VITAL
further details and terms
We posted last week that auditions are being held at the Milwaukee Theatre before the June 5-7 run of the national tour of The Wizard of Oz for additional munchkins in the form of local children. A closer look at the tour's website revealed, however, some qualifiers that will be a boon for some local groups, but a limitation to individual parents that should be known.
Apr 27th, 2009 by Brian Jacobson
Anvil! The Story of Anvil vs. Heavy Metal in Baghdad
both films share a very important message for every struggling musician out there trying to keep the faith while grasping for the brass ring (be it rock stardom or the freedom to grow your hair long without getting lynched): stick with it long enough, and eventually, a documentary filmmaker will come along to tell your story and make you famous.
Apr 27th, 2009 by DJ Hostettler
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
The EPIC FAIL of MySpace (and why Facebook is next)
As users of Facebook.com "vote" for a bill of rights and the founders of MySpace starting turning a foot towards the door, some thoughts about how low-culture and not 'the nightclub' analogy is to blame for social networking sites downfalls
Apr 26th, 2009 by Brian Jacobson
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
Tulip, Starbuck, and the Death of Chivalry (A Reaction to Peach & Sparrow)
if the damsel in distress is going to suddenly fight back (Joss Whedon’s initial idea for Buffy the Vampire Slayer came from the idea that the classic hot blonde victim from every horror movie suddenly would turn around and kick the monster’s ass), she’s going to have to take some punches too.
Apr 23rd, 2009 by DJ Hostettler
Ain’t Misbehavin’s Trenyce Cobbins dishes on the show
"It's amazing," says Cobbins. "Now it's like a well-oiled machine - but somehow it's a different show every day. [Players] keep adding to the show. The way you say a line, a harmony with more emotional investment in it."
Apr 22nd, 2009 by Brian Jacobson
Q & A SMACKDOWN with ANDREW GORZALSKI of MONDO LUCHA
The First Mondo Lucha took place last fall, and watching was like having your senses slammed onto a sweaty mat. A misfit crew of masked luchador wrestlers, circus performers, a house band (this show the band is Maritime), and tantalizing burlesque dancers gave the audience the wow wow wee, and left everyone hungry for more. TCD caught up with Mondo Lucha co-producer and promoter Andrew Gorzalski to ask him about the second Mondo Lucha this Saturday, April 25 at Turner Hall Ballroom.
Apr 22nd, 2009 by Tea Krulos
Performance and Visual Art Openings April 22-29
This Spring week's new offerings include a night of comedy and trivia at the Cedarburg Cultural Center, a play offering an unusual look at waitressing, the return of Insurgent, . Here are some openings and highlights.....
Apr 21st, 2009 by Brian Jacobson
Cherry Orchard at the Milwaukee Rep
The drama also fluently moves through comedy and sadness, although it would have been interesting to see if Chekhov felt enough of the maudlin -- which he hated -- was removed. The dual nature of this play has always haunted each staging, and this one has decided to end on the overly sentimental and tearful instead of farce.
Apr 21st, 2009 by Brian Jacobson
Britain’s Got Talent, But Will You Care Tomorrow?
I’d like to throw a wet blanket of cynicism over our little beach blanket party and ask the following question: Will the Susan Boyle story finally expose American Idol to the general populace as a complete joke?
Apr 20th, 2009 by DJ Hostettler
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
