You are all weirdos

[Renatus]

Yep he's right, I've even been in the fiberglass muskie(it stinks of what I suspect is muskie), and the Haunted K-mart, as well as plenty of other places mentioned there in the book. We have alot of paranormal activity here too, with plenty of other books written on the aforementioned goings on in Wisconsin.

[Ben Lahnger]

Yeah, and they have the Octogon House (a house with 8 sides that everybody gets all touristy excited about for no reason) and the House on the Rock (a house built atop a tall pillar of rock, so that it seems to be suspended in air.) That one everybody gets all touristy excited about too, but for good reason. It's loaded with unusual collections and kitschy stuff. Anywhere I travel, if I tell people I'm from Wisconsin and they've been there, they almost always want to talk about the House on the Rock.

I'm afraid of heights (reasonably so, or so I tell myself), so I was not that impressed with it myself.

[TheFeatheredÆtheling]

Originally Posted by Saya

Your new avatars are make the seven year old in me squeal, but you gotta add the laugh after your jokes.

[Ben Lahnger]

Oh yeah, Neil Gaiman lives in Wisconsin ... which explains why chunks of "American Gods" take place in the north woods of that state.

Milwaukee boasts as being the only major city in the United States to ever have a Socialist Mayor.

The fictional city of Willows, Wisconsin ... which is the hometown of Barbie (of plastic doll fame) is based on Sheboygan, Wisconsin ... which also inspired the board game The Creature That Ate Sheboygan.

And, the people there have a tendancy to take derisive nicknames and wear them as a badge of honer, rendering them powerless as insults. Two examples:

Badgers - originally referred to Wisconsin miners working in Illinois who lived, not in houses, but in temporary caves cut into the hillsides. These caves were described as badger dens and, the miners who lived in them, as badgers. This derisive nickname was brought back to Wisconsin by these miners. Eventually, the nickname was applied to all of the people of Wisconsin and, finally, to the state itself. The badger was adopted as Wisconsin's state animal in 1957, and of course Bucky Badger is now the mascot of the University of Wisconsin in Madison. So, I join with a bunch of other Wisconsin natives when I cheer "Fuck 'em, Bucky!"

Cheeseheads - Well, that one speaks for itself.

[Renatus]

Hmm I didnt know about Gaiman, maybe I'll go visit him.Also I just read he is marrying Amanda Palmer, so I'm guessing she'll be moving here too.

Who is this supposed socialist mayor?

Didn't know about Barbie

Ooh Ben have you ever been to the Mineshaft?

Heres a new one for you, did you know Stalin's daughter lives in a retirement home near Madison?

Then there are of course the previously mentioned tackled bank robbers, the rescue of a family from a burning car by civilians, and the Mayor of Milwaukee who broke his hand protecting a pregnant woman from her boyfriend who was beating her .

[Fruitbat]

Originally Posted by Renatus

*snip*
Then there are of course the previously mentioned tackled bank robbers, the rescue of a family from a burning car by civilians, and the Mayor of Milwaukee who broke his hand protecting a pregnant woman from her boyfriend who was beating her .

Doesn't sound like that bad a place.

[Renatus]

Originally Posted by Fruitbat

Doesn't sound like that bad a place.

Never said it was bad, just weird.

[Fruitbat]

Originally Posted by Renatus

Never said it was bad, just weird.

Weird can be good

I like the idea of a place that takes what is meant to be a derogatory nickname and turn it back on the name callers.

It shows a certain "fuck you" quality that I like in a place.

[Ben Lahnger]

Originally Posted by Fruitbat

Weird can be good

I like the idea of a place that takes what is meant to be a derogatory nickname and turn it back on the name callers.

It shows a certain "fuck you" quality that I like in a place.

Yep, especially when it comes to the rivalry between Wisconsinites and our garishly loud neighbors to the south in Illinois, we've taking every nickname they've made up for us and turned it into a lovable symbol of our uniqueness. On the other hand, when we hand out derogatory nicknames, rest assured they will serve their purpose for years to come. After Illinois citizens called us badgers and cheeseheads, we started calling them FIB's. They still haven't figured out what to do with that.

*( FIB = Fucking Illinois Bastard)

[Ben Lahnger]

Originally Posted by Renatus

Hmm I didnt know about Gaiman, maybe I'll go visit him.Also I just read he is marrying Amanda Palmer, so I'm guessing she'll be moving here too.

Well, he's quite the recluse, so I'm not sure he'll welcome the visit. That's why he lives where he lives.

Originally Posted by Renatus

Who is this supposed socialist mayor?

From Wikipedia:

Socialism

During the first half of the twentieth century, Milwaukee was the hub of the Socialist movement in the United States. Milwaukee elected three Socialist Party mayors during this time: Emil Seidel (1910–1912), Daniel Hoan (1916–1940), and Frank Zeidler (1948–1960). It remains the largest city in the country to have done so.

