Feeling a little nostalgic today. I started thinking about the things that have gone away in Madison since 2000. Some of them I miss, some of them…not so much.

Here’s my list of the more important things that no longer are….

10. The daily print of the Captial Times – Alas newspapers, times are thin.  Take it online baby.

9. O’Cayz Corral – You burnt down on New Years Day 2001. I had a friend who played there often. You were very loud.

8. Madison Beaches – OK, they’re still there, but they close so often that it’s almost like they’re not.

7. The Civic Center – I have many fond memories of seeing great artists there. Most notabally…Weird Al Yankovich.

6. Cafe Momartre’ – Small, cramped, but my team won 2nd place in the first annual Madison Simpson’s Trivia contest there.

5. The Madison Blues Fest – Pretty cool event on Lake Monona. The blues still live on.

4. Angelic Brewing – Don’t tell anyone, but I nearly lost a fake ID at Angelic…ahhh memories.

3. J.T. Whitneys – I know you called a brat & mashed potatoes: Bangers and Mash, but I still like to dine in your halls.

2. Westgate & South Towne Cinema – I know they were kinda run down, but the more movie houses the better.

1. Smoking in Madison Restaurants & Bars – I don’t actually miss it  at all, but I like the building additions that people have added on so smokers can be sent into the cold.