A Quarter Century in the Cream City

Holiday Spirit: The New Avatars

2011-12-09T14:16:00.000-06:00

You may have noticed my social media profiles have a new look. I decided to be festive this year and give a little nod to my namesake (or, at least that's what I tell everyone. My mom swears there's no specific reason she named me Mandi other than, "I just liked that name.").

Boo.

Here's the (fake) story behind my name:

Christmas just isn't really happening until I watch this film. Which is why it's currently NOT Christmas season. It will be after this weekend. Mark your calendars.

*Sigh* Bing Crosby. I was SO born in the wrong decade...

And, yes, I have 3 versions of this film's soundtrack.

And, yes, when I get married this song will be playing at some point.

The Coolest Thing Happened to Me Last Night

2011-12-06T12:29:00.000-06:00

Last night I stopped by the grocery store on the way home and it wasn’t until I was in my car that I remembered an email I forgot to send at work that needed to get out ASAP. I hadn’t yet made or eaten dinner, so shelving my recipe until tomorrow I debated on where I could go for some food that also had free WiFi available (I don’t have Internet access at home).

Usually Alterra is my go-to, but the one near my house has very little seating and even less parking space. Instead I decided to try the local McDonald’s. My friend’s dad owns it, and, while I try not to eat fast food too often, I love stopping at this location because the workers are always cheerful, fast, and generally awesome.

Plus, I can just say “I visited Elysse’s dad,” instead of, “I had dinner at McDonald’s.”

To be quick…and cheap…I ordered a happy meal and sat down with my laptop.

Sidenote: free WiFi means nothing to me if your business doesn’t also have outlets. My dinosaur of a laptop needs to be plugged in at all times.

I finished my business online while I munched on my fries and chicken nuggets. I always check the bag for stray fries, but tonight I found something different.

Now, I don’t want to get any workers in trouble, and, because I know Elysse’s dad is a pretty cool guy I know he won’t mind me saying this, but I found an extra package of apple dippers in my happy meal. Apples that I didn’t order.

Bonus, right?

For some reason, I had this weird thought, “I wish there was someone I could give these to.”

On my usual commute I pass a particular intersection on my way home where there’s always someone asking for money from people stopped at the light. This is what came to mind, but this intersection was now out of my way and I wouldn’t be passing it when I ventured the rest of the way home.

So I figured I’d just save the apples for a late-night snack, I packed up my laptop, and I headed out to my car.

I was getting into my car before I heard, “Excuse me, ma’am?”

Ugh. I hate being called ma’am.

I looked to find where the inquiry had come from and saw a woman standing near the bus stop not 10 feet from where I was parked.

“I’m not asking for any money,” she said, “but I just came from the church down the street and they had to turn me away for their meal program.” “I’m not asking for money, but would you mind buying me a dollar sandwich?” she asked.

I had just used the last of my cash to pay for my happy meal, but now understood why, by divine design, I had been given some extra apples. I gladly handed them over to her and she tucked them away in her pocket.

I truly, truly wish I could’ve given her more. It wasn’t until I was home that it dawned on me I could’ve given her some of my groceries too. Because she pocketed the food I can only imagine she’s in need of something more substantial to share with a family. That could just be my overactive imagination, but I hope I didn’t just let an opportunity to feed a mom and her children pass me by.

The entire incident, however, made me realize just how important it is to listen. Take notice of what’s going on around you. When a stranger asks you for help it’s far too easy to be cynical in assuming their motivations.

I wish I was more courageous to stop and help the motorist on the side of the road. I wish I was less cynical when someone asks me for spare change. But every day there are opportunities to give and make someone’s life a little bit easier. You just have to listen.

As a Christian I believe these opportunities are heaven sent. Hebrews 13:2 states “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” There have been a few of these instances in my life and I've come to believe that the more you listen the more God speaks.

Giving is relative. Someone will always have more than you, but then someone also will always have less than you. It’s within your power to ignore the former and, instead, serve the latter.

Your Christmas Challenge:
All this being said, I’d like to give you a challenge.

Every Christmas season, once the Salvation Army kettles come out, I make it my mission to drop a quarter in every kettle I see when I’m shopping and bustling about town. Kettles with a bell ringer get 50 cents and kettles where the bell ringer is awesomely singing Christmas Carols (Pick ‘N Save on State St. in Wauwatosa) get bumped up to a dollar.

I’ve done this now for about 5 years. I have no idea how much I end up giving each year, but I hardly miss it.

Please join me in this campaign – give whatever you can afford – a penny per kettle, dollar per kettle, etc. Every. Day. YOU can make a difference.

On Giving Thanks

2011-11-23T15:18:00.000-06:00

This Thanksgiving season was looking pretty bleak, and then I realized that "bleak" on the Mandi Scale is still "quite okay" on everyone else's scale. I then put on my big girl pants and forced myself to be thankful for the blessings in my life, because, quite frankly, I'm very blessed.

And so are you.

And that's why we should give thanks.

I mean, what would happen if you woke up every morning only with those things you had thanked God for the night before?

Positivity is a conscious choice. That's something I learned this year; you can choose to be positive which then, given enough time and repetition, can actually make you positive.

So with that I'm introducing...
Giving Thanks: 2011 Blessings, Mandi Style

1. The Packers are 10-0 - *discount double check*

2. Girl's Gotta Brand New Job - and I get to go zip lining this weekend for it

3. Family - Yeah, I got 'em, but they're also awesome. So there.

4. Friends - My friends increased by one this year when baby Gabby was born. I should probably file this under "family"

5. New Perspective - I just finished reading "Heaven is for Real" which gave me a different perspective on life. I highly recommend it.

6. Health - I'm healthy. I'm not yet due for my obligatory "once every 5 years" flu, so that's good

7. Marathons - Did my first half in July and doing my first marathon in January. "Avoid the Lap" - Jimmy Dugan

8. Hybrids - It's a good thing I've got that Prius seeing as how I'll be commuting every morning now

9. Tweeps - I had the chance to meet dozens of new Twitter friends at #ThrowbackWeekend this year, which was the bomb. diggity.

10. Using "Bomb diggity" in a sentence

11. The League - That stuff makes me laugh until I cry

12. Lakefront Brewery - If it weren't for Lakefront, we wouldn't have Lakefront Pumpkin Lager and then where would we be?

13. Kittehs - By investing in a small, living, white, furry space heater early last year I've been able to save on heating. However, all savings have been nullified by lint roller costs.

14. Hot water - 'nuff said

I may add more stuff over the Thanksgiving holiday as I think of it, but that's what I'm most thankful for at the moment.

What will you be giving thanks for tomorrow?

Let's all #hangwithtom...

2011-11-16T10:34:00.000-06:00

If I get a day to #hangwithtom, I want ALL of you to join me.

Here's what I propose:

Are YOU in?

I WON $1.5 MILLION DOLLARS!!!

2011-11-10T09:45:00.000-06:00

Today, I opened my Spam Mail folder and found this message:

Re: Your Payment Directive..

Attention: Beneficiary,

This is to inform you that the United Nations auditors are presently in Nigeria suppervising all contract payments, inherited and winning funds that originated from Africa.

Your names/email address appeared in the central computer among the unpaid beneficiaries that have not received their payment due to one reason or the other.
After the United Nations meeting with the Nigerian government, a part payment of US$1.5million was approved to all fund beneficiaries which you are among. The United Nations have instructed the Nigerian government to release your approved US$1.5million via ATM card for easy delivery to you. The only fee you shall pay to receive your US$1.5million ATM card in your possession is the courier fee of US$98.00 only.

Your ATM card authorization documents has been handed over to Mrs. Laura George of the United Nations, she shall facilitate the delivery of your ATM card payment to you but before she can release the $1.5million ATM card payment to you, you have to reconfirm the following information's to her so as to ensure her that she is dealing with the right person:

1. Your Full Names, 2. Residential Address,3. Age, 4. Occupation, and 5. Direct Telephone Numbers.

After her verification of the information with what she have on file, she shall contact you with information's on how to send the courier fee for the delivery of your US$1.5million ATM card to you.

You are to forward the requested information's to Mrs. Laura George with her below contact.

Here is Mrs. Laura's contact info:

Contact person: Mrs. Laura George (United Nations Oversight Agent)
His email: ( un.lauragg@mynet.com )

Do let us know once you receive your US$1.5million inheritance payment from Mrs. Laura for the updating of our record.

Yours faithfully .

Jenet Michael.
Payment Coordinator.
NOTE: YOU ARE ONLY ADVISE TO FORWARD REPLY TO Mrs. Laura George'S EMAIL : un.lauragg@mynet.com

O.M.Gee!

The "suppervisor" has my "names" as a beneficiary?!?!

But why, if the money is going to be sent to my ATM card, is there a courier fee? There's no courier-ing involved. It doesn't cost $98.00 to move money through digital space.

Hm, maybe this is a scam.

I see they want me to send the "information's" to them via Mrs. Laura George at the United Nations.

Hm, I never trust anyone with two first names...

They want my full names, and, after I give them the "information's" they will match it to what Laura "have" on file.

Know what's funny? Mrs. Laura George, who works for the United Nations, doesn't have a United Nations email address.

I didn't know the United Nations was so strapped for cash that they couldn't set up their own server and URL.

These government austerity measures are really wreaking havoc on Nigerian money scams...

To the Biker Who Told me to F*** Off

2011-11-04T18:44:00.000-05:00

I believe your words were, "F*** off! You're supposed to stop!"

My reply, in short, is "STFU, asshat."

You don't know me. If you did you would know I am in favor of cars sharing the road with bikes.

I don't know you. If I did I'm sure I'd be more concerned about you a) not wearing a helmet and b) biking in the dark with no lights or reflective clothing.

I see that you, sir, were making a left turn on a red light into congested, oncoming traffic.

I can't imagine that's smart.

Or legal.

You, my rebellious friend, also happened to be using the sidewalk and seemed upset that I didn't treat you with the deference given a law abiding pedestrian.

However you, my earth loving (license-revoked?) fellow citizen are not a pedestrian. Yes, you are allowed the use of the sidewalk if traffic prohibits use of the street and the sidewalk is not otherwise occupied, however, as I mentioned above, this does not allow you to cross 8 lanes of traffic - from the sidewalk - to make a left turn when you, in fact, had a red light.

Don't you tell me to f*** off you jackwagon. I wholly approve of the use of bicycles and, in fact, often lament (and loudly) how our city is so unfriendly to those such as you. But you, dear sir, do little to further your cause by your inability to abide by even the smallest margin of etiquette on your two-wheeled fancy flyer.

That is all.

Inside Story at @MKEPublicMuseum

2011-06-15T16:01:00.000-05:00

Hey folks, long time no blogging, right?

Wrong. I've been blogging over here as my life has been consumed with training and fundraising for a half marathon I'm completing in July to benefit the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America. Head over there and read why and stay up to date.

For now, I'd like to talk about what I'm doing this evening and why I'm so excited for it.

Milwaukee Public Museum's Inside Story
From the MPM website:

The Inside Story is a series of three evening events designed to give insight into the creation of the Museum’s most beloved exhibits. Exhibit artists and curators will peel away your surface perceptions to let you in on some behind-the-scenes secrets of the museum world, as well as share some of the inevitable snafus that occur in creating a total-habitat diorama.

Seriously. Seriously??? Seriously.

How awesome. You know what a glutton I am for anything learning-related, and this is totally a feather in that tam. Get it? Though, I don't think tams have any place to stick a feather.

Tonight's gluttonous activities center around the museum's Rainforest Exhibit, otherwise known as, the section where we enjoyed cocktails at Maggie and Randy's wedding.

Again, from the museum's website:

The year is 1983, and the Museum is starting plans to build a new biology hall. Fast forward five years, and the completed hall is like none ever seen. Learn how and why the Museum decided to build a two-story, total habitat rain forest – complete with a waterfall and an elevated walkway through the canopy -- and the monumental effort it took to make it happen. From working within the parameters of collecting under the then-new concept of environmental sensitivity, to dealing with frogs under the toilet seat of a Costa Rican outhouse, you’ll hear “the Inside Story” of the creation of MPM’s Rain Forest from those who made it happen. Speakers and presenters include Jim Kelly, Director of Exhibits & Graphics; Susan Borkin, Director, Puelicher Butterfly Garden and Curator of Insects; and Craig Yanek, Biological Sculptor and Exhibit Fabrication Artist.

Su-weet. I was barely even born with this exhibit came to life and now I get to hear all the gory dirty details. And eat cupcakes. Mustn't forget the cupcakes.

Take Me Out to the Ballgame, Baby!

2011-03-31T11:02:00.001-05:00

Picture 001
Originally uploaded by MsQuarter

Or, at least let me sit no more than 100 feet away from Prince Fielder and first base.

And Bratwurst, though I may not like to eat you I certainly always enjoy seeing you win the Sausage Race.

Happy Opening Day Brewers fans!

Snore.

2011-03-22T09:20:00.001-05:00

I haven't lived with a roommate for over 4 years.

Finally I buckled down and let someone move in with me.

It's a big step in grown-up responsibility, you know...compromise and all that.

She doesn't contribute to the monthly rent payment.

She commandeers the best seats for TV viewing.

I sometimes find her trying to steal my food.

But she's adorable.

Kitteh + Sunspot = BFF

She just has this rather unfortunate habit of waking me up at 5:30 AM.

It's not the time so much as the way in which she goes about her self-assigned task.

This morning, for example, she jumped on my stomach and started purring in my face.

She even went so far as to bat her little paw on my nose.

Twice.

Before I gently pushed her off me and rolled over for more Z's.

Nothing doing.

She simply pounced on my back and started flapping her tail on my shoulder.

I thought only dogs wagged their tails.

Sweetness can be deceiving.

Needless to say, she's better than that other alarm clock that required me to solve math problems before I could turn it off.

Blimey! That's a brilliant job opportunity!

2011-03-18T11:10:00.000-05:00

Have seen this job opportunity for Choc Star Van???

Do you think they'd hire an American?

Pros
Across the pond
Somewhat related...Escape from Fitzwalkerstan
Summer in England - festivals, weddings, parties, oh my!
24/7 with the C word - CHOCOLATE
Have you seen my cooking blog?
Have you seen my future career aspiration?

You're telling me a gal like me - past festival planner and hospitality worker, current (part) event planner and public relations pro - wouldn't be great for this opportunity???

Cons
Driving on the left side of the road would take some getting used to

Yep, that's it for Cons, because, quite frankly, there aren't any.

I'm salivating.

I mean, check out the Choc Star site.

Now you're salivating.

Where do I sign up?

Belated Accountability

2011-03-16T12:24:00.004-05:00

I don't always give something up for Lent. I talked about this a bit last year when I gave up unpronouncable chemicals.

It was less an effort to "look like a good, religious person for 40 days" and more an attempt to "honor my God by fueling the body He gave me with healthy things."

It was hard.

Do you know how many foods in the grocery store include chemicals we have no business eating?

If I had to guess I'd say 80-90%.

But it was great. I felt better, had more energy, and became aware of the fuel I was putting into my body.

As a result of 40 days last year, I hardly ever drink soda anymore, I rarely eat chips, I can't remember the last time I wanted to eat a packaged snack food, and I never, ever buy food without looking at the label.

Yes, still. If there are too many unpronouncable chemicals on the package label I won't buy it. It grosses me out just thinking about the cumulative results of decades of eating that crap on a daily basis.

Think about it.

Anyway, that's not the purpose of this post.

This post is actually meant for a bit of accountability, because I forgot to post it last week at the beginning of Lent.

I'm taking last year's campaign to the next level. In addition to being more aware of the nutrition I put into my body - as an effort to honor God's gift - I'm looking to honor God in other areas of my life as well. Three main areas, actually, all meant to help strengthen my relationship with Him.

1. Again, I will use 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 for inspiration:

19Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.

I'm striving to eat fresh food as much as possible, and also get a bit of daily exercise into the mix. Basically, treating my body in a way that recognizes that it is a temple of God.

2. I am also striving to honor God in my daily life.

And though I can't promise big gains on this one, today's Bible verse actually sums it up quite nicely. From Colossians 3:12:

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

If you know me, then you know I'm not the most patient person. Sometimes it's also hard to be gentle and kind - especially when faced with Milwaukee drivers, for example. But I'm hoping that, with a little practice these 40 days, I can begin to start at a place of understanding and compassion when I am frustrated, angered, or annoyed. "Clothing" myself in these positive attributes in an effort to stifle the more negative instincts. Hopefully this conscience decision, chosen day after day, will soon become second nature.

I find that spending time daily with God in prayer, in devotion, and in contemplation seems to work best for me. With that in mind, rather than sleeping in that extra 30 minutes, I am waking up to greet the day with a devotion and a prayer. Reconnecting my spiritual life with my physical one in the hopes the fruits of my faith shine through.

I can't promise success for any of this. I can only promise I'll try. And with God's grace I will see improvements in my life that work to glorify Him.

That is what Lent means to me.

Why I Won't Be Attending the Twin Cities Food & Wine Show

2011-03-01T09:25:00.000-06:00

Ever since I turned 21 I have enjoyed the truly epic experience that is Minnesota Monthly's Food & Wine Experience.

I've devoted kitchen cupboards to it (hey, the Stella Artois booth gives away free barware with their samples).

I've loyally made my annual pilgrimage to Minneapolis, and even managed to be the first in line every year.

I've likened the mythically-proportioned Wisconsin cheese booth to the legend of Brigadoon.

Last year, I wrote an Epiphany-inspired countdown to it.

So if I love it so much, if I'm such a loyalist, why am I not going this year?

First, a bit of history.

When I first started attending the Food & Wine Show, tickets were $50 and doors were open from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (with a 30 minute pouring break). That's 7 and a half hours of all you can eat and drink. Really made every other food and wine tasting event pale in comparison.

Furthermore, the show would always have one keynote sponsor, usually Byerly's (Minneapolis Sendiks), who would set the theme and host a gargantuan booth of gourmet food related to that theme.

A few years later, Byerlys stopped sponsoring the event (at least, to the level it did before), and ticket prices jumped from $50 to $65.

Fair enough. Events get more expensive to plan over the course of 6 years, and I'm willing to pay a bit more for the, still, incredible value.

Each year my friends and I would make our pilgrimage from Green Bay, Milwaukee, and Chicago to meet at the Minneapolis Hilton for a weekend of shopping, eating, and drinking. We'd bravely set out at 9 AM to ensure our first place in line, stopping at Dunn Bros. for coffee in the skywalk and passing innumerable teenage girls in cheerleading uniforms (the Food & Wine Show is always, always held on the same weekend as some crazy state cheerleading competition).

We'd anxiously wait in line for the doors to open, keeping one ear open for that one, butterfingered individual who has the misfortune of breaking his/her wine glass before the show even starts (cue 100 people groaning "Aw, man!" in unison).

