With the death toll in the Pakistan earthquake topping 18,000, I’m not sure how much more bad news we can take in one year. That figure is just mind-boggling. The Metrobloggers in Lahore and Karachi are doing an amazing job with posting information and pointing people where they can help.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected.
If you thought the September 1 effective date of the new smoking ordinance was the last you’d hear of it, think again. 19 owners and bar staff from the effected bars filed a lawsuit September 19th and there was news this past week from Judge Sam Sparks who’ll be hearing the challenge.
I was out Tuesday night when word of his comments reached patrons and owners of one sixth street establishment. The smokers in attendance took his comments to mean that there wouldn’t be any fear of enforcement until his ruling, so they lit up right then and there. The hearing is scheduled for Tuesday. I must say that I’ve noticed and enjoyed the 5 or 6 times I’ve been out since the ban went into effect.
Update: I forgot to mention that the new ordinance is also under seige from state legislators and lobbyists because Austin Club, a private club, falls under the ban. Kelso wrote about it today in his column in the Statesman.
Hard to believe it’s been a whole year, but it’s true.
We’d like to celebrate our move from infancy to toddlerhood with as many of our friends as possible. We’ve picked Casino El Camino as the scene of the crime this Friday, October 14th at 5:30pm. We’ll stay at least ’til 8pm or later depending on how things go. So come on out and meet some of the metrobloggers in person. We’d love to meet you, otherwise we’ll be stuck drinking and talking to ourselves again and nobody wants that.