tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87246200543870764672024-03-12T18:40:28.559-05:00TILNEYandRYANTILNEYandRYANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02077094389844837535noreply@blogger.comBlogger187125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724620054387076467.post-67963621560758294682011-12-25T11:41:00.000-06:002011-12-25T11:41:24.268-06:00Merry Christmas to You!Here's to a wonderful Christmas for you and your family. Happy Ho Ho Holidays to all, and to all a good night!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y5UItwO-GYo/TvdfkP2_nmI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/O6Fv-sjuvjk/s1600/card_christmas_caucasian_santa_claus_a2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="1px" border-color="Black" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y5UItwO-GYo/TvdfkP2_nmI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/O6Fv-sjuvjk/s400/card_christmas_caucasian_santa_claus_a2.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724620054387076467.post-3201339173212222952011-11-24T20:59:00.001-06:002011-11-24T21:09:45.977-06:00Gratitude<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://manvsgeorge.etsy.com/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7_JyjbVD6nA/Ts73M-rPqWI/AAAAAAAAA6A/3gjLIpsutzc/s400/turkey.jpg" width="340" /></a></div><br />
We hope you are having a wonderful day with family and friends. Here are a few things we're thankful for this year, in no particular order:<br />
<br />
<ul><li><b>Our families!</b> Near or far, they are with us always. When we do have the chance to spend time in person, we are reminded of why they are our favorite people in the universe.</li>
<li><b>Our friends!</b> We feel lucky every time we see our friends. They are smart and funny and interesting and talented and quirky and lively. And most of them stay up far later than us on weeknights, so they are obviously superheroes.</li>
<li><b>Our <a href="http://manvsgeorge.etsy.com/" target="_blank">MAN vs. GEORGE DESIGN</a> supporters!</b> As we approach the MvG 3rd anniversary (coming up in January), we reflect on all the businesses that took a chance getting their logos and business cards designed by a new company, all the friends and strangers (and strangers who became friends) who bought greeting cards and prints from us, all the happy couples who came to us looking for a bold and modern spin on their save the dates and wedding invitations. With your support, our little business has grown each year, and you can now find our cards in 32 stores around the country! (Check out our <a href="http://g.co/maps/tqswu" target="_blank">retail map</a>.)</li>
<li><b>Facebook!</b> No, seriously. FB made it possible for us to reconnect with friends from the recent and distant past (all the way back to T's best friends from elementary school in Cincinnati!). Through the magic of Facebook, we found a loving home for George this year, when T's cat allergy went haywire. It takes a family with a very big heart to take in a 12-year-old lady cat. Considering her new family is in Michigan, and the man of the house is a friend from high school whom T hasn't seen since the mid-1990s, and the lady of the house cooks organic whole foods for George each day, and the daughter of the house has turned George into a cuddling machine (anybody who met George before would find this fact especially impressive)...you can see how lucky we feel to have these amazing people in our lives. So, thanks, Facebook, for reconnecting us and providing a tool for us to get George updates any time we need a little feline photo fix. (And even bigger thanks, D and J and K, for loving and caring for our crazy little cat...) </li>
<li><b>The Internet!</b> Yes, our final shout-out goes out to the tubes and wires that comprise Ye Olde Interwebz. Without it, T would probably never have discovered <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/amazingly-good-eggnog/" target="_blank">this recipe</a>. Which is our new favorite holiday tradition. As of this morning. And continuing on through the evening. And probably tomorrow. Good god, y'all.</li>
<li><b>Each other!</b> Every day, we look at each other and thank our lucky stars we found our way to each other in this big world of people. Thank you, universe!</li>
</ul><br />
Be safe and happy this weekend, all! <br />
<br />
xo,<br />
T and RUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724620054387076467.post-70964468299677624202010-12-31T14:01:00.000-06:002010-12-31T14:01:18.707-06:00Happy New Year!With 2011 just around the corner, we'd like to take a moment to thank our friends and families for making our world a better place! We may not write or call (or blog) as often as we'd like, but we sure do think about you a lot.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/TR4wsS5c9sI/AAAAAAAAA4c/R3RINlL53pI/s1600/sassy_reindeer_a2-front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/TR4wsS5c9sI/AAAAAAAAA4c/R3RINlL53pI/s320/sassy_reindeer_a2-front.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><br />
2010 has been a wonderful year, on balance. The things in the negative column (we seem to lose a major appliance each winter...this year it was the washing machine; we also had to replace our roof and do some structural repairs to the attic this summer) were pretty trivial, in the grand scheme of things. And they were far outweighed by the things in the positive column, such as...<br />
<br />
<ul><li>Another beautiful Christmas, a fun Thanksgiving, and an eggcellent Easter with family in Chicago</li>
<li>Celebrating the fireworks holidays with friends in Wisconsin</li>
<li>Meeting a phenomenally talented group of artisans through <a href="http://www.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Etsy</a>, the <a href="http://craftacular.glitterworkshop.com/" target="_blank">Craftacular</a> shows, and the <a href="http://www.oneofakindshowchicago.com/ooakchicago/index.cfm/home/" target="_blank">One of a Kind Show</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.oneofakindshowchicago.com/ooakchicago/index.cfm/home/" target="_blank"></a>Relaxing vacations to Puerto Vallarta (late winter) and Seattle + Vancouver (fall)</li>
<li>Great concerts thanks to the the <a href="http://pabsttheater.org/" target="_blank">Pabst / Riverside / Turner Hall Ballroom</a> empire</li>
<li>Cinematic enrichment compliments of the ever-intriguing <a href="http://www.milwaukee-film.org/">Milwaukee Film Festival</a></li>
<li>Dozens of lazy Sunday morning blueberry pancake breakfasts</li>
</ul><br />
...and many other moments, small and large, that made this year special. <br />
<br />
We hope you have a safe and happy New Year's Eve celebration and that 2011 is full of wonder and joy!<br />
<br />
Cheers from Milwaukee,<br />
T & R<br />
<br />