During our 7 and half hours of hedonism, we courageously stuff ourselves silly, and only occasionally retreat back through the skyways from whence we came to deliver yet another round of trade show trash to our hotel room.

Every single year we make plans for that evening, but when 5 PM rolls around, it's all we can do to awake from our food coma and turn on the hotel room TV.

The next morning we head back home, possibly stopping for breakfast and/or a few hours of shopping at the Mall of America.

Now, a bit of present.

The Twin Cities Food & Wine Experience was a tradition I treasured. A short vacation to look forward to during the bleakest stretch of winter.

However, this year I won't be making my annual pilgrimage.

Why?

It's not because the venue moved from the Minneapolis Convention Center to Target Field. Though the MCC was convenient, Target Field is beautiful and, I'm sure, connected to the downtown skyway system.

It's because the event's value has taken a disturbing nosedive.

My friends and I used to spend 6 hours (12 hours roundtrip) driving across WI, hundreds of dollars for a 2-night hotel stay, $65 ticket price, and the cost of incidentals and still believed we were getting a great deal out of it.

This year, show organizers increased the ticket price to $75 and also decreased show time from 7.5 hours to 4 hours. That's a 15% increase in price combined with a 53% decrease in hours of operation.

Not exactly a convincing reason to travel 6 hours (12 hours roundtrip) and spend 2 nights in a hotel anymore.

Why it hurts me to say this...

The Food & Wine Show introduced me to Bell's Brewery, Peace Coffee, Crispin Cider, and many, many others, including family-owned wineries throughout the Midwest of whom I normally wouldn't have heard.

The Food & Wine Show also gave me some of my fondest memories. Like the time we lost one of our friends 30 minutes into the event, thought he had wandered down to the Guns & Ammo Show, only to find him 4 hours later back at the apartment (we all lived in Minneapolis at the time).

Or the year we went to Hell's Kitchen for breakfast the next morning, and had a smorgasboard of the most delicious, unique food served to us by waiters clad in pajamas.

The "experience" of the Food & Wine Experience was more than just the event itself, and, this year, I'm sorry to miss it. Lately I've been bombarded with solicitations for tickets, and, frankly, am shocked they haven't sold out yet as they always do. But perhaps I'm not so shocked after all, and can only hope they realize their mistake this year in alienating their out-of-state attendees.

Adieu, old friend. Perhaps we will meet again in the future.

One Big BUT...

2011-02-16T09:30:00.004-06:00

I have a hard confession to make.

I don't know that I'm much of a union gal.

Feel free to change my mind, because the truth is, I just don't know that much about it. Do unions have too much power? Do they increase the cost of doing business?

I don't know. I don't own a business.

However, workers should have the right to organize and collectively bargain for living wages and better benefits if corporations begin to abuse their power. We've seen this happen before, America. I think we'd be naive to think it won't happen again.

Fun Fact: Did you know total compensation - which includes those "awesome" benes - for the public sector is still less than that for private sector?

Regardless, what I do know is that unions represent people.

And I'm 100% sure that those people (and thereby the unions) are more than willing to negotiate benefit and retirement contributions.

The problem is they were never asked to negotiate.

They know it's a tough economic time. They know there's a budget deficit to be accounted for, and everyone must do their part. They have been doing their part.

Or did you think furlough days were the same as paid vacations?

Now, I do criticize those folks who think paying 12% toward their healthcare premium is too much. Especially when that healthcare is a Cadillac compared to my, well, Vespa.

I won't go into detail, but lemme just say I'm paying almost $200 per month as a single, healthy person for a high deductible healthcare plan. No dental. No vision. I would kill to have, for example, $20 co-pays and less money taken out of my paycheck per month.

All of this being said, I will say this...

It's wrong to strip workers of their rights. It may even be unconstitutional...I'm sure we'll find out if this bill passes.

Walker is effectively trying to all but disband unions. Read this if you think that won't have consequences for you. Or this.

You don't have to be a public employee to feel the effects of this legislation.

You want educated, trained teachers for your children? Want educated, trained, and caring individuals to take care of your baby while you return to work after maternity leave?

Sorry. Those educated, trained workers had to leave their jobs for ones that will pay them a living wage.

For folks who think this issue is simply about paying more toward healthcare and pensions, you're, well, wrong...to put it bluntly and lightly.

It's about our governor, without first trying to negotiate and bring all players to the table, enacting a piece of legislation that strips people of their rights.

That this legislation excludes unionized public safety employees - whose unions contributed heavily to our governor's campaign coffers - is entirely another matter for another post.

Fun Fact: By including public safety employee unions (i.e. police, firefighters) in his bill, Walker would save the state another $19 million - from the city of Milwaukee alone - to the already estimated $30 million in savings. That's almost double what the current bill saves in union "concessions" through the end of June.

Feel free to educate me on your position. I welcome comments. As I said in the beginning of my post; I simply am not the expert and don't know all of the facts from every facet of this issue. Though I've tried to read as much about it as I can, I think knowing everything would be impossible. What I do know is despotism when I see it (though if you compare Walker, or any American politician for that matter, to Stalin or Hitler, I will seriously question your intellect).

Thank you for listening.

PS - I'm sorry if Blogger is eating your comments. It ate my response to Gregg and I've been getting some messages on Facebook. So, first off, thank you for your comments, and second, I'm sorry Blogger eats them here.

PPS - This article, though opinion-based, has the numbers breakdown on WI's budget. On 1/31/11 the Legislative Fiscal Bureau - a nonpartisan group - sent a memo to newly elected Governor Walker outlining the state of WI's budget. He, in fact, did NOT inherit a budget that required a repair bill. In other words, yes, WI's long-term budget needs some work and difficult decisions, however, there is time to try negotiations first. There's no reason to rush this through in less than a week.

PPPS - This is my personal sticking point, but I just want to say...Walker ok'd $140 million in special interest spending in January and now claims $137 million shortfall in February. What's up with that? Anyone know?

VD "Dislike"

2011-02-11T12:29:00.005-06:00

Here I thought I was doing so well.

What with the Packers winning the Super Bowl last week.

And the Iron Cupcake Challenge this weekend.

I just didn't have time to hate VD (Valentine's Day) as much as I used to...or, really, as early as I used to.

Until I saw this.

And this.

You should be ashamed of yourselves, MSN Glo. First, for copy-catting Yahoo Shine. Second, for giving the okay to use the word "boo" in reference to a significant other in that article's intro.

Barf.

And you, Today Techlicious...you're not off the hook. While you have nothing to be ashamed of, per se, adding "-licious" to the end of a word is, oh, so 2002. Also, I certainly don't appreciate you bringing it to my attention that some people on Facebook make profiles for their coupledom.

I think we can all agree that the shame, in this instance, goes to those couples.

Seriously? You want to make a fan page for your relationship? Sure, you "have" to go the fan page route because FB doesn't let you create an actual profile for two people, but you then have the audacity to join an actual Facebook group to encourage the Powers that Be to allow this?

*facepalm*

I do give the MSN article credit for at least, in some small way, discouraging folks from doing this, but c'mon.

Fan pages for relationships. Asking your friends to 'Like' your relationship. Posting on your relationship's wall. Creating events for your relationship.

You've gone too far.

Eat My Cupcakes!! #nomnomnom

2011-02-08T15:39:00.004-06:00

So...I don't really consider myself a baker.

Yes, I love to cook. But that's more experimentation of flavors that, if disastrous, can usually be fixed mid-recipe.

Baking, on the other hand, is like a chemistry experiment.

Use softened butter for your pie crust and say "Goodbye" to flakes.

Use hardened butter for your cookies and say "Hello" to a crumbled, unmixed mess.

Why you gotta be so tempermental, butter?

But it's not really butter's fault.

No, that's just baking...an incredibly detailed orchestration of tempurature, measurement, and time.

And I don't do it all that often.

But I am this weekend. To the tune of approximately 750 cupcakes.

Part launch of my future food business, part Duff Goldman allure, the Iron Cupcake: Milwaukee Pro/Am Cupcake Clash seemed like a good idea at the time.

Like that sophomore prom we tried carpooling to Green Bay for dinner and ended up stranded on the highway for 2 hours with a broken-down car. Hindsight.

Now I'm staring down the face of hundreds of cupcakes, 10 pounds of powdered sugar, and 750 of the most damnable little toothpick flags you will ever see.

I do this for you.

So you can taste my delightful cupcakes.

Hope to see you there on Sunday, February 13th (10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, MSOE Kern Center). Tickets are selling out fast and today's the last day to buy 'em online.

My goal in life is to be Jenny from The League

2011-01-21T15:20:00.001-06:00

I came across this article today: Introducing the "Mom Cave."

A place for moms to hang out by themselves? Sure, sounds like a good idea.

Decorated in hot pink and shabby chic ruffles? Puh-lease.

Can we BE anymore stereotypical, Homegoods?

I'm reminded of a time when I went to a week-long national conference for my college church group. It was in the same city where I went to university, so it seemed like a good idea. I had fun. I met a lot of folks. It was great. And then they mentioned the plans for men's and women's groups.

I think the exact words were something like, "Men! We have the Metrodome confirmed for our event...the freakin' METRODOME!!!!!!!!!!!!"

"!!!!!!!"

"And....um....oh yeah...ladies we have something fun planned for you too."

That "something fun" was a do-it-yourself spa night.

A freakin' spa night. Do-it-yourself.

By this time, I was sick of it being assumed that all women at church wanted to do when we got together was have a spa night. Seriously. That's all we ever did. Spa nights.

I, myself, would've - to use the parlance of our times - freakin' loved playing a pick-up game of tag football on the Metrodome field, or, heck, even just being on the field.

But, nope. Men only.

And now, well, I give Homegoods credit for adapting the whole "Man Cave" phenomenon for women, but c'mon. Some of us girly girls still have a tomboy side.

In fact, it's my fondest ambition to be the kind of wife and mother that Jenny is on The League. And not just because I'd have an awesome brother-in-law named Taco.

No, it's more that I would relish being a pretty easy-going mother who can kick her husband's butt in Fantasy Football (that this would require me to understand and care about Fantasy Football is not the topic of today's discussion).

Ultimately, I guess what I'm trying to say is that there's more to women than pink ruffly things, especially THIS woman.

Just check my Twitter feed from this week. (Seriously? The ESPN Sports Center talking heads all picked the Bears on Monday and now they're all picking the Packers? What gives, Flip Floppers?)

With that, I leave you with the man my future brother-in-law must live up (or down) to...depending on how you view it (sorry, the Birthday Song doesn't allow embedding):

Baby Boom

2011-01-05T13:14:00.002-06:00

Lately I've had quite a few friends announce new additions to their families.

This is great.

I love babies.

However, it makes me wonder just what the heck was going on 9 months ago that so many of my nearest and dearest are now parents.

I did a bit of digging and found this.

Ah, that explains it then.

Burgeoning Cook for Hire

2011-01-03T15:12:00.010-06:00

What can you do with a few days off from work?

Cook the crap outta your kitchen that's what.

Here's the roster of our players, currently "on deck" in my freezer...

1. Lamb Curry

The recipe was your typical Midwestern "I don't do spice or anything crazy" curry recipe.

In other words: Bogus.

A tweak here, some coconut milk there, and I made Curry Magic.

2. Beef Bourguignon

The wine from France's Burgundy region makes it "Bourguignon."

It was damn hard to find red wine from France's Burgundy region.

I managed to find a nice Pinot Noir, and the dish came out so scrumptious that I'd offer you a bite, but a) you can eat over the Internet and b) I don't want to share.

Next time I'll use a local red and call it Beef Wisconsgnon.

3. Meatballs

Famous in 4 countries and at least 3 states.

The recipe is not for sale, but you will be able to buy them in the near future.

4. Spaghetti Sauce

I tweeted that I was making homemade spaghetti sauce.

A woman who blogs for Hunts asked which recipe I was using.

I laughed and replied that I wasn't.

This, too, will be for sale to the general public in the near future.

Stay tuned.

5. Shepherd's Pie with Lamb

My new favorite is cooking with lamb.

Little Bo Peep can sue me.

Lamb is succulent, tender, mouth-watering, and useful in, oh, so many recipes.

I first fell in love with lamb when I had the most delicious lamb chops in Italy.

I then furthered my love affair in New Orleans with a roasted lamb loin.

I now will try to incorporate lamb stew meat and ground lamb in delightful dishes, this Shepherd's Pie and the above Lamb Curry being the start.

6. Cinnamon Streusel Cake

Start with a layer of cake, add a layer of cinnamon sugar, add another layer of cake, and then top with a layer of streusel.

Bake.

Drizzle with a thick vanilla glaze when cool.

Die happy.

Day 12: 12 Days of "Christmas Around the World"

2010-12-25T15:30:00.002-06:00

You know the drill. Happy Holidays from Ms. Q!

Merry Christmas! Joyeaux Noel! Boldog Karacsonyt!

I don't think there's anything more odd than those nativity figurines with Santa kneeling before Baby Jesus. It's one "tradition" I think modern society can do without.

That's all.

Have a good one!

Day 11: 12 Days of "Christmas Around the World"

2010-12-24T11:03:00.002-06:00

You know the drill. Happy Holidays from Ms. Q!

Day 11: A Flammable Christmas

Yes those are real candles on that Christmas tree.

We miss something in America by using strings of electric lights, or worse, a pre-lit tree (really, how lazy can you be?) at Christmastime.

Namely, we miss the possibility of our homes burning down.

Not to mention the amount of ice that would be the result of the fire department trying to put out aforementioned house fire.

Nothing but the spring thaw will take care of that is all I'm saying.

This photo was taken in the Old Country one long-ago Christmas, when the light bulb was just a twinkle in Edison's eye.

So that's not true.

Really, this photo was taken in Bratislava in 2005.

The straw ornaments are traditional to many European countries, and the candles are a throwback.

TIP: Never leave the tree unattended.
TIP: Keep a pail of water handy in the same room in case anything catches fire.

Day 10: 12 Days of "Christmas Around the World"

2010-12-23T11:02:00.006-06:00

I've been blessed to have traveled extensively throughout Europe while stationed as a missionary in Eastern Europe. To share a bit of that past, I bring to you The 12 Days of "Christmas Around the World." Each day I will chose a country I visited, tell a personal story, and share a Christmas tradition from that country. Please add your own family traditions in the comments section of these posts, or share your own international experiences if you've been blessed enough to travel.

Happy Holidays from Ms. Q!

Christmas in Croatia

Winter getting you down?

Sick of bundling up every time you head outdoors?

Need a bit of warm-weather cheer?

That's what you've got me for - to bring you delightfully sunny cityscapes from Trogir, Croatia.

Granted, this isn't a picture of Christmas in Croatia (it's Easter), but then that wasn't part of the deal was it?

I'm simply bringing you Christmas traditions from places I've visited around the world.

So there.

Here's your dang tradition, get off my back.

Many Croatian families decorate their Christmas trees with Licitar hearts - a special dough (that's edible, yet usually not eaten), shaped into hearts, and painted red. Colorful designs and artwork are added to each heart for a festive ornament.

These hearts have spread across other Central European countries, and larger versions are often given as gifts or tokens of appreciation and gratitude.

Croatians also practice the tradition of a yule log, which also, incidentally, is a Christmas tradition across the former Kingdom of Yugoslavia (read: parts of Slovenia, Serbia, and Croatia).

How do I know that?

Why, because I did a research paper in 4th grade on Christmas traditions in Yugoslavia. Little did I know how irrelevant that work would be so soon after I completed the project.

This was, of course, the early 90's and my word processing software (read: typewriter) did not yet have the "Find and Replace" function. So, unfortunately, the paper still reads "Yugoslavia" when mere months after it's publication it should have read "the former Kingdom of Yugoslavia."

Bygones. Back to the yule log.

The yule log is cut on Christmas Eve morning, left on the hearth all day, and burned at night throughout Christmas day. The burning of the log is accompanied by prayers to welcome in blessings for the new year.

In Serbia, it's customary that the first visitors to the home on Christmas day strike the burning log with a poker to release sparks and then bestow a blessing on the household.

I hope this all takes place in the safe confines of an enclosed fire place.

It seems that several of my 12 Christmas traditions from around the world include some sort of fire hazard. I promise that wasn't intentional.

Day 9: 12 Days of "Christmas Around the World"

2010-12-22T09:30:00.001-06:00

I've been blessed to have traveled extensively throughout Europe while stationed as a missionary in Eastern Europe. To share a bit of that past, I bring to you The 12 Days of "Christmas Around the World." Each day I will chose a country I visited, tell a personal story, and share a Christmas tradition from that country. Please add your own family traditions in the comments section of these posts, or share your own international experiences if you've been blessed enough to travel.

Happy Holidays from Ms. Q!

Angels

Or are they...?

These are students from my 12D class, and I won't ruin the nice scene this photo portrays by telling you how they were in class.

Just kidding.

Sort of.

You can't help but think of angels when you think of Christmas for, Hark! You can even hear them singing.

Sh....listen...

Okay, so maybe it's just Rosemary Clooney on your iPod, but you know what I'm saying.

I don't think I need to explain in detail the importance of angels at Christmas - they held Academy Award winning supporting roles in the birth of Jesus, and they now hold prominent places in our households at the tops of our Christmas trees.

My sister played an angel in our church's Nativity play when we were kids.

I was one of the three kings.

While she got to wear a long, flowing, white robe with pretty wings and a halo, I had to wear an ugly smock and fluffy hat and walk down the aisle carrying a glass bottle of "frankincense" while some guy sang "We Three Kings" in an, admittedly, rich baritone.

It was much too masculine for my Barbie-loving ways.

I wanted to be an angel.

Or Mary. Mary was a plum role, too.

I attribute this childhood disappointment to my tomboy ways of '94-'97.

Moving on...

Boldog Karácsonyt

Hungary has two traditions that are a little bit different than what you might be used to at Christmas.

First, Baby Jesus brings the presents, not a fat, jolly elf/Saint who lives at the North Pole.

Second, most homes include an Advent wreath with their usual holiday decorations. The flower shops (an explanation of the importance of flowers in Hungary here) carry a variety of fresh wreaths decorated with all manner of ribbons, trinkets, and colors. Like the pastor does at church, you can light a candle for each week of Advent in the comfort of your own home.

Just make sure you have a fire extinguisher handy and/or don't have anything flammable near the candles. More on this in our Day 12 post...

Day 8: 12 Days of "Christmas Around the World"

2010-12-21T09:42:00.001-06:00

I've been blessed to have traveled extensively throughout Europe while stationed as a missionary in Eastern Europe. To share a bit of that past, I bring to you The 12 Days of "Christmas Around the World." Each day I will chose a country I visited, tell a personal story, and share a Christmas tradition from that country. Please add your own family traditions in the comments section of these posts, or share your own international experiences if you've been blessed enough to travel.

