Tidbits: News You Need to Know
Tidbits

News You Need to Know

“It was once suggested, to illustrate the chaotic and unpredictable way in which natural systems behave, that the beat of a butterfly’s wing in China can eventually trigger a hurricane in the Atlantic.” -- -The Economist, 8 September 2007.

Baloney on Wry: Love Endures
Baloney on Wry

Love Endures

Though the pace of change is unrelenting, some things never change.

Pantry Raid: Puttin’ on the grits!
Pantry Raid

Puttin’ on the grits!

Coarse grain’s delicious versatility makes it a perfect fit for your pantry.

Dear Ken Macha: Shake dem haters off! (11-10)
Dear Ken Macha

Shake dem haters off! (11-10)

Dear Ken Macha, Way to go, buddy! Now that you turned our slow start into a *winning* month of April, you can turn and adjust your athletic supporter in the general direction of these clowns. That’s the ESPN Radio 1250 AM “Done Club” – a list of dumas-es that took it upon themselves to abandon ship a half-month into the season. What a Cubs-fan thing to do … Your three-game sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates shows me you’re having no trouble fitting in here in Milwaukee. Because if we do anything right, it’s pwning Steel City swashbucklers – we’ve taken 17 of the last 18 from those scurvy dogs. The best they can do is plunk us with a few bean balls; you weren’t here last year when their fat-ass closer Matt Capps almost knocked off Prince Fielder’s crown, but if you should have seen the look on Nedly’s face … You play it much cooler than Ned, and that’s why I like ya, Ken. Yesterday’s 1-0 win says a couple things. First, it says Yovani Gallardo is a total stud horse. Dude throws eight shutout innings and hit the game-winning home run. There’s a good discussion at Chuckie Hacks on YoGa’s bad-ass-ness. I still say bat him fifth every day. You said it best at the press conference yesterday: “I’ll be fast. Hitting? Gallardo. Pitching? Gallardo. Any questions?” What a zinger. Secondly, and here I’m going to bitch a little bit, it says it wouldn’t hurt to play a little small-ball once in a while. I KNOW, I KNOW — the guys are knocking the crap out of the ball lately — but sometimes station-to-station doesn’t do the trick. On days when the entire team is hitting like Jason Kendall, I’d love to see some walk-steal-sacrifice out there. Just sayin’. That’s pretty much it. I’ll be out at the ballpark tonight, watching Suppan try to dismantle the D-Backs. See ya there. Keep up the good work, Ken!

Complete Street Makeover for S. 2nd Street?

Complete Street Makeover for S. 2nd Street?

S. 2nd St., in Walker's Point, is another street in Milwaukee that is more than ready to go on a diet.

Celebrate easy Green Living at The Domes

Celebrate easy Green Living at The Domes

The Green Living Festival shows Milwaukee how to lead a more sustainable lifestyle.

You Can Help Save FILM WI Tax Incentives WED 4/29 – Thurs 4/30 @ 11am – CALL NOW!

You Can Help Save FILM WI Tax Incentives WED 4/29 – Thurs 4/30 @ 11am – CALL NOW!