<i>[Image credit: <a href="http://manvsgeorge.etsy.com/">MAN vs. GEORGE DESIGN</a>]</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724620054387076467.post-45768189611099094032010-11-10T21:06:00.004-06:002010-11-14T16:43:08.379-06:00Visit MAN vs. GEORGE DESIGN at the 2010 One of a Kind Show in Chicago (Dec 2-5)!Check it out, peeps! Free tickets to THE shopping experience of the holiday season! We'll be there...will you? <br />
<div class="gmail_quote"><div class="gmail_quote"><div></div><div></div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="padding-bottom: 20px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-top: 20px;" valign="top"><div style="text-align: right;"><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: #7ac143; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 28px;"></span></div><span style="color: #7ac143; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 28px;"></span></div><span style="color: #7ac143; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Visit <b>MAN vs. GEORGE DESIGN</b> at the 2010 One of a Kind Show in Chicago!</span> <br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/TOBlTP848PI/AAAAAAAAA4U/ZqkhhQWsNnU/s1600/logo_w_stripes.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/TOBlTP848PI/AAAAAAAAA4U/ZqkhhQWsNnU/s200/logo_w_stripes.gif" width="200" /></a></div>4 DAYS ONLY<span style="color: #7ac143; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 28px;"></span><br />
THE MERCHANDISE MART<br />
<b>December 2–5, 2010</b></div><br />
You and a guest are invited to receive <span style="color: #eb539e;">COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS</span> to the One of a Kind Show Chicago for all 4 days, compliments of your friends at:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">MAN vs. GEORGE DESIGN</span> </b><br />
<b>Visit us in Booth 3023 <br />
in the Etsy Artist Pavilion</b></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #00aca1;"><b><a href="http://links.mkt1718.com/ctt?kn=7&m=35950210&r=NjUxNjk3OTAwOAS2&b=0&j=ODU3Njg4MDkS1&mt=1&rt=0" name="12c1475b3ad2e4a9_12c1423cabc3a42e_12c13d8638a70ff7_www_microspec_com_tix123_etic_" style="color: #00aca1;" target="_blank">Click here</a> to get your free tickets online</b></span></div><br />
Find one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your holiday list when you shop the imaginative, handmade creations of more than 600 artists from across North America. Find everything you won’t find with traditional retail shopping.<br />
<br />
<b>Preview our latest offerings and holiday cards at <a href="http://manvsgeorge.etsy.com/" target="_blank">manvsgeorge.etsy.com</a>.</b><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #eb539e;"><a href="http://links.mkt1718.com/ctt?kn=6&m=35950210&r=NjUxNjk3OTAwOAS2&b=0&j=ODU3Njg4MDkS1&mt=1&rt=0" name="12c1475b3ad2e4a9_12c1423cabc3a42e_12c13d8638a70ff7_www_oneofakindshowchicago_com" target="_blank">See the full list of artists, gift ideas, and programming.</a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top"><img alt="One of a Kind Show Chicago" border="0" height="161" src="http://contenta.mkt1718.com/ra/2010/27147/11/35950210/ooak-chicago-logo-buttons2.jpg" title="One of a Kind Show Chicago" usemap="#12c1475b3ad2e4a9_12c1423cabc3a42e_12c13d8638a70ff7_Map2" width="400" /> <map name="12c1475b3ad2e4a9_12c1423cabc3a42e_12c13d8638a70ff7_Map2"><area alt="Show Video" coords="155,193,287,247" href="http://links.mkt1718.com/ctt?kn=5&m=35950210&r=NjUxNjk3OTAwOAS2&b=0&j=ODU3Njg4MDkS1&mt=1&rt=0" name="www_oneofakindshowchicago_1" shape="rect" target="_blank"></area><area alt="Artist Locator" coords="10,190,148,246" href="http://links.mkt1718.com/ctt?kn=11&m=35950210&r=NjUxNjk3OTAwOAS2&b=0&j=ODU3Njg4MDkS1&mt=1&rt=0" name="www_oneofakindshowchicago_2" shape="rect" target="_blank"></area></map></td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top"><img alt="Sponsors and Partners" height="193" src="http://contenta.mkt1718.com/ra/2010/27147/11/35950210/ooak-chicago-sponsors-partners.jpg" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-top: rgb(204,204,204) 1px dotted; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 15px; padding-right: 15px; padding-top: 15px;">Find MAN vs. GEORGE DESIGN on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/manvsgeorge" name="12c1475b3ad2e4a9_12c1423cabc3a42e_12c13d8638a70ff7_www_facebook_com__ref_logo___p" target="_blank"><img alt="Facebook" border="0" height="20" src="http://contenta.mkt1718.com/ra/2010/27147/11/35950210/fb_icon.jpg" width="20" /></a> <a href="http://links.mkt1718.com/servlet/MailView?ms=MzU5NTAyMTAS1&r=NjUxNjk3OTAwOAS2&j=ODU3Njg4MDkS1&mt=1&rt=0" name="12c1475b3ad2e4a9_12c1423cabc3a42e_12c13d8638a70ff7_click_view" target="_blank"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td><img alt="MMPI Footer" border="0" height="83" src="http://contenta.mkt1718.com/ra/2010/27147/11/35950210/emmpi_mmart_pd_footer.jpg" usemap="#12c1475b3ad2e4a9_12c1423cabc3a42e_12c13d8638a70ff7_Map" width="400" /></td></tr>
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</tbody></table><map name="12c1475b3ad2e4a9_12c1423cabc3a42e_12c13d8638a70ff7_Map"><area alt="The Merchandise Mart" coords="288,5,396,70" href="http://links.mkt1718.com/ctt?kn=4&m=35950210&r=NjUxNjk3OTAwOAS2&b=0&j=ODU3Njg4MDkS1&mt=1&rt=0" name="www_mmart_com_" shape="rect" target="_blank"></area><area alt="Merchandise Mart Properties" coords="427,7,585,79" href="http://links.mkt1718.com/ctt?kn=8&m=35950210&r=NjUxNjk3OTAwOAS2&b=0&j=ODU3Njg4MDkS1&mt=1&rt=0" name="www_merchandisemartproper_2" shape="rect" target="_blank"></area></map><br />
<img src="http://open.mkt1718.com/open/log/35950210/NjUxNjk3OTAwOAS2/0/ODU3Njg4MDkS1/1/0" /></div></div><span style="color: #888888;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #888888;"><i><span style="color: black;">(Note: Even though the top of the online ticketing form says your name/address info must match your credit card, since these are the Complimentary Passes you will not have to enter your credit card information!)</span></i></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724620054387076467.post-85073179914146791972010-10-29T17:55:00.000-05:002010-10-29T17:55:11.416-05:00On the Road - An Anniversary Tradition (2010 Edition)Since our wedding anniversary is just over a week after the anniversary of when we met (separated by several years, of course), the Mr. and I have made it a new tradition to take a vacation during Anniversary Season each year. And the season is upon us now! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/TMtJyHDY1UI/AAAAAAAAA30/VCcY_Ohei98/s1600/200298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/TMtJyHDY1UI/AAAAAAAAA30/VCcY_Ohei98/s200/200298.jpg" width="157" /></a></div>Marking one year after our wedding, we went to <b>Vegas, baby!</b> Which reminds me, I never did tell you the story of how we went to see Wayne Brady's amazing one-man variety show and he pulled me up on stage for some improv comedy hijinks. (The punchline is: "There I was, on the stage at the Venetian, down on all fours, Wayne Brady riding me like a donkey." TRUE.)<br />
