Cover story:
Costume crunch.
Now why would you want to spend big bucks on a costume when some margarine tubs, a little paint and a couple boxes can give you a homemade Lego outfit? Meet three people who took $20 and two days to get ready... and get some dress-up ideas for your pooch while you're at it.
On the cover: Wen-Tyan Soo Geils, mask provided by Bartz's Party Store; Photo/Maria Ellen Huebner

downtime
One tank trip: America's spookyland In a Halloween mood? Try this spooky toad trip.
The gig before the gig Ever wonder what the lead singer does during the day? MKE asks around.
Pedal to the mettle A mountain biker finds a challenge in the southern Kettle Moraine.
How I got my job: Milwaukee Bucks' mascot coordinator MKE catches up with the man behind the costume.
Threeview: Nessun Dorma MKE's Threeviewers visit a Riverwest eatern that offers simple Italian fare and a relaxing scene.
Budget bite: Small cheese pizza at Jimmy & Michele's Gourmet Pizzeria Eating at Jimmy & Michele's is like eating at an Italian chum's home. The permeating aroma of garlic. Flowered, vinyl tablecloths. Big, mismatched water glasses.
Exposure MKE visits the Milwaukee International Film Festival's opening bash.

how we live
Partisan dating: Looking for your significant (political) other online Meet your latest dating option: matchups by political party.
All's fair in love and votes Pledgers will use sex as a way to get people to the polls.
Wardrobe malfunction When a wardrobe malfunction happens, be prepared.
Transform Halloween leftovers into devilish delights Admit it. You bought too much Halloween candy. Here are some recipes that put it to use.
Rip-and-tell One guy's experience with a Brazilian bikini wax.
Shopping: Boot Gallery Looking good ain't easy - or cheap - so if you're thinking of steppin' out this fall, don't forget to dress your feet.
Wine, dine and raise money for charity It's the perfect event for people who crave new food experiences but don't have the time to go hunt for them.
Grease, gunk and goo, oh my! From clogged sinks to burrito explosions in the microwave, there are plenty of reasons to stock cleanup supplies.
Easy steps to straighten out your shoe collection Your shoe collection rivals Sarah Jessica Parker's, but there's a problem: Your apartment is the size of her closet.
Hang 'em. Fling 'em. Or send 'em back You might not know it, but those seemingly useless AOL CDs can actually be used in all sorts of ways.
Can't get no satisfaction at the job? When Mick Jones of The Clash sang, "Should I stay, or should I go?" he likely wasn't concerned with flextime, health insurance, maternity coverage or reaching a management position by his 29th birthday.


in the know
Politically active: Young voters on who they support Three young campaigners explain whyt hey care.
The streets of North Milwaukee: Far from dead end Ashanti Hamilton, Milwaukee's youngest alderman, talks about going from tough streets to public service.
Get the 411 on the 401(k) If you have the money, don't waste time to start investing.
30-second expert: Dia de los muertos On Day of the Dead, memories come to life.

online exclusives
MKE blogs
MKE blog directory: 1000 voices