Life & Leisure
48 Hour Film Fest in WI and Beyond
The 48 Hour Film Fest rumbles into Milwaukee June 5-7, with dates popping up all over the Third Coast so ready, steady, go!
May 7th, 2009 by Howie Goldklang
May 4-10, 2009
This week: experimental music, Milwaukee Underground Film Festival and a Mother's Day brunch guide that will FINALLY get your mom off your back. Maybe.
May 3rd, 2009 by Erin Petersen
Better Stadiums & Beer Gardens (13-12)
Dear Ken Macha, You must be feeling like a bankruptcy attorney in Detroit, Ken. Everything might not be going well around you, but somehow you’re making a killing off of it. You finished the 7-game home stand with a 5-2 record, in spite of an apparently right call on Friday and potential fisticuffs throughout the series against the Pirates. Your pitching has kept you in games, except when the bullpen surprisingly fails to hold a lead. Your offense is thriving, except that your base runners are caught stealing all the time and J.J. Hardy is describing his struggles at the plate like a bad acid trip. Nevertheless, you’ve steered the Brewers to a winning record in April. Bravo to you, Ken. Yet there are a few areas where I feel the team could benefit. If we’re going to win games, we might as well win them in style, amiright? . So here are three suggestions based on my experience at the games on Tuesday and Thursday night. Maybe you can pass them along during one of your stadium operations pow-wows. 1) Make Prince Fielder bring back “Moments In Love” as his entrance song Have you ever listened to the Quiet Storm on V100, Ken? I’m going to go out on a limb and guess you haven’t, but if you’re a Brewer fan that’s not from Brookfield then you know that the intro jam to Quiet Storm used to be Prince’s entrance song. “Moments In Love” by Art of Noise was the greatest entrance song ever, until Prince had to ruin things by using that crappy THX intro or the current air raid siren (get it? he’s dropping bombs!). Don’t just trust me, Ken; take a look at Prince’s numbers and watch how they’ve plummeted since he dropped “Moments In Love.” You can even tell the Miller Park audio crew that it was your idea. 2) Make Jason Kendall use another picture for his at-bat image. Kendall really conveys his tough-as-balls demeanor via his entrance song — something by Pantera, I think, but I really couldn’t tell ya — and his entirely creepy image on the videotron. Have you looked at it, Ken? He looks like he eats babies. The Brewers are supposed to be family friendly. There’s an entire section in the upper deck where people can’t drink alcohol so kids feel safe. Well, I hope those tikes’ are kept away from the parking lots, concession stands and the scoreboard when Kendall is at bat. Maybe you could take your Minolta and surprise Jason while he’s doing something around the clubhouse that doesn’t involve being eerily focused. Even this picture would be an improvement: Found at The Jason Kendall Connection! — a preserved, 1999 Geocities fan page for Jason Kendall 3) Tweak Trevor Time Imagine you’re the scoreboard operator, Ken, and you need to really pump up fans for Trevor Hoffman’s high-leverage save situations. The audio guy has it easy — Hoffman mailed him […]
May 3rd, 2009 by Rob Vosters
April 27-May 3
Welcome to What's Happening, your weekly guide to the goings-on.
