Today marks the anniversary of the assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 BC, known formally as the Ides of March.

To the Shakespearean scholars among us, this day has come to signify impending doom. Fortunately I haven't yet crossed paths with any soothsayers foretelling my imminent death. But as a general warning to all readers, if you think that your political enemies might be out to stab you, take a hint from Shakespeare and avoid any dagger-wielding anti-imperialists at the forum.

I don't really have anything special planned to celebrate the Ides of March, except writing this post, of course. But if you're in the Ides spirit, here are some suggestions for the execution of your celebratory fracas:

• Read or reread Julius Caesar; make personal life applications as necessary
• Eat a Caesar salad
• Go to Orange Julius
• Wear a toga (with proper undergarments, of course). Marching in the streets yelling "TO-GA! TO-GA!" is optional.
• Reenact the assassination of Julius Caesar
• Keel over without warning in the line at the supermarket and hoarsely whisper "Et tu, Brute?" to the cashier
• Wear laurel leaves as all Romans do
• Go to Rome