle Siemers (violin), Sarah Ranscht (cello), Chris Werner (clarinet), Beth Lachman (piano), Nancy Matchett (soprano) and Karen Hill (viola). For information, call (608) 785-1434 or visit www.thepumphouse.org. The Pump House is open from noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, and by appointment.

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Second Supper

COMMENTARY

The WisPolitics.com Week in Review sTOCk REpORT

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Second Supper 614 Main St., La Crosse, WI 54601 Phone: (608) 782-7001 Online: secondsupper.com Publisher: Roger Bartel roger.bartel@secondsupper.com Editor in Chief: Adam Bissen adam.bissen@secondsupper.com Student Editor: Emily Faeth emily.faeth@secondsupper.com Sales: Mike Keith mike.keith@secondsupper.com Sales: Jenaveve Bell jenaveve.bell@secondsupper.com Sales: Ansel Ericksen ansel.ericksen@secondsupper.com Contributors: Amy Alkon, Erich Boldt, Nick Cabreza, Brett Emerson, Jake Groteuschen, Shuggypop Jackson, Matt Jones, Carolyn Ryan, Stephanie Schultz, Anna Soldner

Despite complaints by conservatives that Wisconsin is turning into a lawsuit hell, a new study suggests the state has one of the best liability climates in the country. The study ranking states’ tort costs and total risk — done by the San Francisco-based Pacifi c Research Institute and Virginia's Manufacturers Alliance — fi nds the Badger State has the ninth-best tort liability climate in the country. What’s more, that’s up from No. 17 in 2008. One of the report’s authors says Wisconsin compares favorably with the rest of the country for medical malpractice insurance losses, coming in at No. 5, but ranks 45th in a measure of product liability losses.

Though the report fi nds Wisconsin’s liability laws are not particularly strong, state judges and juries also don’t seem inclined to award huge damages, helping the state’s ranking.

The authors argued the rankings show the need for tort reform in future federal economic development measures, noting that, "Job growth was 57 percent greater in the 10 states with the best tort climates than in the 10 states with the worst tort climates.” Alaska came in No. 1 on the list, while New York and New Jersey came in last.

fAlliNG Uninsured motorists

The days of getting by in Wisconsin without car insurance are offi cially over.

The state’s new requirement that drivers get insurance and carry proof that they have it took effect last week — causing confusion and complaints. Some conservatives huff over a provision that allows the police to ticket anyone who doesn’t have their insurance proof with them in the car, even if they have a policy. But proponents say the change will help those who got struck by previously uninsured motorists, then got stuck with the bill. The requirement even carries over to those driving motor scooters and mopeds: a minimum liability of $50,000 per person, $100,000 per crash and $15,000 for property damage. The new requirement leaves New Hampshire as the only state that doesn't require drivers to carry insurance coverage.

Raw milk sales

State offi cials insist a raid of a Sauk County farm that produced unpasteurized dairy products was a routine enforcement action against an unlicensed business. But raw milkers see an ulterior motive, insisting it’s a sign state offi cials are trying to crack down on the movement. In addition to sealing refrigerated cases of unpasteurized dairy products, state inspectors ordered Vernon and Erma Hershberger to stop selling their products to about 100 regular customers.

THAT's DEBATABlE

Editor's Note: WisOpinion.com has asked two veterans of Wisconsin policy and politics, Scot Ross of One Wisconsin Now and Brian Fraley of the John K. MacIver Institute for Public Policy, to engage in weekly exchanges on a topic of their choosing. In this installment of "That's Debatable," Fraley and Ross debate the recent state Republican Convention and its endorsement of Ron Johnson.

Brian Fraley: Scot, I have to laugh at all the angst displayed, mostly by those on the left, over the Republican Party of Wisconsin's endorsement of Scott Walker for governor and Ron Johnson for U.S. Senate. While the courting had been going on for months in Walker's case and fervently for weeks in Johnson's, the fi nal process was public and the fi nal choice was made by nearly 2,000 people from every county in Wisconsin. A huge contrast, it must be noted, to the way Dave Obey, WEAC and the SEIU cleared the fi eld for their hand-picked candidate for the 7th Congressional District Democratic nomination, Stevens Point-area state Sen. Julie Lassa.

Scot Ross: I’m not sure what lefties are currently your Facebook friends, but if they’re telling you there’s anything other than amusement with the sideshow of the recent

GOP convo, then they are yanking, as my grandmother used to say, “yer chain.” One story was the party bosses needing to provide legitimacy to the proven record of failure of Scott Walker with the GOP seal of success.

But the real lede was this whole Ron Johnson hilarity. You can’t seriously say that a guy with no record who was at a Tea Party rally once is somehow the dream GOP Senate candidate who built a grassroots network in the week and half after Dick Morris told him through the Fox News tee vee he was the chosen one to run in Wisco.

Fraley: As far as underestimating Ron Johnson, I only wish the left would. Obviously the Feingold camp is the one scrambling, now enlisting the assistance of the vice president of the United States to help with his fundraising. If Johnson and the Tea Party weren't a threat, Feingold would not have asked the White House for this assistance.

Ross: Puh-lease. I’m sure the presses are currently stopped with the news that the Democratic vice president is going to do a fundraiser for an incumbent Democratic senator. You wanna talk about who’s coming to the state for GOPers ... uh, unindicted Bush apologist Karl Rove and Jack Abramoff lackey Ralph Reed.

pOliTiCAl NEWs iN BRiEf Tea Party says it has not endorsed Johnson A coalition of Tea Party leaders is objecting to media characterizations that GOP U.S. Senate candidate Ron Johnson is the preferred candidate of the movement.

The release doesn't use Johnson's name, but refers to "a candidate for federal offi ce who announced his campaign just prior to the state GOP convention."

"Such proclamations give the impression of a publicly acknowledged, consensus opinion within the movement," reads a statement from fi ve Tea Party leaders from across the state. "However, they were made without consulting any of the numerous existing groups in the state that comprise the movement. The resulting news stories were, therefore, not only inaccurate but also troubling."

The release says the "Tea Party/Patriot groups" have not endorsed any candidate for any offi ce and do not align with any political party.

Barrett sees potential for raw milk compromise Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett says he's optimistic that further compromise can still be achieved in the debate over the sale of raw milk and that he'd be open to legislation that would "allow it to be sold in some form but not impact the entire dairy industry."