Apr 26th, 2009 by Erin Petersen
Don’t Fear The Beard (8-10)
Dear Ken Macha, Nicely done, Ken. Sometimes a manager needs to find unorthodox ways to motivate a struggling team. Ned used to pick random games to completely freak the fuck out on an umpire over a bad call or because his favorite NASCAR driver lost. I can’t say I’ve never heard of managers embracing the beard in order to inspire their team, but it’s pure genius nonetheless. Corey Hart dyes his beard black, becoming a slightly more athletic version of Mose Schrute in the process, and after a four game winning streak all criticism about the front office, your grandfatherly looks and your players’ performance vanishes. Just look at how it helped your offense: Ryan Braun, spurred on by the Amish work ethic symbolized in Corey’s Pennsylvanian chinstrap, hit 3 HRs, knocked in 8 runners and raised his average by over 100 points. He even had the game-winning RBI in Saturday’s back and forth game against the ‘Stros. After struggling mightily for the first three weeks, Prince Fielder responded to the beard like no other. No stranger to facial hair himself, Fielder had his first multi-homer game and doubled his season RBI total over the weekend. It’s always nice to have your two best sluggers hitting well on the road and it looks like your plan worked perfectly, Ken. JJ Hardy, fan of the goatee, had a three-hit game for the first time this season, bringing his batting average that much closer to local gas prices than the week before. Baby steps, Ken, baby steps. If that wasn’t enough proof of your managerial brilliance look no further than your pitching staff’s response to the beard decree. After a tumultous three weeks full of walks, walks, and more walks, this year’s staff is on pace to shatter the 2001 staff’s record for runs walked in. I know you weren’t around at the time, Ken, but no one wants to relive the days when Ruben Quevedo was a part of our rotation. But, I digress. Motivated by your embrace of the beard, serious beardsman Dave Bush was this close no-hitting the Phillies if not for mythic Matt Stairs’ home run in the eighth inning (I’m sure they hammered your ass for that, Matt). Chinstrap enthusiast Yovani Gallardo even looked impressive in a complete game win against the hopeless Astros. Is it possible that Braden Looper would pitch even better if he had a chin curtain or extended mutton chops? Think about it, Ken. Not everyone benefited from your beard shenanigans, though. Rickie Weeks still needs to remember what it’s like to take a walk or cleanly field and throw a baseball, and Jorge Julio needs to be left at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. But apart from those minor issues, your unconventional moves are starting to pay off. Keep it up, Ken. Best Regards, Rob Vosters
Apr 26th, 2009 by Adam Lovinus
All left turns
As someone who often blurs the lines between spiritual and secular, I’m a big fan of “Turn, Turn, Turn” by the Byrds. The song’s peace-anthem lyrics, which were inspired by Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, still feel relevant today. As I was researching the penman, Pete Seeger, I noticed a comment that asked, “What’s an Ecclesiastes?”At first, that question made me chuckle. After more than 15 years of religion classes, Ecclesiastes is just as common to me as, say, Deuteronomy. But when I started thinking back over these and other Old Testament books, I also realized the truth behind the statement: “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” Maybe one reason the world is round is because everything really does come full circle. When Ecclesiastes was written, most of the population was working “green” jobs, such as sheep herding, fishing, farming and baking (with 100% organic ingredients). But there was another occupation that was fairly common too – which was serving in the army. And that brings us right back around to that 1965 anti-war song. Regardless of our beliefs, life does seem cyclical, doesn’t it? That’s why I’m convinced the world (heck, the entire universe) has its own rhythm. And even though we mortals can influence it to a great extent, there must be something (or in my belief system, someone) more powerful orchestrating it all. The thing is, I’m not sure if that realization comforts me or worries me. As a bit of a control freak, I’m much more comfortable being in charge than being at someone else’s mercy. And God knows this past decade alone has seen its fair share of blindsides. So what’s our paradigm today, in 2009 A.D.? It certainly has shifted since the days of Solomon and even the young days of Roger McGuinn. Is it possible to have the power and wealth (and sometimes, greed) of modern times and expect the peace and quiet of simpler days? Or am I being too romantic by imagining that peace ever existed in its truest form? And that greed didn’t? Wherever the lines are and no matter how blurred they’ve become, I have hope. I’ve seen the wonder of spring in my nieces and nephews, but I also saw my grandparents through the fall and winter of their lives. It’s those bookends – and all that lives in between – that remind me it’s all connected. We’re all really jogging on the same big track where there are plenty of turns, except ultimately they’re all in the same direction. I believe the tide will turn. In time, war will give way to peace. Tears will become laughter. Poverty will be changed into wealth. And that’s just the beginning of a brand-new upswing. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 from the Old Testament To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted A time to […]
Apr 23rd, 2009 by Michelle Sieg
Hot Coffey! (4-8)
