Sunday, February 27, 2011

Carroll alum wine/beer tasting

Heidi and company did a great job with this event and President Doug could not be happier with the turn out at the ballroom of D Mo's/Clarke Hotel.

Ms. Kool and I met some trustees and some distinguished alums. I am just so proud of what Carroll U. is doing to bring its alum base back. They are not focused on money but invite ideas and participation. They are also mindful of the local community and expect a greater partnership with local business people.

I've also found out that there is a program ongoing for Carroll students to swipe their ID card at downtown merchants and pay for the purchase through meal credits. They also have interns ready to help all the local business members.

Of course I am not talking Carroll U. up just because I won the 50/50 cash raffle... :) (I guess that will kinda pay for President Doug's free tattoo he keep asking me for.)

Saturday, February 26, 2011

2.26.11

The chaos I had tried to stay out of is getting out of hand. We still need to respect the voice of the minority and protect them from the tyranny of the majority. That is the America I signed up for.

The rushed vote.

Waukesha school district settlement.

Waiting list closed.

Ms. Cummings in the news. Note: The Springs Galley is having a show called "Cummings of Age." I wonder what that is all about? Even Mr. Nipple Gate was speechless. ( we have religious themed paintings in Galleria Edge, we don't deal with those heathens.)

Now there is six.

5/5 History lesson.

How about GOOOOOLD!? Historical, and also culturally poignant.

Food Pantry Party.

Savor the Flavor

Battleground update. What a mess!

Isn't Governor Scott Walker married? Does this newest "love letter" mean she is not Mayor Scrima's mystery blonde??? So confused!

POLICE BLOTTER

SOUND OFF

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR


Hey, Libya seems pretty nice now.

Friday, February 25, 2011

2.25.11

Last night was the big tattoo day for Michael and I must hand it to him, he sat like a champ and because of it, I was able to line out the whole dragon from his waist to his chest in two hours. It will be a very interesting project and I am looking forward to many hours of conversation. He is meeting Jennifer Lopez in NYC soon... I can't wait to hear about it!

Chef Tony, Jodi and I walked down to Magellan's for some late night pizza (Oh, yeah, totally bad for diet), but Danny was not in once again, but lovely Rebecca was behind the bar and we were talking about World of Warcraft and relationships. Chef Tony finally got to try the BBQ chicken pizza I had been talking about and he too likes the sweet dough! Kelly the Wisconsin Foodie Girl also showed up later and was talking to us about her night, you can read it here. The big foodie dinner is still on the agenda. we just have not set a date with two weeks notice yet.

Exciting weekend of work and play is here!!!

POLICE BLOTTER- What a nice way to get the party started!

This is interesting from Patch.

A needed service. Bless your heart.

More water news. Pour me another glass while the fight continues...

The bill passed the State Assembly.

Battleground update.

I've heard they got big balls.

Up and Down Boardway


Nice drama! Just like in the movies!

4/5 Historical Lesson.

SOUND OFF



What?! Carry wife's Hello Kitty bag!? How about my own? ;) (Okay, mine is Chococat and it is feline approved!)

There were times I wish I had #10.

This is for Chef Tony, the karaoke king of Waukesha (at J Lotti's).

The smartest thief.

I think I'll pass.

What are you talking about? She is cute!

Come down to the shop to talk to Becci, she is new in town and let's make her feel welcomed!

Thursday, February 24, 2011

2.24.11

It was the day for central city master plan, but I was a little confused with the format at first. I thought it was a town hall style meeting/presentation but it was more like a cocktail party without the cocktail. I met a lot of people there including Mr. Quinn, a supporter of a downtown dog walk/park; Mr. Esche, who is one of the two alderman candidates for district 13. I also talked to a bunch of movers and shakers of Waukesha, I found out from C.H. that there will be two 2000 sq ft and three 1000 sq ft of retail space under the new Carroll U. dorm, and they are looking for a pizza place to go in. M.S. from Almont Gallery told me someone enjoyed a five finger discount to one of her artworks but too bad, it was a cursed leprechaun. J.H. from the museum informed me that they are one of four places around the country to have access to Les Paul's massive collection of stuff, and the Freeman article regarding the locations was purely speculative.

I also saw Mayor Scrima and Freeman reporter Sarah Craft, but not together, just in the same room. ;) I did not ask him the "tough question", but I figure my deep undercover sources should report back soon regarding the mystery blonde.

The guys from the shop decided to go to Pat's Rib Place after work, and we saw Eddie from Absolute Tattoo there, I guess tattoo artists can be all foodies. Dustin told us the detail of the Kathy Griffin visit. Owner Alisha told us about her visit to Swig with her auntie O and her new aunt, I just have to name drop Jennifer from Soma Gallery, the permanent artist for Swig and Flux Design, the same designer/builder for Swig and us. Alisha knows I will do what I can to help with her future expansion plan as a foodie and a fellow Carroll alum. I forgot to ask her if she will be coming to the alum wine/beer tasting at Clarke Hotel/ D Mo's this Saturday night.