Barrett declined to comment directly on the legislation recently vetoed by Gov. Jim Doyle, instead suggesting that a task force on the subject convened by state agriculture offi cials could yield a better compromise. He said this session's lengthy and highly publi-

cized debate on unpasteurized dairy could result in a Legislature and public that's more educated on the subject, producing a better bill.

"Whatever steps are taken, we have to ensure that there are steps in place to make sure that the entire industry" is not negatively affected, Barrett said in a conference call with reporters on his agricultural agenda, fi rst released last month.

He said he wants to return Wisconsin as the top dairy producing state, expand other agricultural production, enhance the state's biomass profi le and improve higher education's role in agriculture.

Neumann, Walker spar over county spending

The top GOP gubernatorial contenders went a few rounds recently over Milwaukee County spending.

Former U.S. Rep. Mark Neumann said that over the past eight years County Executive Scott Walker’s proposed budgets in Milwaukee County have risen from more than $1.1 billion in 2003-04 to more than $1.48 billion in 2010-11, an increase of 35 percent.

Over the same period, state spending has increased from more than $24.52 billion to $31.14 billion, an increase of 27 percent.

"For a guy who was once a math teacher, apparently he needs to go back to school and do a little math here," Walker said.

Walker said the Neumann comparison does not remove capital budget spending from the operating budget, which he said would show a $65 million spending decrease between 2009 and 2010.

Second Supper

The bandshell battle Is 80-year-old structure worth preserving?

By Adam Bissen

adam.bissen@secondsupper.com

In 1908, Wendell A. Anderson, a former surgeon and two-time mayor of La Crosse, established the city’s fi rst Board of Park Commissioners and charged them with developing an unsightly levy on the Mississippi River into a public gathering place. Anderson didn’t live to see the completion of Riverside Park, but in 1930 his family donated $25,000 for a memorial bandshell made of carved limestone and constructed in the art deco style.

Over the following 80 years, the Riverside Park bandshell has been used continuously; it was renovated in 1962 and 1978 and expanded with concrete in 1986. The resulting space is a pastiche of architectural styles that hosts weekly summer concerts and other events that usually leave the users somehow unsatisfi ed.

“The prime function of that place is music performance, and the acoustics are just abominable,” said Alex Vever, president of the La Crosse Concert Band, an 80-plus person ensemble that began its Wednesday night concert series on the bandshell this week.

The Riverside Park bandshell has other defi ciencies, too, Vever said. The small, uncovered stage cramps the band and leaves the players exposed to sun and rain while the music booms mostly skyward instead of toward the audience. There are no ramps to the stage, which makes it in violation of the Americans With Disabilities Act, the electricity and sound systems are shoddy, and the below-stage storage space often pools water.

Renovations obscure original design

But despite the bandstand’s myriad shortcomings for musical performance, many in the preservationist community want to maintain the structure as a connection to La Crosse’s past.

John Satory, a city council member who sits on the Historic Preservation Commission, said that if the city does any work on the Anderson memorial bandshell, it should be to return it to its original, pre-renovated design.

“I know they’re talking about ripping it down. It’s carved stone and we don’t make things like that anymore,” Satory said. “We always end up doing really cheap stuff nowadays instead of quality work.”

The original Riverside Park bandshell was designed by Otto Merman, a prolifi c local architect who also designed the Pettibone Bath House, Myrick Park Zoo, Batavian National Bank, Lutheran Hospital, several homes and 13 La Crosse schools.

But Merman’s original design has been obscured by various renovation projects over the years, namely the poured concrete that was added at the behest of Riverfest organizers in the 1980s. The current bandstand doesn’t look particularly elegant, but one can still make out the carved limestone blocks and fl uted columns that comprised

June 10, 2010 // 5

COMMUNITY

Merman’s original design.

To some, the shoddy renovation is reason enough to scrap the entire bandstand and start anew.

“There is an effort, not so much to improve (the bandshell), but to replace it,” said Jeff Krauklis, vice president of the La Crosse Concert Band. “It has really outlived its usefulness for what it was intended for.”

Although the La Crosse Concert Band has spent the past couple years drumming up support for a new bandstand in Riverside Park, the project has yet to go beyond the “idea” phase.

But Krauklis said the concert band has budgeted money for an architect to draw up plans for a new bandshell, which would help get a price tag for any possible work projects and also get La Crosse residents talking about their own ideas for Riverside Park.

Despite the seemingly contrasting goals of La Crosse’s musical and preservationist communities, a new or renovated bandshell is on the city’s radar.

“It’s structurally falling apart right now,” said Steve Carlyon, director of the La Crosse Parks & Recreation Department. “Something will have to be done, or it will deteriorate to the point of where it’s crumbling.”

Two years ago, the parks department began speaking with the La Crosse Concert Band, jazz band (who performs in Riverside Park on Sunday nights), historical society and other interested parties to get their thoughts on the bandshell.

No decisions expected anytime soon

Carlyon said there hasn’t been a pressing call by the public to build a new bandstand and that the Parks Department already has a slate of other projects in the works — including fi nishing the Black River Beach community center and fi xing up Red Cloud Park and Grandad’s Bluff.

And before any new construction in Riverside Park could begin, plans would have to be approved by the Historical Preservation Committee, the Planning Commission and the Park Board and then receive design and funding approval from the full city council.

Any work to the current bandshell would also probably have to be approved by the Anderson family, whose original donation also included a $10,000 trust fund to pay for entertainment in Riverside Park.

“I don’t know who’s left any more from that family to say ‘Hey, leave that thing alone,’” Satory said.

Rather than tearing town the original bandshell, Satory suggested building a newer, larger structure elsewhere in the city — possibly in the Mobile Oil site — that could accommodate orchestra, theatre and other community events.

But representatives of the concert band said a fully functioning bandstand would draw more people downtown and be in line with the original mission of Riverside Park.

“We just have two different points of view on this deal,” Vever said. “A lot of things are worth preserving. This thing is not.”

Dispatches from HQ Habitat ReStore announces green building improvements The Habitat ReStore at 3rd and Cass streets will soon be embarking on a series of building improvements to improve energy effi ciency. Improvements will include adding a geothermal cooling system for the offi ces, replacing broken single-paned windows with glass block, and adding a new south entrance to provide natural light and take advantage of passive solar heat in the winter.