Happy Holidays from Ms. Q!

In A Word? Ireland.

A few years ago I had the pleasure (read: misfortune) of visiting Ireland the week between Christmas and New Years.

I say misfortune mostly because I was sick - more sick than I've ever been in my life barring surgery. But it was also an unfortunate time to visit because nothing happens in Ireland during this week (and I don't mean in a Las Vegas kind of way).

Sure, they have Boxing Day and St. Stephen's Day, but what good is that to a tourist? It just means the shops, museums, and tourist-y places are likely closed.

The highlights of this trip were kissing the Blarney stone (after which my friend promptly became ill), drinking Guinness in an Irish pub, and..., um..., yep, that's it.

I suppose the tour of the Jameson whiskey factory wasn't all that bad...

After my Irish "vacation" I spent the next 20 or so hours traveling back to Hungary when I really should have been in a hospital. I pretty much spent the plane ride from Dublin to Vienna in tears as I fully expected my head to explode from the painful pressure in my ears.

The next day I went to the doctor in Sopron (socialized medicine = not bad at all, you heard it here first). He and his otoscope got within in 3 feet of me when he began writing a prescription and scolded me for not seeing a doctor sooner.

Yeah, buddy. I was kind of between countries!

Tradition As Fire Hazard

In Ireland, one little tradition they have at Christmastime is to keep a lighted candle in the window on Christmas Eve.

The purpose of this is so that Mary and Joseph can feel welcomed and know there is shelter to be had at your abode.

One can only wonder what's supposed to be done about the donkey.

Perhaps it's enough to hope the Irish have flame-retardant curtains.

Until tomorrow, Nollaig Shona Daoibh.

Day 7: 12 Days of "Christmas Around the World"

2010-12-20T08:37:00.001-06:00

Day 6: 12 Days of "Christmas Around the World"

2010-12-19T17:43:00.001-06:00

I've been blessed to have traveled extensively throughout Europe while stationed as a missionary in Eastern Europe. To share a bit of that past, I bring to you The 12 Days of "Christmas Around the World." Each day I will chose a country I visited, tell a personal story, and share a Christmas tradition from that country. Please add your own family traditions in the comments section of these posts, or share your own international experiences if you've been blessed enough to travel.

Happy Holidays from Ms. Q!

Day 6: Csendes Éj

I was living in Hungary when Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans.

All I could tell from the news reports (in Hungarian or German) was that New Orleans suffered a tremendous storm and, from the video, it looked like the entire city was destroyed.

Sidenote: This year marked the 5th year anniversary of Katrina and I finally was able to see a lot of the original reporting thanks to CNN, NatGeo, Discovery, and The History Channel.

To bring awareness of, and raise funds for, the plight of stranded and now homeless citizens, a gospel choir from NOLA made a world tour. Sopron was one of their stops.

Pictured is the crowd in the Lutheran church.

The show took place in December, and the best part of the evening (in my estimation) was when the band encouraged everyone to join in and sing along with Silent Night.

All were welcomed to sing in their language of choice.

In a show of musical solidarity, I heard many versions of this hymn as all sang out as one. The most prominent languages I heard were Hungarian (of course), German (Sopron is 3 km from the Austrian border), and English (yours truly).

Hungarian:
CSENDES ÉJ

Csendes éj! Szentséges éj!
Mindenek nyugta mély;
Nincs fenn más, csak a Szent szülepár,
Drága kisdedük álmainál,
Szent Fiú, aludjál, szent Fiú aludjál!

Csendes éj! Szentséges éj!
Angyalok hangja kél;
Halld a mennyei halleluját,
Szerte zengi e drága szavát,
Krisztus megszabadit, Krisztus megszabadit!

Csendes éj! Szentséges éj!
Sziv örülj, higyj, remélj!
Isten Szent Fia hinti reád,
Ajka vigyszt adó mosolyát,
Krisztus megszületett, Krisztus megszületett!

German:
Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht,
Alles schläft; einsam wacht
Nur das traute hochheilige Paar.
Holder Knabe im lockigen Haar,
Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh!
Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh!

Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht,
Hirten erst kundgemacht
Durch der Engel Halleluja,
Tönt es laut von fern und nah:
Christ, der Retter ist da!
Christ, der Retter ist da!

Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht,
Gottes Sohn, o wie lacht
Lieb' aus deinem göttlichen Mund,
Da uns schlägt die rettende Stund'.
Christ, in deiner Geburt!
Christ, in deiner Geburt!

English:
Silent night, holy night
All is calm all is bright
'Round yon virgin Mother and Child
Holy infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night,
Shepherds quake at the sight.
Glories stream from heaven afar,
Heav'nly hosts sing Alleluia;
Christ the Savior is born
Christ the Savior is born

Silent night, holy night,
Son of God, love's pure light.
Radiant beams from Thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth

Day 5: 12 Days of "Christmas Around the World"

2010-12-18T15:30:00.001-06:00

I've been blessed to have traveled extensively throughout Europe while stationed as a missionary in Eastern Europe. To share a bit of that past, I bring to you The 12 Days of "Christmas Around the World." Each day I will chose a country I visited, tell a personal story, and share a Christmas tradition from that country. Please add your own family traditions in the comments section of these posts, or share your own international experiences if you've been blessed enough to travel.

Happy Holidays from Ms. Q!

Day 5: Stary Smokovec Gets in Your Eyes

Okay, so that was a poor excuse for a reference to The Platters' "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes." Deal with it.

What does get in your eyes, however, when you're in Stary Smokovec, Slovakia, is this magical view every morning you wake up and look out your hotel room window.

FACT: In 2004, the Tatras Mountains (where Stary Smokovec is located) experienced a devastating windstorm that decimated the landscape and hardwood forests.

Evidence of the storm could still be seen when I visited in 2006, because, quite simply, the Slovaks couldn't clean up and process the lumber from the fallen trees fast enough.

The local ecology is still recovering.

But enough of this downer. Let's move on to one of my favorite Christmas traditions...Slovak Style.

Booze: A Slovak Tradition
Hriatuo is a hot brandy drink devised from honey, butter, and slivovice. A curiously strong spin on a hot-buttered rum.

Hriatuo is drunk at weddings, christenings, and on Christmas Eve. It's also considered good medicine for your common cold or cough. Y'right...

I like this particular boozy tradition because it reminds me of my own family gatherings of Christmas Eve's past.

Every year my mom's side of the family gathers at my aunt and uncle's house (a picturesque log cabin) located near the family homestead.

My aunt bakes cookies, my uncle makes meatballs, and we all descend on Christmas Eve to drink hot-buttered rums, Tom & Jerry's, mulled wine, and any other wonderfully seasonal, hot, boozy beverage.

Predictably we all get kind of sloshed.

Another of my aunts plays the piano, two of my cousins play their flutes, and we all join in singing ridiculously bad versions of Christmas carols.

I refuse to bring my violin for fear of drunken injury.

The best part is when yet another aunt (yes, I have several) takes to eating all of the raisins off the gingerbread men and women the aforementioned hostess spent hours baking.

She leaves the cookies intact, but for the little raisin eyes, you see.

Poor, blind, gingerbread folk left to fend for themselves...

Day 4: 12 Days of "Christmas Around the World"

2010-12-17T11:20:00.006-06:00

Day 3: 12 Days of "Christmas Around the World"

2010-12-16T10:00:00.000-06:00

Day 2: 12 Days of "Christmas Around the World"

2010-12-15T09:00:00.002-06:00

Day 1: 12 Days of "Christmas Around the World"

2010-12-14T09:00:00.008-06:00

Snowpocalypse

2010-12-14T08:51:00.003-06:00

This is why I couldn't make it back to Milwaukee:

5 Best Christmas Movies

2010-12-06T12:55:00.000-06:00

Last week, I started A Quarter Century's Christmas Countdown with list of the 5 Best Christmas Albums (in my estimation, anyway, which is the only one that counts in this corner of the interwebs).

Part promotion of my favorite Christmas music, part well-intentioned ploy to increase my playlist with your comments, it was a fun rundown of good tunes.

In this week's installment of our newly-created Yuletide countdown, I offer you films instead.

Without further ado...

5 Best Christmas Films

5. Love Actually

Some wouldn't consider this a Christmas film so much as a film about relationships, love, etc, but as it takes place at Christmas time, includes a killer Christmas soundtrack, and offers lovely set design, we're going to count it.

What I love best about this film is that the underlying message in all of the storylines is that, simply because it's Christmas, there's no more perfect time to take a chance on love.

In a day and age when the suicide rate increases during the holiday season, it's a message that's worth repeating.

Bill Nighy as Billy Mack may also have something to do with my love of the film.

"If you believe in Christmas, children, like your Uncle Billy does, then buy my festering turd of a record."

The only thing I really don't like about the movie is the storyline and scenes between the two adult film actors. In general, I'm not one to appreciate such things - call me old school, but I really also have a simple intolerance for anything that's so obviously gratuitious in films...whether it be sex, nudity, vomit, violence, or bloodshed.

Just because the ratings commission says you can show it doesn't mean you have to, or that you should. Oftentimes, I find that less is more, and my overactive imagination is much better at eliciting the proper emotions than anything they can put on screen.

4. Miracle on 34th Street

You can take your 2000 version of this film and throw it out the window.

There's nothing better than Edmund Gwenn's rendition of Kris Kringle, nor Maureen O'Hara's or Natalie Wood's performances.

FACT: The parade sequence in this 1947 film was the actual parade...no one knew that Fox was filming it for the movie.

FACT: Edmund Gwenn won an Oscar for his perfomance as Santa in this film

FACT: The 2000 version isn't awful; it's just not in the same ballpark as the original.

3. Elf

There's something that's just so hilarious about this film.

Probably Will Ferrell's performance.

I really love the scene where James Caan takes him to the doctor's for a DNA test, and not only does Buddy delightfully eat cotton balls, but he acts like such an ADD toddler that we cannot help but fall out of our chairs laughing.

And who can't appreciate the nod to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer in the way the North Pole is styled once Buddy begins his journey to New York City?

While I'm not sure it should get "classic" status just yet, I love the way this film reminds us of the kid we all have inside us.

2. Home Alone

I know a boy who loves this film.

Last year he got a long, toboggen-shaped sled for Christmas.

One day, his mother was working upstairs in her office, and small boy asks if he can sit on his sled (to dream of powdery snow, giggle-inducing sled runs, and face plant landings, I'm sure we can all assume).

Mom said yes.

A few minutes later she heard the tell-tale, rapid-succession "thump, thump, wump, thump" of a sled being driven down her carpeted staircase by aforementioned small boy.

This ill-fated run was followed up by a quick smack into the wall at the bottom of the stairs, tears, and a small boy scared crapless.

Lesson learned? I'm pretty sure that's a yes. (Note: no small children were harmed in the making of this blogging episode)

Needless to say, sometimes those warnings of "Don't try this at home" are quite helpful.

Personally, I love this John Hughes film for its set decoration. The entire house is outfitted in green and red down to the very wallpaper.

Additionally, the soundtrack is quite tremendous.

And you won't find a better rendition of this franchise without the lovable polka playing John Candy or the hopelessly klutzy Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern.

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York is a good one, but I don't think any of the sequels live up to the original.

1. White Christmas

I can't help it.

I love this film so much that I don't consider my Christmas season started until I watch it.

The musical number, Mandy (pictured at right), that is my namesake (if you say something often enough it becomes true, right?) may have something to do with it.

Strictly speaking, there's not much Christmas in the film - the themes mainly run toward giving, romance, and Irving Berlin's genious. However, the end scene where the entire audience joins the four leads in singing White Christmas and the shed doors open to show a beautiful pastoral scene of winter always...ALWAYS...bring a tear to my eye.

Honourable Mentions: I'm keeping this list to 5 for reasons even unknown to me, but there are a few other films I love during the holiday season. In no particular order:

It's a Wonderful Life
Not expected to be a hit, this film was released in July. Most were surprised at the reaction it received, and it stayed in theaters for over 5 months. As I've said before, Jimmy Stewart is my favorite Hollywood actor of all time, and I love his George Bailey.

A Charlie Brown Christmas
I mainly didn't include this one on the list, because it debuted as a television special and I already had a limited number of spots for "Best Films." Best part about this little gem? The soundtrack.

What are your favorites? Leave a comment and help me increase my DVD collection!

I Actually Love The Walking Dead

2010-12-02T15:40:00.004-06:00

I really like:

In part because of this guy:

Though, to be fair, in a zombie apocalypse, poster board decorated with emotionally compromising messages wouldn't be a very effective weapon.

Sidenote: Did anyone else catch that the Walking Dead's Director effectively fired the entire writing crew yesterday? The writing crew happens to include the man who penned the comic book on which the series is based. Egads.

Welcome, December.

2010-12-01T09:35:00.000-06:00

Glad to have you back; we've missed you so.

Personally speaking, I've missed your Yuletide charms and wintry, snow-covered vistas.

I haven't missed the shoveling though. Can you put in a good word to Santa for me? I could use a snow blower...

Anyway, I just wanted to say, "Hi," and welcome you back via my own little corner of The Internets.

I'm so happy to see you brought your best friend, Snow, with you. And for that, I present you with one of our most cherished songs of snow:

5 Best Christmas Albums

2010-11-29T11:01:00.003-06:00

The time has come.

The time for non-stop Christmas music and movies.

I've been trying - successfully - to hold myself back from dabbling in the Christmas spirit until Thanksgiving had it's rightful day to shine, and now that day is over, my friends. O.V.E.R.

Onward to the snow-covered, jingle-belled climes of Yuletide, I say.

And so I celebrate the official beginning of Christmas season (by my own pronouncement, which is official enough for me), with a countdown of my favorite holiday albums of all time...er, well, in my short life anyway.

5. A Charlie Brown Christmas
The classic TV special has a great soundtrack that offers, not so much sing-along entertainment, but rather nice background music to your decorating, cookie baking, or gift wrapping lazy December Saturdays. I sometimes put this on when I'm making those stupid cut-out cookies...you know the ones I mean...the delicious sugary, buttery, frosted confections that are great to eat but a real pain in the behind to make. The time goes a bit more quickly and cheerfully once I find myself dancing to Linus's piano jams whilst rolling out yet another round of dough.

4. Dave Barnes - Very Merry Christmas
In real life I'm a big fan of Dave Barnes, and was oh, so pleasantly surprised to see he had a new Christmas album out when I was shopping in the CD store for my favorite sister's St. Nick present (hint, hint).

File this under, "How did I not know this?!?!" and "Tart-y to the Party"

Regardless of how long it took me to discover the wonders of this album, I appreciate its perfect blend of traditional favorites like the Bing Crosby classic (you know how I love Bing) "I'll Be Home for Christmas" with new favorites like "Very Merry Christmas," "I Pray on Christmas," and "Family Tree." Barnes does it up right with just the right amount of soul, pop, and jazzy pep.

3. Amy Grant - A Christmas Album
You may disagree with me on this one, but A Christmas Album is my favorite Amy Grant Christmas album. It's my favorite, not only because I fondly remember my mom playing it nonstop during holiday baking and decorating, but also because of the classic early 90's styling of the cover art. I'm sorry Amy, but I always thought you were so much older than you really were because of this picture alone. The 80's holdover hair? The mom jeans? The overdone dark eye makeup? It's one of my favorite memories of Christmas.

Again, I'm sorry Amy. I really do love your music!

2. Barlow Girl - Home for Christmas
I. Flippin. Love. This. Album.

I can't say it enough. I dig Barlow Girl on any given day, but when Christmas rolls around, this album is usually on my nonstop driving playlist - at least since it debuted in 2008. I have to be careful to only play it when I'm driving after dusk because I'm so busy singing along that I can hide how stupid I look under the cover of winter's early sunset darkness.

I also have to be careful to not listen to it when I'm running because sometimes I forget that I'm running...in public...and that I shouldn't sing along out loud.

1. Ultimate White Christmas
No list of Christmas albums would be complete without Bing. Oh, Bing.

I think I was born in the wrong decade, because add in Jimmy Stewart and you've got my two favorite Hollywood actors.

Personally, my Christmas season does not officially start until I watch White Christmas.

God help the studio that tries to remake this classic, because I will not be held responsible for my actions.

The movie's soundtrack can be found in a variety of releases, but this one is my favorite for two reasons.

1. It includes my namesake musical number (or so I tell myself), Mandy, and
2. It's the closest you'll come to a soundtrack for the movie (Clooney and Crosby were contracted to two different labels, and so an official soundtrack was never, contractually, possible).

The songs by Rosemary Clooney were recorded separately under her label, and so this is more of a compilation...thus making the tracks sound a bit muffled at times due to differences in mastering and production.

Blame the studios.

I do.

Until some sort of digital remastering magic happens, this is the best album to give you your White Christmas favorites.

Of course, you can always set your tape player up close to your TV and hit "record" while you watch the movie. Anyone remember doing that when making mix tapes from the radio's Top 40?

Are your favorites missing from the list? Continue the list of Best Christmas albums by leaving a comment!

Holiday Giving Cause (& Event)

2010-11-22T11:27:00.000-06:00

Do you buy holiday cards in packs of 12, 14, 16, or 18 and continually have ~~a number of odd~~ an odd number of friends and family?

Do you like to give back during the holiday season?

Would you like to spend some quality time with yours truly?

Then let me introduce my latest Holiday Giving Cause (& Event):

The Red Cross 2010 Holiday Mail for Heroes.

The Holiday Mail for Heroes is a program, which, for the small price of postage you can send as many cards as your generous heart desires to American service members and their families. You can send them individually or a bunch in a large box or envelope.

Take a look at how this simple act of sending cheeful snail mail can bring joy and motivation to veterans during their convalescence:

This is where your odd (number of) friends and family come in.

I'm going to assume that you have a smattering of holiday cards left over from years of sending well wishes to your friends and family.

I'm also going to assume those cards have been burning a hole in your stationery box/drawer (I assume you have a stationery box/drawer).

Next, I'm going to assume that you'd love to have a way to make those unused holiday cards bring joy to those in need of cheer this holiday season.

Lastly, I'm going to assume you'd love the opportunity to spend some quality time with me writing lovely notes on those holiday cards over a glass of wine and/or beer.

If all these assumptions are correct, then please join me for a happy hour and holiday card writing extravaganza (more people get excited and want to come if you call it an extravaganza, yes?).

DETAILS:

When: Monday, December 6, 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Where: Maxie's Southern Comfort

Maxie's isn't officially hosting us; I'm just treating this event like an informal happy hour of friends coming together to hang out and accomplish something awesome. If I get a large response I'll let them know to expect us. RSVP here.

Bring a stack of holiday cards and a pen, or heck, bring some construction paper and stickers and make your own. I'll take care of the postage.