If you are concerned about my diet, I had a brisket sandwich but no fries and I did not eat the buns, I had the baked beans and a cup of gumbo. Barry, who had been talking trash, had like a pound of brisket and a sugar soda. Rich had the brisket sandwich too and he had a diet soda. I had some chilled radium enriched Waukesha tap water to kill any radical cells in my body. We should start bottling this healing water or something.

Okay, the crazy chaotic news keep coming in:

Oh, that crazy lying girlfriend!

Teacher layoff?

The fight continues.

Oh, the prank call is damaging...

Live ammo? Are we in Libya or Wisconsin?

Wiggy is not impressed.

Curt threw in his two cents from California.

SOUND OFF

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR


POLICE BLOTTER


3/5 History lesson.

The Master Plan.

People's Park update. ( The burger war just have to wait, no war can be started without Valley Burger!)

Good job, kids!

A way to honor a warrior.

Busy day today. You stay classy, Waukesha.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Note from the Street

Chef Tony stopped by today and he said he has something "Special" ordered for me, since the habanero pepper did not knock me out... Now I am scared...

The nice gals from Moxie came by yesterday to tell me about their new thing: feather hair extensions! Well, if you must see it on someone, you can come look at mine... I must say, it makes me feel like...

2.23.11

Had dinner with Michael and Jennifer at Umami Moto last night, and I was very impressed. We started with a nice bottle of Pinot Noir, and then it was just foodie heaven after that. Lobster roll, super white tuna, and salmon (White Tiger?), and double dragon? The soft and crunchy played in the mouth and sometime a hint of spiciness came after the flavor of the fish. The dessert was a dish called the Exotic, it was Japanese custard (harder than frozen custard but less than panna cotta), pinapple slow cooked for 5 hours and mango sorbet on a bed of crunchy sweet crumbs. Oh, my freaking god, elegant and effective. The place is gorgeous and the dining experience was first rate. The dinner company was also first rate. Michael introduced me to his (almost personal) server A.J., Umami Moto manager Andrew and owner Omar and Jennifer has agreed to honor the galleria again in October 2012. She is recently voted in 40 under 40, and I sure hope she will agree to decorate Clarke Hotel with her art... ( I am working on it, Anthony. )

I guess it is karma or chi that bring people together and it was a very good experience and I am extremely thankful for that moment in time.

Sad news this morning.

More chaos in Madison.

Teachers protest
.

Darryl's take.

Letters to the Editor 1, 2, 3,

SOUND OFF-Let's not make the same mistake again with the bike path and sculpture rack project like the rail project. We still need to improve so there is a FUTURE tax base...

Battlefield briefing.

POLICE BLOTTER


Drug related robbery.

I hope my missionary customers are okay out there...

Kinda funny name... reminds me of this (R rated content).

45 years of helping Waukesha.

Historical lesson 2/5


Have a good day, everyone. I am still in a sushi coma from last night...

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

How is this for connection?

I was told of this Doughnut Girls story today at the Salvation Army meeting. We do have Donuts Saturday at Waukesha Tattoo, so in a way we are honoring these brave women every Saturday!

First the Elvis/ TCB bar connection, now donuts, pretty kool...

2.22.11

It was our new artist Becci's first day, even though she had been tattooed for 8 years, coming to a new town is like starting all over. She did manage to have a decent day with two walk ins including a sleeve of tribal. I do need to show her Waukesha like I know, but it will be tough with my little dietary restriction. With her youth, we are finding out there are some movie generation gap. She has no clue about Red Dawn... Are we really getting that old?

Speaking of dietary restriction, I went to D Mo's to talk to Chef Tony for some business and I asked him to make me something healthy but spicy. He took the cod dish on the menu and did some magic to it. I first thought the fish would be spicy with all the red seasoning on it, but it was not, but David the bartender spilled the beans that Chef Tony hid the habanero peppers in the bed of vegetables and they look like little yellow peppers. Oh, was it delicious. The flavor and the heat was perfect, and NO carb at all. Actually, I think it was still a gluten free dish. I told him that he needs to give people an added heat option with this dish, because it was that tasty!

Alright, back to the standoff at the Capital...

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Super sized SOUND OFF

Battleground report
-Free Pizza!?


Thank you, John, for taking us away from the present!

POLICE BLOTTER

Monday, February 21, 2011

The history of 463 W. Main St


Thanks to John Ward from the BID, he researched our building through all the records and gave us the time line. Pretty interesting! Note the TCB bar with Elvis reference, pretty kool!

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Media Blackout

Action packed weekend but can't really discuss anything yet...

Fingers crossed.

Saturday, February 19, 2011

2.19.11

Today's Freeman is quite odd, and lots to link to...

Starting out with a screaming headline

The city leadership people have to huddle to figure this out.

Union battle overview.

PK's farewell day.

Classic PK 1.

Classic PK 2.

Classic PK 3.

Classic PK
4.

Cl
assic PK 5.

PK's farewell column. Very sad to see this column to end.

