Play in the City

I Hate the Cubs.

But, I’m still going to Wrigleyville tomorrow, of course, just to cheer on the Crew!

I’ve never been to the historic Wrigley Field. Now that I think of it, I’ve never actually been to a stadium outside of Wisconsin. And I call myself a sports fan! Needless to say, I jumped at the chance to cheer on the Brewers at Wrigley, and maybe see a win, or at least have the opportunity to heckle some Cubs fans. *grin*

My new friend Johnny has a mini season ticket package for bleacher seats at Wrigley Field. As it turns out, he has some games in his package that he and his family can't make, including four bleacher seats for Wednesday’s game. Since he can't use them, Johnny kindly offered all four tickets to me and my friends before selling them on eBay. See, although he’s a Cubs fan, he’s a pretty decent guy because it’s an extremely generous offer, one that I couldn’t resist!

So, tomorrow, Eric, Justin, my sister and I are taking a holiday to spend the whole day bumming around Chicago, and then watching the game later that night. We will be crashing their stadium this time, of course, decked out in Brewers gear and ready to rumble with any smug Cubs fan. Knowing that they’re cocky down there, and frankly, because I’m getting sick of all of the bogus Cubs adoration, I might have to bring my knuckle dusters to put them in their place. I’m kidding. I have knucks, but I won’t bring them.

I just hope we (the Brewers) can pull off a win! Fans watched the Brewers make minced meat out of the Cubs on Opening Day. But, considering our pitching has been subpar and we’ve had an appalling inability to make runs recently, I might have to do a silent prayer before the game for a win, better yet, for a series win!

We will see what tonight’s game brings with Sheets pitching, hopefully a victory. A win might instill some confidence when we face the #1 team in the NL-Central and it may presage the outcome of tomorrow’s game as well.

I’m extremely excited and so, so grateful for the opportunity! I don’t know what’s more thrilling: taking an entire day off of work, going on a mini excursion, watching baseball in a different city, seeing a game at Wrigley Field, the prospect of fighting a Cubs fan, or witnessing the Brewers cream the Cubs (I’m keeping my spirits high). Either way, the day will be fantastic!

Thanks again for the tickets, Johnny! Sorry that I refuse to show even the slightest amount of love for the Cubs in your honor. I hope you can forgive me.

Make a Splash!

My friend Elizabeth Sorensen (Lizzie as I know her) made me aware of a special event taking place THIS FRIDAY at the District Aquatic Center in Port Washington where she is the assistant coach for the high school boys swim team.

The Port Washington-Saukville School District (PWSSD) and the Friends of Swimming and Diving group will be attempting to break the current Guinness World Record for the World's Longest Swim Relay in 24 hours.

This is the district’s second attempt at making history. Last year, they were several hundred people short, and this time they’ll need at least 3,200 people to swim one length of the pool.

Again, the group is extending the invitation to everyone in southeastern Wisconsin because even though our waterways are ice blocks for over half the year, a lot of us still know how to dog paddle.

Here’s the gist:

What: To break the current Guinness World Record for the World's Longest Swim Relay in 24 hours
When: Beginning at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 2, 2008 and ending at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2008
Where: District Aquatic Center, Thomas Jefferson Middle School, 1403 N. Holden Street, Port Washington, Wisconsin
Current Record: Palma de Mallorca, Spain: 3,168 people. June 1-2, 2007
Entry Fee: $5 per swimmer. Individuals are encouraged to pre-register by heading over here, otherwise on-site registration will be welcomed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Note: There are several incentive programs that offer you up to $1,000 in returned fees if you bring 200 or more people between 10 a.m. and midnight. That’s not too shabby, if I may say so.

Your part of this record attempt will only take about 30 minutes, most of which will be spent registering and waiting in line for your turn to swim. So, the PWSSD encourages everyone to come out, even if you can’t stay to enjoy the on-deck music or concessions.

Lizzie also mentioned that school kids have the time slots pretty well booked from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thomas Jefferson Middle School has precedence from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., elementary kids – Lincoln, Saukville, Dunwiddie, Port Catholic Elementary Schools – have priority from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. After that, however, anyone is welcome!

