Holy Smokes

Thanks to yesterday's election, smoking is now prohibited in all Austin bars. This was a big controversy and it only passed by 52%. There is already a smoking ban in restaurants and the opponents to this ban argued that this is one more example of government interference on personal choice and that it will ruin the club scene. After all, Austin is the Live Music Capital of the World. But now you don't have to worry about breathing second hand smoke inside a club.

However, outside a club is a different story. Austin is currently under siege thanks to farmers in the Yucatan. Every spring the farmers burn their crops to prepare for the new crops. The smoke from these huge fires eventually drift north to Texas and for several weeks we have to suffer and it can be miserable. The American Lung Association recommends that we refrain from outdoor exercise and in areas where it is especially smoky, we close our windows and use air conditioning.

Ironic, isn't it? The government is so worried about second hand smoke damaging me in a bar, but when it comes to smoke and pollution, I just have to suffer.

Dara