Post by Adam Schabow on 12/21/2010 7:56pm
Three years ago I recorded a Christmas album title There Isn’t a War on Christmas. All the songs were both written and recorded within a month or so with my old 8 track in my old basement as well as at my sister-in-law's music therapy clinic. (Note: Her studio is particularly helpful in recording a Christmas album since she owns sleigh bells, xylophones, glockenspiels, gongs and other neat Christmas-y percussion style instruments.)
Previously I’ve mailed out free Christmas CDs to anyone requesting one. It got a bit tedious and some fell through the cracks. So this year I’ve decided that due to my busy schedule and lack of organization, I will be putting the album on-line free for anyone to download.
These again are all original Christmas tunes and are owned and copywritten by Adam Schabow and Laundry Basket Music - 2007. Themes on the album include the myth about the war on Christmas, Santa giving zombies to naughty kids, sledding, global warming, doing it under the Christmas Tree, wanting your baby back for the holidays, New Year's resolutions, and other silly shit.
Thanks to Ropin' Rodeo Nate for playing keys on tracks 1 and 5.
Thanks to Seven for helping mix the album in such short notice.
To listen, click on tracks below. To download files, right click on the link and choose "Save As" or "Save Target As".
I hope you enjoy. Merry Christmas!!!
Post by Adam Schabow on 12/2/2010 11:42am
If you want to find me tonight, I will be at The Up and Under Pub enjoying some great live music.
Madison rockers The Nod (who in a review I wrote, once described to youporn), is playing tonight along with Milwaukee ska sensation Something to Do, who I have sold merchandise for, seen them many times and love the hell out of them. The third band Pippen I know nothing about, but that's OK. I love surprises.
Below are videos of the bands. If you are up for a good time tonight, go to The Up and Under Pub to get your ass rocked off!
The NOD, Pippen & Something to Do
12/2 (Thursday)
10 pm sharp
Up and Under Pub
Milwaukee, WI
The Nod- Lie in All Honesty
Something to Do- Pray for the Dead
Sorry Pippen, couldn't find any video of you...only of Scottie Pippen.
What's more fiscally irresponsible: The high-speed rail or tax breaks that aren't paid for? PART ONE
Post by Adam Schabow on 11/29/2010 8:50pm
It seems many of the same Wisconsinites who are touting fiscal responsibility as a reason to stop the high-speed rail project are also supporting both State and Federal tax breaks for the rich that are not paid for and adds billions of dollars to the deficit.
After calling the high-speed rail a "boondogal" even before the train has been built, Governor-elect Scott Walker has found that if he truly wants to fulfill his promise to create 250,000 jobs in Wisconsin, he may need to give in and keep the train a movin'.
Currently Walker is trying to convince train manufacturer Talgo to stay in Wisconsin even though he has proudly declared to stop the train. Walker may very well start his governorship in the negative, losing Talgo and other small businesses connected to the rail project. In fact, the rhetoric that may have helped Walker get elected may very well hurt his chances to succeed in his job creation promise.
As of right now, Walker is willing to throw away $100 million that have already been invested in the project, lose 13,000 jobs the rail will create and give the rest of the money to IL or NY where both republicans and democrats in those areas would gladly take the money that Wisconsin would embarrassingly pass on.
On November 21st, BrewCity101 talked to One Wisconsin Now director Scot Ross regarding their "Save the Train" petition and why Wisconsin should not pass on this unique opportunity.
Post by Mary Sussman on 11/28/2010 9:26pm
Best-selling writer Dennis Lehane recently visited Milwaukee to promote his new novel, Moonlight Mile. He spoke to fans who packed to capacity the pocket-sized Mystery One Bookstore, 2109 N. Prospect Ave. Lehane later spoke by telephone. He is best known for his crime novels featuring the much-beloved private detective protagonists, Patrick Kenzie and Angie Gennaro. Moonlight Mile, a sequel to Gone, Baby, Gone, is his sixth novel with the detective team.