<br />
To celebrate our 2nd wedding anniversary, we made a pilgrimage to our nation's capital, <b>Washington, DC</b>. We stayed in a beautiful brownstone around the corner from the Iraqi Embassy in Dupont Circle. In the Capitol building, we saw Nancy Pelosi walk by with one of my high school friends (he is now one of her advisors). And we witnessed Christopher Hitchens attempt to convince someone sitting next to him at a bar in an Indian restaurant that <i><a href="http://www.harpers.org/" target="_blank">Harper's</a> </i>is not the same thing as <a href="http://www.harpersbazaar.com/" target="_blank"><i>Harper's Bazaar</i></a>. (Nor indeed are they "close enough".)<br />
<br />
This time, we are heading to <b>Seattle </b>and <b>Vancouver, BC</b>. We have never traveled to the Pacific Northwest, and we are greatly looking forward to it. Not least because in Seattle, we are staging a reunion with four of my high school friends who have all landed there since our days at Groves! Facebook, have I told thee lately how much I adore thee? We are meeting at <a href="http://unicornseattle.com/" target="_blank">The Unicorn</a>, a bar founded earlier this year by my h.s. friend Adam. Here's a link to <a href="http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/bar-exam/Content?oid=3349949" target="_blank">a review</a> -- I can't wait!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/TMtOoRPBRSI/AAAAAAAAA34/U0fMikC5VYU/s1600/image002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/TMtOoRPBRSI/AAAAAAAAA34/U0fMikC5VYU/s200/image002.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>We'll stay three nights in Seattle, then up to Vancouver for four nights. We are taking the train from Seattle to Vancouver -- we hear it is beautiful!<br />
<br />
We have no agenda for this vacation other than relaxing, drinking a lot of coffee to counterbalance the relaxation (OK, that's just me), eating great Asian food, checking out the local museums, taking in the scenery, and celebrating three years of wedded bliss (and overall nine years together!).Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724620054387076467.post-62798181628003163172010-08-05T19:39:00.001-05:002010-08-08T20:58:07.752-05:00Getting CraftyRyan and I have spent the last several weeks up to our eyeballs in <a href="http://manvsgeorge.etsy.com/">MAN vs. GEORGE DESIGN greeting cards</a>. Our living room is like a Hallmark store, except with way cooler cards. ;-) <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/TF9eClcq5AI/AAAAAAAAA3c/Da-YX1AooQU/s1600/card_inventory_in_progress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/TF9eClcq5AI/AAAAAAAAA3c/Da-YX1AooQU/s320/card_inventory_in_progress.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Why all the hubbub? We are preparing for the <a href="http://craftacular.glitterworkshop.com/">Sixth Annual Summer Craftacular</a>, to be held Sunday, August 15 in Madison. There will be 81 vendor selling all manner of handmade goodies from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the East Side Club on the banks of Lake Monona. We will be at booth #27, on the lower level (right by the tiki bar!). <br />
<br />
The first 50 shoppers through the doors in the morning receive a Craftacular swag bag, full of coupons and giveaways from the vendors, including our special offer pictured below: a card entitling you to 10% off your entire MAN vs. GEORGE order, on the day of show or via our <a href="http://manvsgeorge.etsy.com/">Etsy shop</a> through the end of August. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/TF9eO4MQG4I/AAAAAAAAA3k/-z_qa_fiWfw/s1600/P1170641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/TF9eO4MQG4I/AAAAAAAAA3k/-z_qa_fiWfw/s320/P1170641.jpg" /></a></div><br />
We hope to see you there!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724620054387076467.post-18761292345391970902010-07-04T14:52:00.007-05:002010-07-05T01:14:14.912-05:00Happy Independence Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/TDFzqAYexxI/AAAAAAAAA3U/3VkY3qni4Dw/s1600/manvsgeorge_invitation_4th_of_july.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/TDFzqAYexxI/AAAAAAAAA3U/3VkY3qni4Dw/s320/manvsgeorge_invitation_4th_of_july.jpg" /></a></div>It's America's birthday! Here's to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.<br />
<br />
We are off to Hartland to celebrate with our friends Weber and Traci and their awesome daughters. To ensure we get asked back next year, we are bringing brownies that we baked in the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000MMK448?ie=UTF8&tag=t033f-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000MMK448" target="_blank">all-edge brownie pan</a> -- always a crowd pleaser!<br />
<br />
May your day be festive, fun, and safe.<br />
<br />
<i>(Image: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/48925100/fourth-of-july-party-invitations-set-of" target="_blank">MAN vs. GEORGE DESIGN</a>) </i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724620054387076467.post-85734076141240813762010-06-30T12:57:00.000-05:002010-06-30T12:57:12.329-05:00MAN vs. GEORGE - June NewsletterYou may or may not be aware that MAN vs. GEORGE has a monthly newsletter. It features pretty pictures and entertaining stories of the latest graphic design projects around the studio. Here is a link to this month's edition:<br />
<blockquote><a href="http://r.nbrmail.com/Resources/3672/26839/2052/22970803/onlineversion.axd" target="_blank">George's Notebook - June 2010 - News from MAN vs. GEORGE DESIGN</a></blockquote>To keep up with all the latest MvG news, images, and special offers, you can sign up for the newsletter <a href="http://www.manvsgeorge.com/contact.html" target="_blank">here</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724620054387076467.post-36137360039076896062010-06-22T06:55:00.039-05:002010-06-28T09:15:37.687-05:00Bad Blogger!So, I've been TERRIBLE at keeping up with the blog this year, as you can see from my meager postings thus far in 2010. Here's the first six months of the year in thirty seconds or less:<br />
<ul><li>Puerto Vallarta was great! We especially enjoyed the swim-up bar, swimming in the ocean every day, and parasailing! </li>
<li>MAN vs. GEORGE opened an online shop for greeting cards on Etsy, the place for all things handmade. You can find it here: <a href="http://manvsgeorge.etsy.com/">http://manvsgeorge.etsy.com</a></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/TCit9Gj8bSI/AAAAAAAAA3M/LXksXTV4mFA/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/TCit9Gj8bSI/AAAAAAAAA3M/LXksXTV4mFA/s320/photo.jpg" /></a></div>We took home first prize in Katy and Nunzino's 11th Annual Easter Egg Dyeing Competition, with our entry "The Easter Mummy Conquers the Pyramid of Eggypt". </li>