Want your voice to be heard and do your part to help save the Film WI Tax Incentives?  Call Your State Senator Today!  This is a rare opportunity to help a filmmaker and call a State Senator in your underwear at the same time!  Think about it.  Its like Halley’s Comet.  Read on and call ASAP! Cultural Alliance of Greater Milwaukee April 29, 2009 Forwarding this important information on behalf of Arts Wisconsin. Please CALL Joint Finance Committee members today to urge their support of the film industry tax incentives! The Joint Finance Committee will meet in Executive Session on Thursday, April 30, beginning at 11 am in Room 412 East of the State Capitol.  The Committee will be considering and voting on the improved film industry tax incentives package put forth by Rep. Tamara Grigsby (D-Milwaukee). TODAY IS THE DAY to ensure that funding for the incentives is included in the 2009-2011 state budget.  You can help make this happen by taking action RIGHT NOW.  If your legislator is a Joint Finance Committee member – the list is below – please CALL with this message: “I am a constituent of Sen. /Rep. Smith and I want him/her to support and vote for the improved film industry tax incentives proposal at the April 30 Joint Finance Committee Executive Session.  His/her support will help create jobs in the district and across the state, and is greatly appreciated!” You can tell this message to the staff member who answers the phone; the staff member will ask for your name and address, to make sure you are a constituent. If each of the 16 members of the Committee receives 10 phone calls today, they will know that there is support in their district and statewide. Don’t delay!  Call now!  Legislative offices are usually open until 5 pm, but if you get the voicemail, you can leave a message.  Make sure to include your name and address. More information is at http://capwiz.com/artsusa/wi/issues/alert/?alertid=12751846&type=ML&show_alert=1. If you have any questions, please contact Arts Wisconsin at 608 255 8316 akatz@artswisconsin.org. Joint Finance Committee Senate Members : Sen. Mark Miller, D-Monona, Co-Chair, 16th District Sen.Miller@legis.wisconsin.gov, (608) 266-9170 Sen. Alberta Darling, R-River Hills, 8th District, Sen.Darling@legis.wisconsin.gov, 608 266 5830 Sen. Dave Hansen, D-Green Bay, 30th District, Sen.Hansen@legis.wisconsin.gov, 608 266 5670 Sen. Julie Lassa, D-Stevens Point, 24th District, Sen.Lassa@legis.wisconsin.gov, 608 266 3123 Sen. John Lehman, D-Racine, 21st District, Sen.Lehman@legis.wisconsin.gov, 608 266 1832 Sen. Luther Olsen, R-Ripon, 14th District, Sen.Olsen@legis.wisconsin.gov, 608 266 0751 Sen. Judy Robson, D-Beloit, 15th District, Sen.Robson@legis.wisconsin.gov, 608 266 2253 Sen.Lena Taylor, D-Milwaukee, 4th District, Sen.Taylor@legis.wisconsin.gov, 608 266 5810 Assembly members: Rep. Mark Pocan, D- Madison, 78th District, Co-Chair Rep.Pocan@legis.wisconsin.gov, (608) 266-8570 Rep. Pedro Colón, D-Milwaukee, 8th District, Rep.Colon@legis.wisconsin.gov, 608 267 7669 Rep. Tamara Grigsby, D-Milwaukee, 18th District, Rep.Grigsby@legis.wisconsin.gov, 608 266 0635 Rep. Cory Mason, D-Racine, 62nd District, Rep.Mason@legis.wisconsin.gov, 608 266 0634 Rep. Phil Montgomery, R-Green Bay, 4th District, Rep.Montgomery@legis.wisconsin.gov, 608 266 5840 Rep. Jennifer Shilling, D-LaCrosse, 95th District, Rep.Shilling@legis.wisconsin.gov, 608 266 5780 Rep. Gary Sherman, D-Port Wing, 94th […]

Fasten Collective store closing

Fasten Collective store closing

TCD received this press release today regarding the closing of Fasten designer collective store in Bay View.  Fasten will continue to thrive in Milwaukee, however the store front will now be filled by Sparrow Collective. Read on for more details! Dear Fasten Patrons, The Fasten Co-op was established way back in 2003 as an idea. That idea flourished into a storefront three-and-a-half years ago. And Fasten has been the go-to place for Milwaukee designers who want to establish and promote their work, and fashion connoisseurs who want to support locally handmade clothing. It’s been such a pleasure to do business in Bayview with all of you awesome people, designers and customers alike. But at the end of April, Fasten will no longer be a store. Never fear! There will still be a place for Milwaukee to buy handmade awesomeness! A collective under new management has sprouted in our place! Sparrow Collective is the new store bringing you much of the same exact things you loved at Fasten, PLUS unique handmade items from out-of-state designers, and new types of items like pottery and home goods. Fasten will live on and continue to promote and support local designers, artists, and musicians, only now without a permanent brick-and-mortar home. Please stay in touch with us! Our blog will be updated more than ever with style updates, artists interviews, and info on events happening all over the city. And keep your eyes open for some awesome runway, art, and music events that we will be producing later this year! Thank you all for the support and friendship over the years! XOXO -Fasten      

Around Town with Bones: Fluff Me, Stuff Me
Around Town with Bones

Fluff Me, Stuff Me

Stella takes on Whoopie Pies, Fluffernutter sandwiches and urban chickens.