Lehane, 45, has large moony blue eyes and a high forehead which give him an intellectual and somewhat otherworldly appearance. His feet, however, are definitely planted on the ground. He is a man of the earth who likes a good laugh, a good story, and old Jimmy Cagney movies. He is fond of self-deprecating humor. The fair-haired author squared off behind the counter on the only patch of free space in the tiny eastside store and took a few swings at far-flung questions pitched at him.
Someone asked why he was writing about Patrick and Angie again after an 11-year hiatus. “Angie just sort of came knocking on the door again, just wanting to say, hi,” Lehane said. In Moonlight Mile, Amanda McCready, the four-year-old recovered by the detective team in Gone, Baby, Gone, is now 16 and has once again gone missing.
A fan asked where he got his ideas. “I don’t know where I get my ideas. They come out of the clear blue sky,” Lehane said with a laugh. “That’s the mystical part of the process, which I love. I couldn’t tell you. There’s a villain in Moonlight Mile. I knew there had to be a villain. I knew he was a henchman for the Russian mob. But then he walked into the book, and he just took it over. He took over every scene he was in. He was just immediately like ‘I am going to go my own way. You wanted me to be this [and that]. It’s not going to happen.’ That’s why I write. That’s truly what I live for. I live for those moments where a character says ‘get out of the way. I’m good.’”
Lehane said his next book would be about prohibition and gangsters and would revolve around a minor character he introduced in The Given Day, an historical novel set in Boston about the aftermath of World War I. “I’ve waited my entire life to write a gangster book,” he said. “I’ve wanted to write a gangster book before I knew I wanted to be a writer. I am a writer because of the Jimmy Cagney movies I watched when I was eight.” Lehane said he was waiting to see how HBO’s Boardwalk Empire series, which is about prohibition, played out to ensure that his book did not mirror events in that series.
Post by brewcity101 on 11/23/2010 9:40pm
The piece below was written by Greg Hettmansberger and was posted by our affiliate www.dane101.com.
When I saw that the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra was coming to Madison this fall, and that they were playing Bartok’s “Concerto for Orchestra” — the same work that closed Madison Symphony’s first concert in October, I was immediately intrigued. I was also curious what a full symphony orchestra would sound (and look) like at the Union Theater. It turned out that the two circumstances were linked.
The Bartok was the entire second half (as the 45-minute work should be), and it was at the very end of the first movement where the great climactic punctuated chord told you everything you needed to know about the Union Theater acoustic: what little resonance there was died within a couple of seconds. But the overall effect on the orchestra should not be overstated: throughout the evening the collective strings of the MSO revealed layers of rich sound, particularly in the cellos and basses, the woodwind solos were always clear and sweet, and the brass (at least in the biggest moments in the Bartok) had no trouble dominating within the proper overall balance.
The concert began with the once-ubiquitous Suite No. 1 from “Peer Gynt” by Grieg. The “Morning” and “In the Hall of the Mountain King” have become so clichéd over the years in commercials, films, etc., that I was surprised to realize I couldn’t recall the last time I heard it live from a major orchestra. Music Director Edo de Waart, whose storied career now finds him in his second year at the MSO helm when he isn’t tending to his duties with the Hong Kong Philharmonic, did the audience a delightful favor in sharing the familiar but still beguiling tunes and harmonies of Grieg’s signature piece.
Post by Adam Schabow on 11/14/2010 11:31am
While Martha Monroe is the curator for the Villa Terrace and Charles Allis museums here in Milwaukee, she is also my girlfriend. Last Wednesday, I went to the opening of an exhibit she curated of Tom Loeser's conceptual woodwork and furniture. Loeser is the head of the furniture and wood design at UW Madison.
I showed up to the event as a supportive boyfriend, but left as an interested blogger, feeling the need to show off Loeser's unique pieces to the world, or at the very least those in Milwaukee and Madison.
During the exhibit, I took Martha's camera and started snapping pictures as quickly as I could of Loeser's unique pieces.
