Cover story:
Home sweet loan.
The transition from tenant to owner can be a roller-coaster ride. People who have gone through it know the feelings: Anxiety, exhilaration, and the surprise of unanticipated twists. Before you start the adventure, get briefed on some basics.
On the cover: Vilay Inthamavong, Tony Gomez; Photo/C.Taylor

downtime
Under one groove Hyperformance, a hip-hop dance group, got its start when four dancers signed up for a Marquette University talent show.
Budget bite: Fruit filled ampanadas If you weren't raised in a traditional Mexican household, you might not know about the glory that is the empanada.
Threeview: Lulu The Threeviewers visit Lulu, a bustling eatery in Bay View that’s part cafe, part nightspot.
Rock on Meet the 10 people who made the first cut of Time Warner’s “Rockstar Project” competition.
Meet the bartender: Eilis O'Herlihy of Onopa Brewing Co. To say Eilis O'Herlihy is well-traveled is kind of like saying Brett Favre is a reliable quarterback.
Exposure At the 2005 Greater Milwaukee Auto Show, the cars were the celebrities.

how we live
De-clutter and de-clare your independence Overwhelmed by clutter? Relax, we’ve got some expert advice.
Hook up or hang up? Sure, you picked up the digits for that cute guy or gal. But should you be the first to call?
Now hear this Headphones are the latest must-have gizmo to mix function and style.
Cell phone insecurity: Is yours safe? Chances are, the phone book in your cell phone isn't nearly as interesting as Paris Hilton's.
Ask Mom: Yeah, your kid is smart, but c'mon ... Mom tackles proud parents, figuratively, and an unfortunate coincidence.

in the know
The evolution of the technosexual A new breed called the “technosexual” is supposed to be out there, but he’s proving elusive.
E-filing: A less taxing approach to taxes It’s tough to find reasons why you wouldn’t file tax returns online.
Profile: King Kimonzi King Kimonzi has a reputation not only for rapping, but for advocating change.
3 officers charged in October beating Three Milwaukee police officers face charges in an October beating.
When I was 30: Ted Perry Ted Perry, who now anchors WITI-TV’s news, remembers his start as a reporter new to town.

online exclusives
Chatterbox: Home-buying advice What do you wish you knew before you bought your first house or condo? Help out Milwaukee’s renters and send them home-buying advice.
Chatterbox: Who calls first? So you exchange numbers with the cutie you met at the bar. Who makes the first call?
MKE blogs
MKE blog directory: 1000 voices