Cover story: Countdown to Christmas With this Thursday, you officially have 12 days before Christmas hits. So how should you spend that time? We give you tips on places to go, charities to give to, events to attend and a few holiday facts and tips you might wish you didn't know.

On the cover: Photo illustration by C.Taylor.

downtime
Threeview: Lotus
Threeview: 'Blood Diamond'
In your ear: The Lackloves
Bartender of the week: Rick Heil of Papa's Social Club
Weekly food and drink specials
Studio visit: In Kyle Fitzpatrick's studio, scale and materials have no limits
Heaven-sent: Artist's angels are like a dream come true

how we live
On the job: So you want to be Santa Claus
Short and sweet: Quick desserts to pass around at the party

in the know
Profile of Eric Shafer: A peek inside the mind of an Ultimate Fighter
When I was 30 of Susan Pattis: Fighting (mental) illness in med school

online features
Ask Mom: Holiday snubbings
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