I feel to write any sort of in-depth review of the night would be a conflict of interest, so instead, I would simply like to show you some pictures of Loeser's fascinating pieces that are on display through January 23, 2011 at the Villa Terrace Museum in Milwaukee.
Here are the pictures!
Post by Adam Schabow on 11/9/2010 6:43pm
While reading mixed reviews of Conan O'Brien's new cable show on both local (OnMilwaukee.com and thedailypage.com) and national (MSNBC and MTV) websites, I was baffled. While many thought he needs to move on from the NBC bashing and discussing his short-lived stint as host of The Tonight Show, I say to not acknowledge the historic screw job would have been cheating himself and his faithful fans that have been waiting nine months for him to start his new show and joke about the situation.
Dean Robbins from thedailypage.com even had an issue with how O'Brien treated NBC stating, "NBC's proposed solution seemed reasonable from a business standpoint: move the shows back to where people actually liked them, meaning a mere half-hour later start time for Conan. But O'Brien responded like a bratty child, rejecting the gig even though it was still one of the best in show business. He took to bad-mouthing NBC on the air, as if viewers were supposed to join his multimillionaire's pity party."
Post by Jesse Russell on 11/8/2010 11:23am
One of the biggest criticisms of Governor-elect Scott Walker during the recent campaign was that his plan to stop the train would cost Wisconsin thousands of jobs. Many of those jobs would be in the backyard of Milwaukee where Spanish train car manufacturer, Talgo, has set up shop. During the campaign Walker never completely laid out how he would address that issue, but he didn't really need to because he had the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Patrick McIlheran to do it for him.
In a post on October 18 McIlheran twisted an interview WUWM-FM did with Ferran Canals, Talgo capital projects division manager, to make it sound like even if Wisconsin backed out of the train it would "have no real effect, apparently."
That isn't quite what Canals said, but hey, McIlheran had a narrative to propel and understandably couldn't be bothered with details. Now we read that Talgo keeping the plant open depends on the Milwaukee to Madison rail line and contracts with other states. Not really "no real effect, apparently."
Read the full article at dane101.com
Post by Adam Schabow on 11/3/2010 12:19am
While watching the election coverage and witnessing the indisputable votes that came in one after another for Ron Johnson, it was apparent that my heart was going to be broken tonight and my faith in the electoral process was about to be shaken.
After an 18-year run as US Senator, my hero, Russ Feingold has just conceded to millionaire Ron Johnson. Now maybe it’s the sadness or even the anger I’m feeling right now, but I can’t tell you that I respect the reckless and irresponsible votes so many Wisconsinites made for Ron Johnson today.
Virtually every newspaper in the State endorsed Feingold, including Johnson’s hometown paper, The Northwestern, as well as the most conservative newspaper in the state, The Green Bay Press Gazette. In fact, the GBPG has endorsed all of Feingold’s opponents until this year stating, “Johnson seemed unable to further articulate his plan for job creation — especially for the middle class — during a recent meeting with the Green Bay Press-Gazette editorial board.”
As for Feingold, they stated, “Feingold's principled independence, knowledge of the issues and tradition of listening to constituents have earned him this newspaper's endorsement to retain the seat he's held for three terms.”
Post by Maria Costello on 11/2/2010 5:18am
Like most little girls I had
a large collection of plastic horses. As a teenager I took riding lessons
and desperately wanted a horse of my own. Now I’m happy to get to
Arlington Park a few times each summer to see these incredible creatures
do what they do best – run. This year I introduced my grandkids to
the thrill of the sport - my granddaughter can read a betting sheet
with the best of them . . . she’s 9!
My family has been patiently waiting for Disney’s Secretariat this fall to help ease us into the winter withdrawal of horse racing. Off to the theater we went hoping the movie would be kid friendly and yet, entertain the adults as well. And it does.
Diane Lane stars as Penny Chenery Tweedy, Secretariat’s strong willed owner. Penny was a typical 60’s homemaker living in Colorado with her family when her mother passes away, sending her back to Meadow Farm in the Richmond, Virginia area where her father ran a horse breeding business. It becomes evident to Penny that her father is the early stages of dementia and won’t be able to manage the farm on his own.
