eyes all aglow, etc
We got this press release from our pals at WMSE 91.7 FM this morning, and it positively made our cheeks pink with love and harmony: Dear Friends and Lovers, We know this might sound unusual, but we are thrilled this morning to thank another member of the Milwaukee radio community – FM102.1. On their own, the kind folks at 102.1 decided to devote their resources to helping WMSE achieve today’s 12-hour, $12,000 pledge marathon goal . They are running on-air promos, are linking to our pledge page, and this morning at 8am, Kramp & Adler will be interviewing station manager Tom Crawford. You might be asking yourself, why? Why would one radio station make the extra effort to help another? We could explain it to everyone, but we’d rather let 102.1 do the talking. From the page 102.1 is devoting to our cause: Why are we supporting another radio station? WMSE is not “competition.” They’re a vital and important part of Milwaukee culture. Our DJs are listeners of their radio station. Our Sales Manager was a DJ at MSE for over a decade. In other words, we’re fans. We think supporting this Milwaukee institution is in our community’s best interest. Thanks for your continued support. We think this is just amazing! If you feel the same way about WMSE, please call in, or go online, and pledge your support to 91.7FM today before 6PM. If you want to feel the glow for yourself, go ahead and make a donation today. It’s been a tumultuous week — the potentially devastating failure of the auto bailout plan, the arrest of corrupt Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, rising unemployment numbers. Like most of us, I’m broke as a chicken and anxious about the future. But between this small but triumphant news from community radio, Quinn Scharber’s tambourine orchestra on Wednesday and a moving interview this morning with MacCannon Brown, I’m feeling the love and ready for the weekend, the Get Down, and whatever the next few weeks happen to hold.
Dec 12th, 2008 by Amy Elliott
FIlm vs Music @ Y-Not III Sat Dec 13th –
BLUE SUNSHINE an electric eclectic audio/visual freak out Sat Dec 13 9pm @ Y Not III 1854 E. Kenilworth Pl. 10,000 WATTS OF EXPERIMENTAL SOUND AND AUDIO | MULTIPLE SCREENS OF LIVE FILM & VIDEO featuring: SIGNALDRIFT *LIVE* (Wobblyhead, Audraglint, Consumers R&D) Signaldrift has been trying to find a way via hardware since 1995. Their sound resides somewhere between shoegazing bliss and disco muzak at a nightclub in an ’80s sci-fi movie, sprinkled with ambient passages sad and pretty. PETER J WOODS *LIVE* (FTAM) Peter J Woods, a local musician/playwright/performance and founder of FTAM, has been active in Milwaukee’s DIY music scene since 2002 and Milwaukee’s independent theatre scene since 2005. In 2006, he was named one of “the cities most innovative art proponents”. His intense live PA consists of loud, dynamic noise that fluctuates between overpowering feedback to complete silence. SAMARAH *LIVE* (Chasma, Zod) Samarah began playing piano at the tender age of seven and experimented with various orchestral instruments and choir during her childhood. By thirteen she was composing her own songs. In the late 90’s she discovered electronic music. Inspired, she bought her first computer, production software, synthesizers, samplers and drum machines. She has since released 3 EPs and a full length which feature elegant compositions of minimal trip hop and experimental idm with vocals. PYSCHOACOUSTIC SPORE *DJ/LIVE* 4 turntables, 3 mixers, 2 minds, 1 laptop The scientific study of the perception of sound is capable of giving rise to a new individual, either directly or indirectly, unconsciously or consciously, when coupled with adverse environmental conditions or chemical influences. Through the use of 4 turntables and a laptop, organic and austere ambient waveform experiments distort and reshape reality before returning to the void. VJ XAV (Riverwest Film & Video) Be prepared for an eclectic and mind-altering mix of film footage from the Riverwest Film & Video archives, the underground source for local, experimental, foreign and obscure films in Milwaukee. VJ NIXMIX & BISHOP (Simplistiks) The industry veterans will showcase their latest immersive visual tour de force on multiple screens located throughout the venue. Massive Soundrig :: SUBVERSION AUDIO Live video manipulation :: SIMPLISTIKS vs RIVERWEST FILM & VIDEO
Dec 12th, 2008 by Howie Goldklang
The HOLLASKATE bout
The derby was fast and furious on this frigid December night. I was joined by the Vital Source magazine crew as we filmed our first VS Derby vodcast. We had a blast talking to some skaters and got some great footage. What a night! NINJAS STRIKE IN SUDDEN DEATH OVERTIME DEFEAT! CRAZY 8’S, 75 win over RUSHIN ROLLETTES, 72 It was an incredible match! Everyone was on the edge of their seats as this tie game went into a sudden death overtime jam, with the 8’s winning by a mere three points. What made this win even more compelling was that the 8’s were down to just 11 skaters, while the Rollettes were rolling with 18. And talk about high rollers- howsabouts Crazy 8’s Captain Cookie Ciano, who was high scorer for the second bout in a row with 47 big points! The game was neck and neck throughout, ending with a 69-69 tie when the clock ran out. I asked Rollettes jammer High D. Voltage to talk about her personal highlights of the game. “That would have to be the tough defensive walls that the Rollettes put up in order for me to get through. A jammer is only as good as her defense, which makes it much easier to skate through the pack. That’s what made it possible for me to get those two grand slams in the second period, thus taking the lead for a short time. The tempo of the game was also very exciting, and being able to be a part of the first overtime in Bruiser history. Of course, I wish that I came up on the winning end but being able to hold my own against Cookie, who is a machine or at a minimum … not human, makes me feel pretty good. Her focus and tenacity is the core of their team.” Voltage said. Voltage led the Rollettes with 28 points, followed by Smirk Savage with 17 and Jackie O’Nihilate with 15. Reina Pain also scored 4 points, though she appeared to suffer from an injury early in the second half. I asked her what the deal was. “Yeah, I hurt my tailbone from a nasty digger I took. I’m not sure how I even did it or if someone put a block on me. I almost want to say that me being the klutz I am did it to myself! I can’t even sit down on it yet, talk about needing a chiro appointment!” I also asked what she felt the toughest part of the bout was. “I think the whole thing was intense. I think when we had to go into overtime, [that] was probably the toughest. There is always so much pressure on each team by that point because you know that’s the jam that makes it or breaks it. I thought we all played really well out there and one thing that Hacksaw said was, ‘It’s not just one girl who loses or wins a game, it’s the […]
