Blarney Stoned
Oh Bridget where be ye? And who be ye? A Sheehan, Moran, Sullivan? Do you really expect me to find your gravesite with such slim pickins? No birth certificate, only the date (1849) you arrived on these shores, bound from Inch Bridge in Ireland, perhaps married (to John Moriarty, laborer), ten years your senior. A wedding certificate indicates you maybe married John in Massachusetts, but your name is oddly smeared on the document. So many Bridgets, so many Johns, how to know which one belongs to you? It’s said you were buried in Aberdeen, South Dakota. I drove there and couldn’t find you on the plains where sheep once roamed. I’ve searched Iowa gravesites too, near where you bought land in Muscatine County, Iowa, lots of graves, but no you; rows and rows of bones, but no you resting beneath slabs embellished with stuffed teddy bears, strange photographs, sagging crosses and angels with missing parts. Uh oh Bridget, it says here on the yellowing document I unearthed in the Muscatine County courthouse, that you lifted your skirts to neighboring farmer Henry Stoneburner. The document, filed and signed by John Moriarty (with an “X”), points fingers at two October nights, then asks for a divorce AND alimony. The trail petered out, so I’m guessing you refused the divorce, good Catholic be ye. Or were ye? Okay, the Iowa winters were long and hard and Stoneburner was only a stone’s throw away, plus he must have recognized a good plow when he saw one, but shouldn’t ye have known better? Also, I’m given to wondering just how John knew what you were up to. Apparently he drifted away after he addressing the court (leaving you with two kids), but his name, “Wandering John,” is still legendary in 2009. Could be he fled home to Ireland and drank his days away, but in all fairness, he may have been an okay chap saddled with the wrong woman in the wrong place in the wrong time. While grave searching in South Dakota, were you looking up from your pine box and laughing at me, your great granddaughter on a useless mission, combing through the weeds and crumbling slabs to no avail? I mean to say, why should I give a hoot about you? Though named after a saint, you were apparently not one. That said, I do admire your grit. So tell me, how did you manage to get through the Pearly Gates? As a Moran, a Sheehan, a Sullivan, a Moriarty? Things are tough enough up there, what with identity theft and wigs and false noses and plastic surgery, some of it transgender. Unsnarling the heavenly list must be nigh impossible, and whoever was guarding the Gates the day you waltzed through with your skirts held high, was likely snookered grandly. I’m guessing here. Did you know that one of Wandering John’s ancestors (a Maurice Moriarty by name) chased the Earl of Desmond into the Slieve Mish Mountains where he cut off his […]
Mar 17th, 2009 by Stella Cretek
Are you there LiveJournal? It’s me, SubVersions.
When people stop me on the street (a phenomena that happens at least three times every decade), the first thing they ask is: “Jim, if you had to choose your favorite Monkee, who would it be?” The second thing they ask is: “Didn’t you write for the VITAL Source? Whatever happened to that? Are they still in business? What was the deal with Des Moines?” This is typically followed by a long, awkward silence, some polite coughing, and me scurrying off into the night, only to end up drunk and bleeding in a stranger’s bedroom, clutching myself in the fetal position while weeping softly. Or whatever it is you people think I do with my time. OK, an actual story: While sitting in the ski lodge-like confines of the Y-Not III a few weekends ago, readying myself for a set from Milwaukee’s best band, The Trusty Knife, I was approached by Justin Kern, the singer of Milwaukee’s second best band, Crappy Dracula. (Got all that?) “So, with the print version of VITAL dead, are you still writing for them?” he asked. “Yup,” I