“The biggest point we're trying to emphasize is that this is an event that everyone can participate in. There is at least one Special Olympics team that is participating on Friday,” says Lizzie.

You hear that? EVERYONE! This is NOT an exclusive event for residents of Port Washington or those who are avid swimmers. Actually, you don’t have to be an Olympic caliber swimmer to participate. Heck, you don’t even have to put your head under water if you prefer not to. Everything from back and breast strokes to freestyle and doggy paddles are acceptable, as long as they get you across the 25-yard pool, of course.

The very dedicated PWSSD, staff and community are hoping that Friday’s efforts will not only land southeastern Wisconsin in the Guinness Book of World Records, but will raise enough funds – the estimated goal is $200,000 – to aid in renovating and enhancing their swim facilities.

For more information on how you can be a part of this world record attempt, head over here. Or click here to pre-register before Wednesday, April 30.

Earth Day at the Urban Ecology Center

With the plethora of Earth Day events taking place lasts weekend, I couldn’t think of a better place to celebrate Mother Earth than at the Urban Ecology Center (UEC).

The neighborhood-based, non-profit community center is located in Milwaukee’s historic Riverside Park. The center is dedicated to educating locals about the environment by offering multifaceted outdoor recreation, environmental resources, and science and ecological schooling.

The day was calling for rain, but around noon the skies were still pretty clear, so Eric and I rushed to get to the UEC to partake in their Earth Day festivities before the rain had a chance to spoil the day.

We found parking along Locust Street near the entrance to Riverside Park. This niche of the East Side once was a little ragged and the park was pretty underused and overgrown, but that afternoon you wouldn’t have been able to tell. Although there were marks of graffiti left on some picnic tables, the swing sets and jungle gyms were alive with kids.

As Eric and I strolled along the sidewalk and into the park, we began to get a little confused about where all of the alleged Earth Day events were taking place. We were in the right place at the right time, but aside from the kids on the playground, no one was around. That is, until we came upon a handsome, four-story, metal-sided timber building abuzz with face-painted children competing in a bean bag toss and making crafts at tables along the sidewalk outside.

Most environmental education centers have been set in the country, usually in a nature preserve surrounded by bountiful and vigorous wildlife habitats in order to better connect with nature. However, the UEC is an exception as it’s located in a dense city neighborhood amid several acres of once-decrepit parkland.

We followed the path around the building and past a stunning 40-foot climbing wall where brave kids and adults scaled its vertical course. We wound around a rainwater-retention pond and a garage built of salvaged brick, and then we found the main entrance.

Through the front door we entered straight into the main hall where we were warmly welcomed by a lady at a table who provided us with a schedule that was jam-packed with crafts, classes, demonstrations, music and so on.

Spring Is In Bloom...

On the East Side and throughout southeastern Wisconsin.

Finally!

Ready to Ride!

Wednesday night was lovely, so I decided to take my little red mountain bike out for a spin and to the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts to register for the Miller Lite Ride for the Arts, which is scheduled for Sunday, June 1.

Since the box office is open until 6 p.m., I thought it was a good time to secure my spot on the roster, plus it’s really easy to sign-up and it only costs $35 per person if you register in advance.

There are several ways to sign-up:

1. Online before May 31 by clicking here
2. By mail if you download this registration form
3. In person at the Marcus Center box office between May 27 and 31
4. On ride day, June 1, beginning at 6 a.m. at the Marcus Center (you’ll have to pay an extra $5 then)

And remember that you can register as a family, create a team or ride solo.

This is my second year participating in the Ride and also my second attempt at biking the 50-mile haul.

Conversely, the Ride for the Arts has been rolling to benefit the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) for 28 years. During that time, the ride has generated more than $6 million to support UPAF’s performing arts groups, which enables UPAF Members and Affiliate Groups to touch millions of people through performances, educational programming and outreach each year, according to the website.

This year, the Ride is offering a five, 15, 25, 50 and 75-mile bike route. The Ride starts in downtown Milwaukee at the Marcus Center (929 N. Water Street) and finishes at the Miller Lite Oasis on the Summerfest grounds for the Potawatomi Bingo Casino Finish Line Party. The party includes entertainment, performances from UPAF groups, and children's and sponsor-related activities.

