2007-12 Vital Source Mag – December 2007
Holiday Fun Guide
It’s hard to get into the “seasonal spirit” amidst mobbed malls, wintry wind chill and foul fruitcake. But besides these holiday high jinks, there’s enough merriness and cheer for all to enjoy in Milwaukee.
Dec 1st, 2007 by Vital Archives
Northern State
By A.L. Herzog Female hip-hoppers Spero, Hesta Prynn and DJ Sprout are pushing thirty, but they still sound like snot-nosed kids who rhyme as if double-Dutching in the schoolyard or cheering at a high school football game. On their third full-length record, their political agenda is never in question, and though they’re outspoken, they’re also hilarious, if sometimes unintentionally hard to follow. “Sucka Motha Fucka,” thematically along the lines of TLC’s “No Scrubs,” offers concise wordage, several “oh snap!” moments and a name-check of Al Gore. The girls also name-check themselves and each other quite often. It’s annoying filler that may be an imitation of what “rap” is supposed to be. Three albums in and their clear lack of composure perseveres. “Cold War” and “Things I’ll Do,” two recommended songs, open up dialogue on gender relativity. Talk of marriage, babies, money, work, etc. are addressed on the former, while the latter is an anti-feminist rant that, because it’s so cheeky, remains completely inoffensive. What is offensive is that purposeful tracks like the aforementioned are amongst loafers like “Cowboy Man” (ripped from Madonna’s “Ray of Light”) and Spice Girl-esque concessions like “Run Off the Road,” single “Better Already,” and closer “Fall Apart.” Isn’t there a better group to imitate? A smart, spry group like Northern State definitely shouldn’t go away; with ducks in a row, they’d be commendable. If given the chance, maybe the fourth time can be their charm.
Dec 1st, 2007 by Amber Herzog
Learning to Fly
There will be parties and openings. There will be better, more informed coverage of and commentary on local culture from the ground up, ramping up our website so we can bring you even more new stuff all month long. And starting with this issue, we’re commissioning our covers for at least the next year. Each will feature original artwork created just for VITAL by some of the city’s most talented painters, illustrators and photographers. It may or may not be related to anything inside the book; it’s a canvas, not a story illustration. And it’s pretty damn exciting.
Dec 1st, 2007 by Jon Anne Willow
Robert Plant/Alison Krauss
If you’re an Alison Krauss fan, this is another jewel in what must be a heavy crown. If you’re a Robert Plant enthusiast and have admired his career of lefts and rights, you should pick this one up. If you’re one of those Plant fans who are still waiting for “Achilles’ Second Last Stand,” you should pass.
Dec 1st, 2007 by Troy Butero
What Gives?
By Kenya Evans, Brian Jacobson, April Jones & Amy Elliott DONATIONS One fairly obvious – and fabulously generous – gift that gives is a donation in someone else’s name. These unique organizations won’t leave your recipients snarling wicked holiday wishes under their breath. a. Ducks! Real, live ducks! $20 Heifer International – heifer.org Who’d imagine a mule, a cow or some simple farming tips had the power to alleviate poverty, hunger and the degradation of the earth? Heifer provides an incredible opportunity for communities in developing countries; sustainability is instilled through training, the offspring of gift-animals spread the wealth and spread hope, dignity and self-reliance in the neighborhood. A flock of ducks ($20) can almost triple a family’s income in China. Give a bicycle and more! $46 – $100 World Gifts – worldgifts.cafod.org.uk World Gifts works with more than 500 partners to help poor countries find long-term solutions. You give a gift, and someone else gets a gift from CAFOD, the Catholic aid agency. Worms for composting plus seeds and tools for sowing runs about $46, a bicyle runs around $100. Your gift buys a bicycle for a health worker who can more easily travel to remote villages in poor countries to treat or prevent killer diseases. A bicycle also allows health workers to bring comfort and advice to the sick and their families when they need it most. An amazing gift for the cyclist in your life. Support small business $25 Kiva – kiva.org Maybe you’re an honorary loan officer for your kids or your unlucky friends, but Kiva gives you the opportunity to lend to entrepreneurs in impoverished communities across the globe, empowering them to “lift themselves out of poverty” and into economic independence. Kiva partners with microfinance institutions to ensure that endeavors are legit. The best part is that you’re helping people who are on their way to financial freedom. ORGANIC AND NATURAL With smaller local farmers struggling, this niche market is a lifesaver. Established and neophyte grocery and specialty shops in Milwaukee have ready-to-give holiday items; some even have online ordering and cross-country shipping. Beans and Barley gift card $40 Beans and Barley – beansandbarley.com 1901 East North Ave. 414-278-7878 An eclectic health food market and a popular café, this East Side institution also has artsy offerings for stocking stuffers. A $40 café gift certificate for two should cover the works: drinks, appetizers, dinner and maybe even a scrumptious dessert. Giftcards may be purchased in any amount. VITAL does not recomend stuffing stockings with actual appetizers, drinks or desserts. Outpost Natural Foods ownership $25 Outpost Natural Foods outpostnaturalfoods.coop Wauwatosa, Bay View and Capitol Dr. in Milwaukee 414-431-3377 Milwaukee’s original food co-op now sports three area locations. Buy someone a one-year “ownership” for $25 and they’ll get special discounts, rewards and the monthly Exchange Magazine. Teach your kids a lesson in responsibility by allowing them to invest in something that will not leave a stain your carpet or wear out the tube on your TV. b. Oskri […]
Dec 1st, 2007 by Amy Elliott
Richard and Linda Thompson
Richard Thompson is a hardly a household name these days, but back in 1975 he was a true cult artist.
Dec 1st, 2007 by Blaine Schultz
Bottomless Pit
Could Bottomless Pit have chosen a more apt title for their excellent debut release than Hammer of the Gods? The songs on this eight-song disc pummel and crack with the deliberate force of Thor’s enchanted hammer, Mjolnir.
Dec 1st, 2007 by DJ Hostettler
Carrying A Knife In To The Gunfight
His real name is Edmund Makowski, but around town he’s known as poet Eddie Kilowatt. It suits him to a tee: his persona is electric indeed, and it shines through in his slender new book of poetry, Carrying A Knife In To The Gunfight.
Dec 1st, 2007 by Judith Ann Moriarty
Blue wings and hearing loss
Without warning, he fires, and my left ear – only inches away from his gun – explodes. The ex-duck has barely hit the water before I realize something has gone very, very wrong.
Dec 1st, 2007 by Matt Wild
Stretch your Brain
A few days ago, I opened my email to find the following message from a friend: ANTI-GOD MOVIE WARNING “I almost had this book in my hand for a Christmas present for my son, but found something else. I’m glad ... I just got this message today."
Dec 1st, 2007 by Lucky Tomaszek
