"Wake up, Da Brat! Wake Up!"

The title of this post is actually a quote from the 4th installment of the Surreal Life. It was exclaimed by Chyna (who now goes by Joni Fifteenminutes or something) who used to be a wrestler and former Intercontinental Champion of the WWE. She's running around in the middle of the night in a bikini and trying to wake up Da Brat, female rap artist and possible waitress. "Da Brat! Wake up!" I love it. It's going to be my new catchphrase. This is now my second post that included surreal life references. I'm not sure that is a good thing. In case you weren't paying attention as closely as me (and few are) the Surreal Life now has a spinoff called "Strange Love" starring budding love between Flava Flav and Bridgette Nielsen. That is a show that could have easily been called "Most Contrived Publicity Stunt Ever." Can you imagine the previews? "Next time on Most Contrived...tempers flare when Flava's best clock necklace is smashed when Bridgette passes out on top of it. Yeaaaahhh boyeeee!"

Speaking of Chyna, she left WWE to pursue an acting career. Has that ever worked? Hulk Hogan did some "movies," including classics like Suburban Commando and Mr. Nanny, but then again they let Shaq star in his own movies too. Let's put it this way, wrestlers are similar to adult film stars: They are kind of like actors like Spam is kind of like lunch meat. They have some of the same characteristics but they are not one in the same. The possible exception is The Rock, who knows that he can get the Vin Diesel-esque roles and is thriving in that so far. Also, the producers of Blade: Trinity expanded the part that they had for wrestler Triple H because he was so good. For the most part, when a wrestler contemplates acting don't they ever think, "I know how this story ends! I end up on the Surreal Life! Yelling things like, 'Get up, Da Brat!'"

Appleton is trying to push through an ballot measure to (and this makes me sick) ban smoking in bars that are in the city limits. What? America is about freedom! Like the freedom to inhale the nicotine filled air of a local dive bar without government interference! Don't tell me where I can and can't inhale second and first hand smoke, G-man! The revolution will not be televised and the government had better stay out of my uterus!!!

That got away from me. Sorry.

But seriously, no smoking in bars? If you don't like the smoke, don't go to bars. If you still like the bar got to one of those bars that chose to be smoke free. If that isn't an option, there is probably a reason: No bar owner would be that stupid and want to lose business. So, seen as the market and the free will of the people won't fix the problem...let's pass an ordinance! Yeah! I know there are always two sides to an issue, but if there really is a need for smoke free bars, the market would create them. If people really value their health more than going to a bar, they wouldn't go. It's all about economics. The validity of the petition that is circulating is in question anyways. Some petitions were left in health clubs and other place that healthy pink lungers congregate, which is a no-no in Wisconsin. The explanation from the Free Air Coaliton (or whatever they are called?) "The locations were more like a collection point...Yeah...and the petitions that were actually signed at the health clubs got lost, see... yeah, that's what happened." That's all I've got for today.

I'm gearing up for a big day of women's hoops tomorrow, going to see the UWGB Lady Phoenix in action against Detroit. The big showdown in hockey is set for next weekend with the Kitties from Marquette City travelling to Ann Arbor to take on top 5 ranked Michigan on Fox Sports Net. Apparently there is a get together for Northern alums in the area at a local sports bar in Appleton that I will probably attend. A word of caution to my buddy Brown Cow in the A-Duece, we almost always play well at Yost. Of course we have a great road record this year...for me to poop on. Have a great weekend all!

I'm finished,
Nate