I've been toying with the idea of having our own lecture series at Kavarna, but I have to say that it would be hard to improve upon UWGB's (though I'd schedule mine for the evenings)!

Each discussion is held at the Baylake Bank City Center, 301 N. Adams St., Suite 110, in downtown Green Bay. The discussions are free and open to the public.

The Downtown Third Thursdays lecture series is sponsored by the UW-Green Bay Office of the Chancellor, the UW-Green Bay Alumni Association, Downtown Green Bay, Inc., Olde Main Street, Inc., and On Broadway, Inc.

Advance registration is required. Registration is available online at http://www.uwgb.edu/downtown/. Details of the events are also listed on the Web site.

The Animal in Contemporary Visual Art
Thursday, October 16, 2008 12:00-12:45 p.m.
This is a special presentation, hosted in coordination with the Neville Public Museum’s citywide Art and Animal project, which features a world premiere art exhibit that “demonstrates the importance of animals in our world.” In the past, this might have meant depicting animals as food, companions, or as symbols of the purity of nature. This session will look at contemporary artists who use animals in their work, and the implications—sometimes controversial—of their practices. Prof. Carol Emmons will lead the discussion.

The Impact of the 2008 Elections
Thursday, November 20, 2008 12:00-12:45 p.m.
The 2008 national and state elections will make history. Dan Spielmann, UW-Green Bay director of government relations, leads a discussion of the impact of the November 2008 elections on the University, the region, and the state of Wisconsin.

Best Toys for Toddler Development: A Holiday Guide for Parents & Grandparents
Thursday, December 18, 2008 12:00-12:45 p.m.
How do you decide which toy will provide the most fun while also providing valuable experiences that will help foster a child’s development? Prof. Jennifer Zapf will answer this question by briefly reviewing literature on the developing child (ages 0 - 12 years) and then reviewing toys that are best suited to enhance children’s social, physical, and cognitive development.

The Way We Eat: Getting Healthier at All Ages
Thursday, February 19, 2009 12:00-12:45 p.m.
Recent research advances highlight how certain foods, nutrients and physical activity dramatically influence our physical and mental vitality as we age. Prof. Debra Pearson will explore this research and how it can help add years to your life.

To Sleep Perchance To Sleep
Thursday, March 19, 2009 12:00-12:45 p.m.
Sleep, the tranquil retreat into benevolent oblivion, may be harmful, even dangerous, if you are not getting the type of sleep you need. Join Prof. Dennis Lorenz in a presentation on the dynamic process of sleep. He will cover a number of sleep topics including: what happens during healthy sleep and the consequences for sleep loss; the seductive vicious cycle of everyday stimulants and sedatives; and treatments for sleep ailments that range from altering everyday activities, to pressurized air masks and surgery.

Work Humor Works! Right?
Thursday, April 16, 2009 12:00-12:45 p.m.
Can organizations tap into the power of humor to enhance creativity, productivity, and satisfaction? Prof. Lucy Arendt will discuss the outcomes of humor—good, bad, or neutral—in the workplace. The lecture will leave participants with a solid understanding of whether work humor works, and how.