“Lowering environmental impact is a very important part of the Habitat ReStore’s mission," said manager Steve Baker, who also noted the store will resell donated building materials, which keeps the the still useful material out of the landfi ll. "We’re excited to be able to take our green efforts one step further by making some energysaving, environmentally focused improvements to our facility.”

The work, which also will include repainting shelving and rearranging workspace, will begin this month. “Down the road, with the support of the community, we’d like to move to a new building that will offer us more space and parking,” Baker said. “Until then, we’re going to make some improvements to our current building to improve the environment for our staff, volunteers and customers, and to become more eco friendly."

Habitat ReStore collects new and used building materials and sells them below retail prices. All profi ts go directly to Habitat for Humanity-La Crosse Area. For more information about the Habitat ReStore or its project, contact Baker at (608) 785-2375 or via e-mail at restore@habitatlacrosse.org.

he said in a press release.

In his announcement, Murphy said he was disappointed that more than 20 state legislators have chosen to leave their current seats this year. He attributes this to their frustration with the acrimony that has infected the political process. “More than ever, we need to change the way we do business in Madison by putting the needs of our citizens fi rst and working together to meet their needs," he said.

Raised on a farm in the Coulee Region, Murphy, 53, worked in business here and overseas before establishing his law practice in 1996.

Brian Murphy announces run for 96th Assembly seat La Crosse attorney Brian Murphy has announced that he is running on the Democratic ticket for the 96th District Assembly seat held by three-term incumbent Lee Nerison, R-Westby.

Murphy, who lives in rural Westby, said area residents face the multiple challenges of high unemployment, loss of family farms and small businesses, threats to the environment, high prices for energy and health care, and limited funds for education.

"These issues are too important to be lost in a fog of partisan squabbling in Madison,”

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6// June 10, 2010

The ArtS Review The Designer's Drugs Medium: Literature Stimulus: The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson Anno: 2010

Star Wars really destroyed the concept of the trilogy. George Lucas’ original sci-fi epic is really two tales: the introductions featured in A New Hope, followed by the cliffhanger of The Empire Strikes Back and the resolution of Return of the Jedi. Since the Holy Trilogy came out it seems as though this brand of three-parters has become a dominant form. You have The Matrix, Pirates of the Caribbean, Back to the Future and the new Star Wars trilogy as examples. In the uncertain and high-risk world of cinema, this is an understandable approach. Yet as it comes to Stieg Larsson’s Millennium Trilogy — a tale told in books before they were translated to the big screen — the Lucas form of trilogy doesn’t quite work.

Following up on the cliffhangers presented in The Girl Who Played with Fire, (a book that bears more than passing similarities to Empire,) The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest concludes the Millennium Trilogy by concerning itself with little more than wrapping up the hanging plot points. The conspiracies set forth in the previous book are expanded upon, yet there’s little sense of danger.

Adding to this are a few more objections. Superhacker Lisbeth Salander, the most compelling character in Larsson’s stories, is largely absent from the proceedings, leaving the straights to untangle her web and detracting from the story’s appeal.

Furthermore, there is a completely pointless subplot halfway through involving the stalking of a supporting character. This is Larsson’s biggest misstep in his writing; the

Second Supper

ARTS stalking plot feels contrived and amateurish, designed to pad the comparatively dry story with cheap intrigue. Finally, the story’s ending could have done without its predictable surprise fi nal confrontation.

On the positive side, Hornet’s Nest is a greater display of Larsson’s skills of multiple characterizations. Though The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is centered on Salander and her straight man counterpart Mikael Blomkvist, the following books bring together the perspectives of a large cast of characters in a way that doesn’t wear thin.

Yet ultimately, this book feels incomplete. The easy way to look at this is to assume that Stieg Larsson, who died before any of his books were published, polished this story the least. That may or may not be true, but what seems clear is that his Millennium Trilogy begins with one of the most captivating mysteries of the last decade in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and falls victim to Lucas Trilogy conventions as it moves on.

At least there are no Ewoks in this Return of the Jedi.

— Brett Emerson

ready to pounce upon them at any second.

His erotic aura is contagious, as kids become prone to mudwrestling, Pee-Wee’s talking pig hooks up with a hippo, and the legendary Piccolapupula brothers team up on one of Pee-Wee’s conquests.

The story takes us to Pee-Wee Herman’s mad science farm, where hot dog trees grow and animals hold picnics. After a freak Ozlike maelstrom, Pee-Wee emerges from his storm cellar to fi nd a circus deposited on his property. Always enthusiastic about situations like this, Mr. Herman takes in the roustabouts and they set forth to put on the greatest circus the world has ever seen! Dog boys, men-women and lovable lions must rise with Pee-Wee against the oppressive forces of the town’s old codgers, who long for a world without fun and see Pee-Wee as an aberration. Yet when the tables are turned and PeeWee’s hot dog tree becomes weaponized, one of the old folks turns into none other than Saved by the Bell’s Dustin “Screech” Diamond!

No, Big Top Pee-Wee isn’t as great a fi lm as its predecessor. But its own sense of ridiculousness is nonetheless wonderful.

Bizarro Masterpiece Theatre

Medium: Film Big Top Pee-Wee (1988) Director: Randal Kleiser Stars: Pee-Wee Herman, Kris Kristofferson Writer: Debra Hill, Paul Reubens, Richard Gilbert Abramson

The Screening Room

This is a woefully underrated fi lm. Sure, Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure may be a magnifi cent triumph of cinema, and it is certainly one of Tim Burton’s fi nest fi lms, but the glory of Big Top Pee-Wee shouldn’t be shunned and ignored simply because it isn’t on the same level. Despite its status as a themed movie, which limits its story in ways that Big Adventure wasn’t, there are worse things to make than a circus movie.