replied. “After three years of dedicated service and strict adherence to deadlines, I’m now being published on the prestigious ‘internet.’” This sorry news was greeted by a big “thumbs down,” a loud “raspberry,” and a bellowing “Fuck that!” from Mr. Kern. He then took three shots of Old Crow, started a barstool on fire, and ridiculed some hipster girl’s haircut until she cried, all within ten seconds. He’s really quite a character. Which brings us to the brand new site: GoldCoast Subs. I mean, WestCoast Offense. No, wait…THIRD COAST DIGEST. Get it? There’s the East Coast and the West Coast (that makes two coasts thus far, Shooter…), and because of our proximity to the Great Lakes (I guess), we’re the Third Coast! Isn’t that exciting? Thrilling? Dripping with self-loathing? Just a fancy name for “Inferiority Complex The Size Of A Buick?” You bet! So yeah, I’m not a big fan of the new name. No big deal; after all, this is coming from a guy who writes a column called “SubVersions.” What do you think? About the whole “ThirdCoast” name change, that is, not my column. On second thought, if you have any comments about my column – its name and/or its contents – feel free to share. I’ll make sure to give each and every suggestion/spam plenty of thought and consideration. Thanks, Mom. But I kid. Really, I do. It’s a great thrill to continue my relationship with the VITAL crew, and an even bigger kick to be “published” on the internet. I was so eager to pitch in that it only took a dozen veiled death-threats to get me writing again. And while it did get ugly in the end – EastCoast Rap publisher Jon Anne Willow eventually threatened to kill my first-born son if I didn’t blog immediately – time wounds all heels, as they say, and here I am. Besides, her threat seemed […]
Mar 17th, 2009 by Matt Wild
Fire on the Bayou
The corner of Hope and Desire is a perfect metaphor for the city of New Orleans. Battered and ravaged by Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans continues to strive to not merely recover but to thrive. Written and directed by Kevin Ramsey, Fire on the Bayou at the Milwaukee Rep celebrates the history, present and the hopes for the future of New Orleans through the music that is part of the city’s rich culture. Comprised of not only live singing and music, the show is also sprinkled with spoken vignettes about living in New Orleans. These stories exemplify the unyielding spirit of those still calling New Orleans home. While many of these tales are contemporary, the music is largely several classic tunes. Audiences will most likely recognize songs like “Iko Iko,” “Gris Gris Gumbo Ya-Ya” and “Jambalaya.” Opening with “My Indian Red,” Milton Craig Nealy as Spyboy Jambalaya, immediately lets those attending know that they will be up and dancing with his enthusiasm and playful nature. Jannie Jones, playing Queen Marie, has a deeply flexible voice that resonates with time honored songs about The Big Easy and also with pop numbers like “Proud Mary.” Eric Noden, playing Dr. Johnay as well as serving as co-music director is a jazz and blues enigma. Dressed in a red pin-stripe suit and wearing shades, he plays guitar, bass and harmonica. He also lends his wonderfully rough voice to songs like, “Going to Mardi Gras” and “Basin Street.” Singing as well as playing keyboard, Jeremy Cohen as Professor Short-hair and also co-music director is most impressive while recounting the events of Hurricane Katrina. Rounding out the company is Scott Napoli on drums. Even though he spends the show mostly out of sight, his playing encourages the excitable and party-like atmosphere that the Stackner Cabaret is perfect for. Fire on the Bayou is sympathetic to New Orleans but it won’t let people forget that even in the wake of tragedy New Orleans has the ability to rebound and blossom again. Complete schedule information and tickets for this show are available at Footlights online by clicking here.
