There are two of them I am going to take in without fail.  Then time permitting, hopefully a few more.  The first is a film Nicholas Cage stars in called Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans.  Critics say it’s his best work.  I would go to the ends of the earth to see him in any film he stars in. 

The second film is actually a documentary called La Danse: The Paris Opera Ballet.  I love this art form and am anxious to see a behind the scenes look at this world. 

Tickets are on sale now ($10 per viewing).  Also, the viewing times are available here.  Enjoy!

I got both of the flu shots back in December and January.  I am very cautious though not to share food and to wash my hands thoroughly with soap and water whenever I can (I’ve also purchased some hand sanitizer to carry with me in case that is not always possible).  I know these are two of the most common ways the flu virus is spread. 

Let’s hope the flu season will be over soon, but in the meantime, if we follow just these two common sense rules it will keep our risk of contracting the flu to a minimum.

Then, the 44th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, presented by the Shamrock Club of Wisconsin, Westown Association, and Miller Lite is at Noon the next day (Saturday, March 13).  It starts at 3rd and Wisconsin and proceeds to Highland and Water Streets.  For the full parade route, names of the Parade Marshalls, names of the 2010 Irishman and Irish Rose, and so much more, check the club’s website.

The fun continues on through the week, and St. Patrick’s Day itself!  Just take a look at the official website for the possibilities and then make your choices.

Happy St. Patty’s Day, Milwaukee!

Everyday of the event there will be local and national hunting and fishing experts featured, archery/air rifle target shooting/dog retrieving competitions, and great prices on a wide selection of fishing boats.  And that’s just the start!  Check out the hours, all of the activities, and where to get your tickets right away.

You can register the day of the plunge from 10am-Noon or pre-register on Thursday, March 4th at the Cafe Hollander (on Downer Ave.) from 530pm-730pm.  Get more details on the event including all sorts of contests that are being held to help with fundraising.

The exhibit hall is free and open to everyone, while tickets for the presentations on Friday or Saturday night are $20 (if purchased by Thursday, March 4th) or $25 is purchased at the door.  You can purchase your tickets in advance at this site. 

I am looking forward to this event.  I have always had an interest in maritime history and would love to get some information on scuba diving in our area.

When I say ”participate”, I mean just that.  The kids were able to jump and crawl on this huge game board, complete with activity stations that helped us all learn about nutrition, rest vs activity, safety, personal care, you name it.  It may sound a little dry as I write about it here but it was anything but.  Check out their site for all the information you’ll need to enjoy this new adventure. 

There are many fabulous museums in the Milwaukee area.

The event takes place at the Little Red Store in the Village of Wauwatosa on March 3, 2010.   The cost is $25 cash at the door.  Space is limited.  The site says you drop your items off between 6 and 6:45 and event starts at 7 and over by 8:30 p.m.

Check out how it works, many questions answered here.  Check out the site for details.

If you have the money to spend and want to go the old-fashioned way, here are some retail stores to choose from.

Starting out my day with a ”good” breakfast has always been tough for me.  I am always rushing, never finding time to sit down and eat something healthy.  I made a real effort these past two weeks to make breakfast cereal that “good” breakfast.  When I stopped and thought about it, how much time does it take to pour some cereal from a box and add some milk?  A little silly, right?

The first hurdle for me was getting the right cereal into my home.  Out with the Cocoa Puffs and in with the whole-grain cereals (like shredded wheat or muesli).   Several studies suggest that it’s the fiber in the whole-grain that helps with fighting heart failure, high blood pressure, and high blood sugars.   

Now there are other factors that go along with starting your day with the right breakfast cereal; maintaining a healthy body weight, regular exercise, eating appropriate portions of fruits & vegetables, alcohol in moderation, and no smoking.  The bottom line is that men who practiced even four of these six habits cut their risk of heart failure in half. 

I figure the breakfast cereal angle is just too easy to pass on.  So, I am going to continue with that until my next appointment with my doctor.  Then I will ask about other simple things I can do to reduce my risk of heart failure or disease.

I had an opportunity to view actual Dead Sea Scrolls and other early biblical artifacts.  The exhibit tells of the discovery of the first Scrolls and what their significance has been to those of us who practice Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.

The exhibit goes through June 6th, 2010, so you have plenty of time to take it in.  I highly recommend this one.  It has an excellent story to tell and does it in an extraordinary fashion. 

You can get the days and hours of the exhibit as well as tickets online.