If you can't make the event, but would like to take part in the cause, you can send your own holiday cards. They must be postmarked by December 10, 2010.

Send them here:

Holiday Mail for Heroes
PO Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD
20791-5456

Pitney Bowles collects and sorts them, while Red Cross workers will deliver them all over the world and in our communities.

Know that warm fuzzy feeling you get when you finally get a piece of mail in the mailbox that's handwritten, personal, and clearly not junk or bills? While it seems like a small thing, it's really an easy, inexpensive way to make someone's day this holiday season...someone who has sacrificed so much on our behalf.

Hope to see you there!

A Play-by-Play of Lunch at @EateryonFarwell

2010-11-19T09:57:00.003-06:00

As you know from my previous post, I enjoyed a free lunch at Eatery on Farwell yesterday. I had never been there before, shame on me, and, of course, I don’t have a Smartphone so was unable to provide a Tweetathon during the momentous event.

Here’s the play by play as I remember it:

For your typical written in long-form write-up, see my review on Yelp! - 1st to review, baby!

1:04 PM Pull up to Eatery on Farwell and demonstrate a perfectly turned out parallel park. You’re welcome, traffic behind me on Farwell, for the excellent driver’s ed demo.

1:07 PM Enter Eatery on Farwell and speak to pleasurable host, slipping it in that I’m their version of the Miss America First Runner Up

1:10 PM Seated near window for maximum people watching entertainment

1:11 PM Sadly, and with great regret, decline the Bloody Mary. Must save drinking for off hours. Diet coke it is.

1:15 PM Why does fountain soda taste so much better than canned soda?

1:16 PM *sip* Ahhhhh…..

1:20 PM Peruse menu. Salads, brunch, should I do brinner? Sandwic…..huh? Avocado aioli?!??!

1:23 PM Order “The Farwell” (BLT with jalapeno bacon, smoked turkey, tomato, lettuce, and, yep, avocado aioli)

1:27 PM Side? I get a side? Veggie chips, yes please

1:29 PM Get out “Single Diner Props,” and write article for work as I wait for food

1:36 PM Geez, that was fast! I only got to third paragraph, and now must eat whilst I’m on a literary roll.

1:38 PM Take first bite

1:38 PM (and 2 seconds) Holy crap….

1:39 PM Mmm….spice….

Back to writing…
1:40 PM Nope, that second quote should go after (grabs chip) the first para….

1:40 PM (and 15 seconds) Woah, don’t you just love extra crunchy chips?

1:48 PM Choices, choices, choices…lick the avocado off my fingers or go for the second half of my sandwich?

1:48 PM (and 20 seconds) How the heck am I gonna eat the second half of my sandwich?

1:48 PM (and 25 seconds) I’m no quitter

1:55 PM Uncle!

Needless to say I highly recommend The Farwell and, by extension, the Eatery on Farwell. They offer unique twists and flavor combinations on your tried and true pub fare – surely a crowd pleaser for even the most “meat and potatoes” Wisconsinite. Try ‘em yourselves…

Eatery on Farwell
2014 N. Farwell Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53212

I hear their Bloodies are tremendous, and absolutely must get back there in the next week or so to try ‘em (think they’ll splash a little Rehorst Gin on top for me?). Hit me up if you wanna join me for a taste test of their Happy Hour…

Monday – Friday, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
$5 Rehorst Mixers
$3 Lakefront
$2 Miller, Schlitz, PBR

Yes, I memorized their Happy Hour menu. Bite me.

What Has Social Media Done for You Lately? #FTW

2010-11-18T12:24:00.002-06:00

You might've asked yourself this question in the past few weeks, but I sure haven't.

As the holiday season approaches it's easy for us to swing one of two ways - either we give, give, give in an epic display of good karma, or we anxiously await the orgy of greed that is Christmas gift opening (or, the eight crazy nights you get for Hanukkah, my Jewish readers).

Both ends of the spectrum are greatly enhanced by social media, and a quick rundown of what social media has done for me lately will show that it truly is a place for giving as well as receiving.

Twitter:
Repeal of Prohibition = free Bison Blonde - so it's not "lately" in the true sense of the word, but approximately 18 months ago, for the celebration of the Repeal of Prohibition, Buffalo Water paraded a keg of Bison Blonde to Just Arts and tapped it for all eager celebration participants. My friends and I became those celebration participants when we heard about the free beer via Twitter. Oh, the lovely Twitter with it's free beer promoting ways.

Free lunch at Eatery on Farwell - Last week I entered a retweet contest to win free lunch at Eatery on Farwell. I didn't win, but I sure did appreciate their booze porn. This week they DM-ed me that their winner was unable to accept the prize. I now do so in his or her stead. See, Miss America's First Runner Up? Sometiems it does happen.

Facebook:
Free lunch at Transfer Pizzeria - I'm pretty great at winning any contest that requires a "first person to respond" challenge (as opposed to a "we'll pick a name out of a hat"...I never win those). That's how I got free lunch at Transfer Pizzeria yesterday. To be fair, I first heard about the contest at the Spreenkler meetup, which I heard about through Twitter, but the contest took place on Facebook so it's a Facebook win.

Free tickets to Waiting for Superman via OnMilwaukee - I was sad to have missed this film at the Milwaukee Film Festival, and so I jumped at the chance to win two free passes to a screening via a "be the first to comment" Facebook challenge. Challenge accepted. Tickets won.

Email...?
Free tickets to Burlesque via Wisconsin Gazette - Again, this should be prefaced that I clicked a link to the Wisconsin Gazette via Twitter and that's how I originally landed upon this contest. However, it took place via, yes really, email. So I won free tickets to see Burlesque (and I really want to see it, it's Cher and Christina Aguilera for goodness' sake), but I was emailed the free pass yesterday afternoon. At 3:59 PM. The show was at 7 PM. I didn't have email access after 3:30 PM. Social media giveaway #Fail.

Check back for a recap of "What Has Social Media Done for You Lately?" Causes and Benefits style, to learn more about the "Giving" side of the social media spectrum.

Thank you, Veterans.

2010-11-11T09:17:00.006-06:00

Happy #VeteransDay to all of those who have served our country. The following video snippet says it so poignantly:

I'll be tweeting special shoutouts to each and every veteran I know, so follow me @MsQuarter for your tribute in 140 characters or less.

For those of you who want to take a more active role in thanking our veterans, The Red Cross just announced their 2010 Holiday Mail for Heroes kickoff.

For the small price of postage you can send as many cards as your generous heart desires to American service members and their families. You can send them individually or a bunch in a large box or envelope.

They must be postmarked by December 10, 2010.

Send them here:

Holiday Mail for Heroes
PO Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD
20791-5456

Pitney Bowles collects and sorts them, while Red Cross workers will deliver them all over the world and in our communities.

Know that warm fuzzy feeling you get when you finally get a piece of mail in the mailbox that's handwritten, personal, and clearly not junk or bills? While it seems like a small thing, it's really an easy, inexpensive way to make someone's day this holiday season...someone who has sacrificed so much on our behalf.

Thank you, Veterans (and current service members and families!) for putting your life on hold while I live mine in freedom.

I'm Sorry, @RussFeingold...

2010-11-04T11:36:00.000-05:00

Dear Former Senator Feingold,

I'm sorry about what happened on Tuesday, though my condolences are not just for you, but also for Wisconsin. We lost a great public servant this week, and I can only hope more people come to realize this.

I'm sorry that Ron Johnson called you a career politician. That must've been the worst sort of insult to you. I think Senator-elect Johnson was referring to the "good ol' boys" club-like atmosphere in Washington that the rest of this country despises. I presume he was referring to politicians who use their power to get things like $50 million for an indoor rainforest (Note: this happens on both sides of the aisle, and, yes, needs to be reigned in). I can't believe he was referring to a politician who happens to be a 3-term incumbent, yet who's record, time and again, shows in favor of citizen rights.

Most of all I'm sorry that so many people judged you solely on how many years you've ~~been in Washington~~ served Wisconsin, and not the actual record of what you've done for this state and this country - often against your own party, or, at the very least, against those good ol' boys.

I'm not sorry that you have that oh-so-horrible "D" behind your name, but I am sorry that it was used against you. If there's one thing you've done in your time in D.C. it's to work on behalf of your constituents, and NOT to just always be blindly in favor with your party.

I thank you for your service. I didn't know a lot about you before this election, but as I learned more and dug deeper than those 30-second TV ads, I was more than pleasantly surprised.

It speaks volumes that every major newspaper in this state endorsed you, even if they also endorsed Scott Walker.

It speaks volumes that you were the only politician to vote against The Patriot Act - going against a dangerous political trend to be the only Senator to have our backs.

It speaks volumes that you often proposed ammendments to legislation even though you knew they wouldn't have a chance - merely because you understood how important it is to at least have the argument on record.

It speaks volumes that you went against your own party to vote against TARP - the bank bailouts, which is only one example of how you were the original "Maverick," never kowtowing to your party line.

And it speaks volumes that not just you, but your entire staff (led by your inspiration, I presume), where diligent in upholding Nancy Pelosi's Ethics Pledge, even when some of your peers - on both sides of aisle - were not.

This brings me to my last apology. I'm sorry, mostly for this state, that all of the above, quite frankly, didn't get spoken in such volume during your campaign. Please run again in the future. But next time, please make sure the people of Wisconsin know all that you've done for us.

National Sandwich Day

2010-11-03T14:04:00.001-05:00

November 1 = #NaNoWriMo

2010-11-01T09:06:00.006-05:00

Oh Crap. I completely forgot that today begins National Novel Writing Month.

"What is #NaNoWriMo," you ask?

Go ahead; I'll wait.

Well, I'm glad you asked. #NaNoWriMo is for anyone who's wanted to write a novel, those who have a juicy tell-all they need to get down on paper, and those who may one day decide they might want to think about writing a book.

Learn more here.

I'm doing it. A few of my friends are doing it. And a ton of local Milwaukee peeps are doing it.

Basically, you commit to writing every day in November - this is to get you in the habit of writing.

Your task is to write. Not edit. Leave that for December...or January...or 2015.

Your goal is to write a 50,000 word novel by midnight November 30. Read more about the rules here (i.e. don't just write one word over and over and over, but try to write a complete novel).

I encourage you to try it out. It might be a fun way to finally get a start on that autobiography/tell-all you've been meaning to write about your childhood as a middle-class white kid with semi-imagined angst and the drove of like-minded teens you went to high school with.

If you need more encouragement, Milwaukee Writer's Workshop is hosting an event TONIGHT at the Wauwatosa Public Library. The workshop will cover the publishing world, and steps you'll need to take if you want to turn this 50,000 word "work of art" into an actual, marketable piece of literary something or other.

Mayhap I'll see you there?

Put the "Giving" in Thanksgiving

2010-10-27T14:24:00.008-05:00

Within the past week the Internet grapevine told me of a few worthy causes in need of Thanksgiving treats. The holiday is 4 weeks away, and now is the perfect time to start putting the "Giving" into Thanksgiving (then you'll have so much more to be thankful for, you see...rhyme unintentional).

I ask you to consider spending a few extra bucks when you do your weekly grocery shopping this week, and send a few provisions to those in need.

1. Hunger Task Force - Operation Marshmallow Man
I found this opportunity through a Twitter "pal" @BtotheD. Each year the Hunger Task Force in Milwaukee puts together 800 T-Day bins for families in need. Each bin holds all the fixings for a proper Thanksgiving meal, and they are in desperate need for bags of mini-marshmallows.

800 bags of mini-marshmallows to be exact.

(for the sweet potatoes...you can't have sweet potatoes without marshmallows, ask Oprah)

Last night at the grocery store I added a measly $8 to my bill for 4, 16oz bags. It may seem like a pittance, but those four bags now bring the total need down to 796. If only 200 people donate 4 bags each, we've got this challenge, well, in the bag.

Learn more about how to donate, where to drop off donations, and BtotheD here.

Yes, those delightful miniature puffs of sugar are needed, not for your marshmallow gun, nor for equally miniature s'mores, but for families in need so that they, too, can have a nice Thanksgiving dinner.

2. Agape - Operation Merci
I had a little trouble coming up with a catchy title for this mission, so lemme explain.

I know a guy.

He's a missionary in France.

He and his team are bringing a "taste" of the U.S. Thanksgiving tradition to the students they work with in Toulouse, France. Not only is this a Turkey Day celebration, but really it's more of a fellowship opportunity for everyone to spend some quality time together, cook together, be a family for a day, and learn a bit more about the United States.

Sounds cool, right?

The problem is that France doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving.

"You're kidding!" you say.

Go ahead.

No! I'm not kidding! And the next problem is then, of course, Aaron and his team cannot find all of the necessary T-Day accoutrement required for a successful celebration (like how I threw in that French word?).

If you like sending large packages across the oceans (and subsequently looking like a spy to postal workers), you can send any of the following items that they desperately need...for 75 people:

~~Thanksgiving-themed napkins and paper plates~~
Thanksgiving and/or Fall-themed decorations
Cranberry sauce
Cream of mushroom soup
French fried onions - Methinks they're making green bean casserole. Please don't let the French go without a delicious green bean casserole! I assume they have French cut green beans available there. Get it?
~~Stuffing Mix~~
Cans of pumpkin

I'm putting a package together, and if you want to donate any of these items let me know and I can mail them out together. This could get quite expensive for me, so if you're super generous (you know you are!), you can mail them yourself and have the fun of sending a super secret international package. Leave a comment and I'll get you Aaron's mailing address.

Thanks for listening and have fun putting the "Giving" in Thanksgiving!

Vegetarian Chili

2010-10-27T09:19:00.008-05:00

Last night, in honor of the last day of the beloved Westtown Farmer's Market, which, incidentally, was cancelled due to #MilwaukeeBlows2010, Staub Child and I enjoyed a Mommy 'N Me session making chili.

Chili makes a delightful meal for any frightfully cold day, and while Milwaukee isn't so frightfully cold, it is rather gusty, which, in this author's estimation, fulfills the necessary requirements for cooking up a pot and putting that new Staub Child to good use.

Yes, you just got a nice centerfold-esque pic of where the magic happens in my kitchen. Don't mind the prehistoric oven - it's my landlord's.

On the outside it just looks like Lil Stauby is taking a breather in his new home.

In actuality, that chili's been cooking for a good 45 minutes on low heat, getting more and more delicious the longer it's juices keep recycling - condensing on the inside of the lid, dripping down the picots, thus preserving all the delicious juices and flavors.

Savory doesn't even begin to cut it, kids.

I'm happy to report that Staub Child did Momma proud. Totally the best chili I've made to date.

Note: Head over to Cream City Cuisine for the recipe of this delicious Farmer's Market Chili!

Mon Petit Chou

2010-10-26T08:28:00.006-05:00

It was a productive weekend in Quarter Century land. Carving pumpkins with the nephews always proves to be a fun time. Ironically, two little boys really dislike getting their hands dirty by digging out the pumpkin guts (or "Brraaaaainsssss" as their favorite aunt calls them), while a twenty-something favorite aunt enjoys the gore immensely.

This twenty-something favorite aunt celebrated the death and dismemberment of the four pumpkin soldiers with a trip to Cook's Corner in Green Bay.

Really, the two activities are unrelated, but I have to have an entree to introduce you to the newest member of my family. Drumroll please...

I give you, Mon Petit Chou, or, Staub Child as I've come to lovingly refer to this ridiculously expensive, yet never overated, cast iron enameled cookware.

Isn't she pretty?

In the words of those in the know, "Le Creuset is for the masses; Staub is for those in the know."

"What's the difference?" you ask.

Go ahead. I'll wait.

Well, I'm glad you asked. You see, Staub browns better than Le Creuset. Not necessary for some recipes, sure, but definitely better for some.

Also, see those black bumps on the inside of the lid? Those little babies take all the juicy condensation that happens during cooking and drops it back down into your stew, chili, Coq au Vin, whathaveyou.

That's called Self-Basting, kids.

The interior of the Staub pot, unlike Le Creuset, also allows for seasoning over time like any great cast iron cookware. Ms. Q's gonna make some darn fine fried chicken in this little baby, let me tell you.

If you'd like to add a little Staub to your family, I'd suggest heading over to Cook's Corner in Green Bay. This $400 pot was half off and included the Baby 1/2 qt. Staubs you see in the picture.

Those little guys are gonna make a mean queso dip.

Have I peaked your envy yet? Are you ready to bring your taste buds over for dinner? Better yet, would you like a Staub Child of your own?

Lemme just say that, unlike a real kid, your Staub Child will not cost you a quarter of a million dollars by the time it turns 18. Also, if Staub Child is 18, or 20, or even 30 and is still living at home with its parents, I guarantee you'll view that as a success.

Note: The enameled cast iron pan in the back of the shot is not Staub, but still another great 50% Off find at Cook's Corner. Seriously, you should check 'em out.

Ch-Ch-Changes

2010-10-20T09:50:00.004-05:00

David Bowie said it best, "Time to face the strange."

Indeed.

But I suppose that doesn't really apply here. I'm just blindly trying to find an intro to talk about the updated look you see here at Quarter Century and, whaddya know, Ziggy Stardust came into my head.

Deal with it.

You may have noticed the updated look. I've been trying to find something I like for, oh, about a year now but I just haven't been that dedicated. I came across this theme over at www.ezwpthemes.com, and really enjoyed the design but hated some of the specifics.

Specifically, it's titled the Happy Shopping theme and has some strangely exuberant, overly trendy gal on the front page and a strangely small space at the top for a blog title (where my profile is now pictured).

Not to worry, folks. I'm a bit handy at design.

I took a crack at personalizing some of the theme's finer points and am quite in love with the results.

Enjoy.

1st Annual Native American Film Festival by Native Punx

2010-10-14T16:15:00.004-05:00

You may remember a post last month when I explored the Indian mascot debate.

Not only is the point relevant because of the Mukwonago situation, but also because today begins the 1st Annual Native American Film Festival in Wisconsin.

Native Punx, the organization behind the film festival, has a website detailing all of the information, but let me give you the short and sweet of it.

Where: Marquette University
When: October 14 - 17, 2010
Why: Because it increases your knowledge through everyone's favorite medium: movies.

Okay, seriously though, if you can attend any of the events you should. See the Facebook page for exact films, times, and locations.

Tonight there are a series of shorts followed by a discussion on the Indian mascot issue. Saturday evening boasts a Q&A with Ada Deer, who will discuss her experiences in an Indian boarding school during the U.S. assimilation policy, after the screening of The Only Good Indian (is a dead one as the white settler lexicon of the 1800's goes).

It's a little known fact that Native Americans make good films, and it's an even lesser-known fact that they still aren't always treated with respect and equality in mainstream films - either in their representation or on set.

I could go on an on, but I won't bore you. If you have any questions feel free to contact me or leave a comment.

