February 2012

Party of the Year

Some venues make any event unforgettable, whether you want to say “I do” aboard the last whaleback ship in the United States, dance to a live band under a massive carving of pure ice, or eat birthday cake while professional divers feed fish in an 85,000 gallon tank.

Robert Lillegard

Milwaukee in the Winter

Willie Nelson celebrated the city of New Orleans, Elvis Presley sang the praises of Las Vegas, and Will Smith welcomed us to Miami. It’s strange, then, that no one seems to be singing about Milwaukee. While Wisconsin’s largest city may not have the shallow, flash-in-the-pan qualities of conventional winter destinations (like above-freezing temperatures), it’s got a charm all its own.

Robert Lillegard

February In The Vineyard

In the annually-renewed story of the vine, February isn’t one of the most romantic months, but it is one of the most important. During the winter months of January and February, pruning the vineyards becomes the primary task at the winery. A good haircut readies the vines for fruit production during the coming spring and summer months.

Frank Kohoutek

Dishes to Share

February is a wonderful month for sharing the table with loved ones. Of course, there is Valentine’s Day to savor with that special someone, but there are also four weekends and President’s Day when there is a little more time to make and share a meal that becomes a vivid memory.

Chef Sean Lewis

Feed Your Heart

When you’re really in love, where you go is almost an afterthought. When my wife and I were dating, we went on dates in the grocery store, had long conversations at the laundromat, and once danced at a White Castle. But the right environment can add a lot, too. Duluth~Superior has plenty of great restaurants, but these stick out most of all for their romance, coziness and intimate feel.

Robert Lillegard

Snapshot: Rod Raymond

Rod Raymond dishes on life, love, and his greatest regret.

Curling

Kristy Filippini is a local band teacher and enthusiastic recent convert to the sport of curling, even though she herself thinks she’s got no business sliding around on ice.

Tony Bennett

Feel Better Today

Quick—try to feel great. It’s a nice goal, but a little vague. To help you on your way, we asked three health professionals with different areas of expertise to give their best tips, tactics and strategies for feeling great.

Robert Lillegard

How To Ruin A Screenplay

I don’t have children. But I am a writer, which is kind of the same thing. Now, before parents everywhere start asking me if I ever have to change my screenplay’s diaper or stay up all night trying to calm a colicky short story, I said KIND OF the same thing, not exactly the same thing.

Andy Bennett

Speak Brashly and Carry a Little Stick

A fter much discussion amongst the principals, it has become obvious to us here at the Maestro’s Musings offices that we would fail this issue on healthy living should we not offer a column about the health benefits of a career as a symphony conductor.

Markand Thakar

Series Books For Teens and Tweens

I love books for tween and teen readers, with their incredible stories about fantastic monsters, different worlds, clues and quests.

Wendy Webb

Feel Better Today

Quick—try to feel great. It’s a nice goal, but a little vague. To help you on your way, we asked three health professionals with different areas of expertise to give their best tips, tactics and strategies for feeling great.

Robert Lillegard