Cover story:
Count us in: Top 10 lists.
For a nation struggling to keep its school math scores from going in the toilet, we sure do like to count things. This becomes especially true at the close of each year. mke joins the trend with its own list of lists.
On the cover: Joaquin Santos; Photo/Chrys Carroll

downtime
Poker faces Duo's tournaments suit card sharks and novices alike.
Threeview: North Star America Bistro Shorewood’s North Star American Bistro has an unrushed, relaxing atmosphere and a menu that can suit many moods.
Budget bite: Caramel churro at Mr. Churro If you’ve never tried a churro — kind of like a stretched-out cruller — we’ve got just the place for you.
Of ice and men The guys in “Guys on Ice” are still laughing after hundreds of performances. Audiences are still laughing with them.
One tank trip: A stuffed afterlife In a Madison funeral home, you can see a squirrel riding a horse. Really.
Meet the bartender: Conlon Christman of Shorewood Inn Tall, broad-shouldered and completely bald, Conlon Christman is an imposing figure.
Exposure Outsource Wisconsin launches its winter/spring issue with a party at Art Bar.

how we live
Hungry and hung over Cooking up a brunch to help recover from the celebrations? We’ve got some recipes for you.
Good mornick! Hangovers can be treated and even prevented. Check out these tips.
Taking the tacky gift back? Know the rules of returns In every pile of holiday loot, a few clunkers might fall.
Ask Mom: Ironing method is causing a few wrinkles This week’s advice covers ironing and regifting.

in the know
Profile: Jason Kauflin Jason Kauflin helped form a support group for stay-at-home dads.
A fresh start to get financially fit (part I) Resolve to get your finances in order in 2005. We’ve got some advice.
When I was 30: A cold swim on New Year's Day A cold swim on New Year's Day.

online exclusives
Sam Sanfillippo's taxidermy collection photo gallery Did you ever wonder what it would be like if squirrels could drive sports cars?
Polar Bear Plunge video Hundreds of people fooled themselves into thinking it was warm outside January 1 and jumped into the freezing cold waters of Lake Michigan.
Polar Bear Plunge photo gallery It looked like that scene out of "Braveheart," the one where Mel Gibson and his motley band of soldiers line up hundreds deep to storm the enemy lined up across the field.
MKE blogs
MKE blog directory: 1000 voices