Hope to see you there!

Review: Waiting for Superman

2010-10-13T09:29:00.005-05:00

I was lucky enough to catch a free screening of Waiting for Superman last night at the Oriental. The controversial documentary, which takes a closer look at the American public school system and its failures, opens on Friday at a theater near you.

This film also screened at the Milwaukee Film Festival to a sold out theater, which is why I missed it then. I heard from viewers that it takes an unfair stance against the public school system, highlights charter schools as the end all be all, and paints the teacher's unions as the main, evil obstacle to reform.

I found out that these were not only overly simplistic criticisms, but also not entirely true when taken in the context of the entire film.

Guggenheim does show the major pitfalls to reform, showcases some of the worst public schools in the country, and highlights some of the best charter schools. Sure, it's a little biased. But I think the main point of the film is that the system is broken. What it was designed to do in the 1950's is no longer relevant to the reality of today's job market or what our country needs in educated workers in order to be globally competitive.

As my friend, an educator, stated after the film, if all this documentary does is raise awareness of the problem and all of the underlying, systemic issues that reform faces, then it was successful. (J - I paraphrased)

One of the most surprising things I learned was that American schools do employ - to some extent - the track system similar to that of European schools, and of which I'm not sure many of us were aware.

In Europe, students are tested throughout their time in school - much like the U.S. - and based upon the results of those tests are put on certain career tracks. For example, when I taught in Hungary, my students prepared for their Matura examinations. Their choice of university - and subsequent career - was based upon the marks they received. This was mainly because university is free in Hungary for any student who gets the marks to attend.

In the U.S. we would know this as Gifted & Talented programs - students who perform best on the tests are put into these higher-learning programs with a lower student-to-teacher ratio and higher expectations.

If it's one thing I know, kids will fulfill your expectations. This film proved that. Whether those expectations are high or low, and what they achieve according to those expectations, is up to us.

Students who do not perform well on the tests remain in their class, likely with a higher student-to-teacher ratio, or if they perform abysmally, are sent for remedial learning. What winds up happening is that students are broken into three groups: those who will become leaders (doctors, lawyers, CEOs), those who will become skilled professionals (accountants, managers, etc), and those who will become workers.

Sure, it doesn't apply to everyone and there is room to move beyond your track if you're an exceptional student, but as one mother in the film said, it's the difference between having a career and having a job.

I also found it interesting that the filmmakers suggest that it's not poor neighborhoods that develop poor schools, but vice versa. I think there's proof in this theory. Just look at some of the wonderful things happening in the neighborhoods of good schools in Milwaukee. Bruce Guadalupe Community School (and the United Community Center, by extension), for one.

Yes, our system is broken, but it's not the fault of just any one factor. Reform needs to happen, proven success from model programs needs to be adapted and scaled to make a larger impact, and adults need to be able to keep it about the kids. As Michelle Rhee, Chancellor of D.C. Public Schools - and controversial reformer - said, "it becomes about the adults," and that's when we hit the hardest roadblock to achievement.

Bonus:
What's interesting is that the Washington Post just reported that Michelle Rhee, Chancellor of D.C. Public Schools will announce her resignation later today, effective at the end of the month. I can't help but feel that with this film poised to make a major impact on the nation, possibly upcoming elections, and our overall thought process and awareness, that this is crappy timing.

@Muse in Milwaukee, A Short Review

2010-10-11T11:07:00.007-05:00

This update is a few days overdue, but it's taken me that long to come down from the ocular and auditory high I received at Muse's Bradley Center show.

First, the opening act, Passion Pit, about which I only have the following to say (in the form of a conversation had during their set):

J: Wait, is their band name Passion Pit or Passion Fruit?
MsQ: Wait, I thought we were listening to MGMT...

Let's just hope Passion Pit doesn't pull a Stephenie Meyer and claim they've never heard of MGMT and, therefore, wouldn't count them as an influence.

Now, to Muse.

The show was, in a word, Epic. Yes, with a capital E.

Though the UK alternative rock band boasts 3 multi-talented members (seriously, no one should be allowed to be as talented as Matthew Bellamy), it is this author's opinion that the video for this arena tour should count as the fourth (not to mention the man-in-black/on-stage-roadie spotted adding to the mix).

Seriously, though, whatever they paid the concert stage designer and video director was not enough. Exhibit A:

I especially appreciated the effects for the show's opener of Uprising.

Ti molodyets, Comrade!

Not to mention the social commentary during United States of Eurasia. It was especially moving in light of the recent rash of news reports linking bullying - especially toward the LGBT community - to student suicides.

All in all, Muse put on a fantastic show, further proving my theory that the number of semi trucks (at least 2 dozen for this show) required to haul the set from venue to venue is in direct proportion to the awesomeness of said show.

#mff2 Part 3: Eastern Europe

2010-10-04T11:41:00.004-05:00

It's no secret that I have a general interest in all things Eastern Europe.

I'd be lying if I didn't admit to an ardent love of halusky, langos, and Soproni.

This is likely why I was drawn to the following two films during the Milwaukee Film Festival. The first deals with cooking, and I love me some of that, and the second is set in the midst of the Carpathian mountains and is presented partly in Hungarian. You know I especially appreciate that.

Cooking History
This film spans almost a century of war, and investigates what is was like for those soldiers who were commissioned to cook for their thousands of brethren on the battlefield. Through stalwart interviews sometimes presented tongue-in-cheek by the filmmakers, we get to hear war stories from those who fought a different sort of battle - feeding thousands of soldiers utilizing a cooking space sometimes the size of a postage stamp.

Each set of interviews is accompanied by a recipe that will feed the soldiers in question. A little known fact is that a pinch of salt makes most everything palatable.

Overall this film was at times funny, other times poignant, and always entertaining. A true storyteller's documentary.

My only comment is to remind the audience that even though you may buy your meat in cellophane-wrapped styrofoam trays, yes, the animals still had to be killed in the process. Even though you, as a consumer in America, are far removed from any food growing/harvesting/butchering process, it's far past the time you remember where it comes from. So stop harrumphing, covering your eyes, and gasping with outrage when you see that chicken's neck broke or that cow's vein cut open in the film. After all - a dirty secret you likely don't want to hear - animals are kept and killed far less humanely in our U.S. mass-produced food system than what you saw here.

Katalin Varga
I really wanted to like this film. During the screening I kept reminding myself how beautiful Hungarian and Romanian countrysides are as I closed my eyes and listened to them speak in those lovely, melodic native languages. I reminded myself that I was supposed to like this film and be its champion. I was transported back to my time in Hungary, convincing myself that I should like this film based on that tie alone.

But it didn't work.

Until the end.

To say I was highly disappointed with the cinematography would be an understatement. I think my 5-year-old Sony handycam could do a better job of capturing what were supposedly breathtaking views of the Carpathian mountains. We'll never know. The scenes ended up flat and sometimes just awkward depending on the camera angle.

The filmmakers also did that stupid shaky camera thing that, I think, filmmakers believe either a) makes things seem scarier, or b) makes things seem more "real," but really just gives the audience a headache and makes me, personally, not want to look at the screen.

But the story was awesome...unsettling...disturbing...heartbreaking...and loving.

And the end...

The end made all the rest of it so worth it.

On a somewhat mff2-related topic: I'm happy to report that I won a screening pass for two from OnMilwaukee.com to see Waiting for Superman next week. I was so disappointed to have missed this film at the festival - the 2010 Allan H. (Bud) & Suzanne L. Selig Audience Award winner. I'll have a little recap next week.

#mff2 Part 2 - A MUST SEE

2010-10-01T09:11:00.003-05:00

I spent last night with the Milwaukee Film Festival in a double feature at North Shore. In my #mff2 Part 3 post I'll elaborate on the first film of the evening, Katalin Varga, but first I had to rush home and tell you about a MUST SEE film for Saturday.

Beware. This film is fantastic.

And I don't say that too often. In fact, that's what I'm loving about the film festival - finally not being burned. I can't tell you how many times in the past year I've gone to a mainstream film and been disappointed. So far, I haven't been disappointed by any films I've seen at the festival.

So, I repeat.

This.

Film.

Is.

Extraordinary.

Hipsters

This 2008 Russian musical takes place in 1955 Moscow - the height of Communist power - where a subsect of Russian youth adopt Western pop culture, even under fear of ostracism, beatings, and arrest.

On the surface it's a love story, but at heart it's a tribute to a culture I'm not sure we Americans can fully comprehend.

Can you imagine living your life as you are right now, but with the constant fear that it will land you in jail, or worse? Would you have the courage to dress as you do, or more, say the things you do if it meant social and political ostracism, usually directly tied to the future well-being of you and your family?

But that's not entirely what makes this film so fabulous.

The cinematography is absolutely a feast for the eyes, and it does for 1955 Moscow what Mad Men does for 1960's New York.

Furthermore, the music is divine. You don't have to understand Russian to want to buy this soundtrack, play it ad nauseum, and sing along at the top of your lungs.

Go.

See.

This.

Film!

Saturday, October 2nd - 9:15 PM
Oriental Theater, Milwaukee
(You can see it right after The Milwaukee Show and right before The Best Damn F*#@ing Midnight Program Ever. Sh*t. to round out a truly spectacular Saturday night)

#mff2 Part 1 - Opening Weekend

2010-09-30T08:54:00.009-05:00

Last week I shared my anticipatory Milwaukee Film Festival schedule that included a - for me - quite strenuous run of films.

Well, it's a woman's prerogative to change her mind. More importantly, if you know me, then you know I'm a bit on the spontaneous side and not wont to follow a schedule too closely.

Therefore, I must now present to you my actual Milwaukee Film Festival schedule - as has happened thus far, and broken down into 3 parts for your reading pleasure. Here is Part 1 - Opening Weekend.

Blue Valentine
I'm not sure how I feel about this film. That I'm still trying to work it out should tell you something favorable. Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling gave great performances - genuine, heartfelt, and all those other buzzword accolades you've likely been hearing.

But I'm just not sure how I feel about this film.

For one, I'm not sure that I ended up where I was supposed to. I heard two reactions from my non-random sampling of friends who saw the screening - either they were right there with the film to the very end, or they were like me and left convinced there's more to the story.

If the former is supposed to be the case, then I don't buy it and I think the plot is too simplistic and easy to be the gritty, honest, intimate portrayal of a relationship that it's been billed to be.

If the latter is the case, then I think it truly is a thought-provoking film - as evidenced by my continued musings, 6 days after the screening. If the end - rather than wrapping up the dual-timeline plot - is instead meant to leave us wondering, hoping, and drawing our own conclusions...then I think it truly is an honest view of falling in and out of love. Because that process is never ending, always evolving, and, ultimately, leaves you questioning.

Kids Shortz: Size Medium
They tell you when you sign up to volunteer with the film festival that you won't be able to see any films while you are actually volunteering. This is probably more true than not, but I was fortunate enough to be able to jump in the theater during a slow morning.

Not only is this the first year North Shore Cinema is screening, it is also the first year for the Children's Festival, which includes films, shorts, education, and activities.

My thoughts on the Size Medium (ages 7+) shorts:

Favorites: Story

Cherry on the Cake
This story of the plight of the middle child made me scrunch up my face, hold my breath, and try not to bawl like a baby. I'm no middle child, but the metaphor of poor little Cherry getting smaller and smaller as her family ignores her on her birthday is one that any of us can relate to.

Gerald's Last Day

It's clear why some of these shorts are meant for older children and not the toddler set. Poor, fat (but cuddly) Gerald has one more day to find an owner and doesn't seem to be having much luck. Personally, this short made me want to run to the humane society and adopt every animal on site. Don't worry, though, the end is a happy one.

Sooner or Later
This cute little film is about two formerly solitary animals - one nocturnal, one not - coming together when the world experiences a little hiccup and time gets a bit, er, rescheduled.

Favorites: Humor

KFJG

Don't you just love it when they put 'em on YouTube?

Pigeon: Impossible

Yep, totally awesome.

Favorites: Art & Style

Breaking the Mould
Life through the eyes of an apple. Not what you'd normally think of as an enticing short film, but it is harvest season in Wisconsin, and I do love myself some cider.

View it here.

Life Leaf
This was my absolute favorite of the bunch. As the description says, "a little girl finds the whole world inside of a leaf." It's a great metaphor for our interconnected natural world. You can read environmentalism and conservation into it if you want. The Pacific Northwest aboriginal artwork is absolutely breathtaking.

You can read an interview with the award-winning animator and creator here.

FYI - If I could buy the soundtrack for each of these short films - or if they could be packaged together in one low, Milwaukee film festival price, then I would pay whatever you wanted me to...within reason, if I'm being honest.

Azur & Asmar
I heard this film was beautiful, but that just doesn't do it justice.

If they sold framed prints of the film's screenshots I'd buy them and decorate my house.

Wasteland
This film has won so many audience awards you know something's gotta be right. The documentary balances just the right amount of humanity with education and technical merit. It was filmed over three years, primarily in Gramacho Garden - the ironically named world's largest garbage dump, and even with the lowly setting still manages to be beautiful. It's as much a story of the individuals who work as recyclables pickers as it is of world-reknown artist, Vik Muniz, as he struggles with the documentarian's greatest dilemma - how to share the important stories of others without fundamentally changing their lives.

Ultimately, lives are changed - some for the better, some not. Above all, I think the greatest accomplishment of this film, is showing how much beauty can be found in what we perceive to be garbage.

It's films like this one that make me proud to live in a city with such a fantastic arts and culture community. The Milwaukee Film Festival is just one example of an organization giving us the means to change our perspectives and learn more about global issues through art.

I'll elaborate more on this in #mff2 Part 2, but I encourage you to get out to the cinema while there's still time and see some films you likely won't get the chance to see elsewhere. Challenge yourself - your tastes, your perspectives, what you thought you knew about the world.

Give these films a chance, but most of all, support the rich arts and culture community in Milwaukee.

Happy #NationalCoffeeDay!

2010-09-29T08:25:00.004-05:00

Enjoy with your favorite cup.

Myself, I like my coffee like I like my men.

Strong.

I'd say I like my coffee like I like my soul (black), but that's not really true.

Best Weekend Ever

2010-09-27T14:41:00.004-05:00

This weekend happened to be the best weekend ever. Pretty strong words, coming from a gal who lives in the land of summertime festivals, free music, and outdoor livin'.

But it's true.

Here's what happened.

Saturday: #mff2
Saturday was a day spent with the Milwaukee Film Festival at the North Shore Cinema. This is the first year the Mequon theater took part. I started the day with a volunteer shift - helping the little kiddos get to their shorts programs. I also then got to view some of the shorts. As will happen during the first time for anything, technical difficulties were kind of a problem at North Shore. Not to worry, festival-goers. This volunteer doesn't mind "working" an extra hour when it means she can sit in on Azur & Asmar to ensure no other technical difficulties arise.

I heard this film was beautiful, but that didn't prepare me for what ended up being the most delicious treat for my retinas. My rods and cones still won't stop complaining about how real life - even Wisconsin in all it's fall glory - can't compare to the breathtaking artwork in this film. Crotchety ol' visual acuity sensors.

After this viewing, I turned in my volunteer time for a movie voucher, promptly purchased a ticket to Wasteland, and used my film festival coupon to Zaffiro's for some pizza before the show started. Seriously, Milwaukee Film, you're awesome for being so affordable.

Wasteland was, in a word, incredible. If I had two words I'd call it incredibly heartbreaking. Seriously. The lady next to me was bawling throughout most of the film. Vik Muniz is amazing, and even more amazing are the folks he worked with to create this documentary.

All accolades are very well deserved. If you have the chance, go see the second or third screening of this film:

Thursday, September 30
Oriental Theater
5:00 PM

Saturday, October 2
North Shore Cinema
12:15 PM

Sunday: Go Brewers!
I was lucky enough to get free tickets this weekend to the Brewer's last home game (Thanks Shotz!). I knew the seats would be good when my contact said to pick them up at Will Call 6, we get there, and it's the VIP window. Sure enough...

That's the view from my seat of the bratwurst losing the Sausage Relay.

The Brewers won 7-1, Trevor Hoffman got to take a bow, so did Prince - in what may have been his last home game as a Brewer - and Ryan Braun received a nice standing 0. Michael Hunt of the Journal Sentinel gives a nice perspective on it.

Following the Brewers game, if you don't watch it and so didn't know, was the season premiere of Dexter. Last season ended with one heckuva mindf***, and it was interesting to see where we think they might take it. If you don't watch the show, I'd say catch up online, but you can't do that with premium cable channels. I don't know why. They'd make a mint. But you can at least Netflix the last two seasons.

And thus ended the coolest weekend of Twenty Ten. Here's looking foward to the rest of this week, which is sure to be a grand time as well.

#socialgood Day

2010-09-23T10:50:00.000-05:00

For those of you not into the whole "social media thing," you may not know that today is Social Good Day. In an effort brought to you by @mashable and @joinred, we are asked to put on our thinking caps and use our collective brain power to "unleash fresh thinking about how social media can raise awareness and create solutions for social issues around the world."

The great news is that our dear Milwaukee community is far ahead of the times. If you're not in the Twitterverse, check out Sue Spaight's blog post that recaps how Milwaukee's Twitter community banded together to save Tim, Jess, and Clara Cigelske of Teecycle.org. The Cigelske's home was - for all intents and purposes - destroyed during the Brew City Flood. Folks on Twitter got word of it, and came together to put on a fantastic - and effective - fundraising event, helping them to pick up the pieces and rebuild.

This example was the result of a process that happened organically, but what if we harnessed the power of these "activaters" to do something just as awesome on a regular basis?

The Idea:
Wouldn't it be great if Milwaukee's Twitter community came together every month (or so) for the purposes of social good? There are so many people struggling in our area, that surely we can utilize our collective networks to make a difference on an ongoing basis.
Monthly meetups of interested and connected Tweeters could be the grounds for social good planning.

Individuals who are struggling could informally propose their issue (statement of the problem) and craft a possible solution (action steps for the Twitter community) using free software like Scribd, Issuu, Slideshare, Prezi, and others. This would help others vet each proposal and choose a recipient.

Milwaukee tweeps could then use an online polling system to choose a #socialgood recipient. With regular, small-scale, local #socialgood successes, we could make a huge difference for Milwaukee.

You can read more about Social Good Day here.

If you have ideas for Social Good Day, or if your organization is already doing something great, then tweet it using the hashtag #socialgood.

MKE Film Festival

2010-09-22T15:09:00.005-05:00

Okay Milwaukeeans, get your butts and popcorn buckets ready and put your cell phones on vibrate...tomorrow is the beginning of the 2010 Milwaukee Film Festival.

Here are my selections. I'm doing my "going to the movies alone" thing, which I know some of you find weird. Feel free to join me if one of these spikes your interest.