Dec 12th, 2008 by Tea Krulos
Friday Photos Friday, 12. December 2008
Educators Credit Union 1824 E. Park Place The North End The North End The Edge
Dec 12th, 2008 by Dave Reid
Get Off the Damn Couch
One of the most refreshing, unusual and effective aspects of the Obama campaign was its ability to convince an incredible number of regular people that they had a personal investment in his election. Every campaign relies on committed volunteers and every candidate builds networks of supporters, contributors and true believers. But the Obama phenomenon took this to an unprecedented level, partly through creative use of the internet, partly by providing real opportunities for more people than ever by building an incredibly effective grassroots network, and, most significantly, by convincingly making his campaign about engaging citizens in the political process. Time and time again, the Obama campaign drilled home the message that his election was going to change the way government works. It wasn’t just about him, it was about us. Well the election is over and now we’ll find out how that’s going to work. Normally, it’s easy to be cynical and figure that that the status quo is going to win out again. But you’ve got to hand it to the Obama transition for making good on candidate Obama’s promise, so far. The Obama transition has provided lots of opportunities for people to get involved and be heard. But, truthfully, I have confidence that President-elect Obama has a better understanding of what it’s going to take to reform Washington than most of us in the vineyards. What I am most excited about is the potential for the legions of us who were caught up in the excitement of this promise to get to work on the local needs we face in our community. We can no longer show up on election day and leave it up to our elected officials in Washington, Madison or City Hall to figure things out. We need to claim our rightful place, our necessary place at the table. The Obama organization is asking its supporters to get together in living rooms across the country this weekend and get started. Believe me, this can get messy and it probably will. One of the great advantages of the Obama campaign was its laser focus on one goal, electing a president. The question we will all face in these living room sessions is, “Where do we start?” Well the answer is “Somewhere.” Let’s face it, here in Milwaukee there is no shortage of problems. We need more jobs, our school system is failing an unconscionable number of students, and our society’s safety net programs are letting too many children and families slip through. Here’s where that great American idea of a free market comes into play. Let’s see what happens when the concept applies to how we want to fix our communities. We may not have all the answers but we can certainly bring imagination and commitment to the process and get started. So don’t put it off. The time is now. Get off the damn couch and let’s get started.
Dec 11th, 2008 by Ted Bobrow
Hometown Dorm Site – Additional Project Renderings
Mandel Group's efforts to construct a new UWM dormitory on the East Side took a step forward this week after receiving approval at both the City Plan Commission and the Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee. This matter will be taken up by the full Common Council on December 16th, 2008 and if approved intends to break ground within 90 days.
Dec 11th, 2008 by Dave Reid
CALL FOR ENTRIES – Gallery Night Screening Series 1/16/09
Here is an exciting screening opportunity from Cramer-Krasselt. Please Forward to all interested parties. ∼OFFICIAL CALL FOR ENTRIES∼ Cramer-Krasselt is proud to announce our inaugural participation in Gallery Night on January 16th, 2009 and we want to showcase your films! Our focus is to provide a space to show locally grown timed-based media projects (live action, animation, experimental, etc.) We’ll have two screening rooms running collections of short films and a dozen flat screens that will show individual films. It will be a fully devoted gallery to the art of multimedia! Deadline for Submission: December 15th 2008!! So get them in!! Send Copies To: Timm Gable 246 East Chicago St. Milwaukee, WI 53202 Screener Formats Accepted: Quicktimes, links, dvds. Note: your submission copies will not be returned unless indicated otherwise Final Formats Accepted: DVD or preferably a quicktime since we’ll want to loop the dvd’s. Length Limit: Due to the attention span limitations during Gallery Night- we’re looking for films that are under 15 minutes in length. Not a hard fast rule, but a preference PLEASE INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING VITALS WITH YOUR SUBMISSION!! Title: Director: Other Cast/Crew: Length in minutes: Genre: Shooting Format: Year of Completion: Synopsis: Website: Contact Info- Name/Address/Phone Number/Email: Formats Available: Feel free to contact either Timm Gable or Lucian McAfee with questions. Thanks! Timm Gable tgable@c-k.com
Dec 10th, 2008 by Howie Goldklang
Committee Approves UWM Dorm Plan
Two significant East Side projects, New Land Enterprises' Kenilworth apartment building and Mandel Group's dormitory proposal, were on the agenda for this committee meeting.