Dear Ken Macha, You hanging in there, Ken? After another tough week filled with frustrating losses, it’s like you just can’t catch a break. While some fans are already wondering who we can jettison mid-season in order to add another starting pitcher, I think it’s a little hasty to think about those questions just yet. Perhaps our most vocal of fans are a little too accustomed to the “every game counts” mentality of the football season or maybe they just want to give Tom Haudricort an aneurysm. Either way, it’s about time we focused on some of the better moments and performances of this short season. Maybe it’ll cheer you up a bit. Let’s start with the offense. Mike Cameron is earning love from Miller Park Drunk for being the equivalent of chairs at a tailgate party. Does that make Craig Counsell the ever-helpful beer-fetching child? Corey Hart is starting strong, too, sporting a robust .385 OBP. He’ll look even more brooding on the basepaths now that he dyed his hair black. Ok, maybe that’s about all the good news on the offensive side. Everyone else is doing just enough to keep the fans at bay for now. The pitching is where you should find some solace in the poor start. Our starting pitching has been characterized as erratic, but every starting pitcher has had a quality start this week. Even Jeff Suppan had a quality start on Sunday; maybe that talking-to you gave him did some good. This hasn’t necessarily translated into success for you yet, but it’s a good sign that soon you won’t have to answer questions about your starting pitching woes from everyone with an opinion about your starting pitching woes! The bullpen, Ken, is where you can find the best news so far. Five words: Mike DiFelice and Todd Coffey. This dynamic duo is keeping you in games long enough for your defense to make game-losing errors or for your closer to blow saves — sometimes both! Throw in R.J. Swindle — what a great name for southpaw strikeout artist — and maybe you’ll be able to put your middle-relief on auto-pilot once Trevor Hoffman returns. Coffey, with his barrel-chest and ginger beard, single-handedly saved the day on Sunday, pitching out of a bases-load jam for you and then going another two innings for his first save since 2006. Even more impressive is that he hasn’t given up a run in 17 innings dating back to last year. This guy is hungry, Ken, and not just for the tasty desserts in the Metavante Club. Keep him fed with innings, save opportunities and Dippin’ Dots. There’s a lot going for you, Ken. Your team hasn’t been blown out 22-4 and you’re only 3.5 games out of first place. Plus, you get to face a struggling Phillies squad for a three game tilt starting Tuesday. Tune out the naysayers, feed the Todd and let’s get some revenge on the Phillies! Best Regards, Rob Vosters
Apr 19th, 2009 by Adam Lovinus
Blooming, unscathed
I recently went through a time when it felt like the world was against me. There seemed to be obstacles at every corner. And a few wrong turns in general. It got to the point where conflicts at work, home and within myself were distracting me from the same. So I set out to find the cause. I pointed my finger over there. Complained a little over here. Had a couple beers. And waxed poetic against the great injustices in my life – including the people I felt were orchestrating them. Then I spent some time reviewing a mental filmstrip of recent occurrences . . . When did I break that mirror? How could a black cat cross my path without me noticing it? And why on earth (so to speak) does mercury always seem to be in retrograde? Then it hit me. If it wasn’t the universe throwing my life off orbit, maybe it was me. This realization didn’t happen over night or come to me in a dream. It came from a series of conversations with myself and others. And it caused me to both pause and take action. I remembered the retreat I went on last spring and how that week at Solitude Ridge had impacted me. While I was out there, I passed the time by writing, listening to music, listening to the silence and doing a lot of hiking. I cooked nutritious food and took lots of naps. I reconciled a few things and made peace with the things I couldn’t. It was all very “Closer to Fine” of me. One of the most important things I realized during that retreat was exactly how much I don’t have control over. For example, one night there was a terrible thunderstorm, which saturated the ground and even damaged a few small trees. But the next morning, wild flowers were blooming, unscathed. Being out there also allowed me to evaluate whether I was using the powers I do have to their fullest extent. I recalled a conversation with a dear friend a few years back. We were debating how much of life is predetermined and how much is not. I firmly stated that I believe in fate. And to my surprise, she said she didn’t. What? Who says that? Who disagrees with one of the most romantic sentiments ever invented? Hasn’t she seen “Serendipity”,“You’ve Got Mail” or “Lady and the Tramp”? But then she explained . . . If we trust everything to fate, we’re surrendering one of our most important human traits – free will. Yes, things happen to us. And sometimes they’re horrible. And no, I can’t explain them. But maybe that’s why it’s so important for us to exercise control over the things we actually can impact. There’s a book out there called Change the Way You See Everything. It’s a pretty short read with long-term advice about how focusing on what’s right goes a lot further than focusing on what’s wrong. This book, which was a gift from my boss, […]
Apr 17th, 2009 by Michelle Sieg
A night on the town with TCD
The TCD crew takes you on guided tour of Depression Era cocktails for the 21st century.