Mar 16th, 2009 by Russ Bickerstaff
Blues in the Night
It’s two or three a.m. in the morning on a sultry evening in a shabby New York City hotel. The “blues” overcome three women, all ‘”taking a chance on love” with the same man in the Skylight Opera Theatre’s sensual production Blues in the Night that opened Friday night. While short on a compelling story line, this Sheldon Epps’ Broadway show from the 80s revisits the canon of the great American Songbook through composers Bessie Smith, Benny Goodman, Billy Strayhorn, Johnny Mercer, and Duke Ellington- to name only a few. The four performers, last seen in The Skylight’s Smokey Joe’s Café, strut and sulk, sway and shimmy with riveting style that pays tribute to these distinctly American rhythms. While the singers perform on a tiered stage with an iron staircase angling through the open hotel rooms, the production offers the audience a view of each woman, individually or when collaborating on a number, that demands their attention immediately. Drenching the stage in hazy violets and dusky blue light adds to the midnight ambience, and each singer languishes on an overstuffed chair or chaise in the dark while another mesmerizes the audience with a gutsy rendition of these classic songs. Most fascinating in the collection was music composed by women in the early 1900’s, including Ida Cox’s feminist lyrics that long for a woman’s dignity and respect. Alberta Hunter’s “Rough and Ready Man” or Ann Ronnell’s “Willow Weep for Me” provides additional feminine inspiration for these entertainers from the past, as did five songs from the famous Bessie Smith. The three women carry this voice with momentum when Cynthia Cobb (The Lady) impresses throughout “Kitchen Man” and “Take Me For A Buggy Ride,” which uses the double entendre and whip with great emphasis. Or let the imagination soar when Kate Margaret McCann (The Woman) seductively sings “Rough and Ready Man.” Liz Baltes plays the daring Young Girl in “Reckless Blues,” lying right down on the stage floor. The protagonist to this trio, Benjamin Sterling Cannon, engenders his own steam in “Wild Women Don’t Have the Blues” and “Baby Doll.” Everyone smiles when the first act finale taunts the audience with the choreography and lines in “Take It Right Back.” Collaborating on this show, Musical Director Jamie Johns sits at the “top floor” of the hotel set playing the piano as he conducts percussion by Michael Lorenz, bass by Tom McGirr, and brass by Tim Bell and Tom Schlueter leaving these memorable “Blues” in the mind with utter perfection. And while the saucy lyrics uncover the heart’s deepest desires with each number, any overriding story fades on stage. Enjoy The Skylight’s arousing presentation of Blues in the Night that appreciates this art form in American music, afterwards squeezing your own ‘baby doll’ tight while slipping close together on a cool spring evening when leaving the theatre. Complete schedule information and tickets for this show are available at Footlights online by clicking here.
Mar 16th, 2009 by Peggy Sue Dunigan
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee or University of Milwaukee?
A group of University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Student Association Senators will be proposing a bill to consider changing the university's name from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to the University of Milwaukee.
Mar 16th, 2009 by Dave Reid
Follow the money
When the economy entered its freefall towards the end of 2008, nearly every economist agreed that a vast infusion of government spending was necessary to avoid a catastrophic meltdown such as the nation hasn’t seen since the Great Depression. In a democracy like ours, that meant getting something like the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 through both houses of Congress and signed by the President. Nobody can be completely satisfied by the sausage making-like process that goes into the drafting, negotiating and passing of a $787 billion piece of legislation. Ask the great economic and political minds of our day the following questions and no consensus emerges. Is it too much or too little? Does it have too many or too few tax breaks? Is it going to create enough jobs right away or is too much of the spending going to roll out in 2010 or later? Is the money going for things that we really need or have our political leaders used this opportunity to push through pet projects? A whole bevy of mainstream media prognosticators, bloggers all across the ideological spectrum and assorted navel-gazers have weighed in but the truth is nobody really knows. True to form, Joe the Vice President once again violated the First Commandment of political discourse when he deviated from his talking points and suggested that there’s about a 30 percent chance that this will fail. Given the uncertainty most of us are feeling about the economy, a 70 percent chance of success sounds pretty good to me. When dealing with something this complicated, does