<li>We went to some great concerts (and a great variety of them, too): The Flaming Lips, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, and the "Infinite Stairways" CD release parties for Milwaukee jazz guitarist Steve Peplin. </li>
</ul>As for what the second half of the year will hold? It's anyone's guess!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724620054387076467.post-30180123692391276172010-02-13T13:09:00.000-06:002010-02-13T13:09:17.309-06:00Mexico CountdownAmid the crazy cold temperatures and seemingly record snowfall here in Wisconsin, we are soooo excited to be going to Mexico next month! We've booked 6 nights at the <a href="http://www.riu.com/en-us/Paises/mexico/nuevo-vallarta-riviera-nayarit/hotel-riu-palace-pacifico/hotel_fotos.jsp" target="_blank">Riu Palace Pacifico</a>, a resort near Puerto Vallarta. Here is a photo of part of its pool, with the ocean in the distance. Just 3 more weeks 'til swimsuit season!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/S3b21C2h-KI/AAAAAAAAA2I/og0heezhEUA/s1600-h/PVRRPPV_R01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/S3b21C2h-KI/AAAAAAAAA2I/og0heezhEUA/s320/PVRRPPV_R01.jpg" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724620054387076467.post-55082050466211899332009-12-24T15:17:00.002-06:002009-12-24T15:19:05.385-06:00Holiday Greetings!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/SzPZnCg6XgI/AAAAAAAAA1g/_Yx5C5Vk718/s1600-h/manvsgeorge_reindeer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/SzPZnCg6XgI/AAAAAAAAA1g/_Yx5C5Vk718/s400/manvsgeorge_reindeer.jpg" /></a><br />
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Merry Christmas, everybody! Here's hoping your 2009 holiday season is safe, happy, and bright!<br />
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Warm wishes from Tilney and Ryan<br />
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<i>(Image by <a href="http://manvsgeorge.com/" target="_blank">MAN vs GEORGE DESIGN</a>)</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724620054387076467.post-70123818442465055122009-12-03T08:04:00.002-06:002009-12-03T08:06:37.846-06:00Issa (formerly known as Jane Siberry) Comes to Milwaukee!Can I just tell you how excited I am? This has been a helluva year for music in Milwaukee, and it's coming to a close in grand style. <br />
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Between appearances by <a href="http://tilneyandryan.blogspot.com/2009/04/wes-and-eugenes-cabinet-of-wonders.html">John Wesley Harding and his Cabinet of Wonders</a> in April (OK, this was in Madison), <a href="http://tilneyandryan.blogspot.com/2009/06/were-with-eugene.html">Flight of the Conchords and Eugene Mirman</a> in May, and <a href="http://tilneyandryan.blogspot.com/search/label/PET%20SHOP%20BOYS">Pet Shop Boys</a> in September (not to mention concerts by Madeleine Peyroux and Camera Obscura to round out our entertainment calendar), I thought the year couldn't get any better. <br />
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I have never before enjoyed being so wrong.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/Sxe5ckeOuOI/AAAAAAAAA0o/W6yZWOR8byU/s1600-h/issa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/Sxe5ckeOuOI/AAAAAAAAA0o/W6yZWOR8byU/s320/issa.jpg" /></a></div>Our concert-going year is coming in for the softest, sweetest of landings with this Saturday's (12/5) show at <a href="http://www.turnerhallballroom.org/" target="_blank">Turner Hall Ballroom</a> by the one and only <a href="http://www.issalight.com/Issalight/news.html" target="_blank">Issa</a> (formerly known as Jane Siberry). <br />
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I first heard her as Jane Siberry, back in...1985 was it? My uncle Greg taped her song "The Waitress" off the radio and brought it over for my sisters and I to hear. We were hooked! I have followed her music and seen her in concert a precious handful of times in the years since, and each new album and each new show has resonated profoundly and stayed with me. <br />
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Issa's is a voice you simply must experience. Her stage presence will captivate and enchant you. You will laugh, you will cry, your heart will sing like never before. Seriously. <a href="http://www.turnerhallballroom.org/" target="_blank">Get tickets now</a>, with self-determined pricing. You will thank me later!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724620054387076467.post-11637664067664053682009-11-30T19:51:00.005-06:002009-12-05T10:33:09.889-06:00Riverside Arcade Mural Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/SxZ64nbql9I/AAAAAAAAA0g/JtHwwJqtyIw/s1600-h/photo%287%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/SxZ64nbql9I/AAAAAAAAA0g/JtHwwJqtyIw/s320/photo%287%29.jpg" /></a></div>The day after Thanksgiving, I went down to Chicago to spend time with my sisters. First stop was Riverside, where Ab and I helped install murals around the exterior of the historic Riverside Arcade Building. <br />
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The Arcade Building has been named one of Illinois' 10 most endangered landmarks, and while it awaits a preservation-minded buyer, it has been sitting empty with boarded-up windows. The good people of Riverside decided it was high time to spruce up the building, so they teamed up to design and paint a series of murals (2000 square feet in all!). <br />
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The murals depict Riverside scenes throughout the four seasons of the year. They're up now for all to enjoy, but on Friday, December 4 at 5:15 PM, there will be an official mural unveiling to kick off the holiday season. I wish I could be there! <br />
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Meanwhile, here are some photos I snapped during the installation process... <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/SxZ6kOnXAzI/AAAAAAAAAz4/U4Q-Uod4fP8/s1600-h/photo%282%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/SxZ6kOnXAzI/AAAAAAAAAz4/U4Q-Uod4fP8/s400/photo%282%29.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/SxZ6pkGlhPI/AAAAAAAAA0A/RF5vIYTacJ8/s1600-h/photo%283%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/SxZ6pkGlhPI/AAAAAAAAA0A/RF5vIYTacJ8/s400/photo%283%29.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/SxZ61ZTdK1I/AAAAAAAAA0Y/bSHfIytcnGk/s1600-h/photo%286%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/SxZ61ZTdK1I/AAAAAAAAA0Y/bSHfIytcnGk/s400/photo%286%29.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/SxZ6y-6q_cI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/kKQ7bg_BvWY/s1600-h/photo%285%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/SxZ6y-6q_cI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/kKQ7bg_BvWY/s400/photo%285%29.jpg" /></a></div><br />
