By Dave Begel Contributing Writer Published Dec 03, 2011 at 11:16 AM

I'm a guy who is all about unique Christmas presents.

No socks or sweaters or fruit cakes or movie passes or gift cards to Walmart for me.

I want to get something memorable and something nobody else would think of.

Lately I've been hearing an ad on the radio for a Christmas gift that certainly meets the unique criteria. But I'm not sure it's for me.

The ad is for a gift card for WE Energies. Can't you just see someone opening a present and screaming, "Thanks, Santa. Now I can pay my electric bill."

I've got to wonder how many of these they are going to sell. My guess is that you can probably count them on the finger of one hand.

Bah, humbug!

Dave Begel Contributing Writer

With a history in Milwaukee stretching back decades, Dave tries to bring a unique perspective to his writing, whether it's sports, politics, theater or any other issue.

He's seen Milwaukee grow, suffer pangs of growth, strive for success and has been involved in many efforts to both shape and re-shape the city. He's a happy man, now that he's quit playing golf, and enjoys music, his children and grandchildren and the myriad of sports in this state. He loves great food and hates bullies and people who think they are smarter than everyone else.

This whole Internet thing continues to baffle him, but he's willing to play the game as long as OnMilwaukee.com keeps lending him a helping hand. He is constantly amazed that just a few dedicated people can provide so much news and information to a hungry public.

Despite some opinions to the contrary, Dave likes most stuff. But he is a skeptic who constantly wonders about the world around him. So many questions, so few answers.