Smoke Free in Milwaukee

Recently, OnMilwaukee.com posted an article talking with bar owners who have opened non-smoking bars in the Milwaukee area. Inevitably, topics such as this bring the classic argument to the forefront – should we be mandated by law to be smoke free in bars or leave it up to the bar owners to follow demand for smoke free locations. See the talkbacks for the varying opinions.

http://www.onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/smokefreescene.html

While I can sometimes see the argument behind not making it a law to be smoke free, I generally agree with the thought process for completely banning smoking in places like restaurants and bars. I truly feel that smoking affects everyone around you, and you are forced to smoke via second hand force.

In the spirit of compromise, my suggestion would be to establish regulations on the amount of “smoke” that can be allowed in the air, and establishments should be held to that standard via health inspections, in the same way food and drink health code requirements are enforced. If bars want to remain a smoking environment, they should install smoke eaters to make the air clean for all patrons and workers. Or the alternative is, GASP, making people smoke outdoors. I’ve seen it in action at places in Madison and it doesn’t seem to hurt anyone. Second hand smoke on the other hand, that’s another story.

BYOB at Jazz In The Park

One of the best things about Milwaukee is the summertime. Events are jam packed into the three months of June, July and August. Some of the best events are free, including Jazz in the Park which is held every Thursday at Cathedral Square. People come to enjoy background music and fraternize with friends over wine, beer and cheese.

Up until now, you have been allowed to bring in your own alcohol and food. Apparently though, the East Town Association has decided to disallow the BYOB policy stating a law that has been in place for years, but not enforced at the event. Many are upset about this, including myself. Read the following article, and you will notice that even the Milwaukee police chief Ed Flynn has said that there isn't much enforcement of this at Jazz because there have never been any problems before. I hope people put up enough of a stink before the event kicks off this summer that the policy change is revisited. Time will tell, but I can tell you, I still plan bringing my own beer. :-)

http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/38199074.html

Twelve, Twelve Today

So, since it is 12/12, I thought I would google the significance of the number 12. My results brought me back and I recalled the biblical significance of the number 12: 12 apostles, 12 tribes of Israel, and 12 sons of Jacob. These biblical references got me thinking about the fantastic church my husband and I attend here in Milwaukee. I'd like to give props to my church: Lake Park Lutheran. This is where my husband and I got married and while we don't go nearly as much as I feel we should, I feel welcome every time I go. It's like when you have a great friend that you haven't seen in a while, but when you finally reconnect, it's like no time has passed.

Finally, let's not forget another important "12" reference; the 12 Days of Christmas - one of my favorite times of the year.

Living in Milwaukee

As I look out at the snow covered roads and the downtown Milwaukee Chase building which says it's 13 degrees outside, I begin to analyze why I live in Milwaukee.

As I listen to my husband gripe about the Wisconsin winters, I think about why I live in Milwaukee.

As I reminisce about my recent trip to New York City, I consider my decision for staying in Milwaukee.

The answer remains the same - I truly love living here!