SOUND OFF 1-The Lori Haters PR firm really needs to give it a rest, it is getting pathetic when we desperately need our city officials to hold together to weather the coming financial storm.

SOUND OFF
2

Up and down Broadway.

Last hurdle for Bike Racks.

Our veterans deserve some love.

Glow in the dark yet? The insider advice of saving the bodily fluid is sounding more and more wise.

POLICE BLOTTER

Gonna go have dinner with Wren tonight, she was the art director at Discovery World and did the Les Paul exhibit there, she is also my fraternity sister at Carroll.

I promised one of my big Brewers fan clients the Opening Day tickets and I forgot the ordering form for weeks and missed the deadline. I realized that yesterday and I was in a panic, but guess what, my rep at Brewers is a fellow Carroll alum...

Friday, February 18, 2011

Powerful talisman

I think this is advertised to cure all ills and fend off evil spirit. I am a believer.

2.18.11

My client Michael came to see his design last night, I had promised him Pat's Rib Place because he grew up in Mississippi. Alisha did not disappoint, but I did have to stretch my diet a little, we had fried okra, fried catfish, baby back ribs, and pulled pork, I think they ran out of beef brisket. I did my best to resist the pile of smokey fries. Michael was very happy because he grew up on these food.

Alisha was telling me how nice Carroll U. was to her after her house fire, she is really proud to be a Pio. I am too! Way to go, President Doug! I really should talk to Alisha to see if she is interested to bring her tailgate unit out to West End to add some food venue to the River Walk for Breast Cancer, we do have a parking lot...

After dinner we stopped at D Mo's to see Chef Tony but he took the day off due to some late night karaoke I was told. We did see fellow blogger Kelly there. She will likely blog about the lobster mac and cheese very soon, I bet that was awesome! Michael ordered a very very nice bottle of wine, and that also did not disappoint a bit. I even got to bring some home to share with Ms.Kool, she just had to have some even it was midnight already, and she was very happy!

Okay, now to the unhappy news...

The chaos continues...Note the "Dire Stress" upside down flag.

School closing...

More protest...

SOUND OFF

Letters to the Editor


POLICE BLOTTER

I missed this nice event.

Water issue and bike path.

Alderman Lichtie retires.

Thanks to Karen W. and Norm, the question I had for a while was answered. The fine dining place was called The Bistro, at where Gen 5 is now. It was there in early 90's and I remember some good eating there.


This is our six degree of separation to North Korea's glorious leader. Les Paul-E.C.-Kim Jong Chol-Kim Jong Il

I think you might go to jail for that in US.

Don't piss off your flight attendant!

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Join our team!


We are having a team for the River Walk for Breast Cancer again! Join our team here! We will have our logo in the back of the shirt and we will donate every dime of the tattoo proceed that day too! (Cancer related tattoo all day!) We are hoping to raise $1500. We did $750ish on Diva Day with just two artists, we will have four this time!

Join our team and we should have a fun day raising money for a good cause. We will also have chair massage by Chelsea, face/body painting by Shay Armstrong and book signing of The Tattooed Lady by Amelia Klem Osterud as well!

2.17.11

I am just gonna post the links and stay neutral on this chaotic issue:

Protest in Madison.

The backing by Republicans.

Wow, the black list starts...

Wiggy is not backing down.

Guest opinion.

Letters to the editor.

Change to UW system?

SOUND OFF

President Obama on Walker. (Which I do agree, because the Milwaukee-Madison is just a link in a larger chain.)

President Obama on the bill.


Here are the rest of the news

POLICE BLOTTER

The honorable thing to do.

Residency issue.

Cupcakes war
in Waukesha.

Alone Together in Waukesha Civic Theatre- I need suits like that!

The Master plan.

Wow, news day like this goes on, you will be a supporter of this Walker...


Wednesday, February 16, 2011

See you there!


CARROLL ALUMNI & FRIENDS
WINE AND BEER TASTING


Saturday, February 26
7-10 p.m.

D Mo's @ Clarke Hotel, 314 W. Main St., Waukesha

Tickets: $35 in advance, $40 at the door
$15 for designated drivers consuming no alcohol

The event features select red and white wines,
microbrewery beers, light appetizers and a raffle.

For more information or reservations, contact
alumni@carrollu.edu, or call 262.524.7237.

Newest team member


Becci is the tattoo artist we had been seeking for a while, she is from Oshkosh and she does amazing color portraits.

She had been tattooing for eight years and she will start taking appointments on 2.21.11 Monday. Her portfolio is here at the shop for your viewing. Come and say hi to the newest addition to our colorful Main Street!

2.16.11

This is going to be quite a big fight. I am staying out of this mess...

Pancake
, anyone? ( I declined to watch my figure...)

We had this fight before, and it took all the neighbors to keep the developer honest.

How much?

Darryl on water. My un-named source " Rocky" from the inside had long called for Waukesha residents to start saving their bodily fluid...

SOUND OFF

POLICE BLOTTER


The Taylors from People's Park had expressed that Dan does not need any people figurines but he is touched by the support.