And one last photo of Ab and me with our tools of the trade: matching caulk guns. Don't worry, folks, the caulk dried clear! (Photo credit: Maya Brent of <a href="http://www.abaico.com/" target="_blank">Abruzzi Brent Architectural Interiors</a>.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/SxqKAfPfcAI/AAAAAAAAA0w/wl04dKOVhcs/s1600-h/Arcade+Angels.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/SxqKAfPfcAI/AAAAAAAAA0w/wl04dKOVhcs/s400/Arcade+Angels.JPG" /></a></div><br />
This is such a great display of community spirit! For details on why the Arcade Building is empty and seeking a buyer, visit <a href="http://saveriversidearcade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Save Riverside Arcade</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724620054387076467.post-51208332997726885432009-11-26T11:33:00.000-06:002009-11-26T11:33:32.725-06:00Happy Thanksgiving!Happy Thanksgiving to all our friends, family, and any random unknown individuals who might have stumbled upon this blog. We've got a lot to be thankful for...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/Sw67wDxlZjI/AAAAAAAAAzw/1Yz8uF06CxY/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/Sw67wDxlZjI/AAAAAAAAAzw/1Yz8uF06CxY/s400/photo.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724620054387076467.post-90276792946018978102009-10-30T17:49:00.004-05:002009-10-30T17:49:00.295-05:00Anniversary in D.C.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/Sur9KmXczFI/AAAAAAAAAzo/MSk4Ad32Yww/s1600-h/union_station_by_szeke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/Sur9KmXczFI/AAAAAAAAAzo/MSk4Ad32Yww/s320/union_station_by_szeke.jpg" /></a></div>Next week we celebrate our 2-year wedding anniversary with a trip to Washington, D.C. Ryan, history and politics buff that he is, has never visited our nation's capital, so you can imagine how much he is looking forward to the trip. I sense monuments in our future, along with periods of awed silence as we observe the massive scale of our government in action. <br />
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I visited DC once, as a young teenager, on a road trip with my grandparents and sister Katy. We were there to meet up with my sister Ab, who was spending one of her college summers as an intern for a Congressional subcommittee on something, something, and something. (Forgive me, it's been a while. I remember that her subcommittee was very technical-sounding and therefore clearly important.) <br />
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I remember thinking how cool that was -- MY SISTER working alongside US Representatives in the halls of Congress. <i>(So impressive!)</i> MY SISTER wearing suits and carrying a leather padfolio! <i>(So chic!)</i> MY SISTER living in a DC apartment where she could stay up all night if she wanted to! <i>(So cosmopolitan! And perhaps more to the point, so liberated from the shackles of parental surveillance!)</i> <br />
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Such were the thoughts of 13-year-old me. I've got my own leather padfolio now, but I must admit, I still find my sister's summer in DC impressive.<br />
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We have a few travel books about the city and have a handful of must-see spots on our list, but we like to keep our advance itinerary planning somewhat loose to accommodate recommendations from friends and spontaneous discoveries. <br />
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Have you been to Washington, D.C.? What are some of your must-see recommendations? (Or any over-hyped places we should avoid?) Do you have any D.C. memories? Share yours in the comments.<br />
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Photo credit: <div about="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pedrosz/3718899807/" xmlns:cc="http://creativecommons.org/ns#"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pedrosz/" rel="cc:attributionURL">http://www.flickr.com/photos/pedrosz/</a> / <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/" rel="license">CC BY-NC-SA 2.0</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724620054387076467.post-71609445485924794502009-10-25T19:23:00.000-05:002009-10-25T19:23:11.177-05:00Swanky Swap is Back!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/SuTfqQ-4YbI/AAAAAAAAAzY/0QRp7A0OeXo/s1600-h/4446942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/SuTfqQ-4YbI/AAAAAAAAAzY/0QRp7A0OeXo/s200/4446942.jpg" /></a></div>A few weeks ago I attended the inaugural <a href="http://www.swankyswap.com/index.html" target="_blank">Swanky Swap</a> in Wauwatosa, a fun night involving a couple dozen women updating their wardrobes by swapping the best items from their closets that never get worn. <br />
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Part home improvement (I've never been so motivated to clean out my closets), part shopping spree (gently used and fashionable clothes, coats, purses, shoes, and jewelry, oh my!), part charity run (un-swapped items get donated to a worthy nonprofit), and part ladies' night (we all went to <a href="http://www.firefly-grill.com/" target="_blank">Firefly</a> for a cocktail between dropping off our swappables and returning to start the swap), the first-ever Swanky Swap was a great success. I was impressed with how well organized and professionally presented the clothes were -- organized by type (coats, pants, shirts, dresses, etc.) and then by size, hung on racks, just like in a store. There were clothes of all sizes, with mirrors and dressing rooms for us to use. Totally swank!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/SuToCMXmqpI/AAAAAAAAAzg/PvbAybXZlZQ/s1600-h/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/SuToCMXmqpI/AAAAAAAAAzg/PvbAybXZlZQ/s200/photo.jpg" /></a></div>I came home with an armful of new purses, including this gorgeous Italian leather number by Daniela Moda. I also snagged a cute Banana Republic spring clutch in robin's egg blue, a funky Ann Taylor leopard-print horsehair bag, and a sweet patterned tote from <a href="http://ladyjanebags.etsy.com" target="_blank">Lady Jane Bags</a>. *And* I set free a basket full of nice (but unwanted-by-me) clothes so they could see the world while hanging from someone else's frame. <br />
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The next Swanky Swap is scheduled for Wednesday, November 18, 2009, from 6:00 to 8:30 PM at the <a href="http://www.wauwatosahistoricalsociety.org/little_red_store.htm" target="_blank">Little Red Store</a> in the Village of Wauwatosa. I'm planning to attend -- I hope to see you there, ladies! For registration information, photos, and the Golden Rules of Swanky Swap, visit <a href="http://www.swankyswap.com/index.html" target="_blank">SwankySwap.com</a>. <br />