What I like most about Big Top Pee-Wee is that it brings back the childish perversion of the original Pee-Wee Herman Show (not to be confused with the Playhouse). In this fi lm, Pee-Wee isn’t a sexless man-boy who prances across the land in a bemused state of obliviousness. No, this Pee-Wee is a mad pimp who frantically loves the ladies and is

— Brett Emerson

Medium: Film Splice (2010) Director: Vincenzo Natali Stars: Adrien Brody, Sarah Polley, Delphine Chanéac Writers: Vincenzo Natali, Antoinette Terry Bryant, Doug Taylor

With a simple, clever title like Splice, and with a misleading theatrical trailer that emphasizes its largely non-existent horror and suspense elements, Vincenzo Natali's new fi lm is likely to disappoint any theatergoer primed for science-fi ction horror à la Alien or a gross-out creature feature à la, well, Alien. Splice is less interested in spilling blood and making audiences jump out of their seats than it is in exploring both the nature of the human-animal hybrid at its center and the imprudence, susceptibility and fragility of the biochemist couple who created it. In addition to issuing a broad warning about the consequences of unethical experimentation, Splice offers a twisted

glimpse at the drawbacks and challenges of parenthood, fi nding room for suspense and horror only in its spare time.

While it may lack enough suspense and horror to keep audiences of those two elements satisfi ed, the fi lm luckily doesn't skimp on disturbing content. The opening scene is a fi rst-person point-of-view shot from the perspective of a synthetic giantslug-like creature as it burrows out of its artifi cial womb. It's welcomed into the world by biochemists Elsa (Polley) and Clive (Brody), a duo whose job is to mix and match animal DNA to create creatures that will in turn produce cures for diseases, among other useful compounds. Against the wishes of their employers, they decide to see what will happen when they mix animal DNA with human DNA. The result is a part-human, part-amphibian, part-bird, part-any-speciesyou-can-name creature that would make Dr. Moreau envious.

Elsa and Clive secretly raise their irritable little miracle, dubbed "Dren," in an abandoned barn that once belonged to Elsa's own abusive, neglectful mother. Attempting to be everything that her mother wasn't, Elsa treats Dren more like her child than the experiment she was intended to be.

Clive for the most part keeps his distance, and as Dren matures and aspects of both her human and animal natures become clearer, Clive and Elsa fi nd themselves no more sure of how their invention's mind works than when they fi rst set eyes on it.

The fi lm is an interesting study of humanity and animality and the similarities and differences between the two. It addresses any number of interesting topics, but fails to answer them in a satisfactory manner. Splice is nonetheless a unique viewing experience.

Reactions to its content will likely run the gamut, but they likely won't stray too far from unsettling, intriguing and even laughable.

— Nick Cabreza

COMiNG JUNE 17 • fREEDOM fEsT pREviEW sECONDsUppER, laX free press

Second Supper

June 10, 2010 // 7

MUSIC

The Majak Mixtape

By Jonathan Majak jonathan.majak@secondsupper.com

When news broke that Elton John performed at Rush Limbaugh’s wedding, the first thing that popped into my head was, “The bitch is not just back, she’s broke too.”

How else could you explain the real Queen of England performing for Limbaugh’s fourth wedding ceremony, but recessions breed strange bedfellows. In honor of this odd union, we here at The Majak Mixtape have put together a mixtape we call, “The Monster Mash-Up Mix.”

Mash-ups or “versus” mixes can be a thing of beauty when done properly, blending two different artists or genres together to make a unique vision. A great bastion for these suckers is the Web site Get Your Bootleg On (www.gybo5.com). Bedroom producers from across the world post their attempts and get rated in a brutally honest fashion one would hope to see on American Idol next season.

One of my personal favorites is by DJ

Max Mix Mustang (www.madmixmustang. nl/) with a mash-up called “For Once in my Bleeding Life” that blends together Stevie Wonder’s “For Once in My Life” and Leona Lewis’ “Bleeding Love.” The retro soul of “For Once In My Life” underneath Leona’s vocals give her the illusion of having a discernible personality other than milquetoast.

Another personal favorite is “Don’t Get My Bad Romance Wrong” by DJ Marc Johnce (www.marcjohnce.wordpress.com), which blends The Pretenders’ “Don’t Get Me Wrong” with Lady GaGa’s ubiquitous “Bad Romance.” The strange pairing creates a fun, 1980s college vibe and refreshes the Lady GaGa tune. In a lot of ways, the mashup proves what a good vocalist GaGa is while also highlighting the fine crafts of The Pretenders.

And if you really want to get some good mash-ups, find anything from the duo Soulwax under their other name of 2 Many DJs. Two of the chief architects of the mash-up movement, 2 Many DJs were actually able to get clearance on some remixes and put out an album titled “As Heard on Radio Soulwax, Part 2” with kooky combos like Salt N Pepa and The Stooges, Skee-Lo and The Breeders.

Buy: Laura Nyro’s classic album with Labelle “It’s Gonna Take a Miracle”

YouTube: Come gawk at Vampire Weekend’s Marie Antoinette-esque video “Holiday”

Skip: Christina Aguilera’s new album “Bionic”

Social Networking NAME AND AGE: Jennifer Vogel, 25 WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Good ole LaX! CURRENT JOB: Meditating and enjoying unemployment DREAM JOB: Folk singer

All-4-One (That's right!) what is your beverage of choice?

Agua de Jamaica what book are you currently reading?

"The Celestine Prophecy" tell us your guiltiest pleasure: Driving (other people's cars since I don't actually own one) What is your biggest pet peeve?

I think it's a draw between smoky environments and gossip.

last thing you googled: "Energy healing schools in the US"

What one person, alive or dead, would you want to have dinner with?

Don Alejandro Cirilo Perez Oxlaj

if you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Somewhere in the state of Chiapas, Mexico

Tell us a joke: A horse walks into a bar and the bartender asks, "Why the long face?" (Thanks, Dad.)

what is something you want to do before you die?

Visit the sacred Mayan sites of Bonampak, Palenque and Tikal

what's the last thing you bought?

Turtle ice cream

if a genie granted you one wish, what would you ask for?

Global healing

what's in your pocket right now?: Nothing. The best pants are pocket-less. what is your favorite part of second supper?

The fact that it's not mainstream

celebrity crush: Any singer whose singing gives me goosebumps; gets me every time!

how do you know shuggypop (interviewer)?

We bonded over a box of Nerds and a Pee Wee Herman movie.

first concert you went to:

— Shuggypop Jackson, shuggypop.jackson@secondsupper.com

Show us where Altra has taken you and win a Flip Mino™ Send us a photo of you with your Altra Debit Card.