Apr 16th, 2009 by Erin Petersen
Classic cocktail recipes from your friends at TCD
ThirdCoast Digest’s Erin Petersen went on the prowl for the city’s best (and most atmospheric) cocktail hours. But for those of you that aren’t feeling the bar scene, host your own Depression-Era cocktail hour at home with some of these lively libations: Brandy Old Fashioned 3 oz brandy 4 dashes Angostura bitters 1 tsp sugar 1 dash water Sweet or Sour soda (7-Up, 50/50, etc) Muddle the sugar with the bitters and the water in the bottom of an old-fashioned glass. Add the brandy, ice cubes and sweet soda. Stir, garnish with a lemon peel, and serve. If you want to make it true- Wisco style, muddle a couple of Maraschino cherries with the sugar and bitters and garnish with an orange slice. If you’re from south of the state line, use whiskey in place of brandy and mix with sour soda. Manhattan 2 oz rye whiskey 1/2 oz sweet vermouth 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters Maraschino cherry for garnish Pour all ingredients into a glass full of ice, stir well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Rob Roy 2 1/2 ounces Scotch 1 ounce sweet vermouth Dash of angostura bitters Maraschino cherry or twist of lemon peel Shake the Scotch, vermouth, and bitters with ice; then strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry or lemon peel. Sidecar 1 1/2 oz. Brandy 1/2 oz. Triple Sec 1/2 oz. Lemon or Lime Juice Combine all the ingredients in a shaker filled with ice, shake well and strain into a cocktail glass. The Kentucky Dandy 2 oz. Maker’s Mark 4 oz. Ginger beer Stir, then add a dash of cayenne pepper. Serve over ice in an 8 oz. tumbler. Thanks to Howie Goldklang for this recipe! The Blue Blazer 2 1/2 ounces Whiskey 2 1/2 ounces Boiling Water 1 Teaspoon Powdered Sugar 1 Lemon wedge 1 Lemon Twist Take two large fireproof mugs. In one, pour in the whiskey. In the other, pour in the water. With a match or lighter, ignite the whiskey. To mix the whiskey and water, pour the liquids back and forth cup to cup about four or five times which will create the effect of liquid fire. To the blended whiskey and water, stir in the powdered sugar and squeeze in the lemon wedge. Pour into a 4-ounce heat proof whiskey glass and garnish with lemon wedge. Recipe courtesy of TCD’s own Cate Miller. Did we miss your favorite? Leave a comment and share your own fave drink tips.
Apr 16th, 2009 by Amy Elliott
Holy Rollercoaster
This time of year always reminds me of the 6 am Easter service I attended as a kid. The entire Sieg family would wake up early and, with our eyes half open, prepare for worship at St. John’s of Antrim Township, the sister of our usual church. We attended that particular church on that particular day because Mom and Dad thought sunrise was the best time to observe Easter. Either that or it was the fresh egg bake and warm cinnamon rolls being served by the Ladies Aid afterward. My family would sit somewhere near the front-of-the-back of the church, where my sisters and I could show off our frilly, pastel-colored Easter dresses (if they weren’t under our winter jackets). And we could see that the rest of the congregation was also wearing the best of their Sunday bests. As worship began, joyful music ushered in the Pastor, who wore a white stole to signify the resurrection and the life. And the Easter lilies filled the chapel with wonderful hints of hope. Ah, Easter Sunday – a joyous time, indeed. And to think it wasn’t all that long ago that Jesus was on the rollercoaster known as the Lenten season. Today, Lent is usually observed by attending dark and somber Wednesday night services – right before you head over to Target for bright and beautiful Easter baskets filled with Jelly Bellies, Peeps and of course, Cadbury eggs. (Although, I’ve always thought the best thing about those eggs was actually the commercial). The famous Cadbury Egg commercial Once Easter arrives, it’s easy to forget that Jesus had just returned from history’s first-ever silent retreat in the wilderness. And when I say “wilderness,” I’m not talking about an Eddie Bauer tent and a self-inflating mattress, or an REI single-wall