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.

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.

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.

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

May Events: We're getting warmer

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 woke up this morning to the sound of birds chirping and the sun peeking through the cracks of my blinds. It's funny how something so ordinary like a subtle change in weather can make me rise early from bed and in an aberrantly cheerful mood.

Truthfully, the change of mood has a lot to do with the fact that us Wisconsinites deal with quite a lot throughout the long, grueling winter months. From fighting off colds and subzero temperatures, to scraping ice and snow off our driveways, and to wearing scratchy wool sweaters and driving frozen cars, warm weather warrants gaiety around here.

Though this winter wasn’t quite as brutal as many past, days like today quickly remind us of the countless upcoming festivals, block parties and events we have to look forward to as Milwaukee unbundles, moving from winter to spring, and spring to summer.

April Events: Cure for spring fever

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.

 With April here and temperatures flirting with 60 degrees, we are quickly reminded of the warmer months ahead. The lengthening days and climbing temperatures are definitely causing my spring fever to flare up.

I blame my feverish bouts of restlessness, distractions in meetings, love struck dazes and pleasant disposition on the infectious malady that strikes this time of year as I begin to daydream about the series of warm-weather events we have to look forward.

Alas, the official start to spring is still a few weeks away. So, I guess, it's still going to be a little while longer before we begin to experience days that are consistently above freezing.

But, 60 degree days like this remind me that I'll be able to unbundle and bask in the sun soon. After all, spring is just around the corner – I can feel it!

Local Newswire: Match Day, Accidental Genius, and more!

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.

• Hunger Task Force has been given a tremendous opportunity to raise a significant amount of money at a time of year when donations are typically low. On Thursday, March 8, all donations made to Hunger Task Force from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. will be matched by the Greater Milwaukee Foundation. All donations made on the aptly named “Match Day” will support the Hunger Task Force’s Farm and Fish Hatchery in Franklin, WI, and the organization’s efforts in growing and delivering fresh fruits and vegetables to feed the needy. Simply follow this link to make your Match Day donation on Thursday, March 8!

Last-minute Valentine's Day date ideas

Attention procrastinators: Tomorrow is Valentine's Day!

Yes, you should have set plans weeks ago. And because you dragged your feet, it’s certainly too late to make a dinner reservation at any acceptable restaurant, not to mention the traditional go-to gifts like cards, chocolates and roses have all been picked over at this point. AND you're at even more of a loss because the holiday falls on a Tuesday night - probably the least eventful night of the week.

But, if you don’t want to resort to celebrating your love over a greasy Papa John's heart-shaped pizza, don’t fret: I’ve compiled a list of easy last-minute dates you can make happen in just the nick of time.

FYI: Wisconsin State Fair showcased on Travel Channel

Last night, I was trying to figure out what to watch and stumbled upon the Travel Channel, which was featuring footage from the 2011 Wisconsin State Fair. "State Fair Foods" explored various state fair treats found around the country, and you can bet our now official state dessert - the cream puff - was highlighted.

Speaking of cream puffs, check out this clip.

And this clip covers all of the seafood options - of all things - at the State Fair. This should tide you over until August.

The Wisconsin State Fair will be featured again on the Travel Channel during the special "State Fair Competitions," which will focus on interesting state fair competitions. I can only hope they showcase the Moo-la-palooza Mooing Competition. The episode airs at 5 p.m. Jan. 28 and will be followed by a repeat of the State Fair food episode at 6 p.m.