Make a Difference, Help the RTA

Make a Difference, Help the RTA

The Regional Transit Authority, a solution to Milwaukee’s transit woes that we’ve advocated before, is coming down to the wire in the halls of the state capitol.  For the plan to move forward it needs to be included in the state budget, and for that to happen it needs to be approved by the Joint Finance Committee.  The Joint Finance Committee will vote on the matter on Thursday. The matter is anything but a done deal, and your support is turning a few votes. Please make a call Wednesday if you have the chance.  Even if it’s just a one second “vote for the RTA on Thursday”, it’ll make a difference. Please call, your city needs you. Senator John Lehman (Racine) especially needs to hear from you! (608) 266-1832 (866) 615-7510, Fax (608) 267-6793, Sen.Lehman@legis.wisconsin.gov PO Box 7882, Madison, 53707 Representative Cory Mason (Racine) (608) 266-0634, Rep.Mason@legis.wisconsin.gov PO Box 8953, Madison, 53708 Representative Robin Vos (Racine) 888 534-0063, 608 282-3663 fax, rep.vos@legis.wisconsin.gov PO Box 8953, Madison, 53708 Representative Pedro Colon (Milwaukee) 888 534-0008, 608 282-3608 fax, rep.colon@legis.wisconsin.gov PO Box 8952, Madison, 53708 Representative Tamara Grigsby (Milwaukee) 888 534-0018, 608 282-3618 fax, rep.grigsby@legis.wisconsin.gov PO Box 8952, Madison, 53708 Senator Lena Taylor (Milwaukee) 608 266-5810, 608 267-2353 fax, sen.taylor@legis.wisconsin.gov PO Box 7882, Madison, 53707 Senator Alberta Darling (Milwaukee) 608 266-5830, 608 267-0588 fax, sen.darling@legis.wisconsin.gov PO Box 7882, Madison, 53707 [Full disclosure, Jeramey is a member of the RTA Steering Committee and a passionate advocate for the efficiencies of mass transit.]

MILWAUKEE STORIES – a series of short films @ MAM Thursday Apr 30

MILWAUKEE STORIES – a series of short films @ MAM Thursday Apr 30

Hey Film Kiddies: Milwaukee Film is proud to invite you to the premiere screening of MILWAUKEE STORIES, an ongoing series of short films that inner city teens (working with filmmaker mentors) have created about their lives and their locale. The program, originated by Maxine Wishner, was produced in cooperation with Running Rebels, a youth community organization since 1980. The result of this year’s collaboration is five intense and heartfelt, homegrown Milwaukee films. These films inspire discussion, advance our pre-conceptions about neighborhood life, and hopefully will enhance connections within the diverse communities of Milwaukee. Thursday, April 30 2009 Milwaukee Art Museum – Lubar Auditorium 700 North Art Museum Dr., Milwaukee, WI 53202 5:30PM – 6:00PM Meet and Greet 6:15PM – 7:15PM Screening and Discussion with Filmmakers REEL Milwaukee ran into Maxine Wishner at Oakland Gyros at bartime last week and this is what we gots. OK, we did a formal interview but late night, OG, that’s more interesting than phone calls and emails.  Anyway….. TCD: What makes Milwaukee Stories unique?  What sets it apart from other doc-series screenings? MW: MILWAUKEE STORIES pairs five successful filmmakers with five of the Running Rebels’ youth. The intent was to create workshops and one-on-one dialogue in a safe environment where trust could grow. This comfort encouraged the youth to create authentic films that offer insight into a population with which most Milwaukeeans are unacquainted. Also unique is that we have advisers for MILWAUKEE STORIES;  psychologists and children’s lawyers that educate us re: the issues of the neighborhood.  The  youth also act as advisers, offering feedback that is first-hand.  We keep in touch with these teens, and  two of the young storytellers from the first season became mentors for this year. I was introduced to Running Rebels, a community space that helps at risk kids that go through the courts . These aren’t high school kids who have their own computers. These are kids in transition, many of whom need to stay out of trouble. Our first two years we worked at Running Rebels. We started out showing a film and talking about the project. A lot of kids were interested, but we chose five and they stayed throughout the program. A few months ago Running Rebels bought a camera. They may be making films on their own, which means we succeeded at our job. We are going to meet other communities and make films there as well. Our outreach also sets us apart. We intend to use these films to create dialogues among communities, to show to young teachers who will be  entering that population. They will air  in school and other communities and each film will have some talking points. We are hoping if kids are interested in film we can put them in touch with potential places for employment. TCD: When and why did you start this program? MW: I moved back home  in 2006 after  decades of making films in New York. Wanted to know more about what was happening in other […]

