Sky’s the Limit

Last week, we asked our amazing staff and freelancers which quintessential “Milwaukee” gifts were on their lists this year. But it’s Christmas, and what’s the holiday season without a little whimsy? This week, we wanted to know:  If money and time were of no consequence, what would you wish for? The responses we received were silly, extravagant and above all, endearing.

Enjoy, and happy holidays.

Peace on Earth

Performing Arts writer Peggy Sue Dunigan

My extravagant wish transcends all the seasons, and may be inspired by an annual appointment with The Rep’s A Christmas Carol. To know that every child in Milwaukee, in this country and every continent in the world would always be fed, have warm clothes and shoes, and find one person from the time they’re young who would encourage and love them their entire life would make all wishes for a brighter future come true.

Visual Arts writer Valerie J. Christell

My wish is that all people would desire, as Mahatma Gandhi taught, to be the change they want to see in the world. Mahatma Gandhi’s peaceful activism has been an inspiration for my art activism that resulted last year in the opening of a collaborative, social statement, art installation gallery space. In this venue, information about current issues impacting individuals throughout the world is presented through my vision merged with another artist’s, aimed to expand awareness, engage conversation, and promote action to make change.

Fantasy Getaways

My travel dreams change on a monthly basis. But as I write this, I would love a 10-day stay in Finland. In a private chalet, in the mountains on a lake with a kick-ass sauna. I could have wished for world peace, but I think the Finland thing is more realistic.

Wine Writer Skip Forrest

As long as we’re making wishes here, I’d love two first class tickets on Cathay Pacific airlines to the Maldives, with a stop over in Goa, India. Why? Because although I spent almost two years traipsing through India when I was in my 20’s, at the time I was so into the thrill and chaos of India that I passed up opportunities to visit the more tranquil island countries nearby including Bali, the Andaman Islands, and the Maldives. Now solidly in my 50’s, I’m majorly ready for some substantial and serene downtime on an island in the Indian Ocean.

News Editor Patti Wenzel

If someone is looking for the perfect gift for the resident conservative at TCD, here it is: a 1959 black Mercedes-Benz 190 SL with red leather interior.

I saw this car during my cruising days on Highway 100 (oh the wasted late 70’s) and have wanted it ever since. Good German engineering, sexy lines, leather seats – I would look fabulous in this car! Yeah, it’s a greedy, personal gift but maybe there really is a Santa and he will leave it in my garage with a nice big bow, preferably red to match the interior!

Gifts that keep on Giving

Contributor Ryan Findley

You know what would be really great for Christmas? If we could rewind the clock and redo the gubernatorial elections. Just saying’.

Arts & Culture Editor Tom Strini

A subscription to Oxford Music Online. This site comprises three classic, indispensible music research sources: The gigantic Grove Dictionary of Music, the more compact Oxford Dictionary of Music and the Encyclopedia of Popular Music. The site is searchable and a joy to use. It’s pricey — $295 a year — but worth it.

Dining Critics Mr. & Mrs. M.

Tickets to MSO’s yet-to-come performance of Franz Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody.

Visual Arts writer Judith Ann Moriarty

Even though I’m on a diet, what I’d really like this year, is a “talking” Will Durst dipped in chocolate, wrapped in gold foil and UPS’d to my condo. Sweet! If possible please make it battery-operated so I can have at least one good laugh a day. Durst dast hail from M’waukee.

Editorial Intern Andy Hartman

Hand-Blown 2 Liter German Beer Boot: I’m going to chock this gift idea up to my dedication to my German heritage rather than my abiding love of beer. It combines history, culture (the practice of drinking out of boots started 100 years ago with German soldiers) and unabashed binge drinking. Perfect! Whoever you gift it to will love being able to shrug off accusations of over-indulging. They are simple exploring German culture. Never mind that the boot holds a six-pack.

Photo Editor Brian Jacobson

Sure, I want world peace. Of course I’d love to receive a winning lottery ticket, a body like those on the cover of Men’s Health, a Nikon D7000, a Chevy Volt, or even dinner with Natalie Portman. But I will settle for a mat and a 2 foot-piece of foam. On the idea of wanting a better and more flexible core, I spied several high-end devices for sale that advertised them as a wonder for the back and front. While an exercise ball can do some of the same, it doesn’t store very easily.

While there are a lot of rollers found for around $20, the one that I’m in love with is around $50 more. Called the Rumble Roller (sold by STI Industries), it touts itself on Amazon.com as “a Foam Roller for Myofascial Release.” The trick here is in the design — the raised parts act like the hands of a massage therapist to help with blood flow and soft tissue relief. Plus, I can feel like a reverse Gingerbread Man.

Editorial Intern Caitlin Penzey-Moog

I would really, really, like is to have heat in my car. The coolant tank is rusted through because of an engine default, and eventually the default will culminate in the engine dying and my car coming to a slow, sad halt, but until that day comes I continue to drive it (as little as possible) and the experience gets more and more horrifying as the winter progresses.

Because there’s no heat, there is no de-fogger and I roll down the windows to get rid of the condensation on my windshield. I have a driving blanket and driving gloves and consciously wear contacts so that I can wrap my scarf up my face without fogging my glasses. Heat would be awesome.

Cuddly Companions

Marketing Intern Joey Morgan

A teacup pig. I’ve wanted a dog since I was a little boy, but alas, my mom wouldn’t allow it. And my landlord doesn’t allow dogs. But my lease doesn’t say anything about pigs! Pigs have long been one of my favorite animals, and these pigs in particular are just too adorable for words. They grow to about 45 – 60 pounds, which is a nice size. As an added plus, pigs are extremely intelligent and clean. If it’s a girl, I’ll name her Penny. A boy, Chester.

Social Media Intern Ashley Brandt

This is a little “out there,” but I wish that there was a larger French Bulldog population in Milwaukee. Since I can’t have a dog in my apartment, I rely on seeing other people’s dogs in my neighborhood to get my dog fix. Every time I spot a French Bulldog, their stocky bodies and scrunched faces automatically make me smile.

Contributor Elisabeth Albeck

For Christmas (if the sky’s the limit), I would love to meet a Milwaukee beast-friend. Back in the burbs of New York, I walked a few awesome neighbor dogs to satisfy the lack of canine companion in my life, and made some walking around money while I was at it. It was lucrative and so fun! Dogs do the funniest stuff. This one yellow lab named Otis used to stick his head into piles of snow and come out with things like a barbie, a perfectly good turkey thigh and even a squirrel carcass. Though I can’t really afford to own my own pooch, I can afford to make friends with one and start a dog-walking relationship for the new year.