Since Wisconsin is also the birthplace of the Republican party (back when it was noble and represented the anti-slavery movement), that's quite a political spectrum, but Wisconsinites are generally quite open to varied ideologies and tolerant of widely varied cultures and beliefs.

I now know who the Hoan Bridge is named for!

Originally Posted by Renatus

Ooh Ben have you ever been to the Mineshaft?

No, but I've been through the Cave of the Mounds. Does that count?

[Fruitbat]

Originally Posted by Ben Lahnger

Yep, especially when it comes to the rivalry between Wisconsinites and our garishly loud neighbors to the south in Illinois, we've taking every nickname they've made up for us and turned it into a lovable symbol of our uniqueness. On the other hand, when we hand out derogatory nicknames, rest assured they will serve their purpose for years to come. After Illinois citizens called us badgers and cheeseheads, we started calling them FIB's. They still haven't figured out what to do with that.

*( FIB = Fucking Illinois Bastard)

*giggles* I like it.

After googling Wisconsin, I know understand the earlier comment about the winters. Brrrr!! Too cold for this fruitbat!

[Renatus]

Originally Posted by Ben Lahnger

No, but I've been through the Cave of the Mounds. Does that count?

I've been there too, but the mineshaft isnt a mineshaft, its a restaurant in Hartford. It's a favorite with my mother's side of the family and plenty of other families. Their Gameroom alone is worth 2 million dollars.
http://www.mineshaftrestaurant.com/index2.html

[Ben Lahnger]

Man, I'd like to go eat and play there. I've only eaten at The Machine Shed.

Oh, and next time I'm in Milwaukee, I want to go shopping at The Tool Shed ... that's a pretty good name for an erotic boutique, don't you think?

[Renatus]

Originally Posted by Ben Lahnger

Man, I'd like to go eat and play there. I've only eaten at The Machine Shed.

Oh, and next time I'm in Milwaukee, I want to go shopping at The Tool Shed ... that's a pretty good name for an erotic boutique, don't you think?

Yep it's kind of hard to not know about the machine shed these days, not to mention I've passed it countless times on the freeway. They're responsible for the more disgusting things at the state fair now, like chocolate covered bacon, and krispey kreme burgers. Ever been to the Thunderbay Grill? It's a newer restaurant built right next to it so you might have missed out on it.

[vindicatedxjin]

I read this whole thread and it made me happy.

[Ben Lahnger]

Originally Posted by Renatus

Yep it's kind of hard to not know about the machine shed these days, not to mention I've passed it countless times on the freeway. They're responsible for the more disgusting things at the state fair now, like chocolate covered bacon, and krispey kreme burgers.

I moved to a state where they deep fry Snickers bars, pickles, butter and beer! That stuff doesn't really bother me (although I won't be getting in line for those things any time soon.) Also, my sister informs me that the southern practice of deep-frying a turkey for Thanksgiving has crept northward so that she now sees turkey deep-friers being sold in the stores there in Wisconsin. Ugh!

Originally Posted by Renatus

Ever been to the Thunderbay Grill? It's a newer restaurant built right next to it so you might have missed out on it.

Nope, never heard of it. But I only get back up there about once a year now, so that doesn't leave much time to explore. I probably will move back in the next few years ... the long hot summers here are wearing me out and I think I want to give braving the Wisconsin cold another try.

I know it's not solely a Wisconsin joint, but did you ever eat at Culver's? I wouldn't recommend it for daily fare, but for a once in a while treat, it's to die for. Last time I was there I had a Cheddar ButterBurger with Bacon along with Chili Cheddar Fries and a sweet iced tea, although I sometimes like to get their Shaved Prime Rib sandwich. And for desert I had a fresh Frozen Custard Turtle Sundae. Yum!!!

I've been trying to find two things since I moved to Texas: a restaurant that serves a true Chicago-style deep dish pizza and one that serves frozen custard. I may have found the frozen custard ... will let you know if it's any good.

[Renatus]

Originally Posted by Ben Lahnger

I know it's not solely a Wisconsin joint, but did you ever eat at Culver's? I wouldn't recommend it for daily fare, but for a once in a while treat, it's to die for. Last time I was there I had a Cheddar ButterBurger with Bacon along with Chili Cheddar Fries and a sweet iced tea, although I sometimes like to get their Shaved Prime Rib sandwich. And for desert I had a fresh Frozen Custard Turtle Sundae. Yum!!!

Well Wisconsin is full of them, there are two near where I live. My cousin was once a manager at a Culvers near Burlington. Not to mention I have also actually been by Culver's Corperate headquarters, to go to an much nicer, smaller chain, also owned by Culvers that is exclusive to Madison and the building right next to their Corperate headquarters. Known as the Blue Spoon they serve breakfast lunch and dinner, and available during all three meals they have Gellato, an even more refined form of icecream than frozen custard. Finally, while I was there having breakfast there once(they have delicious pancakes), I saw the Founder of Culver's, Craig Culver.

So yes I have been to Culvers.