The hunt for the identity of the mystery woman seen with Mayor Scrima continues, I got nothing with an insider ( code name "Deep Aquifer" ). Rest assure that I am still digging for information.

The West End Artists were seek out by Milwaukee artist resources network and there will be future projects to have more regional unity. Galleria Edge is actually having a Milwaukee artist right now in Thomas Hoffman and will have Valerie Christell in October with her aggressive work and social statement. That is good news for Waukesha, but is Mr. Nipple Gate okay with more (potential) nipples in Waukesha? I must interview him soon.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

2.15.11

Ms. Kool and I were able to get a rather late dinner reservation at D Mo's last night for Valentine's Day. We were told it was packed for the earlier seating. I was happy that I was in the lead for the biggest Waukesha Tattoo (weight) loser contest, but Chef Tony sure put an end to that.

We started with the Gnocchi with pulled pork and also Escargot. What the public do not know is that Gnocchi dish was the first thing Chef Tony ever made for Jody, and it sat on top of the Starter's as the first thing you see in the Valentine's Day special menu. I guess if that is what a chef's love letter looks like... Chef Tony is an artist and a romantic. (and you make sure you tell him that!)

We ordered the pork chop and the lobster risotto for main dish because they are the only ones we had not tried. Chef Tony decided to give us "Sample size" of both and that sample size was kinda close to the regular size... but the food was so good and we were determined not to take a doggie bag. We actually had the last of the lobster risottos. It was every bit of goodness I was anticipating. The arugula on top was actually the catalyst for all the flavor in this dish. The pork chop was actually like a Wiener Schnitzel style, it was thin and the breading was just right. We made it through despite a massive food coma, it was just not right to reheat this later on... The dessert then come next, it was a New York cheesecake with passion fruit gelato on top of graham cracker crumbs. It was a deconstruction of one of my favorite dessert of cheese cake with graham cracker crust with cherry toppings but with passion fruit. Yes, we sent back clean plates...

The good news? Chef Tony is going to put most of the items on the special menu on the new and improved menu! There is the gluten free option of cod with green pea puree, the vegetarian option of red beets risotto, and you DO have to try that special gnocchi dish, it was made with love!!!

I also found out the two weeks notice for the special foodie dinner is not a problem, the special food had to be ordered out two weeks ahead anyway!

Speaking of the devil...here is D Mo's and Clarke hotel in the news.

The former owner also had found a home.

Good things for our veterans.

SOUND OFF

POLICE BLOTTER


The showdown.

Something for Gregg?


Vote today!


Hey, it's my college roommate!

Benefit for fire victims. Somehow my connection to Salvation Army comes in handy. Major Carol is willing to help on the logistics of getting the funds to the affected.

I also have insider news regarding my other favorite place Pat's Rib Place. New smokers are coming in because they are so swamped lately and constantly running out of food because the demand is so crazy high. I was even told a surprise visit by the Big O herself! Alisha is busy dealing with the fire in her house but Carroll U. was nice enough to put them up in a different house on the street. I bet President Doug is also a big, big fan of their food...;) I was also told an incident that someone flew in from Washington D. C. just to fly the food back, I wonder if the other Big O sent his scout out? Enquiring mind wants to know!

Okay, I have to remove all the clothes hanging on the treadmill now and make sure it works...

Sunday, February 13, 2011

First review

So you know RECENT PAINTINGS by artist Thomas Hoffman is up in the Galleria Edge. We have our first review by the infamous Mr. Nipple Gate already. He said:


" Gold stars for the nipples! "



I guess he likes it. :)

Come check it out on the first Art Crawl of the year. 3-5-11, the reception is 7-10pm. Sprecher root beer on tap and Waukesha Tattoo blend popcorn will be served.

Proposed foodie blogger dinner 2

I sat down and talked to Chef Tony from D Mo's in length and he is all excited about a small foodie blogger gathering. He is thinking about a Sunday afternoon/evening. Perhaps no more than 12-15 people, and he would set a budget for the ingredients and we would just split that. It will put our first dinner to shame with the exotic stuff he is talking about.

If you have not make a dinner reservation for Valentine's Day at D Mo's yet, you might just be SOL, I have to call myself on Monday to maybe get a table at the bar. (You might want to try lunch time too...) It was so busy on Saturday that Ms. Kool and Lynda's daughter Danica volunteered to help out. I can not wait to try the lobster risotto on the special menu, or do I want the awesome gnocchi with pulled pork?

I also found out that they are retooling the Sunday brunch until the weather gets warm, perhaps a special Mother's Day brunch will be planned. New items are also coming soon on the regular menu, I saw quail, the very light cannenoli and that awesome red beets risotto when I glanced at it.

Other Waukesha foodie news: Magellan's is now a Tiki bar! Well, maybe only for the month... We also checked out Bosco's Social Club. It sure is different from the past I remembered in that space. I found out I had done business with Alison before and Jimmy is a fellow Carroll grad. Alison is not a stranger to Main Street but still, welcome!