Post by Elizabeth Wilson on 10/28/2010 1:49pm
If you want to get your election on before next Tuesday, you can vote early (and register at the same time if you need to). If you live in the city of Milwaukee you can vote early at the Municipal Building, 841 N. Broadway. I even found a free parking spot on Market St. right behind the building!
Need to register? You can print and fill out the form on the City of Milwaukee Website HERE.
You will need to bring “Proof of Residence,” any of the following is acceptable:
- A current and valid Wisconsin driver’s license. A current and valid Wisconsin identification card.
- Any other official identification card or license issued by a Wisconsin governmental body or unit.
Post by brewcity101 on 10/27/2010 6:17am
BrewCity101 affiliate, Dane101, sponsors a Halloween show in Madison appropriately named Freakin' Halloweekend. Even though this isn't technically a Milwaukee event, we figured for those who will be traveling to Madison for the weekend, they may want to consider attending. The event has been hugely successful in previous years. There will be tribute bands, costume contest with prizes and most importantly, alcohol.
Ten tribute bands will be performing throughout two freakishly scary nights (Friday, October 29th and Saturday, October 30th). Bands being covered include The Missfits, Big Black, The Cure, Pearl Jam, Lorretta Lynn, Guided by Voices, The White Stripes, The B52's and Huey Lewis and the News.
For the complete schedule, please see our Facebook pages for Friday and Saturday.
Today we bring you a preview of Chewie Lewis and the Nudes who will be tackling Huey Lewis and the News on October 30 around 11:15 p.m. (Answers written by Nathan Tredinnick)
Name:
Chewie Lewis & The Nudes
What band are you performing as for Dane101’s Freakin’ Halloweekend?
Huey Lewis & The News, an obscure pop-rock band from the 20th century.
Post by megpeccarelli on 10/24/2010 6:36pm
To me, the opportunity to hear an author read from
and discuss their work in person is more exciting than the idea of meeting Angelina Jolie. I will never forget the infectious elation of hearing Andre
Dubus III read from his work in the first wave of success following the publication of The House of Sand and Fog; he seemed happily stunned to find himself reading in front of a packed room of admirers. Nor can I forget Zadie Smith’s (White Teeth, among others) soft as marshmallow, British voice (which I now hear in my head when reading any work with a British narrator). And I have been haunted by Arthur Golden’s revelation that he wrote several versions of Memoirs of a Geisha. At the oddest times over the years since I heard him say this, I have found myself wondering what secrets those other versions contain that never made it into the pages of the book I love so much. If seeing these authors in person was akin to meeting the most glamorous celebrity, being lucky enough to see Mary Helen Stefaniak read in her
hometown of Milwaukee was like stumbling into Angelina Jolie’s family reunion and being welcomed with open arms.
I arrived at Boswell Books on Downer a few minutes before the scheduled reading of her latest novel, The Cailiffs of Baghdad, Georgia. I walked in on the heels of three women who turned out to be the author’s cousins. Even though I hung back a bit when I realized this, I was greeted with the same warm hug from Stefaniak as they were. Slightly embarrassed, I quickly found an empty seat. When those same cousins made their way to the reading area, I again found myself in the middle of happy shrieks and more hugs. That’s when I discovered that I was seated directly behind the author’s sister. Before the reading began, I was privy to more colorful family stories, secrets and jokes than at my own family’s Thanksgivings. Suddenly, it was no surprise to me that the characters in Stefaniak’s novel are so vibrant and relatable, it seems everyone in her world is.
Post by Adam Schabow on 10/24/2010 10:48am
Below is a skit from an internet talk show in Madison called DrunkDial101. In this particular three minute clip, I get carried away while giving out candy to a trick or treater.
Check it out if you would like!
