Would a Government Passed Smoking Ban in Duplexes and Apartments Be Going Too Far?
October 17, 2012 9:00 PM 
Evansville’s smoking ban in bars and restaurants, coupled with casino Aztar’s exemption from the ban is an ongoing controversy. It seems that smoking bans are extending further and further and could be extending to your homes, thanks to a new ban in California that prohibits smoking in condominiums, duplexes, apartments and other multi-family homes. Recently, voters in San Rafael, CA unanimously voted in favor of the ban as they have in other California communities. Mayor Gary Phillips said, “We are happy to blaze a trail and we’re happy to be in the forefront of the issue because we think it will greatly benefit our residents and those visiting San Rafael, and we think it will set the tone for other cities as well”, which is the biggest fear in all all of this.
The tobacco-control experts predict this legislation could create a much larger movement throughout the country and this has a lot of people very concerned and extremely nervous. It also creates a much larger issue that goes way beyond the dangers of smoking and second-hand smoke.
At this point, let me say that I am a staunch non-smoker and fully support the Evansville smoking ban. In fact, I believe the current ban doesn’t go far enough. That being said, even I am very concerned about the California ban because it allows government to regulating our personal lives and that scares me to death.
There are people in California who believe punishing people for what they do in their homes could be close to tyranny. We all know the effects of second-hand smoke and smoking in general. My own father died as a result of complications due to lung cancer treatments he was receiving, but this type of legislation, in my opinion, could be crossing a very delicate line.
The next time you drive around the Evansville area, take a look at the number of homes that would be affected by such a ban. We have a lot of apartments, duplexes, condominiums and other multi-family homes with shared walls that would be affected, not to mention what that could potentially cost landlords and sellers of these types of properties.
I live in a Downtown Evansville condominium development and there is no smoking allowed in the building or any of the units for that matter, but that is a requirement of the homeowners association for the building that was approved by all of the tenants. That’s fine and acceptable, but an actual law that bans smoking in these places? Sounds like big time gray area to me. Again, this goes beyond the smoking issue.
Oklahoma’s Country Stars Send Messages to Those Hit by Moore Tornado
Monday's (May 20) devastating tornado in Moore, Okla. touched the hearts of country music's biggest stars, and more than a few were left worrying about friends and family they knew in the area. The state is home to some of the biggest names in country music -- Carrie Underwood, Garth Brooks, Toby Keith, Vince Gill and Blake Shelton are just a few who have roots there, with one superstar having grown up in Moore.
Survivor of Oklahoma Tornado Finds Her Dog During Live Interview
May 21, 2013 1:00 PM I have discovered that when all seems lost and that the darkness of a tragedy overwhelms you, miracles DO happen and prayers are answered.
Evansville Car Thief Drives Recklessly Right In Front Of Police Station [VIDEO]
May 21, 2013 11:15 AM Here's the perfect example of what not to do if you are a criminal and you don't want to get caught. This juvenile car thief not only back his car up for a block into traffic on Martin Luther King Blvd. in Evansville, but then he grazes another car and then speeds off right past the police station in front of a police cruiser. Wow.
Horrific Oklahoma Tornado Captured in Several Raw Videos
The country continues to pray for and help the people devastated by the massive tornado that touched down in Oklahoma on Monday, killing dozens.
Brett Eldredge Wraps Red Tour Dates, Shares What He Learned From Taylor Swift
For 20 minutes on Thursday night (May 16), Brett Eldredge owned the crowd that was still trickling into Houston's Toyota Center to see perhaps the biggest tour of the year -- Taylor Swift's 2013 Red Tour. It was a short set for the country newcomer, but like he did at each of the other 18 shows he played with the superstar, he maxed out every second, walking onstage armed with ammo given to him by his grandfather and Swift herself.
‘The Baby Bachelor’ Brings Cute to Reality TV Thanks to Jimmy Kimmel
May 21, 2013 4:06 AM I love Jimmy Kimmel! But now, I love him even more. With reality shows everywhere, on every channel, leave it to Jimmy to come up with the best parody EVER!!! Jimmy, along with his brother, nephew and some lovely and hilarious toddler girls have come up with 'The Baby Bachelor'. Trust me, you will enjoy THIS much more that you ever did 'The Bachelor'.
Henderson March For Babies 2013 [PHOTOS]
May 20, 2013 11:30 PM The 2013 March for Babies in Henderson County was held Saturday in Central Park, and hundreds of walkers held off the rain to raise big money for the March of Dimes.
Aftermath of Oklahoma Tornado in Photos
A massive tornado touched down just south of Oklahoma City on Monday, killing dozens.
At least seven of those killed were students at Plaza Towers Elementary School in Moore. The twister, which measured 2 miles at one point, has been given a preliminary classification of an EF-4 tornado (winds of 166 to 200 mph), according to weather officials.
New Study Says What You Talk About on Facebook Reveals Your Age and Gender
May 20, 2013 8:00 PM A new study has revealed that a pretty detailed picture of ordinary people can be created simply by looking at the topics we discuss on Facebook and other social media. It should be no surprise that we develop new interests as we mature or more specifically, age. Men and women talk about the the same things on social media, only at different times in their lives.
How You Can Help Victims of the Tornado in Oklahoma
A huge tornado touched down just outside of Oklahoma City earlier today, causing widespread destruction and leaving behind a yet-untold number of casualties.
To see how you can help those affected, see the list below