Lincolnite

Actually, Zemann is in our neighborhood. But Calvert is close enough. Lincoln's first swine H1N1 flu case showed up in a Calvert Elementary student over the weekend. The student is now feeling fine and back in class. Do you think little piggy flu virulets can float across Pioneers Boulevard and down 48th Street to our place? Actually, even if they made it this far I'm sure we're still safe. The neighbors had some sort of grilling fiasco last night that pretty much fumigated the entire neighborhood. I'm sure we're safe.

Two questions here: Should churches be allowed to sell fireworks on their property without a special permit? And if so, should those sales be tax-free? Personally I prefer churches be required to obtain a permit for fireworks sales. If nothing else the act of acquiring a permit forces any organization to slow down and be aware of the laws and regulations that govern the activity in which they are about to engage. That's a good thing, in my book. As for the sales tax issue, apparently churches can currently have up to a three-consecutive-day, sales tax-free sale. Seems to me churches are missing a huge opportunity if they don't exploit that. And not with regard to fireworks. Tax-free back-to-school sales, anyone?

Good: Nebraskans can breathe easier today, as more or less all of the state's businesses go smoke free. Bad: Our collective illusion that we actually "own" our property is broken just a little bit more.

Well holy cow. Senator Ben Nelson recently stuck it to the Department of Roads over "the lack of progress on the Lincoln South Beltway since the Nebraska Department of Roads assumed the lead on this project." Wait, did he just say "Lincoln South Beltway"? What is that? It sounds like a hugely important project that should be a major priority for the city of Lincoln. And yet, do you ever hear anybody* talk about the South Beltway? I certainly don't! We should really look into this "South Beltway" thing. It sounds like it might be something worth pursuing. * I mean besides my periodic rants and bouts of sarcasm on the topic.

Good news for those of you who can't stand the fact that every new restaurant opening in town seems to be some sort of Mexican restaurant. According to Matt Olberding, a Colorado-based burger joint called SmashBurger -- not another Mexican restaurant! -- is coming to town. And not just one location, either; ten locations are planned across Lincoln and Omaha, which probably means we're looking at 3 or 4 locations in the Star City. By the looks of the menu it's a fairly standard contemporary burger joint: beef or chicken "burger", a few toppings, some sides, and a couple hot dogs thrown in for good measure. I'm generally not a burger guy so I'm not one to get excited over the menu, but I'll certainly give the place a try once it opens. I can't eat tortas and burritos for every meal, after all. Have any of you been to one of SmashBurger's existing locations?

The 2010 Special Olympics are coming to Lincoln and the event needs you to volunteer. According to an article in the LJS, organizers need 8,000-ish volunteers. That's a lot of people! Be sure to get your family and friends involved. I wish I could tell you more about the volunteer sign-up process, but it requires confirming your e-mail address and right now my e-mail account is tied up. As soon as the confirmation e-mail comes through I'll finish up the sign-up process and let you know more about it. UPDATE: I have finished the sign-up process. There are a few steps: (1) Enter your e-mail address and a password; (2) Wait for a confirmation e-mail, then click on the link in that e-mail; (3) Log in; (4) Fill out an application; (5) Wait for a confirmation e-mail, then click on the link in that e-mail. Note that a few fields on the application are required even though they aren't labeled as such. For example, I left "Home Phone" blank, but apparently that field is required. I just re-entered my mobile number. Also note that you must mark a checkbox at the very bottom of the page, but the form submit button is at the very top of the page. For now I signed up to assist with soccer-related activities. I also contacted the President of the Central Nebraska Soccer Officials Association -- uhh, my dad -- to see if we can get that organization actively involved in next year's event.