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If you attended the last Swanky Swap, what was your favorite find? Share your thoughts in the comments.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724620054387076467.post-29225400528764027092009-10-09T18:03:00.000-05:002009-10-09T18:03:00.465-05:00Grape Hyacinths, Here I Come!Time for a garden update!<br />
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I've been disappointed with the performance of the pink Lily of the Valley I planted along our garage last year (two of the three bloomed white in the first year, the third one died; and this year, the surviving two sprouted leaves but no flowers). Tired of what is now essentially a bare-bones pile of mulch, I placed an order yesterday at <a href="http://www.johnscheepers.com/" target="_blank">John Scheepers</a> for 200 Grape Hyacinth bulbs in a variety of colors. They are supposed to do well with minimal care (check!), in moderate light or shade (hopefully mostly shade will work...), and deer tend to avoid them (yay!) Here's what I'm hoping to see in the spring:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/SrY3Qnr1KGI/AAAAAAAAArE/A-BDuoyEqnQ/s1600-h/grape_hyacinths.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/SrY3Qnr1KGI/AAAAAAAAArE/A-BDuoyEqnQ/s400/grape_hyacinths.jpg" /></a><br />
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I'll keep you posted!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724620054387076467.post-33650843157262521532009-10-04T17:02:00.004-05:002011-11-25T08:15:02.588-06:00Guest Post: Things I Learned From THE HOUSE OF THE DEVIL (Milwaukee Film Festival)<i>Today's post is by guest author Meghan Arnold, a fellow Film Fest fan whom I met via <a href="http://twitter.com/AccidentalWI" target="_blank">Twitter</a>. She has been a mainstay of the <a href="http://twitter.com/#search?q=%23mkeff09" target="_blank">#mkeff09 stream</a>, and has also been <a href="http://accidentalwisconsinite.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blogging</a> about the Festival. Meghan graciously agreed to share her thoughts about THE HOUSE OF THE DEVIL, a film I was too scared to see. Enjoy!</i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/Sskga1_V8EI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/lcMgMC6FVFc/s1600-h/house-of-the-devil-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/Sskga1_V8EI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/lcMgMC6FVFc/s320/house-of-the-devil-poster.jpg" /></a></div>Feeling the need to scare myself to death early on in the 2009 <a href="http://www.milwaukee-film.org/" target="_blank">Milwaukee Film Festival</a> run, I caught the midnight showing of <a href="http://www.houseofthedevilmovie.com/" target="_blank">THE HOUSE OF THE DEVIL</a> at the <a href="http://www.landmarktheatres.com/market/Milwaukee/OrientalTheatre.htm" target="_blank">Oriental Theatre</a>. An homage (but DEFINITELY not a spoof) to '80s horror movies, this scared me just as much as it would've had I been an eight-year-old in Rainbow Bright pajamas. I had some added horror, too, as the man next to me couldn't handle the scary and at one point in the flick elbowed me so hard in the ribs that I was bruised for three days.<br />
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The basic premise of the film is: Girl takes babysitting gig to earn rent deposit money; girl gets more than she bargained for.<br />
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Here's what I learned:<br />
<ul><li>If a couple <i>desperately</i> needs a babysitter the night of the full lunar eclipse, you may want to pass on that. Especially if it isn't actually babysitting a child.<br />
</li>
<li>College kids may love pizza, but order it from your favorite place, not the number the creepy homeowner leaves on the fridge for you.</li>
<li>For goodness sakes, DON'T run upstairs! Run out the front door!!</li>
</ul>Did you see THE HOUSE OF THE DEVIL? What did you learn? Leave your thoughts in the comments.<br />
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<i>Thanks for your guest post, Meghan!<br />
>>See more <a href="http://bit.ly/KGGuU">Things I Learned From the Milwaukee Film Festival</a> posts.</i><br />
<i> >>See Meghan's blog, <a href="http://accidentalwisconsinite.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Accidental Wisconsinite</a>. </i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724620054387076467.post-22025018374195202392009-10-03T08:44:00.053-05:002009-10-04T18:00:41.779-05:00Things I Learned From the MILWAUKEE SHOWCASE (Milwaukee Film Festival)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/SsipPFVT9lI/AAAAAAAAAzI/WdhEw-Z6QhI/s1600-h/bird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/SsipPFVT9lI/AAAAAAAAAzI/WdhEw-Z6QhI/s200/bird.jpg" /></a></div>On October 1 (Day 8 of the 2009 <a href="http://www.milwaukee-film.org/" target="_blank">Milwaukee Film Festival</a>), I managed to find a seat at the completely packed <a href="http://www.milwaukee-film.org/tixSYS/2009/xslguide/prognote.php?notepg=1&ProgCode=MCASE" target="_blank">MILWAUKEE SHOWCASE</a>, a presentation of short films made by Milwaukee filmmakers. (The image at right is from the lovely and brilliantly executed animated film BIRD, by <a href="http://www.michaelelliothawkinsburgos.com/" target="_blank">Michael Hawkins-Burgos</a>.)<br />
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The energy in the theater that night was fantastic! It was great to see all that hometown pride and enthusiasm for the work of our local filmmakers. The Festival's program director, <a href="http://twitter.com/tjfackelman" target="_blank">TJ Fackelman</a>, introduced each filmmaker after his or her short was played, asking a few key questions to get the ball rolling for some quick Q&A between the audience and the filmmaker. <br />
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The showcase featured 10 short films in all, representing a variety of genres and styles -- from live action to animation, narrative to the surreal, and documentary to mockumentary. Here are some things I learned:<br />
<ul><li>House flies hate clowns. (HOUSE FLY, by Paul Foonchy)</li>
<li>A man who has it all can't really be considered a success if he can't use chopsticks. (SIMPLE, by Keith Michael) </li>
<li>If your way of dealing with job frustration is by drinking alone at home at night, you'd best take your boss off speed-dial. (THE QUITTER, by Karen Erbach) <br />
</li>
</ul>Did you catch the MILWAUKEE SHOWCASE at the Festival? Which short film was your favorite, and what did you learn? Share your thoughts in the comments.<br />