The various routes start at different times and will take you past several Milwaukee landmarks, along the scenic shores of Lake Michigan, and through numerous Milwaukee-area communities and parks. Plus, there are rest stops along the way where you can replenish your exhausted body with fresh fruit and energy bars, cold water and Gatorade. You can click here to see the route map. There’s also an online photo tour for each course.

Last year, I’ll admit, wasn’t the easiest of feats. My legs simply weren’t in the shape they were a few years ago and I wasn’t really prepared for such a long ride. Needless to say, peddling that entire distance with noodle legs was a workout and a half, but it also was a true test of willpower.

Nevertheless, I made it to the finish line in less than five hours, which I’m very proud of. To feel triumphant after having the living crap kicked out of me made the Ride well worth it, yes, even the next day when my muscles were screaming.

I really enjoyed waking up to a calm city at 6 a.m. and biking along the tranquil waters of Lake Michigan and down the beautiful streets of Shorewood and Bayside. But, by no means was the Ride a walk in the park. Cutting through thick, sweltering heat and then dodging hammering rain was definitely a challenge!

We traveled up hill, down hill, in mud, through dirt, on roads, across highways, on sidewalks, and after the rain, over streets that were steaming like wet charcoal in a sauna. The Ride literally was the highlight of my summer, which is why I think all of you should register, even if it’s only for the five-mile ride.

This year I’m hoping to make better time and now that I know what to expect, I’m even more excited!

Well, I guess I better start doing some squats and lunges so I’ll have machine-gun legs by June 1. Wish me luck!

For more information on the Miller Lite Ride for the Arts head over here.

The Manfred Olson Planetarium

I’ve always been fascinated by the stars. Stars are mystical, scientific and historic. As a kid I loved learning about the constellations and the stories behind them. As an adult I love learning about space and all of the wondrous phenomena that exist and all the amazing things that studying the stars has taught us about our own planet.

FYI: My scientist boyfriend told me that the element Helium was predicted by analyzing light from the sun before it was even discovered on earth. So, looking at the stars is literally like staring back in time. We can look to see what the universe looked like millions and millions of years ago... Needless to say, stars are cool stuff!

While I've learned about the stars in our universe from my science book years ago in school, seeing Stars in the Spring at The Manfred Olson Planetarium made it more exciting and real than any of those science books ever could.

Located on the north end of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee campus, The Manfred Olson Planetarium hosts Friday Night Shows every week. Pressed for time, Eric and I scampered into the building that acts as the hub for the Planetarium and proceeded to a folding table in the middle of the lobby where we paid $1 apiece for the show. $1 is quite a deal!

We entered the dimly lit room and spotted two open seats surrounded by three other rows, which encircle a large projector in the middle of the round room. To my surprise the space was brimming with students, families and several couples looking to do some stargazing.

Promptly at 7 p.m., a woman with thick glasses and a fleece pullover appeared from behind a desk near the entrance and gently closed the door. “This will be a great spring for looking at the stars,” she enthusiastically announced. The woman was Planetarium director and astronomer Jean Creighton. Creighton is responsible for creating and directing all of the themed and sequential shows at UWM’s Planetarium and she was keenly interested in getting people into science.

The first part of the program consisted of a brief interactive session where Creighton used a globe to demonstrate how the Earth rotates around itself and around the sun, and how with every season’s change, the night sky also changes. Meanwhile, Creighton asked many questions that weren’t too tricky, so most of the kids in the audience willingly threw up their hands to participate, although most of the adults remained quiet.

Fifteen minutes later, the lights dimmed and we were encouraged to sit back in our comfy seats and focus on the dome ceiling. Then, the sky-blue lights faded to a soft shade of red as dusk was simulated, and then to a dark blue as night took over.

Koppa’s Farwell Foods

When hunger strikes, I often walk a couple of blocks down the road to my favorite indie deli and grocery store, Koppa’s Farwell Foods.

It’s amazing to me that a neighborhood grocery store like Koppa’s can still exist, especially in an area monopolized by upscale grocery stores and markets. Still, Koppa’s continues to keep up with the Joneses by providing a respite from the trend.