On the local celebrity gossip front, a sighting of the mystery blonde with Mayor Scrima was reported. Likely NOT Sarah Craft from Freeman or Ke$ha. She was described as older, taller than him and dirty blonde. I know I can make a few phone calls to sources closer to the subject but what fun is that in this Valentine's Day weekend! Go Mayor Go!

Hot off the twitter wire:

Sarah Craft
@ interesting! Also he backed out of the eligible bachelor story I was working on for V-day! Love is in the air ...

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Any collector out there?

I was told that there is a Native American healing mask for sale that is made for soul retrieval and to help abused children. It is two layers with a calm exterior and a screaming face inside, and it had been used in ceremonies by the medicine man who made it. The owner is asking for $15,000.

This is a little out of my league but I just want to put it out there, just in case...

Klepto Kitty

Check out this great MSN video: Klepto Kitty

Of course it is a Siamese mix, they are smart and unique...

2.12.11

Friday was a busy, busy day. While I had my acupuncture appointment with Robin, we received the giant top of the line automatic sterilizer we are trying out, Artist Thomas Hoffman also came to hang his art show. I think this will be an interesting Art Crawl. Let's just say that we have plenty of nipples and some male frontal nudity. They are mostly biblical, so I guess that in the fair territory. ;)

Tom's studio was right across from mine when we were both grad students at UWM, and I had always thought he is one of the better painters I know. I assume Mr. Nipple Gate will be coming in to check out the competing nipples today while grabbing a donuts...

Jesse and Betty came for Jesse's big back piece tattoo. Betty still has her eye on my Jane Doe skull. I guess one of these days I have to bring Jane into the shop, I do not think I showed her the place yet. Jane is my best find ever and I thought I was just getting a plastic dental instruction skull for my sister... you guess it, I paid $25 for a real human skull that worth 4 digits. She is resting comfortably in her special box in my study. It is karma that she ended up with me and I will take good care of her.

Chef Tony gave Robin, Lynda, Ms. Kool and I a preview of the special Valentine's Day menu at D Mo's for Saturday and next Monday. I was give the Escargot as a main meal, and I never had snail like this before with a crust top. Ms. Kool had the black pasta with crab meat, Lynda had the pulled pork and gnocchi, while Robin had the cod with a green pea puree. They were all very very good which will likely means I will be back tonight to try the lobster risotto... $60 for a couple and you pick three items, one from each category... I would certainly take that escargot for appetizer again, and that pork and gnocchi is crazy good, and LIGHT! Yes, a very light gnocchi. The crab meat pasta is super flavorful, you don't even need the crab meat... and the green pea puree is just a great combo with the cod, yet gluten free!

It was a good sign that Ms. Kool had one co-worker in the next table and one neighbor few tables over in a packed D Mo dining room, the word is out and people are coming to downtown Waukesha for good food and good drinks...

This is a sad news...

More meetings... One more for bike rack project.

LETTERS TO EDITOR


SOUND OFF


POLICE BLOTTER


COULD SHE BE THE MYSTERY WOMAN SEEN WITH MAYOR SCRIMA IN THE GOSSIP? SHE KINDA WORKS FOR FREEMAN. SHE IS NOT THAT BLONDE THOUGH...Enquiring mind wants to know...;) A little Valentine's Day gossip mill...

Friday, February 11, 2011

2.11.11

Had my "Inception" moment as I was waking up. I was dreaming that I was walking through an Asian night market and looking at all the food vendors. The dream was so vivid that I was seeing the detail such as the price of the street food. I suppose I did not catch the mistake that the price was in U.S. dollars...

That would suck if the highway come through your quiet neighborhood.

Watch out for that late fee!

Valentine's Day dinner at downtown Waukesha!

SOUND OFF


POLICE BLOTTER



Any plan for 2-13? This is kinda scary, actually.

The Beer Stock Exchange.

From a penny to a piece of land.

Kitty Midnight Madness
.

THERE CAN BE NOTHING MORE AWESOME THAN THIS!!!

Thursday, February 10, 2011

wow

I thought the second fly attendant from the left is just beautiful...OOPS;)

2.10.11

Three things happened out of the blue yesterday, and they were all good...

Rich had found out one of his tattoo photos is in a current issue of tattoo magazine, and this is the first time his photo is attached to Waukesha Tattoo Company!

Later that day, a talented female tattoo artist we had tried to recruit but could not reach just walked in the shop. We might just have all the stations filled very soon.

Then... an email came from the artist I was trying to reach for a while, I was getting worried.

To celebrate the good fortune, I went to D Mo's for a glass of wine, of course Chef Tony MADE me eat a yummy bucket of mussels against my will to diet... I do have to find some time in my schedule this weekend to take Ms. Kool there for their special Valentine's Day menu, I was told there is a special dessert Chef Tony is making...

Here's Freeman's report on People's Park.

Planning commission.

A good ending to the story.

Speaker series
at the Waukesha Museum.

Meet the candidates.

Wiggy takes on Mayor Scrima again.