Maybe it's a vacation, an unusual setting, or an everyday experience. Be creative!

Each month through December, a team of Altra judges will pick our favorite photo and award that lucky Altra Debit Cardholder a Flip Mino™ camcorder to keep recording their adventures.

Visit us online for complete details.

ago ic h C , r e w o T ) s r a Willis (Se ber hn Hestekin, Altra mem

ted by Jo Winning Photo submit

Open 7 days a week inside Festival Foods, La Crosse

608.787.4500 • www.altra.org

Monthly prize will be awarded at the sole discretion of the judging team. Photos showing Altra members in a dangerous or illegal setting will not be considered, so don't even try it. Same goes for photos not rated G. Photos will not be retouched other than to obscure the number on the card if visible. By submitting a photo, you certify that you have the legal right to grant Altra unrestricted permission to publish the photo in any medium. Contest open to Altra members who are current Debit Card users. Sorry, Altra employees and their immediate family members are not eligible for prizes.

8// June 10, 2010

Second Supper

MUSIC

music directory // June 11 to June 17 fridaY,

just a roadie away

June 11

Madison

Gunners (De Soto) // E 870 Ghelf Rd Luke Hembd & Cheech, E-Rock, Clovis Man, Nimbus, Soapbox Project, Grasshoppers, T.U.G.G., Roster McCabbe, Shoeless Revolution, Heatbox (Bandit County Fair) • 3 p.m.

population

208,054

The wood brothers // JUNE 24 Memorial Union Terrace • Free The Melvins // JUNE 26 High Noon Saloon • $19

Nighthawks Tap // 401 S. Third St. Hamilton Loomis & His Red Hot Texas Blues Band (blues-rock) • 9:30 p.m.

black mountain // JUNE 30 High Noon Saloon • $12

Pearl Street Brewery // 1401 St. Andrew St.

Trombone Shorty // JULY 11 La Fete de Marquette • Free

Jason Sebranek (acoustic) • 5 p.m. piggy's blues lounge // 501 Front St. S. Annie Mack and The Havenots (blues) • 8 p.m.

Popcorn Tavern // 308 S. Fourth St. The Evergreen Grass Band (bluegrass-rock) • 10 p.m.

The Joint // 324 Jay St. Sowbelly Bitchhog, Droids Attack (“stoner biker metal”) • 10 p.m.

The Root Note // 114 4th St. S. Eric Sommer (guitar pop) • 8:30 p.m.

The Warehouse // 324 Pearl St. Look Mexico, Porcupine, Ralphed, 10 Paces, Fire (rock) • 7 p.m. the waterfront tavern // 328 Front St. Costello & Hipps (jazz / blues) • 8 p.m.

saturdaY,

June 12

Gunners (De Soto) // E 870 Ghelf Rd Evergreen Grass Band, Michelle Lynn, North Country Bandits, Overserved Band, Mr. Blink, New Grass Review, Nicholas Mrozinski & The Feelin' Band, Fayme Rochelle & The Waxwings, White Iron Band, Moon Boot Posse, Smokin' Bandits, Down Lo (Bandit County Fair) • Noon

We’ve had some wild times in Barre Mills before, but we ain’t never seen nothing like this! This Saturday, the Maple Grove county club will host the first in a series of “Concerts on the Green,” and for starters they’ve brought in a banging lineup straight from the glory days of glam rock. Skid Row (pictured) is the night’s headliner, and though former lead singer Sebastian Bach is no longer with the band, we’re pretty sure they still rock. Warrant, famed Hollywood bad boys with a soft side, are the night’s other big name, while Monkey Wrench and Downtread round out the bill. The action all begins at 5:30 p.m., and tickets cost $20 at the door. So bust out the hair spray, acid-wash that jean jacket and live it’s 18 and life to go.

JB'sSpeakeasy // 717 Rose St. Distorted Abortion, One Can Only Hope and undefined (metal) • 10 p.m.

sundaY,

June 13

bandshell // Riverside Park Great River Big Band (jazz) • 7 p.m.

Maple Grove // W4142 Hwy. B Skid Row, Warrant, Monkey Wrench, Downtread (glam rock) • 5:30 p.m.

concordia ballroom // 1129 La Crosse St. Rhythm Playboy (polka) • 1 p.m.

Neuie's North Star // 1732 George St. Spin Off Band (variety) • 8 p.m.

French slough // 1311 La Crescent St. Kin Pickin’ (jam grass) •Noon

piggy's blues lounge // 501 Front St. S. Annie Mack and The Havenots (blues) • 8 p.m

Popcorn Tavern // 308 S. Fourth St. Som'n Jazz (jazz) • 10 p.m.

Popcorn Tavern // 308 S. Fourth St. Proto Meilee (rock) • 10 p.m.

River Jack's // 1835 rOSE St. Olson/Dunn Band (classic rock)• 8 p.m The Root Note // 114 4th St. S. Saint Bernadette (rock)• 8:30 p.m.

The Root Note // 114 4th St. S. Midwest Dilema (indie folk) • 8:30 p.m.

The Warehouse // 324 Pearl St. Set if Off, Barely Blind, With the Punches, Fortune and Glory (rock/ alternative) • 6:30 p.m.

mondaY,

June 14

The Warehouse // 324 Pearl St. Popcorn Tavern // 308 S. Fourth St. Without Despair, Guardians, Serriana, Shawn's Open jam • 10 p.m.

Micawber, Milosny, Silentium Inferus (rock/metal) • 6 p.m. the waterfront tavern // 328 Front St. Costello & Hipps (jazz / blues) • 8 p.m.

Simon & Garfunkel// JULY 14 Kohl Center • $52-$187 Tapes ‘n Tapes // JULY 25 Majestic Theatre• $14

wednesdaY,

June 16

bandshell // Riverside Park La Crosse Concert Band ("An American Concert") • 7:30 p.m.

Del’s Bar // 229 Third St. Kokopellians (electric grass) • 10 p.m.

Nighthawks Tap // 401 S. Third St. The Bad Axe Band (open jam) • 10 p.m. recovery room // 901 7th St. S. Kin Pickin’ (open jam) • 10 p.m.

thursday,

June 17

Del’s Bar // 229 Third St. T.U.G.G. (acoustic) • 10 p.m.