Post by brewcity101 on 10/23/2010 11:14am
If you are a Wisconsinite planning to vote, please consider taking 90
minutes of your time to watch the debate below. Senator Russ Feingold (D) and challenger Ron Johnson (R) fought it out
last night at their third and final debate. The town hall meeting atmosphere helped keep the lively debate moving along. Wisconsinites, from all around the state, asked specific questions regarding jobs, the economy, health care, military issues and many other interesting topics.
These debates are important since talk radio, local print or TV media or even blogs, may not give you the full story. We believe it is best to hear the candidates ideas and policies straight
from the horse's mouth. This could be one of the most important elections of this great state, so please consider watching this exciting debate.
We are currently working on getting the video embedded onto the site, but in the meantime, just click on the links below.
Feingold-Johnson debate Part 1 CLICK HERE
Feingold-Johnson debate Part 2 CLICK HERE
Post by Jesse Russell on 10/22/2010 11:36am
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has a nifty new feature that helps you figure out which Gubernatorial candidate more closely shares your political alignment. I wasn't surprised to learn that Milwaukee Governor Tom Barrett shares most of my opinions, but I was surprised to learn that he only does so in 11 of the 13 issues the Sentinel polls on. Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker and I see eye to eye on two statements. How do you fair? Post by Adam Schabow on 10/20/2010 8:33pm
It all started with an invitation for author Sarah Marcus to
come to Milwaukee and discuss her new book, “Girls to the Front: the True Story
of the Riot Grrrl Revolution”. However,
what started as a simple one-night event, has quickly expanded to a three day
festival consisting of bands, poetry and workshops celebrating the fierceness
of the riot grrrl movement.
“Girls to the Front” festival organizer Lindsay Hayden explains, “Riot grrrl was a music/activist movement from the early nineties- a feminist punk movement actually. And the idea was, that there were young women who got together and said that they were fed up with male dominated subculture, so they created their own (subculture) based around feminist ideals”.
Bands like Sleater-Kinney, Bratmobile, Heavens to Betsy and probably the most influential, Bikini Kill, all played huge roles in promoting the riot grrrl lifestyle.
Now, nearly 15 years later, the “Girls to the Front” festival will celebrate this movement with Chicago acts The Ovens and Cathy Santonies as well as local Milwaukee acts including Sook and DJ Televore. However, Hayden suggests there will be diversity in the musical acts. “One of the things we want to do is give space to those who are making grungy music in their basement. That was a lot of what riot grrrl was about. You didn’t necessarily have to have…talent to be able to play. You just picked up a guitar and played.”
Post by brewcity101 on 10/19/2010 4:52pm
According to the St. Norbert College-Wisconsin Public Radio poll released today, incumbent Russ Feingold (D) has tied challenger Ron Johnson (R) in the race for the Wisconsin Senate. Johnson is at 49% while Feingold trails at 47%. There is a 5% margin of error.
Feingold's spokesperson John Kraus released a statement citing Johnson's lack of accountability and answers as the reason for the turnaround.
Johnson's spokesperson Sarah Sendek states that Feingold is concerned with polls while Johnson is concerned about "hearing from the voters".
Post by Adam Schabow on 10/18/2010 5:32am
Dear Those I Disagree With Politically,
I truly appreciate and respect those with different political views. In fact, many times, a late night bar room political brawl is essential to strengthening your own stand on the issues or questioning which side you really should be on. However, after the dumbest year in American politics where “death panels”, questioning patriotism and even witches were the norm, I have hit my breaking point and have snapped.
I have seen good friends and relatives that I respect say and defend awful things. Political ideology has blinded people’s common sense. But the frustration and sadness I have felt all year has finally washed away because now it is clear what I need to do.
So from now until Election Day, I am on offense and I will not be backing down. Let me warn you ahead of time, if you make a statement out of the blue that I find to be untrue, you will be confronted. If you are a stranger next to me in line and you compare a current politician to either a socialist, communist or nazi, you will hear me loudly exclaim “Oh brother, that’s ridiculous!”
Post by brewcity101 on 10/17/2010 2:22pm