SOUND OFF

POLICE BLOTTER

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

D Mo's offer to help

Chef Tony from D Mo's told me tonight that he will be happy to collect ceramic or plastic people figurines for the rebuild of People's Park art bar decor. He would put then in one of the front rooms display to Main Street.

Chef Tony also invite all the displaced employees of People's Park to talk to them for temporary work on weekends.

It is a great thing for one business to help another in downtown Waukesha!

Open House for Katydids

There has been some confusion whether or not Katydids is open or closed. Believe me, we have been confused too! What a difficult year it was last year with the downturn of the economy. Home décor and unnecessary “niceties” where not necessary anymore!


Since we have an obligation to our lease we still have time to try and make things work. We felt last fall that our backs were to the wall and the only option we had was to announce that we needed to close our store. Of course, with the store closing sale the people came out in droves and the merchandise flew out the door. Many people were saddened by this news including myself and my staff. We continued to run 50% off all holiday merchandise and focused on our gourmet lines as we knew that they are great sellers during the holiday season. With these decisions made it has allowed us to “keep the lights on”. It has not been easy, but we are dedicated to try and keep Katydids open.



We are happy to still be in business”

OPEN HOUSE

Thursday, February 24th

9:00am- 7:00pm


This open house is intended for all our neighbors in the business community. Please take a few moments before work, during your lunch break or after work to stop in and see what our store is all about.


Food and drink will be served throughout the day using our delicious gourmet products that are available at Katydids.


Drop your business card in the box for a chance to win a gift basket of merchandise from Katydids valued at $100.00!


Word of mouth is our best form of advertising so spread the word that…


Katydids

is

OPEN FOR BUSINESS!



401 W. Main Street

The corner of Maple & Main

Downtown Waukesha

262-522-6707


www.katydidshomedecor.com


Follow us on Facebook at

Katydids at Maple and Main


Winter Store Hours:

Sunday – Tuesday closed or by appointment only.

Wednesday 10-5, Thursday 10-7, Friday 10-5 and Saturday 10-4


2.9.11

I missed more than half of the WDBA meeting last night due to work and apparently I missed the main event on a couple of letters handed out regarding Friday Night Live and street closing. (Would someone care to provide the electronic version?)

I am a moderate in this matter and I would advice the power to be to guard against arbitrary street closing and encourage more civil dialogues between two sides.

There were also an update on the Les Paul exhibit, I guess the Freeman article was not a welcomed one and the museum had asked them not to print that story until they are ready for it. Perhaps they are negotiating for a building and I have a guess...They will issue an official press release when they are ready.

Taste of Waukesha is going to be a part of the book festival, and Leprechaun Run is going to be mostly family friendly. That is all the detail I have.

The People's fire.

More about parking permit. How about install the new parking meter that takes credit card, a Merchants Only lot and get rid of the lousy Milwaukee ticket processing company? Just a thought...

Newest bar in Waukesha! Oh, boy, I remember when it was Applejack and Smokies...

Darryl's column
.

SOUND OFF

POLICE BLOTTER

Now I can drive with ease...

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Enquiring Mind Wants to Know! :)

Valentine's Day comes early to downtown Waukesha, an interesting tweet by southern belle Freeman reporter Sarah Craft:

First sighting of me at the movies with a public official. It isn't true, but he sure is lucky if he's dating a tall, hot blonde!

I went fishing for more, like any respectable blogger would:

@ Mayor Scrima? Do tell... ;)

I received a reply:

@ I won't contribute further to the rumor, but the other Sarah enlightened me tonight...ps my fiance looks nothing like JS! :)

There can be only one possible answer:

Mayor Scrima met with Ke$ha for a date finally!


;) You read it here first! WauKe$ha!

2.8.11

Now confirmed report from WEST END OBSERVERS that People's Park suffered a fire this morning around 6:30am, the fire seemed to have come from behind the register. More detail from Patch. (Thank you, WEO)

With distressing news like this involving one of your neighbors and a fellow merchant, all the other news seem unimportant... but here they are:

SOUND OFF

POLICE BLOTTER

Alderman Paulson on parking.

Alderman Thieme at Carroll.

New BBQ in Waukesha.

Today's report will be short, I will update more as I go see the site in person.

Update: The front door is boarded up, likely that was the point of entry. Everyone is safe and on Patch's report, the ceramic figures survived but I am guessing the plastic ones did not. I will go through my pack rat collection to see if I can contribute anything toward the rebuild.

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Congrats to Packers

It was a thrilling game, Packers came out firing and after some key injuries, the Steelers made the game interesting. Like they did all season, somehow they patched the holes and made do. It was a game they earned and as a football fan, you can't ask much more out of a Superbowl game.

The half time show was better than past years and the commercials were okay.

I guess I'll be doing tons of Packers tattoos for the rest of February, Waukesha Tattoo Company will extend the Packers tattoo special until then.

On a side note, you know how Ms. Kool is so protective of her car? Guess what, right before the game I was rear ended. Not much damage to the car but I am still dizzy from the whiplash...