Nestled in a corridor dotted with apartments and condos is Koppa’s, a family-owned business since 1982. Since I was only one year old then, Koppa’s just began satisfying my appetite when I moved to the East Side several years ago. Still, over Koppa’s 25 years of business, the local store has established itself as one of Milwaukee’s favorite treasures and the perfect stop for a 6-pack, the latest Sheppard Express, the day’s Powerball ticket, or a bite of one of the best sandwiches in town.

It was a frigid Saturday afternoon in March and all Eric and I really wanted to do was sit inside where it was warm, but since both of us had a ghastly case of cabin fever, we decided to venture out of my apartment and over to Koppa’s.

You see, Koppa’s is my favorite place to grab a sandwich for a picnic by the lakefront during Milwaukee's gorgeous spring and summer months. Since the long winter had been driving Eric and I to the brink of insanity, we decided to get a taste of spring by seeking out a specialty sandwich that would remind us of May afternoons and relaxing along the serene Lake Michigan, not of the current dreary day.

Koppa’s is home to the Fulbeli Deli which is known for its out of this world sandwiches. Many of these superb creations are named after a planet or something found in our solar system, but each one is able to tempt the taste buds and warm the soul.

Several years ago when I first meandered back toward the deli, I remember being in awe of the vast selection of sandwiches. It took me several minutes just to scan the assortment of cold double deckers, subs, vegetarian delights, home-style favs, and grilled specialties.

Named WISN’s 2007 A-List winner for Best Sandwich Shop, the Fulbeli Deli offers a menu that boasts over 20 different sandwiches – from the Pluto, Yeti, and Stralkowski (named for Mrs. Koppa’s maiden name), to the Elvis, which is, well, I’m sure you’ve guessed it, a fried PB and banana sandwich. All sandwiches range from $2.99 to $4.99 and come with several surprise pieces of candy too.

MKE Charity Brings Home the Bacon

I just thought this was kind of neat…

Last night, I was flipping through TV stations as I procrastinated on one of my freelance projects and while I waited to head to The Tracks for my volleyball game. I eventually stopped on FOX's Don’t Forget the Lyrics for some odd reason.

I don’t watch much television and definitely wouldn’t be drawn to a show like that, but I kind of got into it. This is because the show was airing a celebrity charity addition and Kimberley Locke, a former American Idol contestant, was singing to raise money for a Milwaukee charity. You can watch her rendition of Monster Mash by clicking here.

For the record, I detest “Idol,” but this was an entirely different kind of contest. You see, “celebrities” go onto the show to, well, guess the lyrics to well-known pop songs. For every song the pop star can correctly belt out, a certain amount of money is donated to the charity of their choice. Ms. Locke won $100,000 for the Milwaukee Chapter of Camp Heartland, the largest camping and care program for children who are affected by HIV/AIDS.

What a great cause and what a fabulous way to get Milwaukee in the national buzz!

Locke was also auctioning off the dress she wore on American Idol two weeks ago for the charity special. The dress was created by Project Runway Season Four winner, the "fierce" Christian Siriano, who I adore! I would sport anything designed by him, well, maybe not the feather gown he showed at New York Fashion Week, only because that’s a little too fierce for my taste.

You can still bid on the dress though. So, if you’re interested in looking ever so stylish while supporting a worthy cause, head over here and throw down some coinage.

That’s all. Oh, and Kimberly, you go girl!

Shake it Up, Baby

There was no twisting or shouting though, well, maybe shouting, but mostly just a lot of shaking when a 5.2 magnitude earthquake, centered 350 miles from Milwaukee in southeast Illinois, rattled many local and surrounding communities early this morning.

According to the news, calls were pouring into the National Weather Service from as far north as Peshtigo, claiming that they felt the ground shaking. This is pretty amazing considering the quake’s core was about six miles from West Salem, Illinois.

I’m sure you’ve already heard the breaking news, but if you missed it, you can read more about it here.

This event is so extraordinary that I wish I could chime in and tell a story about my bookshelf vibrating or something, but instead I'll share a couple accounts from other locals.

