Cover story:
Get off the couch and sit in the balcony
"Too stodgy," "Too expensive," "I’ve got better things to do." They’ve heard it all before, and they’re fighting back. How local arts institutions are trying to lure you into their concert halls.
On the cover: Yumelia Garcia, principal dancer with the Milwaukee Ballet; Photo/Maria Ellen Huebner

downtime
Laughs, real lesson make up 'Akimbo' With acne, hormones and bad hair days, high school is hard enough. It's even harder when you're going through the halls looking like a senior citizen.
Threeview: The Cheesecake Factory Everything at The Cheesecake Factory, which just opened in Wauwatosa, is a production. Including the cheesecake.
One tank trip: Overture Center makes a striking introduction Madison’s Overture Center is a place for art as well as "ahs." The architecture alone is worth the trip.
Girls just wanna have fun Think of ladies' night as your regular dose of sanity.
Lead lemming: Fightin' words A little advice before you try a kickboxing class: Prepare for prolonged soreness.
Budget bite: Bobby Bear Sandwich Robbie’s Cafe & Marketplace in Mequon serves up this week’s Budget Bite.
Duke Ellington, City Ballet give 'Nutcracker' a jazzy twist "An Ellington Holiday" puts a jazzy spin on the season.
Meet the bartender: Katie Ries Don't let Katie Ries' good looks fool you. Here at McGinn's, the diminutive bartender is just one of the guys.
Exposure The oversized doors at Tangerine, 729 N. Milwaukee St., needed no grease Thursday, Dec. 2, as the beautiful people of Brew City came to check out the bar’s one-year anniversary party.

how we live
Shopping: Tie me up A tie is always in style, it’s just the details that change. Time to update. Plus, learn how to tie one on.
You can shop for gifts online, but click carefully Struggling to find that perfect gift during the holidays can be frustrating when the local shops you frequent run out of what you're eyeing.
One-dish wonder A roast chicken recipe that’s cheap, tasty, and puts everything in one pot.
Dear job hunter: Be brief and direct in cover letter Some people who read cover letters for a living have some advice — and some requests.
Shopping: Tight trimmings You don’t need a McMansion to do it up big for the holidays. Tips for decorating small spaces.
Ask Mom: Expect ebbing, flowing in the bedroom How to hold on to friends when you’re busy, and the ebb and flow of sex.

in the know
Profile: Derek Mosley Mosley wants to keep young offenders from becoming adult offenders.
Pair create an outlet for African culture A restaurateur and an educator plan to bring Milwaukee a venue for African entertainment..
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 Bob Purvis tried kick boxing for the first time at Duke Roufus Gym in Milwaukee.
Shaq hangs at Swank Shaquille "Shaq" O’Neal was spotted by mke staffers Sarah Hoye and Kristian Rodriguez hanging out at Swank: A Posh Eatery.
Christmas in the Third Ward The Third Ward held its annual "Christmas in the Ward" gala on Dec. 3 and 4, which included the traditional tree-lighting ceremony in Catalano Square, a performance by the Trinity Irish Dancers and a fireworks display.
MKE blogs
MKE blog directory: 1000 voices