Chinese New Year dinner

You never know who is coming to dinner but the foodie dinner turned out to be a pretty nice little gathering.

Even though few had canceled or no show, the six of us plus two had a feast. At one point we were literally running out of places to put more dishes on the table. Everyone tried all the dishes and even taking home some favorites. However, for me the best part of a big dinner was still the conversation.

Kelly, the newest foodie blogger is a food industry insider. We found out the truth about Angus beef and yes, what is in the other 80% of Taco Bell "Beef". Sonia told us a little more about the ALTA plan and declare a movement to eat more Asian Carp. Ms. Kool's friend Lisa echoed the same sentiment that we should fix the problem by eating our way out of it, it is green, economical and just good thinking. Kelly shall be working on the next big craze of healthy Asian White Fish line as food supply, perhaps we will have real fish in fish sandwich one of these days.

Check this out from Wiki:

"Asian Carp have been a popular food fish in China for thousands of years. Most people in North America refuse to try eating them because they think of the common Grass Carp, commonly used to keep ponds clean, which are bottom feeders and have a bitter and unappealing taste for most.

The pearly white flesh - complicated by a series of bones - is said to taste like Cod or described as tasting like a cross between Scallops and Crabmeat. They are low in mercury because they don’t eat other fish.[33]"

Shanghai Bass? Export to China? It just makes sense!

I will leave the actual dishes portion to the other foodie bloggers because I rather read their thoughts from their perspectives. However, I would like to thank Peking House for the surprise dessert in form of fried sesame balls with red beans inside!

Brien provided the last bang for the night by setting off fireworks in the parking lot... I guess it is traditional to do so to scare off the "Year" monster. It was also a celebration for his big sale of Youtube video, he somehow had found the secret of turning social media into cash...:)

The next foodie dinner should be at D Mo's and likely it will be a chef's creation galore. Yup, no menu, just faith...:)


P.S. I like to thank Waukesha Patch for paying most of the bill, I also would like to thank Tom and Vicky for stopping by.

Yes, I will be eating awesome leftovers while watching the big game!

Saturday, February 5, 2011

2.5.11

This is a rude awakening this morning, like someone picked the scab. I personally think everyone should just let this one go, and not focus on fighting in the city leadership in the public. Perception is reality, and we all need to stay positive and work together toward a better Waukesha.

West Bypass


What is this ALTA plan
?

SOUND OFF-I do agree.

POLICE BLOTTER

A bit of sad news that Jody of D Mo's gained a new angel with her brother Hans' sudden passing. Hans was a fellow Carroll alum as well. The family has asked for memorial donations to Children related local charities in lieu of flowers.

I took my customer Michael to D Mo's last night, he was surprised with a hotel being in downtown Waukesha and the quality of the food. He became fast friends with Chef Tony talking about great places to eat in New York City. Chef Tony made some tuna for us, and it was tasty. Even though I had vowed not to eat tuna ever again after watching The Cove, I just can not pass up this chef's HEALTHY creation which he squeezed 10 tomatoes just to make 2 teaspoons of sauce on the side of the tuna. I missed Ronsta's invite to Fuzzy's, I do need to apologize for that.

Foodie Chinese New Years tonight at 7pm at the Peking House!

Wiggy, bring your kids in for some Packers face painting today!

Note: Due to some issue with the airbrush, Shay will be in an on call base for Face Painting today. Sorry for any inconvenience.

Friday, February 4, 2011

Run Mayor Run

Mayor Scrima entered a Superbowl bet, and it was accepted with $100 ante.

Even though I am a Bears fan, I do know civic pride. I also know to put the money where my mouth is.

I now announce that I will personally donate $10 for every mile Mayor Scrima actually run in result of this bet, in the event of a Packers loss. The largest margin of victory to date in Superbowl is 45, but in the case of a tight game, I will see that $100 ante and raise another to a $200 minimum donation.

How do you like them apples? Upper St. Clair? (Rhymes with Eclair...)

2.4.11

No report on how Public Work meeting went on bike racks.

BID annual meeting
... I had my own name tag waiting... moving up in the Sha! Chef Jack put out a spread and it was an enjoyable evening.

More Packers stuff.

Mr. Nipple Gate's personal focus group.

New Carroll dorm is on schedule.

Snow removal.

SOUND OFF-I thought the crew did a great job on the roads I traveled.

POLICE BLOTTER

Local artist Shay Armstrong will be doing Packers face painting tomorrow all day at Waukesha Tattoo Company starting at 10am, first come, first serve!

Thursday, February 3, 2011

2.3.11


Happy Chinese New Year! I did stick to the challenge and only had small portions of hot and sour soup and Singapore noodle from Le Gong Gourmet.

If you think we were crazy going to work yesterday, Ronsta went to work on Tuesday and back on his bicycle! Apparently we were not the only ones open, but we were too busy to notice! ;) You will be surprised how people will take advantage of ANY time off to get a tattoo.