Nighthawks Tap // 401 S. Third St. Dave Orr's Damn Jam (open jam) • 10 p.m.

Popcorn Tavern // 308 S. Fourth St. Kin Pickin’ (jam grass) • 10 p.m.

tuesdaY, June 15

Southside comm. center // 1300 S. 6th St. Driftless River Band (Irish/folk) • 7 p.m.

Popcorn Tavern // 308 S. Fourth St. Fayme and Casey (acoustic) • 10 p.m.

The Starlite Lounge // 222 Pearl St. Kies and Kompanie (jazz) • 5 p.m.

Second Supper

The Beer Review Honey Weiss Leinenkugel's Brewing Company Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin

Week three of the Canned Beer Review takes me back to one of the first

beers I ever tasted, Leinenkugel’s Honey of a can.

Weiss. Ahh, I remember that sweet honey The Honey Weiss can is a golden yellike it were yesterday (although I’ll evoke low color with an interesting honeycomb pattern printed beneath an my Fifth Amendment rights to idyllic illustration of the Northkeep those drinking stories sewoods. And the beer, as I recret). Still, this Honey Weiss re- Appearance: 7 view is long overdue. The beer call, is also golden with a frothy is a Wisconsin icon — not the Aroma: 6 white head. The nose is clean and mostly malty with a touch best, not the worst, but it’s an of honey noticeable even on easy-sipping lager that rarely Taste: 7 top of the metallic smell. Unlets you down. If anything, the Mouthfeel: 8 like a lot of canned lagers, the Honey Weiss is so ubiquitous Honey Weiss hits the tongue in this part of the country that Drinkability: 7 a review is almost pointless: If with real body. Rich wheat flavors comprise the backbone of you haven’t tried one by now, the beer — and, honestly, few well, you’re probably not old Total: 35 canned beers (and certainly enough to be reading this colno macro-lagers) do the wheat umn anyways. Yet even after a lifetime of sipping down huntaste more justice. A yeasty, dreds of Honey Weisses, I did something bready flavor rounds out the body and last weekend at a music festival that I nev- makes a nice platform for the honey er even knew was possible: drink one out — applied more sparingly here than in

The Best Food & Drink Specials in Town LOCATION

June 10, 2010 // 9

YOUR GUIDE TO CONSUMPTION

SUNDAY

other “sweetened” beers. It also has a surprisingly dry finish, especially compared to everything else Leinenkugel’s produces. Compared to my old canned standby, Pabst Blue Ribbon, the Honey Weiss has a full flavor, although it could become a bit cloying if you try it as a session beer.

The mouthfeel is appreciably thick, especially for a summer beer, but when served ice-cold it’s perfectly drinkable.

Of all the beers I tasted during Canned Beer Month, Honey Weiss surprised me the most — not because the flavors were new, but because I forgot how great they tasted. Next time, I just need to remember to pack the lemon wedges!

— Adam Bissen

Visit us online at www.secondsupper.com

To advertise here, call (608) 782-7001 or e-mail us at advertising@secondsupper.com.

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

ARENA

Midwest Poker League 7 p.m.

Closed

Wyld Wednesday: $2 Jumbo UV, mixers $1.50 Coronas

Ladies' Night, $5 Long Island pitchers

$1 Cherry Bombs, $1 Keystone Light silos

$1 Cherry Bombs, $1 Keystone Light silos

BODEGA BREW PUB

$2 BBQ Pork Sliders

2-Fers, Buy any regularly priced food item and get one of equal or lesser value for free

$2.50 Coors vs. Keystone pitchers. All specials 9 p.m. to close

AUC2D: $5, domestic taps, rail mix- 10-cent wings, $1 Miller High Life ers, Long Islands. All specials 9 p.m. bottles, $1.50 rail mixers; $2.50 call to close drinks. All specials 9 p.m. to close.

107 3rd St. S. 782-1883 122 4th St. 782-0677

BROTHERS

Closed

306 Pearl St. 784-0522

FEATURES

Free beer 5:30-6:30; Free wings 7:30- Taco buffet 11-2; 8:30, Free bowling after 9 $1 Pabst bottles and $1 bowling after 9

W3923 State Highway 16 786-9000

HOWIE’S

Fish Tacos: 1 / $2.50, 2 / $5.00, 3 / $6.50.

AUC2D: $5, domestic taps, rail mixers and Long Islands. Wristband Night: $2.50 SoCo & Jack. All specials 9 p.m. to close.

$3 3 Olives mixers, $3 Mojitos, $2 $3 Bacardi mixers, $3 Mojitos, $2 Cherry Bombs, $1 Bazooka Joe's; Cherry bombs, $1 Bazooka Joe's.

FAC: $3 domestic pitchers, micro/ All specials 9 p.m. to close. import taps, anything that pours.

4-9 p.m.

All you care to eat pizza buffet, 11-2

All you care to eat fish fry 4-10; unlimited Glow-N-Bowl $9.99

Prime rib dinner 4-10; unlimited Glow-N-Bowl $9.99 9 p.m. to close: $2 Bacardi mixers, $2 domestic pints, $1.50 shots blackberry brandy

1125 La Crosse St. 784-7400

Happy hour 4 to 9 p.m.; 9 p.m. to 9 p.m. to close: $3.50 domestic 9 p.m. to close: $1 rails, $2.50 pitch- $5 all you can drink close: Night Before Class - $3 pitch- pitchers ers, beer pong ers of the beast

9 p.m. to close: $1.25 rails, $1.75 bottles/cans

9 p.m. to close: $2 Captain mixers, $2 bottles/cans, $3 Jager bombs

IMPULSE

Closed

Closed

Karaoke 9 p.m.-Close; Happy Hour daily 5-8

Wine & martini night; Happy Hour daily 5-8

18+ night (1st and 3rd Thursday of each month); Happy Hour daily 5-8

$25 open bar package, 11 p.m. to Happy Hour daily 5-8 close: domestic/import beer, rail, call drinks, martinis; Happy Hour daily 5-8

JB’S SPEAKEASY

$1.75 domestic bottles

SIN Night

$1.75 domestic bottles

Happy Hour 5 to 7 p.m.

Happy Hour 5 to 7 p.m.

Happy Hour 5 to 7 p.m.

$1.79 burger (after 8 p.m.)