anyone actually expect a 100 percent chance of success? As we’ve come to expect, President Obama has found just the right terminology to describe the stimulus package. It’s not whether it is too big or too small, too liberal or too conservative, what counts is whether it works. Inaction was not an option and this package is what emerged from this very complicated and somewhat ugly process. One element of the stimulus package that is probably getting too little attention is the decision to turn much of the money over to states and cities to spend as they see fit. Arguably, this was seen as the most efficient and least controversial option but it isn’t without its problems. The mad rush for the money reminds me of the classic cinematic celebration of a certain search for a big “W.” As Mayor Barrett put it in his State of the City address, the money is going to be spent somewhere so he’s going to do everything he can to make sure a good portion is spent addressing Milwaukee’s needs. Now you have to admire Gov. Doyle and Barrett for their aggressive advocacy on behalf of their constituents in pursuing these federal dollars. And you have to wonder about the sanity, principled or otherwise, of Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker who opposed accepting stimulus dollars because he thought it should have all gone for tax cuts. You also have to […]
Mar 16th, 2009 by Ted Bobrow
Weekly Bookmarks – Monday, 16. March 2009
UWM should build downtown, not on County Grounds in Tosa – The Business Journal of Milwaukee: Walker’s BRT Plan: consolidate Rts 18 & 23 at Milwaukee Transit Riders Union The Political Environment: Deal Will Launch Downtown Milwaukee Streetcars; I Want A Ticket To Ride Real Estate: Market correction reshapes downtown condo scene – BizTimes OnMilwaukee.com Living: Walker was blindsided by Barretts end-around Obama challenges critics to do more than say no – JSOnline Contractors place liens on Milwaukee Staybridge project Park Lafayette work to resume – JSOnline OnMilwaukee.com Politics: Barrett gets feds to free up $91.5 million for rail project Dan Cody – “Left on the Lake” » Finally Some Progress on $92 Million in Stalled Federal Transit Money for Milwaukee Congress backs streetcar system for Milwaukee – JSOnline Barrett’s streetcar plan receives most of $91.5 million – The Business Journal of Milwaukee: Walker was blindsided by Barrett’s ‘end-around’ – BizTimes Milwaukee pitches development partnerships The fight’s over, but was this the best outcome? – JSOnline Feds approve Barrett’s transit plan, including streetcars – BizTimes Regional Profiles – Mid West – The Fonz, Motorcycles and Beer – Features Mortgage applications on the rise – BizTimes Milwaukee gets the shaft in first round of transportation stimulus – BizTimes The UWM Post News Blog » Blog Archive » Students renew push for UWM name change Doyle pushes for prevailing wages at projects that get government funds – JSOnline Milwaukee area has fewer "underwater" mortgages than rest of U.S. – BizTimes Lighthouse seeking $2.25 million MEDC loan for South Water Works – BizTimes Apartment building planned near MU campus – BizTimes LISC names new co-chairs – BizTimes Kaplan University to open downtown Milwaukee instructional site – BizTimes Milwaukee-area home sales down 17.5% – The Business Journal of Milwaukee: Lighthouse Development seeks MEDC bridge loan – JSOnline Feds approve Barrett’s transit plan, including streetcars – BizTimes Carfree USA Blog: Wi-Drive? Forward to the future – JSOnline Barry is new chairman of Public Policy Forum – BizTimes Construction to resume on east side condo towers – JSOnline Lighthouse Development to get bridge loan from city agency – JSOnline County Board committee votes to give Park East developer more time – JSOnline Sign-A-Rama to move to larger headquarters – BizTimes Ragged rails raise rumbles – JSOnline Great Lakes Distillery adds brandy to its mix – JSOnline Moderne condo project will add more apartments – JSOnline Cap’n Transit Rides Again: Feds relax restrictions for light rail The Overhead Wire: Bringing Customers to the Bar Politics Northwest | Bills to mandate density around light rail stations are dead | Seattle Times Newspaper Blog The Overhead Wire: Never the Freeway Median New York Observed – In Brooklyn, an Explorer Wants to Dig Again – NYTimes.com Park East developer wants more time – JSOnline $25 million in federal funds will help bus system delay crisis – JSOnline Pieper lures convention; Wispark sells condo – The Business Journal of Milwaukee:
Mar 15th, 2009 by Dave Reid
Upcoming Events for the Week of March 16th, 2009