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<i>>>See more <a href="http://bit.ly/KGGuU">Things I Learned From the Milwaukee Film Festival</a> posts.</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724620054387076467.post-83861125887485061632009-10-02T06:39:00.017-05:002009-10-04T18:00:41.780-05:00Things I Learned From the Milwaukee Film Festival - Mid-Fest ObservationsIt's only day 9 of the 2009 <a href="http://www.milwaukee-film.org/" target="_blank">Milwaukee Film Festival</a> but I am already in a pleasant state that is a combination of exhaustion and ADD-like overstimulation. There must be a German word for that; I imagine it falls somewhere on the awesome compound word spectrum between <i>Schadenfreude</i> and <i>Rindfleischetikettierungsüberwachungsaufgabenübertragungsgesetz</i> ("beef labeling regulation & delegation of supervision law," naturally).<br />
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Having attended a boatload of fabulous films so far, with many more on my calendar through the Festival's closing night (Sunday, October 4), I have gleaned a number of valuable lessons. Here's what I've learned so far:<br />
<ol><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/SsY7htwDizI/AAAAAAAAAzA/58VXxMi6A20/s1600-h/no_netflix.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/SsY7htwDizI/AAAAAAAAAzA/58VXxMi6A20/s200/no_netflix.png" /></a>
</div><li>I should really have suspended my <a href="http://www.netflix.com/" target="_blank">Netflix</a> membership for the duration of the film festival. I have 7 DVDs staring at me, reproachfully, every night when I stumble home from an evening of festivaling. I feel bad that I am preventing some other Netflix customer from watching "30 Rock" Season 3, discs 1-3; "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles" Season 2, discs 2-3; "Rescue Me" Season 5, disc 3; and "Fringe" Season 1, disc 2. (For those of you just tuning in, Netflix is how I watch TV. No cable bill, and no commercials, but I'm always a year behind in my TV pop culture water cooler talk. For the love of god, people, don't tell me what happens on this season of "Lost"!)<br />
</li>
<li>I think I am coming down with a vitamin deficiency. Movie theater food isn't exactly the pinnacle of balanced nutrition (apparently the recently revised food pyramid lacks a "Twizzlers and pretzel bites" category).<br />
</li>
<li>I'm not in my 20s anymore. Which I already knew, of course. But this week's non-stop filmgoing has thrown into sharp relief the fact that going out every night of the week is considerably more tiring to me now than it was back in the day. Thankfully, there's an <a href="http://www.alterracoffeepro.com/" target="_blank">Alterra</a> on my way to work.</li>
</ol><br />
What have you learned at the Milwaukee Film Festival? Share your life lessons in the comments.<br />
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<i>See other entries in the <a href="http://bit.ly/KGGuU">"Things I Learned..."</a> series.</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724620054387076467.post-33371259422571705722009-09-30T06:35:00.003-05:002009-10-04T18:00:41.781-05:00Things I Learned From TERRIBLY HAPPY (Milwaukee Film Festival)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/SsTqhM53BQI/AAAAAAAAAyI/puT05sHq5qk/s1600-h/terribly_happy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/SsTqhM53BQI/AAAAAAAAAyI/puT05sHq5qk/s320/terribly_happy.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>Last night at the 2009 <a href="http://www.milwaukee-film.org/" target="_blank">Milwaukee Film Festival</a>, we went to see <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iy7Sf6GlPp4" target="_blank">TERRIBLY HAPPY</a> (Denmark, 2008).<br />
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Described as <i>Twin Peaks</i> meets <i>No Country for Old Men</i>, the film was directed by Henrik Ruben Genz, who has been described as the Danish answer to the Coen brothers. With mashups like those as your cinematic heritage, how can you go wrong?<br />
<br />
Here's what I learned:<br />
<ol><li> When you're the new marshal in town and the local barkeep uncaps a beer for you because that's what the old marshal always used to drink, don't go trying to assert your authority by ordering a mineral water. You're just going to look like a lightweight. <br />
</li>
<li>As it turns out, you *can* have too many friends. <br />
</li>
<li>What happens in the bog stays in the bog.<br />
</li>
</ol>While watching this film (which I *highly* recommend, by the way), I couldn't shake the feeling that its lead actor, Jakob Cedergren (below, top), looks like the love child of Coldplay's Chris Martin (below, left) and Milwaukee Film Festival Executive Director Jonathan Jackson (below, right) love child. The resemblance is uncanny, don't you think? <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/SsTvKS5UaQI/AAAAAAAAAyw/gRGKxNKaIMM/s1600-h/JacobCedergren.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/SsTvKS5UaQI/AAAAAAAAAyw/gRGKxNKaIMM/s400/JacobCedergren.jpg" /></a> =<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/SsTvNdp1TcI/AAAAAAAAAy4/OkWDeJNOm6Q/s1600-h/chris_martin2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/SsTvNdp1TcI/AAAAAAAAAy4/OkWDeJNOm6Q/s200/chris_martin2.jpg" /></a> x <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/SsTvGjNBpOI/AAAAAAAAAyo/WCdWhVGeupk/s1600-h/jonathan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/SsTvGjNBpOI/AAAAAAAAAyo/WCdWhVGeupk/s200/jonathan.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><br />
Did you see TERRIBLY HAPPY? Learn anything? Share your thoughts in the comments.<br />
<br />
<i>>>See more <a href="http://bit.ly/KGGuU">Things I Learned From the Milwaukee Film Festival</a> posts.</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724620054387076467.post-12658776447557943992009-09-29T07:01:00.003-05:002009-10-02T07:43:16.456-05:00Things I Learned From THE CHASER (Milwaukee Film Festival)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/SsOkji6m1II/AAAAAAAAAxw/0MKt_MTsDcw/s1600-h/chaser_film.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/SsOkji6m1II/AAAAAAAAAxw/0MKt_MTsDcw/s320/chaser_film.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>As part of the 2009 <a href="http://www.milwaukee-film.org/" target="_blank">Milwaukee Film Festival</a>, we went to see <a href="http://www.thechaserfilm.com/" target="_blank">THE CHASER</a> (South Korea, 2008). Here's what I learned:<br />
<ol><li>Don't be a prostitute in South Korea.</li>
<li>If you fail at #1, pack heat.</li>
<li>If you are a lousy shot, make peace with your maker.</li>
</ol><br />
Have you seen THE CHASER? What did you learn? Share your thoughts in the comments.<br />
<br />
<i>>>See more <a href="http://bit.ly/KGGuU">Things I Learned From the Milwaukee Film Festival</a> posts.</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724620054387076467.post-21677822844332570432009-09-29T06:48:00.003-05:002009-10-02T07:42:49.278-05:00Things I Learned from SHALL WE KISS? (Milwaukee Film Festival)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/SsOpAUX89MI/AAAAAAAAAx4/TjauAkMrW24/s1600-h/shallwekiss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/SsOpAUX89MI/AAAAAAAAAx4/TjauAkMrW24/s320/shallwekiss.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>During the 2009 <a href="http://www.milwaukee-film.org/" target="_blank">Milwaukee Film Festival</a>, I saw the delightful film <a href="http://www.shallwekiss.com/" target="_blank">SHALL WE KISS?</a> (France, 2007). Here's what I learned:<br />