Breakfast 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Hat Night: Buy 1 drink, get 1 free w/ Rail drinks $2 (4:30 to close); Buckets of beer $10, Boston Bobby's Margaritas $4 (Straw, rasp, mango, hat (4:30 to close); $1.50 chili dogs After 8 p.m. specials: $5 skewer of drummies 10 for $2 (4:30 to close), peach and reg); After 8 p.m. specials: (after 8 p.m.) shrimp,l $1.79 burger, $1.50 chili dogs $1.79 burger (after 8 p.m.) $5 skewer of shrimp, $1.79 burger

214 Main St. 782-6010

Happy Hour 5 to 7 p.m.

717 Rose St. 796-1161

SCHMIDTY’S 3119 State Road 788-5110

SLOOPY'S ALMA MATER 163 Copeland Ave. 785-0245

SPORTS NUT

$2 can beer (2-6 p.m.) $11 buckets of beers (6-close)

$2 can beer (2-6 p.m.)

12" pizza: $8.99 up to 5 toppings (4-close)

Wings, Wings, Wings... $2 off 14: Ladies night, 2 for 1 drinks (6-close), pizza, $2 can beer (2-6 p.m.) $2 can beer (2-6 p.m.)

Buck Burgers

Tacos $1.25

15-cent wings

Breakfast 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Friday Fish, $2 can beer (2-6)

$8.99 12-ounce T-bone

2 for 1 pints/pitches w/ student ID over 21 15-cent wings

801 Rose St. 784-1811

THE LIBRARY

Sunday Fun Day - Wristband Night

Half price tequilla, $1 domestic taps Karaoke, $2 Double rails and all Beer Pong Tourney and and rails bottles; $3 Double call drinks wristband night

123 3rd St. 784-8020

TOP SHOTS

$3 Bacardi mixers, $3 Jumbo Long Island Iced Teas

$3 Jumbo Long Island Iced Teas, $3 3 Olives mixers $5 Miller/Bud Light Pitchers, $2.25 Leinies Bottles (7-1AM)

137 4th St. 782-6622

$5 Pitchers/$2 bottles of Miller $1.75 Miller/Bud Light Taps, $2.25 $1.75 Rails, $1.50 Domestic Taps, $2 domestic bottles, $2.50 Skyy/ products (11-4pm) MIcro/Craft Taps, $2.50 Cherry Bombs $3.50 Jager Bombs Absolut mixers, $2 Dr. shots $2 Corona Bottles, $2 Kilo Kai Mixers (7-1AM) (7-1AM) (7-1am) , $3 Bloodys (7-1AM)

5 Domestic Bottles for $10, $5 $2 Captain Mixers, $2. Long Island Micro/Import Bottles $11.50, $7 Mixers, $3 Effen Vodka Mixers (7Micro/Craft Pitchers (7-1AM) 1AM)

TRAIN STATION BBQ

Ask for great eats

11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Barn burner $7.95; 4 to 9 p.m., Hobo dinner (serves two) $30.95

WHO'S ON THIRD

Happy Hour until 10 p.m. $1.50 domestic taps, $2 rails from 10 to close

601 St. Andrew St. 781-0005 126 3rd St. N. 782-9467

$1 taps of PBR, $1 rails

11 a.m. to 3 p.m., extra side with sandwich; 4 to 9 p.m., $1 off rib dinner

Special varies

11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Chicken on fire One-half chicken three bones $7.95; 4 to 9 p.m., Bones and bris- $12.95 kets $13.95

$3 call doubles, $2 Bud products

Ladies' Night: $2 top shelf, $1 Pink $8.50 Fish Bowls, $2 Miller products $1 off Three Olives, $2 domestic taps Tacos Everyone: $2.50 bombs, $2 taps, $3 Jack/Captain doubles

10// June 10, 2010

Second Supper

DIVERSIONS

Maze Efflux

"Smoothie mix" Add these acts together and blend

By Erich Boldt

By Matt Jones

Sudoku

Reminds you to support the retailers, restaurants, taverns and bands that support us. We are funded solely by advertising so if you want to support us, support them!

CONSCIENTIOUS COMMERCE: Band together

Answers below

ACROSS 1 Wild guy?

6 Lather 10 Candy that comes in twos 14 Be harmonious 15 Latvian capital 16 "Ars longa, ___ brevis" 17 Band whose "No Rain" video had the "Bee Girl" 19 Mouth rinse brand 20 His, to Henri 21 It's rolled by roleplayers 22 Like 2011, but not 2012 24 551, in old Rome 25 Deck component 26 Total nightmares 28 Song about an animal "measuring the marigolds" 32 Not captivating 33 Lindsay wearing

an alcohol monitoring bracelet 34 2007 Will Smith survival flick 38 ___'wester 39 How some sandwiches are served 40 French street 41 Some of the Habsburgs 44 Rakes in 46 Mario ___ 64 (1996 racing game) 47 Actress Barbara of "The Big Valley" 49 1996 nominee parodied as referring to himself in third-person 52 Persian's place 53 It equals itself to the 100th power 54 Digital camera contents, for short 55 It's called on the street 56 Author's kiss of

Answers to June 3 puzzle A little of this, that and the other

death 59 Christmas tree varieties 61 "To the Extreme" rapper 64 "Watch your head!" on the course 65 Yale students, familiarly 66 Word before horizon or coordinator 67 Mineral that's often black 68 Champagne flute part 69 "Remove" marks, to a proofreader DOWN 1 Boxing moves 2 Stare too long 3 ___ Kringle 4 Hallow ending 5 1984 Patrick Swayze movie remade for 2010 6 Bar coupon, perhaps 7 "There Will Be Blood" subject 8 "The Heart of ___" (P.G. Wodehouse book) 9 Jawbone 10 Vegan meat substitute, for short 11 Funk band with "Play That Funky Music" 12 Author Calvino 13 Graph basis 18 Spanish painter Joan 23 Chip's pal

25 Half a dance step 27 Screen stars' org.

28 "Casablanca" character 29 Queen of Jordan 30 He sang "Johnny B. Goode" 31 Some palominos 35 Magical practice 36 Now, in Latin 37 Office piece 39 Makes it longer than 42 Ate 43 Do (acid) 44 Turned on, like a computer security setting 45 Bristle on barley or rye 48 Rapidly shrinking Asian sea 49 Great, in "Variety" headlines 50 Funny paper?