Urban Milwaukee’s Upcoming Events & Meetings Calendar should help you keep up to date on important events effecting our neighborhoods, the City of Milwaukee, and our region. March 16, 2009 Historic Preservation Commission March 16, 2009 3:00 pm The Milwaukee Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) administers Milwaukee’s historic preservation ordinance, adopted in 1981, which provides certain kinds of legal protection for buildings or sites that have been declared historic by the Common Council. The HPC is responsible for designating historic landmarks and historic districts and for approving Certificates of Appropriateness (COAs) for permission to […] March 17, 2009 Public Open House for the Near South Side Plan March 17, 2009 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm Public Open House for the Near South Side Plan March 17, 2009 3:00 – 7:00 PM, short presentations at 3:30 pm and 5:30 pm […] City of Milwaukee: Near North Side Area Plan – Image Preference Survey March 17, 2009 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm The Image Preference Survey (IPS) is a planning technique that helps us understand how you would like your neighborhood to look and feel in the future. We will show about 75 neighborhood images (some from the Near North Side and some from other places). You will be asked to rate each image based on your […] March 19, 2009 City of Milwaukee: Near North Side Area Plan – Image Preference Survey March 19, 2009 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm The Image Preference Survey (IPS) is a planning technique that helps us understand how you would like your neighborhood to look and feel in the future. We will show about 75 neighborhood images (some from the Near North Side and some from other places). You will be asked to rate each image based on your […] Board of Zoning Appeals March 19, 2009 4:00 pm The Board of Zoning Appeals (BOZA) is in independent agency authorized to hear appeals in matters relating to all zoning ordinances and to review zoning ordinance interpretations made by the Department of City Development. Because the Board acts somewhat like a court, it is called a quasi-judicial body and is required to follow accepted procedures […] City of Milwaukee: Southwest Side Area Plan March 19, 2009 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm We Need Your InputWe want to hear from you about how you would like your neighborhood to look and feel in the future. Please attend an Image Preference Survey. The Image Preference Survey (IPS) is a planning technique that helps us understand how you would like your neighborhood to look and feel in the future. […] March 20, 2009 Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development March 20, 2009 9:00 am The Zoning, Neighborhoods and Development Committee reviews issues relating to city development, zoning, historic preservation, incremental tax financing, building codes and housing projects.The Zoning, Neighborhoods and Development Committee meetings start at 9:00 a.m. and are held in the Room 301-B, City Hall, unless otherwise noted. […] Finance & Personnel March 20, 2009 1:30 pm The Finance and Personnel […]
Mar 15th, 2009 by Dave Reid
Finance & Personnel
The Finance and Personnel Committee considers appropriations, finances, taxation, revenues, labor relations, personnel, pensions and other benefits, insurance, audits and city budget. The Finance and Personnel Committee meetings start at 1:30 p.m. and are held in the Room 301-B, City Hall, unless otherwise noted. Agenda
Mar 15th, 2009 by Dave Reid
Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development
The Zoning, Neighborhoods and Development Committee reviews issues relating to city development, zoning, historic preservation, incremental tax financing, building codes and housing projects. The Zoning, Neighborhoods and Development Committee meetings start at 9:00 a.m. and are held in the Room 301-B, City Hall, unless otherwise noted. Agenda
Mar 15th, 2009 by Dave Reid
Near North Side Area Plan – Public Meeting
Please join the Near North Side Area comprehensive planning team for an interactive exchange of ideas. Thursday, March 26, 6 to 8 PM Contact: Bob Harris, 286.5654 or robert.harris@milwaukee.gov Eaton Corporation 4201 N. 27th St Milwaukee, WI Enter Eaton at east entrance. Parking spaces are available but limited. On-street parking is also available. Questions? More Information: http://www.mkedcd.org/planning/plans/NearNorth/index.html
Mar 15th, 2009 by Dave Reid
Near North Side Area Plan – Image Preference Survey
The Image Preference Survey (IPS) is a planning technique that helps us understand how you would like your neighborhood to look and feel in the future. We will show about 75 neighborhood images (some from the Near North Side and some from other places). You will be asked to rate each image based on your preferences for the design of residential and commercial development, public space and parking areas. We will then have a discussion about the desirability of different types of development. Results from the IPS will be used in developing recommendations for the Near North Side Area Plan. Space is limited, please RSVP to Robert Harris, 414.286.5654. New Hope Missionary Baptist Church 2433 W. Roosevelt Milwaukee, WI More Information: http://www.mkedcd.org/planning/plans/NearNorth/index.html
Mar 15th, 2009 by Dave Reid
