Between the Bars

August Events: Seize what's left of summer

Note: 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 business or activity mentioned in this post.

I always say it and will say it again and again - summer flies by. Just as my soul shakes off the final winter hibernation shroud and gives a hearty, spine-cracking stretch toward the sun, August pops up on the calendar.

And I want to run away.

Abandon everything and run off to somewhere in the neighborhood of June 20th and not leave for six months or six years, whichever comes later.

With only a few more warm, sunny weeks left, it's time to seize the remaining summer days and enjoy the events taking place around Milwaukee this month.

Local Newswire: Pending bike-sharing program, impending heat wave

To keep Between the Bars – and you – up-to-date, this weekly post provides a compilation of both the amusing and the significant (mostly the amusing) local stories from the last few days that I've found by keeping a sharp eye on the local newswire. Enjoy the wealth of information, dear readers. You deserve it.

• Another heat wave is coming our way and bringing only a chance of rain. The National Weather Service predicts heat index values of 95 to 99 degrees Sunday afternoon and 100 to 105 degrees Monday and Tuesday afternoons. Cue the painfully annoying "it's so hot" jokes.

Top 15 ways to beat the heat!

Milwaukee will be under another heat advisory this coming week. Forecasters predict a high of 98 degrees on Monday and 100 degrees Tuesday.

Sure, there are things you can do to avoid being scorched, like running cold water on the inside of your wrist. Apparently, your wrist is a quick-cooling spot because your blood vessels are close to the surface of your skin and will cool your body temperature when it's in contact with cold water. (Thanks, Mom!) So, yeah. Just sit there. With cold water on your wrist. Watching the day wane. That sounds pretty lame to me!

I guess you could also sit in front of a fan all day long. Maybe work on your Darth Vader impression by talking into the whirling blades. "Luke, I am your father!" Even the geeky side of me doesn't find that remotely amusing.

Local Newswire: Controversies

To keep Between the Bars – and you – up-to-date, this weekly post provides a compilation of both the amusing and the significant (mostly the amusing) local stories from the last few days that I've found by keeping a sharp eye on the local newswire. Enjoy the wealth of information, dear readers. You deserve it.

• Wisconsin was recently named the best state to vacation by AAA Midwest Traveler readers that voted in the annual Best of the Midwest survey. Results are published in the July/August issue. Who knew a state that's only known for beer, brats, cheese and Jeffrey Dahmer could score top honor?

July Events: Whad'ya know, summer is hot.

Note: 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 business or activity mentioned in this post.

I saw this cleverly enhanced comic on Facebook and found it fitting.

Southeastern Wisconsin is in the midst of a drought with no precipitation in the forecast for the foreseeable future. Beside the dry weather, we have also been dealing with heat and high dew points for several days, making Milwaukee feel like a sauna.

Local Newswire: Don't underestimate Miller Park or Milwaukee's love for "The Big Lebowski"

To keep Between the Bars – and you – up-to-date, this weekly post provides a compilation of both the amusing and the significant (mostly the amusing) local stories from the last few days that I've found by keeping a sharp eye on the local newswire. Enjoy the wealth of information, dear readers. You deserve it.

• Milwaukee's first cheese factory, Clock Shadow Creamery, officially opened over the weekend after being approved for its dairy plant license, says OnMilwaukee.com. Yeah, I know, given our reputation you would’ve thought this wouldn’t be the city’s first. Well, it is. Named for the nearby Allen-Bradley Clock Tower, Clock Shadow Creamery hopes to grow interest in urban cheese making and bring a new stink of dairy to 2nd Street.

Local Newswire: Air Sex Championship. Yes, this is happening.

To keep Between the Bars – and you – up-to-date, this weekly post provides a compilation of both the amusing and the significant (mostly the amusing) local stories from the last few days that I've found by keeping a sharp eye on the local newswire. Enjoy the wealth of information, dear readers. You deserve it.

• The Austin-based Air Sex World Championships is bumping and grinding its way into town this Thursday, daring Milwaukee to flaunt their sexual prowess in hopes of, er, victory. It's a lot like Air Guitar, but instead of rocking out with an imaginary guitar, you’re making sweet, filthy love to an imaginary partner for about two minutes. Spanking and moaning are optional.

June Events: It's time to party!

Note: 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 business or activity mentioned in this post.

There’s nothing like summer in Milwaukee. We've been waiting all year for action-packed months like June promises. So, with Memorial Day – the unofficial start to summer – just past us, it's time to blow the proverbial roof off Milwaukee. 

Below I've compiled a list of just some of the many events taking place through the month of June. Get out there, people, and enjoy the party!

UPAF’s Annual Ride for the Arts
This is my favorite bike ride and it’s for a good cause - to support the United Performing Arts Fund and its 36 performance groups in southeastern Wisconsin. Riders can choose from a 5-, 12-, 25-, 50- or 75-mile bike route, pedaling over the Hoan Bridge, and then traveling from downtown Milwaukee to Cudahy or Port Washington. After the ride, participants can enjoy a Finish Line Party on the Summerfest Grounds, where the trek also begins.
When: June 2, start times vary based on route (7-9 a.m.)
Where: The Ride starts and finishes at the Summerfest Grounds. New this year, we'll be at the South Gate at Polk St. and Harbor Dr. The Finish Line Party will take place at the recently renovated Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard stage.
Admission: $45 per person

Local Newswire: Milwaukee named "Bar City" just in time for opening of post-bar pizza hub

To keep Between the Bars – and you – up-to-date, this weekly post provides a compilation of both the amusing and the significant (mostly the amusing) local stories from the last few days that I've found by keeping a sharp eye on the local newswire. Enjoy the wealth of information, dear readers. You deserve it.

• It’s been weeks since Milwaukee popped up on another highly scientific, beer-related online list. This time, Esquire magazine has named Milwaukee the “Bar City Of The Year”. Milwaukee is given props for its blue-collar image and its German heritage, also for a few bars that are always big with out-of-towners: Wolski’s, Old German Beer Hall, Koz’s Mini Bowl, and Bryant’s. (Koz’s and Bryant’s are named two of the “Best Bars In America.”) It’s nice to see Milwaukee get more alcohol-related press. I'll drink to that!

Your Guide: 2012 Memorial Day parades, services and salutes

Note: The content of this guide was updated for 2012. Between the Bars continually updates the many posts available here, though it's possible some details, specials and offers may have changed. Consider calling first if you have specific questions for the businesses, events or services mentioned in the guide.

Monday's a day to remember those who have sacrificed by serving our country. Many Milwaukee-area communities are helping do that with remembrance ceremonies from special services to parades.

One of the highlights is the 147th Consecutive Memorial Day Parade, which takes place at 2 p.m. Monday, May 28 in the heart of Downtown.