Don't forget this bike rack meeting! I do have a BID meeting to attend as well. Maybe I will ask Lynda to represent us.

Crazy stuff.

SOUND OFF

POLICE BLOTTER


Wiggy turning up the heat!


And Brien did not stop in to say hi!

It is on!


Look at that picture...wow!

Need some extra horsepower?

In flight requests.

Some advice before one travels to Asia.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Who is coming to dinner?

This is the guest list I have so far...



Sonia+1+little 1



Lynda and Cory

Ms. Kool and I

Artist Shay Armstrong +1

Rich +?

Lisa C +?

Did I miss anyone?

Add:

Brien? - Mr. Scrooge

Kelly - Wisconsin Foodie Girl

2.2.11

To my confusion, Chinese New Year has yet to happen. It is not until Thursday. For some reason my father did not correct me when I called. *Premature Celebration* sigh....

From Patch

I see Mayor Scrima is throwing down the challenge this time. 45 is the most point difference so far in Superbowl history so you know.

Sorry to hear about this news, Alisha is on a roller coaster ride these days.

This might explain about the free WiFi incident.

No SOUND OFF again in Freeman.

Mislabeled POLICE BLOTTER 1 and 2.

Mayor Scrima is finally tackling the pressing 2012 issue Curt Otto had pointed out a year ago.

Darryl's column.

Pictures of the fire.

Oh, and that little issue we have outside...

Brien's empty parking spot...

It must be just me... I promise I will go there again.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Interesting day

Okay, it should be a sign when my Yaris got stuck in my own driveway, good thing I had my bodybuilder of a wife Ms. Kool to lift it off the snow bank and get it back in garage. With her protest, I took her Prius to work instead. The weight of the batteries really keep the car on the road, not mentioning the advanced traction control.

I made it to work with no problem, and I rescheduled one later appointment but a long time customer walked in and filled that spot right away. I was booked all day once again and all of them show up.

During the day these two young guys walked in, one was looking at books and the other was looking for WiFi. As courtesy I helped him with the free Internet but he seemed not able to get connected. As I was trying to help my customers, he started to demand my immediate help to get him online. I did, only after I scheduled my customers.

The guy looking at book left, and the guy on the WiFi just sat there with his new Apple laptop. I asked him if anything I can help him with, he said he is there surfing online to look for a job.

I did not know if he is with Rich or Barry's customers but when they left, I went up and asked him why is he there, that here is not a cafe and the free WiFi is for customers and their guests. This kid started to throw a sissy fit, I kindly told him if he like WiFi, he can go to Sprizzo's and buy a cup of coffee. He started to yell about how we treated him like common criminals and what the world has come to, he then stormed out of the shop. One thing I can not stand is the whole entitlement attitude, and yeah, some parents failed big time.

As the day turned into night, I was busy with my last customer but I could also see the snow started to go the horizontal way. Rich made it home okay and Barry stayed to watch the third and final movie of the Girl with Dragon Tattoo series.

When it was time to leave, I was pretty happy I had the Prius and 4 jugs of distilled water in the back for added weight. The drive home was actually quite difficult. The blowing snow killed the visibility to about one car length ahead. The traction warning light came on a lot, but I managed to stay on the road just fine. I did see a few people went off the road and being helped, and I was thankful I chose the route I took everyday so I knew where I was, even with low visibility.

I guess it was not too smart but all three of us made it home, Ms. Kool was very happy her car is back in one piece. Are we open tomorrow? We'll see...

WTC's biggest loser

Barry, Rich and I are starting a contest today, and we put money where our mouths are...

We have six month to see who can lose most % of weight and we are sorry if we put any Waukesha eatery into hardship...

Yes, there will still be foodie dinners, I just have to portion control and exercise...

2.1.11

SNOW EMERGENCY!

Action packed POLICE BLOTTER!

Even I am getting sick of reading about that Bears fan...

SOUND OFF

The room needs some artworks... Get to work! Mr. Nipple Gate!


How can you not love that face?

How about this and this for side effect?

The "lost" tribe-Can't they be left alone?

Another revolution through social network...

A happy end to the journey.


Some people hate Chinese New Year like some people hate Christmas...

A new religion.

One for dog lovers...


Time to go shovel the snow and make a snow angel... Be safe, everyone!



;)

When things hit home

One of my long time clients came in and we were just chatting about life. He ended up telling about the inside story to the Marine murder in Waukesha. I can not help but feeling sad, a life is lost and a life is ruined, and so many people have to pick up the shattered pieces.

I suppose I skipped the story before, I usually do with negative news, I just want to ignore it, like it never did happen... But tragedy happens everyday and families suffer the consequences everyday. Often my job put me into the grieving process of the families, it is always an honor, but it also echos my own grieving.

How many time we read about soldiers giving the ultimate sacrifice in the paper, but there are many more come home with deep scars. I really don't care if one is for or against war, one has to give our veteran's some respect; they are carrying something that we wish we will never have to experience, and they have to live and struggle with that for the rest of their young lives.

My thoughts and my heart go out to the two families affected...