Performance and Visual Arts Preview: April 29 to May 4
Performance and Visual Arts Preview

April 29 to May 4

We’re adjusting the timing of this weekly preview to give you a better jump on planning your outings. As a result what you see here are the events going on just through this weekend (and one event beyond). Check back Monday, May 4 for a new selection of performing, musical, and visual arts happening in Milwaukee and the surrounding areas. The first days of May (May Day! May Day!) presents new offerings from a wild farce from Windfall Theater (I had seven margaritas!), a Wild Space Dance performance about Jones Island (Kaszubes in ballet shoes!), and a standout from Alverno Presents (Inyembezi Zam!). Comedy Headline Comedian Mike Kosta, JD’s Comedy Café, 4/30-5/2 Also Featuring Josh Alton, Steve Hartman, Geoff LaFleur. Contact: 414.271.5653 or JD’s. The Midnight Show, ComedySportz, 5/2 at 12:00 a.m. (naturally) The hardest working day of the week for this venue is Saturdays, when they regularly host a 3:00 p.m. matinee for kids and then two more shows at 7:30 and 10:00 p.m. But it’s the adults only, must be 18 or older show that takes place late which has the most ribald sass. Contact: 866.512.5233 or ComedySportz. Headlining Comedian Billy Gardell, Jokerz Comedy Club, 4/30-5/2, 8 p.m. Star of Hit TV Series such as Heist, Yes Dear, and the King of Queens, Billy Gardell is the kind of comedian that makes you laugh your ass off. Sort of a mix of a New Jersey guy doing the Redneck Comedy Tour material as Jackie Gleason. See here: _ Dance Map of Memories, Wild Space Dance Company at Studio 1661, 5/1. Back by overwhelming public demand, Map of Memories will return for an encore performance, telling the story of Milwaukee’s Jones Island. Inspired by the lives of Polish, Kaszubian, and Eastern European immigrants who founded the Island’s fishing village in the 1870s, Map of Memories merges expressive contemporary dance with historic images and text. Prior to the evening performances, Milwaukee historian and author John Gurda will discuss the island’s journey from thriving fishing village to harbor hub. Contact: 414.271.0712 or Wild Space. Rhapsody in Blue, Cashiel Dennehy School of Irish Dance at South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center, 5/2 A high-flying, powerful performance that combines the traditional, innovative and unique. Rhapsody showcases all that Irish dancing has to offer – there is truly something for everyone in this show. The event features dancers of all ages shining on stage, a raffle, a silent auction and much more. Contact: 414.766.5049 or SMPAC. _ Theater Stations Of The Cross, Boulevard Ensemble Studio Theater, 4/29 Boulevard closes its 23rd season by staging the premiere of local Milwaukee playwright and actress Beth Monhollen’s comedy of waitressing. As an actress, Monhollen has appeared with many companies in Milwaukee (Late-Night Theatre X, Inertia Ensemble) and has consistently won accolades for her work. A founding member of Milwaukee’s WIND-UP DOLLS THEATRE (an all-women improvisational-based theatre company), Monhollen has performed countless times with the feminist ensemble as well as creating many of its pieces.  This production marks Ms. […]