The best part? I'm volunteering for free tickets. Thank you, Milwaukee Film for being so awesome and affordable.

September 23
Blue Valentine 7:00 p.m.,
Opening Night Party @ Discovery World
A film about "...falling in love - and out of love," this opener will be the meat of my Happy Hour sandwich - Von Trier's before the show, and opening night party at Discovery World afterward.

September 24
Baraboo 7:30 p.m.
Small town WI? Check. Past it's peak resort town? Check. Disillusioned residents? Check. Anyone with me? (check)

September 26
It's Kind of a Funny Story
I'm a fan of Zack Galifianakis, and this film, which takes place in a psychiatric ward and also includes Emma Roberts, Aasif Mandvi, and Jim Gaffigan, is a "darkly humorous coming-of-age story" that I'm excited to see.

Note: I'd also love to see Waiting for "Superman," but it's sold out.

Editor's Note 9/23/10: Since I can probably see It's Kind of Funny in theaters (aka: matinee ticket prices), I think I'm going to see Kings of Pastry 4:15 p.m. instead. Yes, I could see both in one day, but I'm on a budget.

Tuesday September 28
Cooking History 3:15 p.m.
Food Network if it's cooking shows took place in Europe. During wars. And I can actually make it to this one; I just have to see if I can leave work half an hour early.

September 30
Katalin Varga 4:30 p.m.
Mostly because it was shot throughout the Romanian countryside and Carpathian mountains.

Sidenote: Gosh, I'm a sucker for anything that relates to Eastern Europe...

October 2
The Best Damn F*#&ing Midnight Program Ever. Sh*t. Midnight. Duh.
As the promo says, the title says it all.

October 3
Feed the Fish
How wisely they schedule this showing, leaving enough of a cushion after the Packer game that we can still get to the theater to see this WI film. Naturally, this one is sold out, but I might try rush tickets - along with hundreds of my fellow Wisconsinites, no doubt.

other October 3rd options, considering the likelihood of Feed the Fish rush tickets is nil:

About Elly 11:00 a.m.
Budrus 3:00 p.m.

I'll also be volunteering at the North Shore Cinema THIS SATURDAY from 9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. if you'd like to stop by and see me.

@NickBarnett's Fangs

2010-09-20T15:51:00.004-05:00

Last week I made a small reference to Nick Barnett's fangs...or, what I thought looked like fangs during one quick camera shot of the Packers/Eagles game.

You'll be happy to know I was right. If you're a Packer fan, you'll be happier to know that Nick Barnett is bada$$, then again, you probably already knew that.

Intimidation is the sincerest form of bada$$ery.

Tweeting the 1960's

2010-09-17T13:19:00.005-05:00

Did you know that Mad Men is a fantastic show? No? Well, then, I have nothing else to say to you.

If, however, you love Mad Men as much as this PR (oh the horror!) gal, then you'll want to fire up your Twitter account and start following the fine folks of Sterling Cooper Draper Price.

The Crew
Don Draper Only slightly demeaning to women.
Peggy Olson A bit of an identity crisis in the happening.
Pete Campbell You can see him swirling the scotch in his lowball as you read through the tweets.
Roger Sterling Does he still come into work?
Ken Cosgrove Only 97% jerk.
Paul Kinsey Takes his sensitive side seriously.
Sal Romano Alas, not with SCDP, but still relevant.
Bertram Cooper I don't think he actually works either.

Joan Harris Ballsy yet classy.
Miss Blankenship Crotchety.
Secretary Practically non-existent, unless SCDP needs to get some work done.

The Ex and the New Mr.
Betty (Draper) Francis Poster Mom for the blog Really Bad Parenting Advice.
Henry Francis Character with an unclear purpose.

The Kids:
Sally Draper Definitely an identity crisis, but she's a pre-teen child of divorce, so it's expected.
Robert Draper Lots of questions.
Gene Draper Few answers.

The Workhorses:
Xerox Machine Could be more snarky.
Vending Machine Sets the precedent for office machine snark.

There are so many bit players that it's hard to list them all. Like Bethany Van Nuys and Anna Draper (now a Twitter user from beyond the grave, apparently). And there are multiple accounts for each character, so it's hard to know who's authoring them. Certainly none of the accounts have been verified (wink), but take a look, follow along, and enjoy the convo.

Journal Sentinel Point-Counterpoint: Indian Mascots

2010-09-14T08:40:00.006-05:00

Today the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel published two community commentary pieces that look at both sides of the Indian mascot debate. I commend them for providing an astute point-counterpoint on a, sadly, still relevant topic (read about the recent Mukwonago mucky muck here).

What I am ashamed to see - as a proud citizen of this great city (I had my reservations when moving here, but you've grown on me, Milwaukee) - is that all of the comments to these articles appear in response to the article in favor of changing team names. This article argues in favor, not because every Native American is offended, but because it should be enough that some are. And commentors are ripping the author a new one for being so sensitive.

Jane, you ignorant slut.

The other article, rather than taking a hard stance in favor of keeping Indian mascot names, merely suggests that our society's collective effort toward political correctedness sometimes gets out of hand.

Dan, you pompous ass.

But seriously. The first article is titled, "It's Time to Simply Do What's Right," while the second article is titled, "All References Aren't Derogatory."

Guess what? I think they're both right.

It's at this point that I should disclose that I am a Native American. And guess what? I don't have a problem with most Indian mascots. But to claim that you can't possibly understand how such caricatures could insult another human being is the worst sort of ignorance.

Case in point:

Seriously, Cleveland? How have you gotten away with this for so long? Why don't you just change your logo to a black guy with a big nose and an underbite and call yourself the N****rs?

Did I just make you uncomfortable? Did you know that "Redskin" is the Native American equivalent of the "N" word? The fact that I can write one and not the other in print is argument enough that something is wrong in our society.

But Washington's logo is actually pretty cool.

My point to all of this is not to stir the pot, but to point out that, yes, some Indian mascots are demeaning. And worse, it's not usually the names or the mascots that are the problem, but rather the 30,000 fans in an arena doing tomahawk chops and chanting war cries wearing war paint that ultimately fail to "honor/celebrate [an] ethnic group." I know it makes me feel welcome at a sporting event to see a white guy hopping around in neon colored "traditional" Indian regalia with a handful of stodgy old white guys (aka: regents) telling me I should feel honored about it (I'm talking to you Fighting Illini).

Not to mention dozens of commentors spewing hate speech toward someone who's simply pointing out that a portion of our citizens are demeaned on a daily basis because of their race, and we should consider graciously doing something about it.

Maybe if we can somehow find a way, like the FSU Seminoles, to work with those that are depicted to create a dignified rendition, then all can be proud and honored?

This Week in Wisconsin Sports

2010-09-13T11:51:00.007-05:00

There’s nothing quite like sports in Wisconsin. Maybe it’s our Midwestern lifestyle that encourages pro athletes to be nice guys instead of d-bags. Or maybe it’s simply the 9 months of soul-crushing winter that leaves us little to do but gather together for warmth, I mean, camaraderie around our hometown teams.

Either way, it’s pretty cool to be a sports fan in Wisconsin. And here are the four most recent reasons why.

1. Mark Tauscher: Football Phenom. Blogger Extraordinaire.
FYI – Packer’s offensive tackle, Mark Tauscher, has entered the blogosphere. In a series hosted by Travel Wisconsin, our homegrown talent will be sharing his favorites of all that Wisconsin has to offer this, sometimes, unappreciative world. Read it here.

Also, something cool I learned whilst Googling Tauscher? He organizes Trifecta Foundation to “enhanc[e] the education and literacy of children in Wisconsin.” I kind of want to make some witty comment about Tauscher and Pizza Hut (read: Book It), but would rather not distract from the awesome mission of this org.

2. A Rod’s ‘stache
By now we all know that number 12 loves experimental facial hair, and we all love seeing what shapes and fu manchu’s will surface every Packer’s preseason. However, this author thinks it’s a travesty when all that grizzled wonderment is shaved for every season opener. After all, what could be more intimidating to an opponent than Grizzly Adams coming at you?

Except, maybe, Nick Barnett’s mouth guard giving the impression he has fangs – did anyone else see that shot in yesterday’s game?

Regardless, wherever you fall on the A-Rod Beard Fence (there’s an idea for that yellow monstor across from Lambeau Field), you can cast your vote here (look for the poll on the right side of the screen).

3. Joe Heller’s Cartoon: What Kind of Fan Are You?
We’ve all known THAT guy. But are you that guy? Take a look at Joe Heller’s slideshow of fandom.

Fun Fact: I once went to a Green Bay Blizzard game (I cannot recommend arena football more – it’s a blast! Go to a game. Do it), and sat behind a guy who clearly drank too much beer and instead of being obnoxiously drunk, he was being odorously drunk. You know what I mean.

Let me just put it this way for our younger readers. His tummy was feeling bad because of all that carbonation, and he should’ve gone to the little boy’s room.

For our adult readers: instead of going to the bathroom, the guy kept ripping the worst butt stenches known to man’s rotten intestines and I nearly lost my lunch.

So yeah.

View that slideshow up there and see if you fit into one of those fan categories.

4. Fear the Deer
And last, but certainly never least as evidenced today, Bango, the Buck’s mascot, was named NBA Mascot of the Year. Booyah all you Clutch fans (I Googled “ridiculous NBA mascot” and got this result. Bygones.). If you’ve ever been to a Buck’s game you know that Bango is one bad mickey fickey.

Congratulations, Bango, on your domination. May you survive Wisconsin’s upcoming hunting season and live to serve up more crazy stunts like these:

Man Shows

2010-09-07T16:56:00.008-05:00

Man Shows. There's a title to get the ladies excited. Too bad I mean "TV shows with an audience demographic of male ages 18-39" and not "chippendales." Ew, skeevy. As far as eye candy goes, gimme any sporting event with athletic sweaty men over a skeevy strip show any day.

Bygones.

Maybe I have an abnormally high level of testosterone flowing through my veins (probably not as evidenced by the mammaries), or perhaps I'm just your classic tomboy (ding, ding), but I love a good Man Show. And what better way to celebrate the season premiere of just such a delight than with a blog post that espouses the wonders of my favorites? Let's get crackin'.

1. Deadliest Catch
I love me some Blue Collar Reality TV. I've said it before and I'll keep saying it, but Deadliest Catch is boss.

2. Tosh.0
Yeah, yeah, I know what you're thinking. It's politically incorrect. Daniel Tosh is a dick shine. Whatever. I'm sure he's heard it all, and I'm sure you're right. But there's something very appealing about a show - even a comedy show - that doesn't pull any punches. In this day and age when every celebrity, politician, water cooler Kathy, whathaveyou is verbally walking on eggshells in an effort to not offend any person, place, thing, or idea, it's refreshing to watch a show that makes an effort to equally offend everyone. Not THAT'S equality. In the "man" sense, I assume.

Tosh.0

Weds 10:30pm / 9:30c

Beach Flip

www.comedycentral.com

Tosh.0 Videos

Daniel Tosh

Web Redemption

3. Sons of Anarchy
Perhaps it's because I grew up so close to the Rez (that's "reservation" for you non-native folks), but I've got me a soft spot for SoA. The lawlessness, the tattoos, the theme song co-written by Velvet Revolver's David Kushner...it all adds up to one thrill ride of a show about, let's face it, a motorcycle mafia. Your two favorite things in life, right? Harleys and assassinations? I thought so.

Last season ended with quite a bang, and I know I'm not the only Lady Fan anxiously awaiting the premiere tonight.

Things I Don't Like

2010-08-30T15:19:00.002-05:00

Awhile a go I wrote a post on Things I Like to celebrate those random blessings in my life. Well, here's the yin to that yang...Things I don't like. In no particular order.

I don't like...

1. Heights
I don't particularly enjoy heights. My knees get shaky. My legs get weak. I think of the myriad shapes I'd make if I plunged to my death and splatted on the ground. Ew, gory.

But this doesn't explain why I liked rock and wall climbing in high school or why I harbor the desire to sky dive.

I suppose mostly I just enjoy a good challenge, and what are fears but simply challenges unmet?

I don't like...

2. Timidity
If you want to do something, go out and do it. If you don't like something about yourself or your life, get proactive to make improvements. And for goodness' sake, if you don't know where you're going do NOT stop in the middle of the highway to look at your map.

I don't like...

3. Sheryl Crow
I don't know why. It's one of life's great mysteries, because you would think a talented, guitar-playing, singer-songwriter would be right up my musical alley, but there's just something about her shouting melodies, I mean, singing that rubs me the wrong way.

I don't like...

4. Ignorance
Seems obvious, right? Wrong, at least, according to Newsweek. Now, I know there are tons of smart people out there, and even the smartest person can be dumb about some things, but I just wonder if terrorism is really the biggest threat to our nation.

I don't like...

5. Bugs
The number one reason why I don't like being single is because I don't have anyone at home to kill all the creepy crawlies for me. And that is why I'm single. You gotta have a better reason than that, no?

Things I Like

2010-08-20T14:05:00.004-05:00

In this economy it's easy to get downtrodden and depressed, especially when looking for a job. Therefore, I've made it a habit to think of three things every morning that I like and/or that bless my life. It helps to remember that, while many of the good things in my life are things I've worked incredibly hard for, there are just as many good things in my life that are blessings for which I did nothing to deserve. Here are just a sampling of these latest likes - blessings, results of hard word, randomness, or otherwise.

I like...

1. Having a Job
Yes, I worked hard to get it. I worked incredibly hard to get a Master's degree, and then spent weeks searching for a job and pushing the boundaries of my creativity in doing so. But, ultimately, getting those interviews and then getting an offer after several interviews at several places is an elusive combination of hard work, persistence, and serendipity.

I like...

2. Tosh.0
This show is so highly inappropriate that I can't help but like it on some deep, barbaric level. I think the same part of me that leaves Sports Center on all day and calls The Big Lebowski a favorite film is the one that likes Tosh.0.

I like...

3. My Sandwiches Cut Into Triangles
They just taste better that way, no?

I like...

4. The Sound My Directional Signal Makes When it Clicks Off
I don't know why, but it's an oddly satisfying sound. Perhaps because it reminds me that I am still young enough to regularly use one while driving.

I like...

5. Cooking
Not only does chopping things with a large knife lower my stress level, but it also makes me believe that I'm contributing to the greater good. You know, taking care of my peeps..."my peeps" referring to whomever I'm cooking for at the moment. I'm also pretty good at it.

And there you have it. A short list of the latest things I like, in no particular order. Stay tuned for when I explore my dislikes...it's sure to be entertaining.

Social Media, Social Repetition, Social Apathy?

2010-08-06T16:13:00.002-05:00

I'm going through a non-Internet phase in my life...in that I have no Internet. Why pay $50 a month just to provide myself with another distraction I don't need?

Not to mention being connected 24/7 has never sounded attractive to me - have people bother me all of the time? No way!

Lately this has extended to this blog (as if you haven't noticed) and Twitter.

Does anyone really care what I'm doing/thinking/saying?

Do I really want to keep writing in first person?

Am I growing out of my narcissism?

This is where I currently am with the blog. Mayhap I will envision a new direction for this little space of the Internets and become more regular about my posting. If you have any ideas, please, let me know. And don't say Metamucil; I realize the phrasing in that last sentence sounded a bit off.

And Twitter.

I've come to be a little cynical and suspicious of Twitter as of late. Is it really just people who know each other in real life carrying on a conversation? Do all of those @ replies really just represent a sham of what should be friends texting each other, and in no way are related to strangers networking, information sharing, or gaining/losing popularity?

I wonder sometimes.

Maybe I'm following the wrong people and my data is skewed.

Regardless, this is where I stand on the whole social media thing right now, at least for personal use. There's a cynical side of me that thinks it's all a repetition of what could be conducted via phone, text, or in-person, and there's an apathetic side of me that wonders, really, what am I bringing to the table with status updates and blog posts that tell everyone what they probably already know?

Soul Crushing

2010-07-13T12:47:00.003-05:00

You know it's a bad sign when you don't even want to put forth the effort toward applying for a job because it's just too likely it's not going to work out.

I've hit a turning point in this job search.

Being a barista takes less effort.

Work/life balance, people. Work/life balance.

Fish Fry and a Flick is Back!

2010-07-02T10:53:00.002-05:00

There's nothing that screams Wisconsin more than a Friday night fish fry. Pair that with delicious Point Special and food by Bartolotta's and you've got yourself a smashing success.

Such is the case of Fish Fry and a Flick, held outdoors on Milwaukee's lakefront right outside Discovery World.

This year, the event kicks off August 6th with The Hangover, which I am so excited to see as I haven't done so yet (I know, right?).

You can find out more about the upcoming schedule and the event here.

I hope to see you there - I'll for sure be there every week except for Darkside of Oz, because I went to that last year and it was pretty lame. The crowd got restless and really thinned out once they hit replay on Pink Floyd. Bygones.

Oh, and I'm still a bit sad that they no longer allow carry-ins, but you have to expect that from an outfit hoping to make a profit. But let's just hope the folks at Bartolotta's reign in their use of salt in the fish fry and fries, because if you're not gonna allow carry-ins then you must provide something I will eat (though I guess plenty of people seemed to like it). Bygones.

Vampires I Like More Than Twilight

2010-06-30T14:58:00.003-05:00

Seeing as how the third installment in the Twilight series opens today, I thought it would be apropo to do a post on this very subject for which I couldn't really care less.

I don't get Twilight.

I understand that there are a bagillion fans who like the jailbait eye candy, and even a bagillion more who are age-appropriate for said eye candy.

But I don't understand what made this series so successful. Humdrum storyline. Overly dramatic, yet wooden characters. Bad writing. Wayne's World-esque Megahappy ending. Author who claims to know little about other successful supernatural series even though she's in the supernatural series business and competitive intelligence is key.

Yeah, I don't get it (though I do get that I'll likely get some hate mail from this post for being so anti-Twilight, oh the inhumanity).

But I do get the "Team" thing.

And so, with the help of my friends, I spent a few moments of my day coming up with a list of vampires I like more than Twilight. A few "teams" you can count me on, so to speak. In no particular order...

1. Team Eric Northman
Yeah, Ladies, I don't think I have to give you a reason why, right?

2. Team Dracula
I love myself some Bela Lugosi, but don't get me wrong. I'd take the inspiration, Vlad Tepes, over Bram Stoker's character any day.

3. Team Count Chocula
Pretty sure this one needs little explaining too. A vampire that makes a delicious chocolate cereal for me? I'm just hoping for a better marshmallow-to-oat ratio.

4. Team Count von Count
One! ah, ah, ah Two! ah, ah, ah, Three!...

Thus ends the short list of Vampires I Like More Than Twilight. Thank you for playing.