<ol><li>The French really do dress better.</li>
<li>Storytelling is a delicious art, one that should never be rushed.</li>
<li>A kiss is never just a kiss.</li>
</ol>Did you see SHALL WE KISS? What did you learn? Share your thoughts in the comments.<br />
<br />
<i>>>See more <a href="http://bit.ly/KGGuU">Things I Learned From the Milwaukee Film Festival</a> posts.</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724620054387076467.post-26477679166982693222009-09-25T05:59:00.015-05:002009-10-02T07:42:12.573-05:00Things I Learned From RACING DREAMS (Milwaukee Film Festival)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/SsOtyKXLDAI/AAAAAAAAAyA/geEiAHs-xPY/s1600-h/racingdreams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/SsOtyKXLDAI/AAAAAAAAAyA/geEiAHs-xPY/s320/racingdreams.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
</div>On the opening night film of the 2009 <a href="http://www.milwaukee-film.org/" target="_blank">Milwaukee Film Festival</a>, I had the pleasure of seeing the new <a href="http://www.marshallcurry.com/index.html" target="_blank">Marshall Curry</a> documentary, <a href="http://www.racingdreamsfilm.com/" target="_blank">RACING DREAMS</a> (USA, 2009). Here's what I learned:<br />
<ol><li>Go-karts are not like I remember. Today's extreme racing karts can go 70 mph, with just an inch or two of clearance between the ground and your seat. And no suspension.</li>
<li>Considering all the gear, fuel, fees, and travel costs, each race can set you back $5000. (Tip for kids: If your parents turn down your request for a pony by saying it's too expensive, tell them you really want to pursue the World Karting Association's National Championship but are letting them off easy with a more down-to-earth request.)</li>
<li>RACING DREAMS shattered my preconceived notions that I wouldn't enjoy a film about the junior NASCAR circuit (just as FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS and KING OF THE HILL did with football and hillbillies, respectively).</li>
</ol>Did you see RACING DREAMS? What did you learn? Share your thoughts in the comments.<br />
<br />
<i>>>See more <a href="http://bit.ly/KGGuU">Things I Learned From the Milwaukee Film Festival</a> posts.</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724620054387076467.post-56958673216611339412009-09-21T20:45:00.002-05:002009-09-30T15:06:39.324-05:00Concert Review and Photo Attack - Pet Shop Boys 2009 Pandemonium Tour - Pabst Theater, Milwaukee (Pet Shop Boys Appreciation Week)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/Srj7aZhwmmI/AAAAAAAAAxE/4c82voOYQl4/s1600-h/pandemonium+tour.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YL3x_KM-Me0/Srj7aZhwmmI/AAAAAAAAAxE/4c82voOYQl4/s320/pandemonium+tour.png" /></a><br />
</div><a href="http://tilneyandryan.blogspot.com/search/label/PET%20SHOP%20BOYS">Pet Shop Boys Appreciation Week</a> continues with a review and a massive photo array from the <a href="http://petshopboys.co.uk/" target="_blank">Pet Shop Boys</a> concert on 9/15/2009 at the <a href="http://www.pabsttheater.com/" target="_blank">Pabst Theater</a> in Milwaukee. <br />
<br />
One thing you can always count on from a Pet Shop Boys concert is a rich visual spectacle to match the incredible music. It's never just two dudes standing there, expecting you to love them simply because they bothered to show up. <b>Hell no!</b> A Pet Shop Boys concert is always a big production. I don't mean the kind of joyless, self-serving, ego-burdened Big Production that is meaningful only to the band itself; quite the contrary. <br />
<br />
With fabulous costumes, top-notch dancers, towering sets (movable and configurable, no less), a complex but seamlessly integrated light show, and the uniquely charismatic stage presence of Neil and Chris, every Pet Shop Boys show is a lush, high-energy celebration -- a treat for your eyes, ears, and booty (on account of all the shakin' it will be compelled to do). Comfortable shoes are a must, because you won't be sitting down at a Pet Shop Boys show.<br />
<br />
The Pet Shop Boys' appearance on Tuesday, September 15 at the Pabst Theater in Milwaukee was all of those things and more. As a stop on their Fall 2009 Pandemonium tour, this was their first-ever concert appearance in Wisconsin, and as such, it was a special treat for local fans -- and for Chicago fans who wanted a chance to see them on back-to-back nights without having to drive 5 hours. The Boys' Milwaukee show got some nice local press coverage in advance, including a brief article in the September issue of <a href="http://www.milwaukeemagazine.com/" target="_blank">Milwaukee Magazine</a> (article available in print only - sorry!), and concert previews in <a href="http://www.expressmilwaukee.com/article-7968-pet-shop-boys.html" target="_blank">Shepherd Express</a> and <a href="http://milwaukee.decider.com/performers/pet-shop-boys,7510/" target="_blank">The Onion</a>.<br />
<br />
While I heard a few people on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/">Twitter</a> complaining about the show being so early in the week, I actually enjoyed the novelty of dancing my ass off, screaming 'til I went hoarse, and sustaining mild hearing damage on a school night. Besides, not every stop on the tour can fall on a weekend -- the Boys would be touring nonstop for a year. Think about it, people. Think of how long that would delay their next album. Is that what you want? Just so you can avoid being tired at work on Wednesday morning? I didn't think so. <br />
<br />
The Pet Shop Boys put on a phenomenally good show in Milwaukee -- one that spanned their 25-year catalogue with effortless mashups of songs new and old. I especially enjoyed their layering of "Two Divided by Zero" and "New York City Boy." And how can you not love a cape-and-crown-wearing Neil Tennant singing Coldplay's "Viva la Vida" in the encore? Longtime fans and the uninitiated alike were treated to what one Pabst Theater staffer described as "by far, the best concert I have ever seen at the Pabst." <br />
<br />
<b>Bottom line:</b> This show affirms the Pet Shop Boys' status as brilliant musicians and performers of the highest caliber. They clearly love making music and putting on a show, and that pure-hearted energy permeated the theater from their first song to well after their last. <br />
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Without further ado, here are some of the photos I snapped at the concert. Enjoy! And let the music play forever...<br />
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