Cover story: Making the (gift) grade What happens when that tough person on your gift list rates you on the stuff you picked out? We put some shoppers to the test. In the process, you may find some ideas for the tough person on your list.

On the cover: Photo illustration by C.Taylor.

downtime
Threeview: Karl Ratzsch's
Threeview: 'Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny'
In your ear: LotusLand sixth-anniversary party
Bartender of the week: Aaron Bries of Martini Mike's
Weekly food and drink specials
Homemade salsa: Nabori's music pays homage to Puerto Rico, but the talent is bred in Milwaukee

how we live
New store on the scene: A-Hem Clothing Co.
New store on the scene: Yellow Jacket
Spirits of the season: Cope with MKE's Holiday Drinking Game

in the know
Profile of Tulsa Maclean: Tribute artist lives like the King
When I was 30 of Bob Reitman: Retiring WKTI morning DJ

online features
Ask Mom: Ask Mom for the holidays
MKE Exposure Photos, photos, photos. And photo archives.
MKE blogs Staff ramblings, as well as those of a few contributing bloggers
MKE blog directory: 1000 voices A directory of the local blogging community