By Michael Stodola Special to OnMilwaukee.com Published Dec 16, 2008 at 9:58 AM

OK, dig it. I’m at Lambeau Field on a particularly nice afternoon. The Packers are doing well and there’s a general good-mood-thing happening among the fandom. These moments are made for "the wave," right? Feeling inspired (and a little loosey-goosey), I leap to my feet and attempt to initiate said wave. Whilst flailing my arms, I scream: ONE … TWO … THREE … UP!

A smattering of fans responds.

Again, I make a run. ONE … TWO … THREE … UP! And, hey, a lot more join in. I’m thinking this is good. A few more screaming attempts to raise the crowd lead to a wave actually making its way completely around the stadium. WHEW! It was an exhilarating feeling and I was proud of us all that wonderful day in Green Bay.

So, here’s my plan: I’m starting a major-league-style wave to fix our economy. WHO’S WITH ME?! It’s gotta start somewhere. My budget for holiday spending is $800. BUT, I’m tossing in an extra "hundo" just to get things rolling. But, it doesn’t stop there. I’m also donating more than normal, I’m fixing long-time ills in my house (increasing its value) AND I’m tipping my mail carrier. And on top of all that, I’m also ASKING for higher-priced items (going the extra mile, I know).

I can see it now. From our little Milwaukee, a tsunami of cash will roll across this great nation of ours. Need I remind you of the butterfly effect?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butterfly_effect

Anything is possible. So, I’m asking you to join me. A few bucks thrown around here and there will help us all in the near future. And, just a heads up, I already spent some holiday cash at Art vs Craft. This weekend, I’m hitting Mayfair and Ma Jolie on the East Side. That leaves plenty of good shopping for you cover.

I figure if we do this right, I can sell my house in February for $220,000.

Economics are largely dictated by perception. If you think something is overpriced and don’t buy it, it might be. If a bunch of people thinks the same thing, it IS overpriced and doesn’t move off the shelf. That’s Econ 101. Now, throw in a war or two, an unpopular government and a handful of irresponsible CEOs, and you got yourself a problem.

Suddenly, everyone is living in fear and keeping tight a grip on the greenbacks.

But, as we witnessed last month, change is possible. It can start right here with Mama Dollar and Papa Dollar being spent at Laacke & Joys or Future Green or Beans & Barley. And throw a few bucks at the Sojourner Truth House while you’re at it. In 10 years, we’ll all be millionaires (of course a loaf bread will cost $85) BUT we’ll be millionaires! ONE … TWO … THREE … SPEND!

Michael Stodola Special to OnMilwaukee.com
Michael Stodola is the Creative Director at Boelter + Lincoln – a Milwaukee advertising agency. He loves his job, but not as much as he loves scuba diving, crab cakes or playing with his kids. His favorite thing is sneaking off for dates with his hottie wife. Born and raised in Nebraska, he’s been calling Milwaukee home for well over 10 years. After Michael’s impending death, he’d like to return to this world as your next American Idol®.