Please Note:
There are, of course, many more I could add to this list - namely Angel for his brooding ways, Spike for this maniacal ways, Harmony for her clueless ways, Pam because she's sassy, Jessica because she's hilarious, and Bill because of the way he says, "Sookie!" But I didn't want to list to get into a "which supernatural series is better" debate, and so I only put my favorite, Eric, in a top spot.

Acknowledgements:
And if you're wondering where I came up with all of these, well, it wasn't just me. Thanks to my very funny friends Rob and Maggie for the inspiration!

Summerfest Shenanigans

2010-06-28T11:48:00.006-05:00

This blog would be remiss without a post on Summerfest, the World's Largest Music Festival and it just so happens that this author has a lot to say after her visit.

The night included Dan Rodriguez, Gavin DeGraw, and Skillet. Well, I didn't really "see" Gavin DeGraw as there were hundreds of teens obstructing the view. But my friend and I did sit at a picnic table far from the stage, eating Chipotle and listening to him play. You know, a little secret of live concerts...the music sounds way better from far away. Up close we could only hear drums and bass, but when we sat down far from the speakers, we could hear a better mix.

Another secret of live music is that smaller shows are always better than large shows unless fire is involved. Enter Dan Rodriguez and Skillet.

Rodriguez was a very entertaining singer/songwriter from Minneapolis who entertained the crowd with his acoustic covers of Single Ladies and Hey Ya. Part comedian, part guitar playing lothario, he really lives up to his mission statement, "make love and music," inviting audience members to become applicants for a make-out session on the SkyGlide whilst singing a song with no second verse.

Charmed.

While Rodriguez won over the intimate setting, Skillet lived it up on the CoolTV stage. By the by, can anyone tell me who used to sponsor that stage? It slipped my mind and is making me crazy...

Skillet's show was everything the 10 o'clock rock spot should be and then some. The "then some" being pyrotechnics. A long-time fan of the band, I was excited to see them live but did not expect to be blown out of my seat, er, standing position as it were. Not only were the folks on electric violin and cello raised and lowered on hydraulic lifts during the performance, a variety of shooting fireballs and giant spinning sparklers turned the concert into a pyromaniacs wet dream. Luckily, no permanent blazes ensued.

The eventful evening commenced with a potential t-shirt making business utilizing the following slogans all overheard and experienced at Milwaukee's greatest festival:

I Survived the Summerfest Bathrooms

I Want to Sex You Up Like a Chocolate-Covered Strawberry

A'hoy Matey (this would include a graphic of a swashbuckling concert crowd in eye patches, all high-fiving each other)

Oh, Milwaukee, your strange ways and even stranger people never fail to make my day.

Book Review: Columbine by Dave Cullen

2010-06-22T15:46:00.006-05:00

Occasionally I like to post a book, movie, or music review for pieces I particularly enjoy...or hate with unrelenting passion. I kid. But truly, sometimes I come across something I so enjoy that I'd like to recommend it to you in the hopes that you enjoy it also.

It is with this spirit that I introduce you to a book I've recently finished: Columbine by Dave Cullen.

I'd have to describe the book as a sometimes fast-paced account of the years leading up to, and years following, the Columbine school tragedy.

I say "sometimes fast-paced" because other times it's a bit jumpy, moving between the scene of April 20th, and the past events of the planning stages or the investigation time line.

Meticulously researched, the account includes hundreds of hours of interviews weaved together in a disturbing, yet stirring narrative. Disturbing because, by this account, officials had many red flags leading up to April 20th that they failed to act upon, which may have derailed Harris and Klebold's plan, and stirring because the stories of the survivors move between heartbreaking and inspiring.

As I've mentioned, the book is a bit jumpy, dropping threads of pre-April 20th and then picking up with the narrative of the tragedy or snippets of post-April 20th, but I almost think it works better that way. After all, the book took me a month to read mainly because I could only handle it in small doses. The zig zag between story lines is effective in managing your sanity.

I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to know what really happened, why they did it, and what happened to Littleton afterward. Warning: Not for the faint of heart.

Cream City Cuisine Has Arrived!

2010-06-16T15:35:00.005-05:00

That's right folks, www.creamcitycuisine.com (@CCCuisine) is ready for your cooking pleasure.

Jess (@JPrim), Evan (@EvanOnline) and I (@MsQuarter) have been cooking together for over 8 years and it only now occurred to us that we should start a blog and share our recipes. After all, our retirement plan includes opening a restaurant together in Door County, WI, and why shouldn't we get started now on working out the kinks of the menu?

So I urge you to visit the website. We're specializing in dishes that make Wisconsin products the star. More often than not these star products are of the adult beverage variety, but every so often we will segue into cheese, meats, produce, and the like. We might even take a foray into cooking with regional or international adult beverages. You'll just have to follow us and find out.

Our blog not only includes recipes, but also product descriptions of the ingredients and utensils we cook with. Because what you cook is a result of the products you use - both edible and culinary.

So be sure to visit us at www.creamcitycuisine.com. If you've ever wished you ate like us, now you can!

Where has the etiquette gone? A Philosophical Soliloquy

2010-06-16T13:07:00.003-05:00

Oh, we job seekers are a pathetic lot.

We try to keep up our spirits after 6 months of sending resumes out into the abyss.

We develop elaborate schemes to capture the attention of would-be employers.

We wait, wait, and wait some more for any scrap of indication whether we have been shucked to the side or chosen for that rarest of all modern day events: the job interview.

And we do all of this with rarely any contact from the thousands of potential employers we've reached out to, after having spent precious time crafting a cover letter and resume - no small feat.

Oh, sometimes we spy the unicorn - a generic mail-merged letter or email telling us we've failed. But even these mythical beings are fast becoming extinct.

Instead, we poor, defenseless job seekers are left in our very own purgatory of permanent suspense, never knowing what it is we did that landed us in this state.

We realize it is a buyer's market out there, that there are so many more of us than there are jobs for us to fill. And yet each resume we send out, each cover letter we carefully craft, we imagine ourselves in the position for which we are applying. We think maybe this time will the one that will end it all, this fruitless searching, forever waiting.

The silence fades our hope.

The lack of contact - even if that contact is a rejection - kills our optimism.

Because though the waiting may damage our armor, it is the lack of any response that lands the harshest blow.

BP Gulf Disaster: Dislike.

2010-06-15T15:34:00.002-05:00

There's something that's been bothering me about the disaster in the gulf...more than the obvious, that is.

Before now I couldn't put my finger on it, and though I still don't think I'm doing justice to my thoughts in this articulation, I'm still going to give it a shot.

What really bothers me is two things.

1. I'm annoyed that so many people are blaming the U.S. government for the disaster and deriding them for their lack of response.

First of all, I'm not sure what the U.S. government had to do with the oil rig exploding (beyond the tenuous connection of our dependence on oil and foot dragging on legislation that would lead to clean energy and might've kept a company like BP from drilling an oil well at such a risky depth). This could just be my ignorance. I'll be the first to admit I don't know a lot about this situation beyond what I've seen in the news and on Discovery Channel and NatGeo programs.

I also don't know if we should be as angry at the government's lack of response as we should about other issues, as I'll explain in my next thought...

2. The second main reason I'm annoyed is based on BP's response to the situation.

BP may sound contrite in the wording of their press releases and they may give off a sense of being concerned in their press conferences, but I can't help but sense that it's a bit fake. I can't help but get the feeling that, behind all the pretty words and empty promises, they're really just annoyed to be having to deal with this issue at all.

Does anyone else get that feeling?

Maybe it's just skepticism on my part, but I get the feeling that BP is less concerned with how this disaster is going to affect the gulf region, and more concerned with how this situation is keeping them from going back to business as usual. As if that will ever happen. As if the gulf region will ever get back to business as usual.

And this is where I think we should direct our anger - not that a perceived lack of response by governing bodies shouldn't warrant some question...just a little perspective.

It bothers me that we don't see a lot of concern by BP or the U.S. government for what this disaster will do in the long term.

Perhaps that's because the more immediate need is to stop the oil leak and keep what's already spilled from spreading. And I get that. One step, one concern at a time.

But it would be nice to hear more remorse for what this ecological disaster is going to do to an entire region's economy and culture in the next 100 years. Because we're all kidding ourselves if we think there won't be long-term consequences from this.

And that's the end of my ignorant rant. To lighten the mood, I give you @BPGlobalPR - a fake Twitter account that sarcastically says what we're all thinking...on behalf of BP.

A sample of the tweets:
We are not killing animals in the gulf, we are creating fossils in the gulf. Have a little perspective. #bpcares

Investing a lot of time & money into cleaning up our image, but the beaches are next on the to-do list for sure. #bpcares

If you want to help clean up. Drive your cars fast and often. Let's melt those glaciers and dilute this mess! #bpcares

Now, if you want to do something about this mess, you can click here and send a message to your Senator, telling him or her to support clean energy legislation that will hopefully help prevent such disasters in the future.

And So I've Commenced...

2010-05-25T16:37:00.005-05:00

It's official, Ladies and Gentlemen. I am now the Master of my future. On Sunday I graduated from Marquette University with much fanfare and only a little bit of a stranglehold from my robe's hood.

Unfortunately, Marquette puts a bit too much confidence in a graduate's ability to understand vague directions, and so there was a slight slip up in seating...

It seems that some MBA grads got in line by the "Master's Candidates" flag. This, combined with what generally happens at a commencement - people follow those in front of them blindly and without question - some of us MA candidates followed those MBA folks once they entered the arena and we ended up in their crew. We quickly corrected this mistake by leaving the row and walking up the center aisle in the Bradley Center to where the rest of the MA candidates were filing in. Much to the chagrin of the seating patrol (aka: man in courtly robes glaring at us from underneath a blue and gold squishy hat), this seemed to fix the problem, but when it came time for the President to confer our degrees, I looked back and noticed about 100 empty seats between us and the MBAs...meanwhile, there were graduates from the College of Engineering sitting in the bowl.

Perhaps instead of glaring at us, that gentleman in charge of seating graduates could've directed those folks to the empty seats so that there wouldn't be an embarrassingly large empty space on the arena floor? But what do I know?

Bygones.

Marquette did a splendid job of choosing a commencement speaker. Wendy Kopp, Founder of Teach for America, did an excellent job sending us out into the world. Instead of blowing smoke up our behinds and telling us how great we are, she instead told us how incredibly privileged and blessed we are and that we should take all that blessing and give it out to those in need as we make our way. In other words, "Be the Difference," as Marquette's motto states.

I'm really glad I went to the big ceremony; it was much more entertaining than the small, college-level one where I listened to my stomach growl while idly counting piles of degree holders as they dwindled down in proportion to the number of undergraduates who were called across the stage.

That took awhile.

And the auditorium where that ceremony was held was not air conditioned.

Thumbs down to polyester robes.

And they coldly ended the ceremony before we Masters graduates could even make it back to our seats after we had the privilege of walking. Boors.

But all in all it was a fun day. I enjoyed the pomp and circumstance. Perhaps more clarity could have helped all of us to know how to correctly put on our hoods and when we were supposed to switch our tassles over (the directions stated "after YOUR degree is conferred," AND "once ALL degrees are conferred"), but the mess ups only added to the experience.

And nobody really noticed.

Right?

Bar Trivia: One of Many Talents

2010-05-18T17:06:00.003-05:00

It's a little known fact, but in addition to my general awesomeness I am pretty darn good at bar trivia. Not so good at Trivial Pursuit, but pretty excellent at bar trivia.

That being said, I hope I don't blow it tonight. Because the @MUCollegeofComm grad students and I are heading out to Whiskey Bar to play (and likely drink) a round.

We. Will. Dominate.

2nd Annual Greater Green Bay Getaway

2010-05-17T16:50:00.003-05:00

In celebration of the day I entered into this world, I once again invited some friends to spend the weekend at the family's homestead in Green Bay. Last year it was such a hit with the Door County winery tour that I knew I had to come up with something equally fantastic. And I did.

Friday Evening: Arrival
Most everyone arrived by Friday evening just in time for a drink. I took the gals to The Bar, as Tom, Dick, & Harry's, GB's trendy night spot, had a total of 3 cars in the parking lot.

You know, if you're business only happens when you've got live music, then you are in trouble. That's all I'm saying.

The margaritas were sadly free of any but the smallest amount of tequila. We requested an extra shot to make it more, hm, "South Side Milwaukee," if you will. The price of the mid-shelf tequila shot was almost the same as the margarita. Fail.

Saturday
Wakey, wakey, eggs and bac-ey
Because we got to bed around 3 a.m. the night (morning?) before, we woke up bright and early at 9 a.m. Just in time for LB to arrive and the rest of us to realize that we'd better get showered and dressed.

Go Pack Go
Our only plan for the weekend was a birthday dinner and a Lambeau Field tour. We braved the 10,000 marathoners at Lambeau and happened to get a tour all to ourselves. This way we were able to ask all the silly, ridiculous questions we wanted much to the good-natured chagrin of our very patient tour guide. No, we can't see the locker rooms as a few players were in residence. No, she's not sure where they hang out in their free time. No, she cannot pass along our phone numbers to the single ones.

I kid.

Sort of.

But really, we got a great tour all to ourselves and asked all sorts of pertinent questions lady Packer fans graduating with communications degrees would want to know the answers to. Like how do they rig up the sky cam on game day? How many times per day do they feed the players? What do they do with all the food left over from feeding the media?

We ended our Packer fan experience with lunch at Curly's (respectable Bloody Mary's by the by), and a stop in the Pro Shop.

A Girl's Best Friend
For graduation my parents took me to the jewelry store and let me at it (within reason). I had my eye on something since January and so the trip was brief, but the gals got to look around and decide what kind of engagement rings they would want should they become engaged.

Captain's Walk
Last year we started the Door County winery tour at Captain's Walk in Green Bay. For the rest of the day every other stop was slightly disappointing as it just couldn't live up to the Captain's experience. They treated us real well last year, and again this year when we went for an afternoon tipple, I mean, tasting.

My favorite was the 7 Seas.

My second favorite was sitting on the porch in a rocking chair with my glass of wine for an hour, chatting with the gals and soaking up the sunshine.

Seriously, if they took on boarders, then surely I'd live there.

Dinner
I'd been telling the ladies how awesome Angelina's in Green Bay is for, oh, 10 months or so. Three of us had gone to Italy last summer to study abroad and I said, "Ladies, this is the best Italian I've had outside of Italy."

(This was before I went to Chef John Besh's Domenica in New Orleans, bygones).

So when I called for a reservation for Saturday night, imagine my extreme disappointment when they told me they were full.

10,000 marathoners will do that, I learned.

Then I tried not to think about how I might punch anyone in running shorts in the face.

Then I called my parents. Surely they would know a great place in the greater Green Bay area?

"But, of course!" said my stepdad, "Don't you remember that delicious seafood restaurant by UWGB on the bay?"

How could I forget? Harbor Fish Market & Grille, the magical place that makes risotto cakes (think Suppli if you've ever been to Italy) that are like small, fried, pillows from heaven.

The waitress remembered me from my one visit there, oh, about a year ago.

We gals each ordered something different and not one of us was disappointed.

We did not regret this dining experience. I even stopped wanting to punch runners in the face.

Sunday
Our weekend ended with an amazing breakfast. Homemade waffles with a variety of toppings combined by homemade Bloody Marys with a variety of garnishes. Really, the hitch was that we needed to commit ourselves to one thing before moving on to the next - to start with sweet? or savory?

I think I pickled my intestines.

Carlson School Training

2010-05-11T12:00:00.003-05:00

The funny thing about my undergraduate training at the Carlson School of Management (CSOM) is that it manifests itself at the oddest (ironically most appropriate) times.

Today I had a job interview. In true CSOM fashion, I did a little company research, took notes, planned out a few answers to questions, etc. It's what they ground into my head. It's now what I do.

A routine, if you will.

In preparation I also scoured my closet for a business suit last week, and wasn't impressed with what I found. Though my suit will do in a pinch, I much prefer something a little stylish. Understated, yes. But stylish too.

So instead, when I woke up today I put on what I thought was a professional, understated, yet stylish outfit instead of suit. It was only later that I realized how well it fits into the "rules" CSOM gave us business students.

Neutral colored basics - check, with a black shell dress (bonus points for being more traditional than pants)
Neutral colored accents - check, with the light blue button down shirt
No bare legs - check, because dang if it's cold out today
Minimal jewelry - check, with the stud earrings and watch
Minimal makeup - check, because it's me
Black pumps - check, with a small diversion of ankle straps

See? I didn't even think about it, but automatically dressed by the job interview guidelines CSOM pounded into my head. The rule of thumb, of course, being don't let them remember you for anything else but your mad skillz and experience. Not your distractingly dangly earrings or fire engine-red shoes...both of which I have and sport on a regular basis. Instead, keep it simple and understated, in a word: generic.

I even brought a small portfolio briefcase with copies of my resume and references. Because that's what we Carlson kids do.

So to all of the U of M folks who used to call us CSOM students nerds, I'd just like to say that yes, we are nerds, but being a nerd is great sometimes.

PS - And yes, I'm sending hand-written thank you notes...

College Students: A Tough Crowd to Please

2010-05-07T12:55:00.003-05:00

As a T.A. at Marquette University, I have the pleasure of teaching an introductory speaking and writing course.

I enjoy teaching.

It's fun.

Except for all of the grading.

Well, today was the last day of the semester, and the student evaluations are in. If I can please this crowd, perhaps it's just one more reason why you should #hireme!

Apologies, AJ Bombers

2010-05-07T08:55:00.003-05:00

Intruiged by the burger war taking place in Milwaukee this week, I braved the crowd to have my first AJ Bombers burger last night to celebrate the end of my graduate school career...along with one of their Bloody Marys, of course.

It's with a heavy heart that I now make my decision in favor of Sobelman's. While AJB does a good burger, it just wasn't a mind-blowing burger experience like Sobelman's is.

And the bloody at AJB was, um, not good.

But I don't like horseradish, so that definitely biases my opinion.

I like a more savory Bloody with mix of spicy spices, not just a one note spice. Think Trocadero's rosemary-infused vodka bloody, or, yes, Sobelman's spicy spice-tacular concoction.

Bombers does have an intriguingly orignal garnish, though.

I don't know. Maybe my expectations were too high. Maybe I should study for 4 hours straight until my eyes are crossed and then head to Bombers for a burger and then, all things being equal to my Sobelman's experience, the burger and bloody would taste better?

*sigh*

I'm sorry, AJ Bombers. You're a social media darling after my very heart, but I just wasn't moved to the orgasmic food coma that Sobelman's gave me.

Truly.

After my Sobelman's experience I walked around in a haze of happy for the rest of the day. I literally couldn't wipe the satisfied grin off my face.

After AJ Bombers, however, I hate to say this, but I was not as impressed as I thought I would be. They have a fun atmosphere if the bar is full, and their burger is good and creative, but I left wondering if the gimmick is bigger than the taste.

