Cover story:
For whom the tip tolls
When it’s time to calculate that little sum at the end of a meal (or cab ride, or haircut, or espresso …) what exactly are the rules? Some folks at the receiving end of the equation weigh in. Plus: Practical tips about tipping.
On the cover: Blessings Cafe; Photo/Chrys Carroll

downtime
One tank trip: A history lesson you can sip Why go all the way to Napa? Try touring the Wollersheim Winery in Prairie du Sac.
Lead lemming: Burn and learn Poi spinning — the art of spinning and juggling fire — requires coordination, nerves and a lot of practice.
'Cabaret' role is worth singing about, actor says "Cabaret," a love story “without the Disney ending,” comes to the Skylight Opera Theatre.
Threeview: Oakland Wine Bar and Tapas At Oakland Wine Bar and Tapas, the small dishes take center stage.
Budget bite: Black bean burrito with a side of vegetarian chili In order to impress a friend who just moved to Milwaukee, I took her to the trendy east side in search of cool but moderately priced food.
Meet the bartender: Tony Wojtecki The Bottle Milwaukee, brainchild of owner Tony Wojtecki, has a lot going for it.
Exposure As 2004 winds down, the crowd at Moct Bar on East Pittsburgh Avenue was looking to 2005. To be fair, they were looking at the 2005 VoLux Full-Figured Calendar.

how we live
Shopping: Wrap it up Every winter brings a blizzard of scarves, and this year we particularly love the funky mix of textures, stitches, materials and colors.
Don't get any furry ideas The consequences of getting a pet as a gift can cause nightmares for an unprepared recipient.
Soup it up Three soups offer satisfying antidotes to all that holiday feasting.
Germ warfare Antibacterial lotions are fine, but soap does the trick, too.
Ask Mom: Can't turn off the cell? Dial 'A' for annoying On cell phone rudeness, dry cleaning bills and blister popping.

in the know
Jittery about the flu vaccine shortage? These tips will give you a shot in the arm.
Farmer's message: When it comes to food, think locally Supporting Wisconsin's farmers with holiday gift purchases.
Profile: Tiffany Schettle This foster mom's children are of the four-legged variety.
When I was 30: In the line of fire in Mozambique Howard Fuller remembers his trip to Mozambique as one of the turning points in his life.

online exclusives
Lead lemming video We sent reporter Bob Purvis out to play with fire. OK, not really. But he did play with ribbons.
MKE blogs
MKE blog directory: 1000 voices