51 Raise high 56 Actress Jessica 57 Unwanted spots 58 New Jersey team 60 Word before worker or symbol 62 Never, in Nuremberg 63 Many a Monopoly sq.

For answers, call (900) 226-2800, 99 cents per minute. Or to bill to a credit card, call (800) 655-6549. Reference puzzle #0470.

Visit us online at www.secondsupper.com

Second Supper

June 10, 2010 // 11

THE LAST WORD

The ADviCe GODDeSS

By Amy Alkon amy.alkon@secondsupper.com Gilbert Grope

I met a nice man (so I thought) who lives about 40 miles away. On our second date, we had drinks in my neighborhood. He drank too much and asked to hang at my house so he wouldn’t drive under the influence. I didn’t like this because I'm used to guys using this ploy for sex, but he said if I didn’t let him in, I was making him drive drunk. I grudgingly allowed him in, and he immediately started making moves on me. Eventually, I tried to send him home, but he said he was still in no position to drive, so I kicked him out early in the morning. What were my obligations here? Every man I asked said I shouldn’t have risked letting him in. As one said, “Better a strange drunk on the road than a strange drunk in your home, where he could rape you.” I have yet to ask a woman who can give me a definitive answer; they’re all as conflicted as I am.

— Manhandled

If a stranger comes to your door and says, “I’m too drunk to drive home,” you don’t say, “No problem, I’ll make up the bed!” Yet, this guy’s a near stranger, one you didn’t want in your home — even before he took the post-date sex ploy to a remarkable new low. Yeah, forget the usual lame lemmein tactics like “I’d love to meet that cat I’ve heard so much about!” or “Mind if I use your bathroom?” No, it’s “Mind if I cause the fi ery death of a family of fi ve?”

A guy might present you with an either/or situation, but that doesn’t mean those are your only choices. In this case, you should’ve told the guy to cab it to a motel. (To borrow from your friend, “Better a strange drunk cabbing to Motel 6 than a strange drunk turning your home into Motel Sex.”) If your date insists on driving drunk, call the cops, report a drunken driver, and give them a description of his car. Of course, it’s possible he isn’t really drunk, just trying to con his way in, but that’s for the cop who stops him to determine: “I can touch my fi nger to my nose just fi ne, Offi cer, but I’m having real problems getting my hand up a girl’s shirt.”

It isn’t surprising that all your girlfriends are “confl icted” about what you should’ve done. In fact, other women would have given in like you did — not necessarily because they’re weak or dumb, but because they’re women: the gender that evolved to be the nurturers, peacemakers and consensus builders of the species. (All great until a drunk guy swinging a set of car keys is

standing at your front door.)

Recognizing that, as a woman, you have a hardwired tendency to be a pleaser is the best way to avoid succumbing to it.

You have to decide before you’re in a dicey situation that your comfort level and safety take priority over possibly coming across as rude or unsympathetic. Keep in mind, as Gavin de Becker writes in “The Gift of Fear,” that “’No’ is a complete sentence,” and if you let somebody talk you out of it, “you might as well wear a sign that reads, ‘You are in charge.’” Get his book, start a reading group with your “confl icted” girlfriends, and in the future, see to it that your door policy is determined by you, not Jim Beam and Captain Morgan.

his avatar’s out trying to unhook some other avatar’s bra.

For now, the human-to-human element remains, and a guy in college will never again be in a place so swarming with hot, single, dateable women. It’s especially wise for this particular guy to take a more analog approach to hitting on girls if I’m right in my suspicion that he online dates because he’s too big a wuss to deal with face-to-face rejection.

Opportunity (aka the hot girl down the hall) is knocking on his dorm room door, and he should be answering it, not calling out, “Not now! I’m IMing with Im300LbsFatterThanMyPicture999!”

Rogained another fan!

I was OUTRAGED that you criticized a college guy for online dating, saying it's “for the Rogaine generation.” I'm 23 and met my wonderful fiance on the Internet. A man isn’t less of a man because he finds a girlfriend online!

— Couldn’t Be Happier

Sure, some college students fi nd dates online, but you’re OUTRAGED that I advised against it? And, of all the things in the paper you could fi nd to be OUTRAGED about? What happened, seen one oil-soaked dead baby duck, seen ‘em all?

Eventually, the pesky human aspect will probably be removed from dating, and a guy’ll stay home repiping the sink while

HAVE AN OPINION? Send your letters to the editor to Second Supper, 614 Main St., La Crosse, WI 54601 or by e-mail to editor@secondsupper.com.

Letters should be signed and include phone number for verification purposes.

Please limit letters to no more than 300 words. Second Supper reserves the right to edit letters for length, clarity and grammar.

For more information, call (608) 782-7001.

Downtown La Crosse, above Fayzes - 782-6622

top shots joke of the week A man went to doctor, "Doctor every night in my dream I am playing soccer in the World Cup." Doctor says, "Take these pills, they will help you sleep better."

Check out our new Beers on Tap!

The man, "I can't take them, tonight is the final match."

Good People, Good Drinks, Good Times

SUNDAY

$5 Pitchers $2 Bottles of Miller Products (11-4 pm) $2 Corona Bottles $2 Kilo Kai Mixers $3 Bloody’s (7-1am)

MONDAY TUESDAY

$1.75 - Miller/Bud Taps $2.25 Micro/Craft Taps $2.50 Cherry Bombs (7-1am)

$1.75 Rails $1.50 Domestic Taps $3.50 Jager Bombs (7-1am)

$2.00 - 1 Player, $3.00 - 2 Players 50 Cents Off Drinks, $1 Off Pitchers

WEDNESDAY $2 Domestic Bottles $2.50 Skyy/Absolute Mixers $2 Dr. Shots (7-1am)

THURSDAY FRIDAY 5 Domestic Bottles 4 $10 $5 Micro/Import Bottles $11.50, $7 Micro/Craft Pitchers (7-1am)

$5 Miller Lite/Bud Light Pitchers

SATURDAY $2.25 Leinies Bottles (7-1am)

$2 Captain Mixers $2 Long Islands $3 Effen Vodka Mixers (7-1am)

12// June 10, 2010

Second Supper