A friend of mine who lives in an apartment complex downtown near the lakefront said she woke up roughly around 4:30 a.m. when she felt a tremor that caused her bed to shake. Local news reports state that the quake happened just before 4:37 a.m. and seismic activity lasted for about 20 seconds.

“I woke up, but I didn’t know what woke me up,” said my co-worker, Melinda, as we talked about the recent news. Melinda lives in Racine and said she noticed her paintings hanging crooked on her walls this morning. I thought that was funny.

Did you feel it? If so, tell me about it.

While many people, even Milwaukee residents, were startled by the shaking, I was sleeping like a rock. This was the first sizable earthquake in the Midwest and I slept through it! Dang. I’m an extremely light sleeper too... a fly could land on my windowpane and I'd probably hear it. Seriously.

Interestingly, I vaguely remember my cat waking up early and sitting on the windowsill yelling at me, though. She usually sleeps throughout the night and only wakes up to beg for food once my alarm buzzes. Animal lovers claim that house pets are psychic when it comes to sensing unusual occurrences like earthquakes. “They can feel it,” my sister contends. I don’t know if Lucy can predict or feel the phenomena of nature, but sure, why not? After all, she actually noticed it.

This news is fascinating to me because Midwestern residents aren’t really accustomed to such a large temblor. We often hear about the faults under California and out West, but we rarely get word of potential quakes around here.

Local reports and the U.S. Geological Survey says that the earthquake rocked the Illinois-Ozark dome region, which covers parts of Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, and Arkansas, and stretches from Indianapolis and St. Louis to Memphis.

The U.S. Geological Survey’s website also insists that earthquakes occur irregularly in this area. In fact, the largest historical earthquake in the region – a level of 5.4 on the Rector Scale – caused damage in southern Illinois in 1968, but that’s the last notable quake around that fault line.

Interesting? I think so.

This morning’s quake also shook skyscrapers in Chicago’s Loop, 240 miles north of the epicenter, and 450 miles northwest in Des Moines; as well as, in downtown Indianapolis, about 160 miles northeast of it. Fortunately, out this way there were no reports of injuries or significant damage besides fallen soup cans and picture frames and an early morning stir.

How crazy is that?

Ready for the Beach!

I’ve been watching The Weather Channel a lot this week. The reason is that volleyball was moved outside.

Our first game of the spring season was on Tuesday night on the sand volleyball courts at The Tracks Tavern and Grille. The Tracks is a well established volleyball and sports bar located in Milwaukee’s Riverwest neighborhood. The place features three outdoor sand volleyball courts where 140 co-ed bar teams play weekly.

I’ve played at The Tracks for several years now and my current team has been playing together for exactly one year. After playing indoors all winter, my team, The Sasquatch Militia, is coming back as the reigning champions and we are looking to defend our title and, of course, have a ton of fun on the bar’s beach.

On Monday, The Weather Channel said that Tuesday would be flirting with the mid-60s all afternoon. But as the sun waned, so did the warm temperatures and my team and our opponents were forced to volley in an ice-cold sandbox.

By the time our game started at 8 p.m., the wind was roaring and the temperatures were plummeting. Most of us were bundled up in sweatshirts and knit caps, some even wore socks. The air wasn’t the problem though, it was the sand. The sand itself was damp and cold and after only a few minutes, it felt like I had submerged my feet into the freezing water of Lake Michigan in late December.

As the game progressed, our toes became more and more numb – my toenails even began to look like they belonged to Smirfette! Needless to say, it was pretty difficult moving around when our feet were as heavy as ice blocks. But in the end, The Militia endured and won the match 3-0. And the more we play outside, the better we will get, at least once we thaw out a bit more and are able to shake off the cobwebs that accumulated in our joints over our month hiatus.

I’m a firm believer that the beach game has helped improve my overall volleyball skills simply because sand volleyball is a lot harder than indoor. I played competitive indoor volleyball on a hard gym floor for eight years prior to joining The Tracks’ league. Since then, my overhand serves and my spikes have significantly improved. I’ve noticed that when I play outside, it’s a lot less about how high I can play, but more about how well I can see the other side of the net since there's obviously no roof blocking the blinding sun and wearing aviators simply won’t cut it.