[Ben Lahnger]

Take it back! Gelato is not more refined than frozen custard. From The Blue Spoon website: "Gelato is simply Italian ice cream." Except it's reduced in buttermilk content from American ice creams, and I get where they're bragging that their process makes it a richer, creamier taste, but that's just not so.

Also, to be a stickler, frozen custard is NOT a form of ice cream.

I've had Gelato. It's nice enough, but it in no way tops frozen custard!

[Renatus]

Originally Posted by Ben Lahnger

Take it back! Gelato is not more refined than frozen custard. From The Blue Spoon website: "Gelato is simply Italian ice cream." Except it's reduced in buttermilk content from American ice creams, and I get where they're bragging that their process makes it a richer, creamier taste, but that's just not so.

Also, to be a stickler, frozen custard is NOT a form of ice cream.

I've had Gelato. It's nice enough, but it in no way tops frozen custard!

Did I say it was better? I said it was more refined, and by refined I mean the size of the ice crystals and the smooth consistancy. My description of Gellato a paraphrase of one that I remember from the Olympics in Italy when they decided to discuss gellato.

Honestly I must confess despite my many opportunities to try it, I have been a bit of coward and never taken advantage of them.

[Ben Lahnger]

Well, I had that thought, but discussing the level of refinement is apples to oranges, since they aren't even the same thing. It's like discussing how smooth sherbet is compared to ice cream.

But I'm sure someone could reduce the size of the ice crystals and make the consistency of frozen custard smoother, although I have yet to hear anyone say, "You know, this frozen custard isn't smooth enough." LMAO!

Honestly, if you've never had Gelato, you should try it. It's not like you'll be going out on a limb trying something exotic.

Oh yeah, Wisconsin also has The Safe House ... the coolest themed bar in the country. And they have Summerfest, still the greatest music festival in the land.

[PortraitOfSanity]

They were banished from heaven.

Were they sent to hell?

No, worse. Milwaukee.

[Sinjob]

Originally Posted by Ben Lahnger

*( FIB = Fucking Illinois Bastard)

Not too creative, but I don't blame the lack of insults as there aren't many bad things to say about us midwesterns (Illinois is by far superior hands DOWN).

And if we're gonna talk about weird places, Portland takes the fucking cake.

[Renatus]

Originally Posted by Sinjob

Not too creative, but I don't blame the lack of insults as there aren't many bad things to say about us midwesterns (Illinois is by far superior hands DOWN).

And if we're gonna talk about weird places, Portland takes the fucking cake.

All of Wisconsin, is nowhere near as violent as Chicago alone. Then theres all the corruption, the bland landscape, the Tollway.

Wisconsin on the other hand has a large variety of terrain due to the glaciers. One second you're near a farm, then you're in hilly forested terrain, then you're in an area filled with cliffs and bluffs(not just counting the casinos), then you're going through an area with tons of lakes, and marshes, and finally you hit the great lakes, with their beautiful islands, and salt free water as far as the eye can see.

As for Portland taking the "fucking" cake, its definately an accurate description. But thats not weird, its just filthy. Weird means you cant find it anywhere else, Portland merely has more prostitution than anywhere else in the US (even Vegas).

[PortraitOfSanity]

Yea... How is "cultured" defined up there? Drinking beer, eating cheese and ice fishing?

[Renatus]

Originally Posted by PortraitOfSanity

Yea... How is "cultured" defined up there? Drinking beer, eating cheese and ice fishing?

Actually beer can be quite a civilized drink, not to mention it has brought alot of money into the state. Heres what beer money can buy


Now if you want cultured in terms of art, here's our art museum


While Milwaukee may be losing factory jobs, it is seeing an increse in the number of artisans in the area. Then there is also Madison which always manages to stay ahead of the curve(ie:vietnam war protests, countless developments by UW Madison)

(btw they actually had to shorten the capital building, as it was originally taller than the US Capital building, out of respect)

Even our PBS station is one of the best in the country, due to the great support it recieves from the public, with 5 regular channels(6 if you count duplicates), a classical and jazz music channel, traffic, all run by a university, so not only does it help viewers learn, but it helps media students learn as well.

We also currently have budding wine(goes great with all the cheese) and absinthe industries.

Also when you do somthing long enough, you start to get really good at it, we have tons of microbreweries up here making plenty of different beers, and even Gourmet Sodas. Take for example Sprecher Rootbeer

"This truly old fashioned soda has the rich, creamy flavor that only comes from using pure Wisconsin honey direct from the combs. Our extracts are prepared at the brewery in a hand-made, gas-fired brew kettle, by combining honey, pure vanilla and a host of aromatic botanicals. The dark, honeyed brew will build a delicious, frothy head when properly poured into a frosted mug."

It was recently rated the best rootbeer in America by the New York times. It is absolutely delicious, and it has an amazing aroma to it.

As for ice fishing, as far as I know, nobody I know ice fishes, so thats all I can really say about that.


Theres a reason why Al Capone came up here to relax, a reason why Frank Lloyd Wright built his summer home here.

Sorry, I just like showing people all sorts of great things about Wisconsin.