Dec 10th, 2008 by Dave Reid
Watch The Lake Express High Speed Ferry Dock
While the title may not sound that exciting, the Lake Express High-Speed Ferry docks in the Menomonee River valley for the winter. So to get there, it must travel in from Lake Michigan. They created a time-lapse photography video to show the journey and published it online. If you've got two minutes, it's interesting to watch the bridges rise and see what your view would be like if owned a yacht (or coal barge).
Dec 10th, 2008 by Jeramey Jannene
It’s A Wonderful Life
By Christina Sajdak Lucchesi The Sunset Playhouse in Elm Grove was host to a rather sedate house Saturday night as it presented James W. Rodgers’ adaptation of the Frank Capra film It’s a Wonderful Life. Theater-goers braved the cold this opening weekend, but a story notorious for its warmth, did not, in this rendition, inspire enough to thaw out the chilly audience. The play, true to the film version in most respects, winds through the events of protagonist George Bailey’s life as they go from good to bad to worse, leading him, ultimately, to contemplate his life’s worth. Standing atop a bridge at the precipice of life and death, George encounters his guardian angel, Clarence, who, with permission from above, grants him a wish. George is given the opportunity to witness life as though he had never been born. Act One, chronicling events prior to George’s wish is solid, well-developed and builds to a dramatic climax nicely. The events, post-angelic encounter, are by contrast, hurried and the pacing forced. Without allotting the time necessary for the development of this important aspect of the story the audience never quite identifies with the desperation and anguish felt by George as he encounters loved ones who no longer recognize him and whose lives, without his influence, have gone awry. The emotional connection with the hero at this important stage of the play, the identification with his grief and regret, is vital if we are to experience along with him the enormous relief and joy by play’s end. Instead, this production wraps up all too quickly without the catharsis and emotional punch audiences have come to expect. The production, in keeping with the tenor of the film, sets the story in the 1940s, with costumes and set pieces well-chosen and appropriate to the era. Unfortunately, the multi-functional backdrop, modern in concept, sacrifices authenticity for convenience and tends to distract from the overall visual theme. Although some of the smaller roles were portrayed with reservation and in some cases self-consciousness, the leads and the actors in several secondary roles were spectacular. Ryan Spiering, portrayed the young, wide-eyed George Bailey and his older, beleaguered counterpart to perfection evoking compassion with every gesture, word and expression. Eamonn O’Neill’s interpretation of Mr. Potter, hard-hearted town villain, was impeccable. Charles Hanel as Clarence Oddbody was charming and cherubic. Scott Allen with very little stage time brought Mr. Gower to the fore with the depth and thoughtfulness of his performance. Kara Roeming in her deft portrayal of Mary Bailey exuded the character’s quiet strength, selflessness and irrepressible good cheer in the face of difficulty. She is entirely believable as the instrument that ultimately elicits these traits from the citizens of an entire town. In Howard Bashinski’s Director’s Notes audiences are reminded of the importance of family and community and the virtue of charity so abundantly demonstrated in this story. What better time to re-instill in our lives these bedrock social principles and what better inspiration for doing so than the timeless story […]
Dec 9th, 2008 by Vital Archives
Needy, Truly Needy and the Downright Greedy
So the feeding frenzy has begun. What do you expect? When the federal government announces that it’s willing to spend as much as a trillion dollars there’s going to be a lot of folks lining up with ways to put that money to good use. You know what I’m reminded of? Remember how, after last spring’s floods, people lined up at the Coggs Center on Vliet when word got out that food stamp benefits were being handed out? Remember how certain voices on the right clucked what a shame it was that these lazy, poor people were looking for handouts? Well look who’s got their hands out now? Once again, let me be very clear. There is a role for government to take steps to stimulate the economy. But I hope someone is giving thought to how to generate good, family-supporting jobs and match them with the people who need them. After all, the opportunity to get your hands on free money has been getting people in trouble for a long, long time. Just look at that highly damning indictment against the current Illinois governor. Careful, though, cause this Blagojevich dude (and his wife) are caught using some salty language. When will they learn? I mean haven’t they all seen It’s A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World? It’s bleeping hilarious.
Dec 9th, 2008 by Ted Bobrow
City Commission Approves UWM Dorm Design
Bob Monnat, the chief operating officer of Mandel Group, gave a short presentation covering the history behind the development of this site.
Dec 9th, 2008 by Dave Reid