Burger Battle Briefing

2010-05-05T11:26:00.004-05:00

Everyone's talking about the burger battle taking place this week in Milwaukee between social media darling AJ Bomber's and old skool favorite Sobelman's. The Travel Channel's Food Wars is coming to the Cream City for the showdown, and I would be remiss as a Milwaukee-based blogger if I didn't mention it.

You can read about it all you want on JS Online, the Marquette Tribune, the Milwaukee Food blog, or by following the action on Twitter. Dig all you want, but here's what you really need to know:

Thursday - AJ Bomber's:
1241 N. Water St.
filming at 12:30 PM, bar open to the public

Friday - Sobelman's:
1900 W. Saint Paul Ave.
filming at 11:00 AM for lunch rush

Saturday - Switzerland:
1114 N. Water St.
filming at 11:30 AM for final judging
okay, so Bar Louie is not, technically, Switzerland, but they were picked as the neutral zone for the final tasting and judging

For more fun, take a look at this letter of surrender by Dave Sobelman to Joe Sorge (owner of AJ Bombers). And Mr. Sorge tearing up the letter on TMJ4 Live at Daybreak and offering an AJ Bomber's t-shirt as recompense.

Having only tasted the perfection of a Sobelman's burger, I cannot take a stance on this issue, however, the awesomeness of the Sobelman's burger was enhanced by their world-class bloody mary I chose to pair it with. And so, without the benefit of a bloody mary, I'm even more unsure as to where their burger will land in this battle.

I do have one pertinent question though, if Sobelman's loses will they have to change their URL?

#hireme is a hit!

2010-05-04T13:47:00.002-05:00

Accolades for my #hireme campaign from across social media (Blogger, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and more).

One of 15 PR Grads to Hire in 2010

2010-05-03T16:53:00.002-05:00

You may not know this, but I'm pretty shameless. Especially when it comes to self-promotion. I mean, in this economy and highly-competitive marketplace like Milwaukee, a girl's gotta take every opportunity she can, right?

In that effort, I submitted an entry in a contest Sarah Evans, PR guru and social media maven extraordinaire, was highlighting on her blog for HAPPO - Help A PR Pro Out. Current grads were encouraged to write a 100 word or less response to the prompt A Day in the Life of My Dream Job Goes Like This...

And I responded in haiku.

And guess what?

I'm featured at #3!

A History of My #hireme Campaign

2010-05-03T16:52:00.000-05:00

#hire me, Why? Don't Take My Word For It!

2010-04-29T14:32:00.001-05:00

The latest in my #hireme campaign...

Why You Should Hire Me P. 3

2010-04-28T16:31:00.002-05:00

I have to thank @Robyrd5 for Reason #125. Reason #124 will also certainly be "because then I'll stop posting these tweets."

t>

WI Supports my Hire Me campaign

2010-04-27T18:15:00.003-05:00

Check out this SlideShare Presentation in which I take my "Hire Me" campaign to Wisconsin's most iconic places.

A TwitterOpus, Part 2

2010-04-26T15:06:00.005-05:00

Why you should hire me, continued...

A TwitterOpus, Part I

2010-04-23T11:34:00.003-05:00

I've been busy. Then again, I really want to show you why you should hire me:

New Website Design

2010-04-23T08:13:00.002-05:00

I first got thinking about a one page web design after viewing this article on impressive, creative personal portfolios.

But this was right after I launched my own portfolio website, and I didn't want to spend another day working out another design in Flash. So I let it be.

And then I saw this website devoted to One Page Love.

While I don't think anything I could do would be in that league of awesomeness, it got me thinking again about how I want to redo my website.

It just felt too clunky, and, really, one page is all you need. All of my work is scattered across the web and/or on various social media sites, and so it's but the work of a minute (don't you just love that phrase?) to set a bunch of buttons linking to my online excellence.

So that's what I did.

Last night, instead of working on my Flash movie for class, I "procrastinated" and redesigned my website. Even in taking time off from work I can't help but be a nerd.

View it here.

PS - I know I should care about web optimization and all that biz, but that's what I do in the real world. In my personal world, I don't so much. As Taylor from Kid Nation would say, "Deal with it."

Driving in Milwaukee

2010-04-22T17:37:00.003-05:00

Today a woman following me in traffic was putting on her makeup while she was driving. At 1 p.m. (I won't go into my theory about why she needed to refresh her makeup after her mid-afternoon delight...er, lunch break).

I was going 27 miles per hour in a school zone (no kiddies were present, don't worry), and stopped at all of the stop signs.

Every time I stopped she gave me the finger.

Yes, I was looking in my rearview from time to time. It's common knowledge that people who are putting on freakin' makeup while they are driving are not the most attentive drivers. I was paying attention for her in case her front end got scarily close to my rear end.

It's called defensive driving.

And as I was the one obeying traffic laws, I'm not sure what the finger was all about.

She gave it to me, again, when we were on the ramp to the highway. I couldn't accelerate very quickly because there was a garbage truck in my grill.

Well, not in my grill, but at least 10 feet in front of me. My acceleration was dictated by his ability to shift gears.

She then sped up and pulled in the lane in front of me.

Just to show me she could.

Then she realized she was in the wrong lane for her exit and veered across the highway.

Seems mascara is distracting.

Why you want to hire me.

2010-04-22T14:45:00.006-05:00

Why do you want me on your team? View this Prezi to find out. Take notes, enjoy, and don't be shy. I'd love to tell you all about it in person.

Why you want to hire me. on Prezi

Inappropriate Crisis Communication

2010-04-19T15:48:00.003-05:00

Today I was reading this story about an Australian publisher forced to recall a cookbook due to a textual error.

You can read more about the error by clicking the link and reading the story, but my post has more to do with the resulting communication from the company's head of publishing.

In an interview after the story broke, he said it was a silly mistake and "why anyone would be offended, we don't know."

Because confusing black pepper for black people is not an offensive mistake by any means.

This champion of crisis communication also stated that anyone who complained about the mistake was small-minded, but the company would grudgingly, I mean "happily," give them a refund for the book.

I may be off my rocker, but I don't think these comments were the wisest way to handle the issue.

Afterall, we're not talking about a mistake in which a recipe mistakes cumin for coriander. We're talking about a mistake that includes "ground black people" as an ingredient for tagliatelle.

Claiming you don't understand the uproar and think that people who are upset about the mistake are small-minded is probably the wrong tack to take, even if that's how you feel.

Perhaps taking a more humble approach - even if it's pretend ('fake it 'til you make it' is my favorite adage) - might just win you more kudos and customer loyalty.

Especially in an age where brand loyalty is low and competition is fierce.

Festa della Repubblica - Cagli, Italy

2010-04-14T19:01:00.003-05:00

The time when I am bored is usually the time I start thinking about all of the things I wanted to share with you and just never got up the gumption.

So here's the latest from my digital storytelling course - a photo essay of a child's perspective of Festa della Repubblica in Cagli, Italy.

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

A Love Letter to Crab Fishing

2010-04-14T10:21:00.003-05:00

Every year I write a love letter to the makers of Deadliest Catch, the addictive documentary television show on Alaskan crab fishing. You can view past issues here: 2008, 2009.

Season 6 begins with the usual captain's meeting and blessing of the fleet that ends with the crews heading to the crab grounds. This season, however, packs a punch, so to speak, as the captain's meeting ends with Jonathan throwing down on Keith.

Literally.

Throwing him down to the ground.

And then Captain Phil of the Cornelia Marie and Captain Sig of the Northwestern trade Jakes for the season.

This is gonna get interesting.

I used to apologize for my love of this show. I'm an educated, middle class gal who sits behind a desk all day. Surely it's odd that I'm so entranced by this blue collar reality TV.

Not so anymore.

Considering it shows in over 150 countries and is one of cable's most top-rated shows, then I am through with apologies.

I love this show.

You can view Discovery Channel's promo video here. I guarantee you'll love it too.

Incidentally, did you know...

2010-03-27T15:09:00.005-05:00

Today I am taking my comprehensive exam for graduate school - a 7 hour marathon of writing that had me up at 5:30 A.M.

I woke up.

I hit the snooze.

I woke up.

I went to the bathroom.

I got in the shower.

Just as I closed the shower door I saw something fly across the bathroom.

I got clean.

I saw said UFO buzzing near the ceiling light.

Wait, did I say buzzing?

That's right, just as I got naked and vulnerable, I noticed one of these angry little bastards in the small confines of my safe place.

I contemplated how to get out of the shower, get a towel, and escape the bathroom with as little movement or threat to the tiny, menacing, death machine as possible.

I made it happen, quickly slamming the door in a false sense of security.

Then realized that everything I needed was still in the bathroom with that blight of creation.

What to do?

If I try to smash the minature Mephistopheles with a book, I might miss and it will get me.

Plus I don't want to get my book full of juice.

I looked under my sink for any chemical with aerosol capabilities. Surely a 10-12 inch spray range would keep me safe as I sent that bugger back to the flames of hell.

Incidentally, did you know that wasps can be killed with a shot of Resolve carpet spray?

Spot magic indeed.

Experimentation

2010-03-10T10:55:00.005-06:00

The great thing about graduate school - and academia in general - is the ability it provides for experimentation.

Currently, I am hard at work experimenting with a bevy of new skills and websites for my professional project.

Just last week I joined Issuu, an online publishing site where it's easy to upload a PDF file and create an eBook. I'm writing a children's book with a classmate and surely this will be a great place to publish it for download.

Speaking of which, I've never written a children's book before, nor tried my hand at illustration. So these are new skills for me, and while I'm a bit afraid of the challenge, I'm excited to stretch myself and see what I can do.

My professional project entails telling stories in written and multimedia formats. Weebly, an online web design site, helped me build my site. Since my focus is on the content and not the design, I figured why spend my time in Dreamweaver when I can simply drag and drop?

Speaking of content, so far I'm working on stories that will utilize a variety of skills that I am excited to develop...again, stretching myself through the fear of a challenge.

I'm thinking of producing a story in public radio's This American Life format, and might check out Transom for tips and feedback. I'm beginning to enjoy radio more and more as I get older (read: mature), and Jay Allison has some insight as to why that may be.

Another discovery I've made is Prezi, which is a new software developed in Hungary that is taking presentation to a new level. I've found it's fantastic for the interactive teaching of dull, dry research models. I'm definitely looking forward to experimenting more with it's possibilities.

One other site I've discovered is Ning. It's a place to create your own social network online. While I haven't yet begun to explore this possibility to its fullest, I'm hoping it will take my project to a whole new level. That, or it will be a shameful, empty space and a black mark on my Master's project.

*gulp*

Let's hope not.

The web has much to offer and many hidden treasures to discover. This is what I love about my future career - though keeping abreast of the latest trends takes a bit of work, I love the possibilities for growth and education.

Lesson Learned too Late?

2010-03-05T12:11:00.005-06:00

I, like many others in this economy, am searching for a job. This week I was caught making a major mistake in my job search that left me red-faced.

Even worse, since it happened I've been busy updating my resume and online portfolio and realize that several grammatical mistakes should have caught my eye but did not.

The Story
I usually lurk around Big Shoes Network for job postings, being the skilled marketing and communications professional that I am.

Humble, too.

I found a posting for a local Milwaukee organization that seems like the perfect fit for my mad social media and multimedia skillz, not to mention a perfect complement to my witty, recently overly sassy personality (more on this in a minute).

I applied immediately.

Can't be too on top of these things, after all.

The problem?

Apparently, this personal adage is not true.

In an attempt to get my foot in the door, I actually got a mouthful of black leather pump as I promoted a new website I'm building for my Master's professional project.

"What's so wrong with that?" you ask.

Go ahead, I'll wait.

I'm glad you asked, because, you see, said website was not yet published. To add insult to injury, I've lately been rather sassy and over-confident in my writing. This seems to be great fun for my classmates, but sometimes not such a good idea for job searching.

The tone I set which promoted this project, while true to my personality and in line with the company's feel, only added to the injury of me breaking the cardinal rule of web development. While I was busy confidently proclaiming my domination of social media, and harnessing it's power for good, I also likely frustrated a prospective employer by not delivering on said awesomeness.

As Homer Simpson would say, "D'Oh!"

The Lesson
I consider this a lesson learned and to be filed away for future reference when applying for jobs.

On a good note, I used the opportunity to publish the aforementioned site, update my resume to fix the tense and voice issues, as well as fix a broken link on my online portfolio.

In the end, not such a bad experience if it has such a motivating conclusion, no?

ISLAND of WI Cheese

2010-02-26T12:41:00.006-06:00

As many of you may know, in anticipation of this year's Twin Cities Food & Wine Experience, I just couldn't shut up about a magical island of Wisconsin cheese that always appears at the convention center much like the legend of Brigadoon. Like Brigadoon, the island only shows up once a year, yet while inhabitants of the mythical Scottish townn are not allowed to leave, the visitors to the Wisconsin Cheese Island won't ever want to leave.

It's that epic.

Now, you're probably thinking, "Why, Ms. Quarter, such an extravagant heavenly place couldn't possibly exist!"

To which I post the following photographic proof in reply:
Folks, the entire expanse of what you see (framed by the black pipe and drape) is the realm of the Cheese Island, ruled by Mayor Asiago and General Gorgonzola in a military dictatorship. Subjects of said autocratic government never complain.

Need a closer look? Liking what you see? Let's get down to brass tacks.

I give you: Brass Tacks.

You're welcome.

Join Ms. Quarter next year at the food and wine show when the mythical island of Wisconsin cheese is scheduled to make it's next appearance.

12 Days of Fermented Christmas: Day Twelve

2010-02-20T10:16:00.005-06:00

Yes, that's right folks. We've arrived at the final entry in A Quarter Century's blog countdown to the Twin Cities food and wine show.

I've pre-dated this sucker because, let's be honest, I'm going to be too busy tomorrow (today) to be writing any blog posts. Though you can be certain there will be a recap on Monday.

Whaddya say? Shall we finish this?

Day Twelve: Chino Latino
Chino Latino has been known for pushing the envelope - in food fusion, mixology, and advertising.

This is why we love them.

Their menu is a fusion of Latin and Asian food. It sounds like it wouldn't go together, but it's surprisingly delicious.

When I was living in Minneapolis, the restaurant caused quite a stir with their racist billboard advertising. This was the point - any publicity is good publicity, I guess - but the nice, conservative folks in Minnesota did not agree.

Slogans like "Our happy hour is cheaper than a Bangkok brothel" got all sorts of negative response from folks who've watched the documentary Born into Brothels. "There are poor, enslaved, child prostitutes in Bangkok brothels and it's insensitive to remind us nice, conservative Minnesotans of that fact," said most of the dissenters.

Yes, the plight of Third World enslaved children is awful, and we should all be not just writing concerned emails to the Executive Chef of Chino Latino, but actually doing something to change the world in which such injustices operate. But the point of the ads was to stir up controversy and have Chino Latino become a household name.

They were successful.

However, their ads of late have become much more user-friendly, drawing little criticism from folks who are labeled "not so much" on the Tongue-In-Cheek scale of humor.

Examples:

12 Days of Fermented Christmas: Day Eleven

2010-02-19T10:02:00.002-06:00

Holy cow, guys. We're at D-Day for the Twin Cities food and wine show!

If...you know...D-Day was understood to be the event that lead to the U.S. participation in WWII, with WWII being the actual event, the culmination so to speak.

So then today is the day that will lead us to Minneapolis, with the food and wine show tomorrow being the actual event.

...er...

It's a weak metaphor, okay? Moving on.

Day Eleven: Crispin Cider Company
Crispin Cider Company was named "The Hottest Cold Beverage 2009. The wine drinker's beer (and the beer drinker's wine)" by Twin Cities Business.

Crispin lives up to it's name, made with "premium apple juice, not from concentrate with no added malt, grape wine or spirit alcohol. [The] unique flavors are smoothed with pure apple juice or organic honey or organic maple syrup and contain no added colorants, sorbate or benzoate preservatives and are cold filtered for crisp refreshment."

Yum.

They've got a lot of fun videos on their website. I'd have to say a good one is Mayor Rybak dancing with the Crispin Cider bottle in downtown Minneapolis. One can only hope we'll have the option of dancing with the giant bottle tomorrow.

My Night at the Roller Derby

2010-02-18T12:03:00.010-06:00

Have you ever been to a roller derby?

http://flickr.com/photos/colinj/ / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

It's brutal. Intimidating women on wheels, hip-to-hip jostling, the occassional fast-flying skater tumbling into the front row of spectators...brutal.

But also awesome.

For the low, low price of $15, the Brew City Bruisers give you two matches and a half-time show.

Don't be fooled. They say they're an "amateur" league, but I wonder if that's just meant to lull you into a feeling of safety.

Having lived in Eastern Europe, my favorite team is, of course, The Rushin' Rollettes, but as far as clever names go, The Shevil Knevils are a close second.

Speaking of clever names, the ladies have some pretty good ones themselves. I'd have to say Coco Shrapnel of the Crazy Eights is my favorite lady skater name, and [O]edipus Ref is my favorite name of all the dudes in stripes.

Like everyone seated around us, LB and I took the liberty of coming up with as many roller derby names as we could think of. Seeing as how this illustrious event took place five days ago, you'll forgive me if these are all that I can remember:

Commie Kaze - skating for the Rushin' Rollettes team, of course
Frito Slaya - delicious with chili and cheese poured on top
Conflict Diamond - this would be my name, and I stole it from Joss Whedon
Minx Stoli - this would be LB's name, and she'd keep a mini bottle in her skate at all times, again, no doubt she'd be skating for the Rushin' Rollettes
Schlitzkreig - a good ol' Milwaukee original, sure to skate for the Brew City Bruisers or Milwaukee maidens
Cleoscratchya - a history lesson in Egypt's fascination with felines
Elizabeth the Fist - another history lesson that packs a punch

Debating what your roller derby name would be is all fine and good, especially if you're clever about it (I'm talking to you young ladies seated behind us, "Baywatch Babe"?!?! Really?!?!), but what really made the night entertaining were the breakskaters.

That's right, folks, I said "breakskaters."

You: "What is a breakskater, Ms. Quarter?"
Me: "An illusion of awesomeness, You, an illusion of awesomeness."

Now why an "illusion" you ask?

Go ahead. I'll wait.

Well, because, though breakdancing on skates - which is what breakskating is, after all - is awesome, I'm pretty sure that it takes a lot of practice to be able to do those sweet moves on wheels.

This leads me to two conclusions.

1. At one point in your young life you thought, "Hey, I think breakdancing on rollerskates would be pretty sweet."

and

2. You then spent the entirety of your childhood practicing your breakskating at the local roller rink.

Illusion of awesomeness, people, illusion.