shelter, which even most Subaru drivers consider “roughing it.” I’m talking about the desert. Where the original Survivorman spent 40 days alone fasting, praying and resisting temptation. First, Satan told him to change a rock into bread and feed himself. Then he asked him to worship him in order to receive the kingdom. Next, Satan told Jesus to jump off a cliff and be saved by his father. Oh Satan, if you watched any Lifetime Movie Network at all, you would know Jesus’ family actually had a much more dramatic salvation in mind. So instead, Jesus told Satan to jump off a cliff. And a few days later, he received a wonderful homecoming as he rode into Jerusalem. Atop a donkey. People waved palm branches to welcome Jesus as a king. (I’m pretty sure they used them as donkey pooper scoopers as well. Hey – just because it’s not in the Bible doesn’t mean it didn’t happen.) Later in the week, Jesus made dinner plans with a bunch of his friends for Thursday night. Toasts were made, dinner was shared – and so were sentiments. To walk off the wine, Jesus took a quiet stroll in the garden. And that’s when the real trouble […]
Apr 9th, 2009 by Michelle Sieg
great Chipotle recipes
I don’t normally plug chain restaurants, but Chipotle is one I’d like to have in my own neighborhood. The meat they use is a special attraction to me because every time I’ve supped there, everything from the steak to the chicken or pork has been tender and lean. Although I generally prefer independently owned places, I recently stopped in an a Mexican eatery, to remain nameless, that served meat so tough and greasy it was inedible. With both pinto and black beans and fajita-style vegetables on the menu, Chipotle works for vegetarians as well. Even for my friend who is a strict macrobiotic vegetarian. For about $10 bucks you can have a massive burrito with a beer or Margarita. The Margaritas are large, potent and also rank with the best I’ve had at corner-in-the-wall ethnic gems. For just a couple of dollars more, you can have outstanding (it tastes like what I make at home) guacamole and chips. None of the stores have the convenience of drive through service and according to corporate sources, that’s not in the works. Considering the prices, the fast buffet service and the quality of product, I would project Chipotle to be relatively recession proof. Chipotle does not offer coupons or specials, but if you come in on Halloween dressed like a Chipotle burrito, your burrito is on the house. Two recipes from Chipotle Ancho Chile Marinade for Meat by Steve Ells, Founder & CEO, Chipotle Mexican Grill 1 pkg (2 oz.) dried ancho chilis or dried pepper of choice 1 tsp. black pepper 2 tsp. cumin powder 2 tbsp. fresh oregano, chopped 6 cloves garlic 1/2 red onion, quartered 1/4 cup vegetable oil 4 cuts of meat of choice Soak dry chilis in water overnight or until soft. Remove seeds. Add all ingredients except meat in food processor. Puree until smooth. Spread mixture over meat and refrigerate at least one hour, up to 24 hours. Heat grill to about 400 degrees, or if cooking inside heat small amount of oil in skillet or grill pan over high heat. Salt meat to taste. Grill meat about 4 minutes per side, depending upon thickness, until done. Serve with rice, black beans, or choice of side dish. Garnish with fresh cilantro. Chipotle Adobo Marinade for Grilled Vegetables by Steve Ells, Founder & CEO, Chipotle Mexican Grill 1 small can Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce 1 – 2 tbs. Soft butter (olive oil for vegans) 1 – 2 tsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice Use four tablespoons of the Chipotle adobo sauce. Save the Chipotle peppers for another use. Mix adobo sauce with butter and lemon juice. Brush over vegetables before and during grilling. Salt and pepper to taste. Recommended vegetables Corn on the cob Peel back husks but don’t remove remove silks. Brush with adobo mixture, rehusk and wrap in foil. Grill 10 – 15 minutes, turning occasionally until tender. Japanese eggplants Quarter lengthwise and parboil until bright in color (2 – 3 minutes). Brush with adobo mixture. […]
Apr 8th, 2009 by Cate Miller
