We have great libraries in Milwaukee, and in the 'burbs, too. I love the Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., because it's such an amazingly beautiful old building, a great place for people watching and it has a drive-through.

I also like the Shorewood Library, 3920 N. Murray Ave., especially the kids' section because it's closed off from the rest of the library, which is ideal when little people -- like my own -- haven't mastered their quiet library voice. (However, I wish it didn't have a toy train table, because it distracts my boys from reading books.)

The other day we were on our way to the East Library, 1920 E. North Ave.,  and my 5-year-old asked me why we don't have to pay money for library books.

I told him the library was special because it allows us to borrow the books, and trusts us to return them. He noted that you can't do that at Target with the toys. My son then said the library was good at sharing, and I agreed.

After that conversation, I realized once again how truly cool the library is, how many opportunities it provides for so many people, how nothing else is quite like it and what great life lessons it provides for kids, aside from the obvious benefit of turning them on to reading.

P.S. Unfortunately, the library hasn't been a free experience for me lately. Checking out the bulk of the Eric Carle collection wasn't a good idea. I know that copy of  "The Mixed-up Chameleon" is around here somewhere.

The Internet-ordained minister is the subject of lots of jokes in our culture, but the funniest part is that it’s true: you can go online and get ordained as a minister for free.

I did it just for fun a couple of years ago through the Universal Life Church (ULC), based in California. All you have to do is go to their Web site, fill out a very brief form, and wait for an email confirming your ordination. (An actual person approves the request, so it takes anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of days to get ordained.)

The ordination is completely free of charge, although they do try to sell you stuff like business cards and suitable-for-framing certificates declaring your new spiritual title. (I passed on these, but occasionally request that my friends address me as “reverend.”)

For Wisconsinites, it’s not necessary to have a religious credential to officiate a wedding or a funeral -- anyone can do it. However, for those of us with too much cyber free time on our hands, getting officially ordained online is an entertaining way to procrastinate when you should be, say, writing an article. It might even beat eBay.

I was driving through Estabrook Park, 4400 N. Estabrook Dr., late yesterday afternoon, and, as always, I noticed five or six cars parked in the parking lot midway through the park. In most of the cars, there was a single man sitting in his car.

I know that this park -- particularly the parking lot -- is a place for gay men to hook up for casual sex. However, I’ve also heard that the place is crawling with cops, and even know of a person or two who was busted at Estabrook for propositioning an undercover officer.

So my question is: Why do men still go here? Are they not aware that it’s practically common knowledge that Estabrook Park’s parking lot may be a hot spot for fine men, but also for "Milwaukee's Finest?" Do they know, but don't care? Is it really worth the risk?

“I Want Someone To Eat Cheese With” is a fun flick, but only recommended for those who already like -- or better yet, love -- "Curb Your Enthusiasm" actor Jeff Garlin (he plays Larry David's agent in “Curb.”) Having a yen for Sarah Silverman helps, too, because she co-stars in this indie film that's written, directed and stars Garlin.

Garlin plays a likable overweight actor who lives in a Chicago apartment with his mother, and after five years of forced celibacy, is starving for love. He meets the kooky and crass Silverman behind the counter of an ice-cream parlor where he goes after sneaking out of an Overeaters Anonymous meeting, and winds up having sex with her. From there, Garlin's life begins to topple like a toddler with a triple-scoop.

The film is extremely reminiscent of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” -- the music, the comedic timing and mix of scripted and improvisational material. Also, the film feels like the “Sarah Silverman Program,” because Silverman's character Beth is much like her character in her Comedy Central show.

“I Want Someone To Eat Cheese With” is loaded with cameo appearances, including Tim Kazurinsky, Scott Adsit, Dan Castellaneta, Cindy Caponera, Amy Sedaris, Steve Dahl, David Pasquesi (who is great as Garlin's best friend), Mina Kolb, Gina Gershon and Paul Mazursky. Bonnie Hunt is well cast as a neurotic and lonely schoolteacher.

Garlin is wonderful in this film, but it's too bad that overweight actors continue to typecast themselves in “fat” roles. Garlin's weight is commonly referenced in “Curb,” and it's the crux of his misfortunes in this movie, as well. There are numerous scenes where he sits on the hood of his car, parked next to a garbage can, eating out of a bag of take-out, and although these scenes are funny,  the Hollywood “fat guy” thing is forever sad thanks to the fate of self-deprecating obese actors like the late Chris Farley.

However, even though "I Want Someone To Eat Cheese Wi…