But six weeks into the ban, bowlers who smoke are finishing their games quickly, and not staying for that extra drink and cigarette. That worries owners whose sales come from both bowling and their bars.

Said Nancy McClain, who owns Belmar Lanes in Lincoln Park: "Bowling, smoking and drinking go together."

No sh!t?

Bowling is a big business in Michigan, which has about 230 bowling centers. The state has more bowlers certified by the United States Bowling Congress than any other in the nation.

Some bowling alley owners estimate that about half of their customers are smokers.

Bowlers already are spending less time at the bar. But winter will be the real test, when bowlers will have to trudge out into the cold and snow to smoke. Before they do, they must ditch their bowling shoes.

I'm glad that for the first time in seven years that I am not in a league.  No longer do I drop $80-$100 per week over the 30 weeks of league play.

My next move when this state gets the brilliant idea of raising the taxes on liquor and beer, and I mean not just in restaurants & bars due to the lost revenue?

I will prolly be going down to Indiana (cigs & booze is cheaper dontchya know) occasionally to stock up reserves at my man cave.

Is it just me that thinks this way?  Nope.