The Master Cheesemakers of Wisconsin
By Jim Norton & Becca Dilley

Reasons why you should get this book:

1) Jim Norton & Becca Dilley (founder, editor and photographer, respectively, of The Heavy Table) are, like, two of the only people I trust when it comes to putting things in my mouth.
2) If there’s one thing that Wisconsinites know, it’s how to make cheese. And, as I can tell you from experience, also eat it. And also how to drink beer.
3) These Master Cheesemakers are no joke: “Certification as a Master Cheesemaker typically takes almost fifteen years. An applicant must hold a cheesemaking license for at least ten years, create one or two chosen varieties of cheese for at least five years, take more than two years of university courses, consent to constant testing of their cheese and evaluation of their plant, and pass grueling oral and written exams to be awarded the prestigious title.”

Available for pre-order on Amazon now. (With a tasty $8 off!) Official website and blog here. This is going to be my go-to Christmas present for all the Wisconsin-living/ cheese-loving folks I know.

Which is just about everybody.

Shanai and I are here at Björklunden in Door County, WI for a friends wedding.

I didn’t take this photo, but this is pretty much what it looks like here. Just beautiful.

Door County is one of my favorite places. See why?

buchino:

Would this be better, Colin?

Fantastic! Now we just have to replace “LIVE” with “TUMBLE” and I’ve got my new logo!

Take that Wisconsin!

The origins of Wisconsin’s new logo become clear. [photo]

Caption possibilities:

1. So they were drunk. I knew it.
2. So much for the new state brand, Originality Rules.
3. You could say they maybe spent too long ruminating on the subject… (via Buchino)

Others?

In any case: wow. I didn’t think it could get more embarrassing. Well played.

A previous slogan for the state (does anybody know the timeline on it?), as found on a bumper sticker.

Far superior to the new logo/ slogan. Plus it let state residents in on the fun by being easily modified into “Escape Wisconsin” or “Escape From Wisconsin.” Do not underestimate the importance of this.

Image taken from escapedtowisconsin’s Flickr set. How’s that for stickiness? It’s their god damned Flickr handle! I guarantee that in 30 years, nobody’s online handle will be “wisconsin:livelikeyoumeanit.”

Wisconsin unveils new tourism logo - MJS

One year after Wisconsin created a state brand, officials are announcing a new logo and theme to go with it.

The theme, “Live Like You Mean It,” is the next step in building a brand and marketing strategy for Wisconsin, said state Tourism Secretary Kelli Trumble.

The theme and logo, Trumble said, are important tools to use with the state’s brand, “Originality Rules.” The theme and logo will be displayed in coming tourism marketing campaigns and eventually will be used by state agencies for business recruitment and other functions, she said.

“Speaking with one voice, it really helps Wisconsin grow our marketing strength,” Trumble said.

You gotta be fucking kidding me.

1. “Originality Rules” is your brand? No, you already have a brand: it’s Wisconsin.
2. Does your brand really need it’s own theme? Now you have a product, a brand, and a theme. Congratulations, you’ve already contradicted the whole “speaking with one voice” thing.
3. Nothing about this logo is original or inspiring. “Live like you mean it” = handstands? WTF.

And don’t even get me started on those typefaces.

From left to right: Miranda, Samantha, Kristin, Pizza from A to Z Produce, Myself, Erica.

This is the definition of happiness.

Finally, 20 long days after reading about the amazingness that is A to Z Produce’s outdoor wood-fired brick oven and the pizza pies that come out of it… finally, we will go there to experience it for ourselves. And then go chillax in Betsy’s parent’s hot tub.

The next half hour at work can’t go by fast enough.