Between the Bars

Cross-country skiing: A polar workout

Milwaukee has had such a high and sustained interest in watching the Vancouver Winter Olympics on TV. For almost the entire first week of the Winter Games’ prime-time showing, the Milwaukee market was ahead of every other metered market in the United States, according to the Journal Sentinel. Yep, that’s a head of Denver, which boasts vast mountains occupied by avid skiers. Ahead of Seattle, which neighbors Vancouver. And. Ahead of Salt Lake City, which hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics.

I guess it shouldn’t be hard to understand why Milwaukeeans are so psyched about the Winter Games; after all, there’s a local connection. For one, there’s a link to many of the Olympic athletes who are from the area or who have at least trained here, making it feel like we’re rooting for our home team. And, two, there’s a common love for winter sports, in general, as the Milwaukee area offers folks a bounty of opportunities to sled, ski, or ice skate. So, when we aren’t glued to our TVs watching the world compete, the Winter Games inspire us to get out and enjoy Wisconsin’s vast selection of winter activities.

That’s why after being absorbed in the Men’s 30km Pursuit last Saturday afternoon, Eric and I spent the next day cross-country skiing. And after a brisk afternoon of climbing, descending and traversing the 360-acre terrain, I have a new appreciation for the Olympic athletes competing in such sports – it’s a workout!

A new look

I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but Between the Bars recently got a facelift.

I said it wasn’t necessary. “You look fine the way you are,” I explained. “You’re not even two years old yet.”

None of that mattered. It was time for some new skin.

Sure, it’s only a few minor tweaks to the overall cosmetics – the layout and design – but the new header, new color scheme, and new navigation tabs definitely make BTB look fresher and cleaner, don’t ya think?

After this, I wouldn’t be surprised if BTB goes back for a nip and tuck here and there. So, keep your eyes peeled for new changes. And, of course, I’ll point out any drastic makeovers.

With that said, if you have any suggestion, things you think might look neat, feel free to share your opinion in the comments section. Otherwise, enjoy the new look!

Bowling at Landmark Lanes

Bowling holds a special place in the hearts of most Milwaukeeans.

Even though our city isn’t responsible for the birth of bowling itself (disputes continue between Germany, England and Egypt), Milwaukee certainly has solidified its place in the bowling history books. Actually, among its many monikers, Milwaukee is known as Tenpin City. However, that rep has taken a hit in the past few years with only 38 alleys remaining from a peak of 83 in the 70's, and the U.S. Bowling Congress recently relocating to Texas. Despite this, you’ll find that the sport is still alive and well here.

Just like many Milwaukeeans, bowling has been a favorite pastime of mine. From bumper bowling at grade school birthday parties to several rounds (and several pitchers) at the local lanes in college, bowling was something my friends and I did quite often. Though bowling has almost completely fallen off my radar in recent years, as we headed beneath the Oriental Theater to Landmark Lanes, I was happy to get back into the game on Friday night.

When stepping down the stairs and into the bowling alley, I felt like we’d gone back a few decades. It reminded me of a retro rec room, right down to the neon signs and pinball machines. And everything from the bar stools to the bowling balls were more than a little worn. Plus, we had to keep our own score (I can’t say I’ve ever done that before) and the ball return was above the floor, which made it even more dated.

Warm thoughts

Note: Some of the content of this post was updated for 2010. Between the Bars continually updates the many posts available here, though it's possible some details may have changed. Consider calling first if you have specific questions about the event mentioned in this post.

One thing that helps get me through this time of year is the thought of baseball season returning to Milwaukee. The balmy nights under the lights at Miller Park. Hot dogs on the grill and a cold brew in hand. And while it’s still ghastly cold outside, it’s nice to know that spring, and the start of baseball season, is not too far off.

What do you love about Milwaukee?

Milwaukee has a robust downtown that’s filled with entertainment options and friendly people. Many museums are ready to be discovered and any craving can be satisfied with a stop at one of the unique local restaurants on hand. Such things and places make Milwaukee inimitable and a very special place to me.

In honor of Valentine's Day, what are some of the qualities, places and things you dig about Milwaukee? I encourage you to share what you love in the comments section.

Welcome back, winter

Note: Some of the content of this post was updated for 2010. Between the Bars continually updates the many posts available here, though it's possible some details may have changed. Consider calling first if you have specific questions about the event mentioned in this post.

Earlier this week, our long lost friend, Old Man Winter, decided to make another appearance in Milwaukee. As much as a foot of snow fell over parts of southeastern Wisconsin, the largest snowfall we’ve seen all season.

And just as Milwaukee dug out from under mounds of snow Wednesday morning, Forbes magazine, which tends to rank cities based on arbitrary categories, released their latest list: America's Worst Winter Weather Cities. Milwaukee generally ranks pretty high on these lists, which isn't always good, especially when it comes to the aforementioned list.

Shake it up, baby

There was no twisting or shouting, though. Well, maybe shouting. But, mostly just a lot of shaking when a 3.8 magnitude earthquake, initially measured as a 4.3, rattled many local and surrounding communities early this morning.

According to the news, calls were pouring into the National Weather Service from as far away as Ohio and Missouri, claiming that they felt the ground shaking. This is pretty amazing considering the temblor hit near DeKalb, about 135 miles from Milwaukee in northern Illinois.

Sure, it was a pretty minor shake, but any such event is fascinating to me because Midwestern residents aren’t really accustomed to such natural hazards. We often hear about the faults under California and out West, but we rarely get word of potential quakes around here.

I’m certain you’ve already heard the rumbling of stories (I had to), but if you missed it, you can read more about it here.

This event is so extraordinary that I wish I could chime in and tell a story about my bookshelf vibrating or something. But, instead I'll share a couple accounts from other locals.

Valentine's Day date ideas

My boyfriend and I don’t really make a big deal out of Valentine’s Day.

Sometimes it’s even like “oh, that’s tomorrow, isn’t it? Hmm... want to do something?”

"Dinner?" I then ask.

"Sure, I guess so," he says.

"Where?" I reply.

"I don't care," he shrugs.

And then we end up ordering a pizza and sharing a 6-pack within the comforts of our home.

But that's us.