Author Archives: Katherine Wikoff

About Katherine Wikoff

I am a college professor at Milwaukee School of Engineering, where I teach literature, film studies, political science, and communication. I also volunteer with a Milwaukee homeless sanctuary, Repairers of the Breach, as chair of the Communications and Fund Development Committee.

Down to the Bone

Posted on August 2, 2018

MSOE’s Campus Center building, originally the Valentin Blatz Brewing Co. Bottle House, is getting some major restoration work done. Windows are being replaced, as is apparently much of the exterior facade. Today I noticed that that the work seems to … Continue reading →

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Milwaukee’s Water Street ladybugs and large veins at City Hall

Posted on August 1, 2018

Yesterday morning I walked over to a foundation’s office to hand-deliver a grant proposal for the daytime homeless sanctuary I volunteer with, Repairers of the Breach. (Website HERE; Facebook page HERE. Check them out if you’re interested in finding a … Continue reading →

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Cool things for the kitchen

Posted on July 29, 2018

I just happened to notice these new products (I think they’re new, anyway) when I was at the grocery store this afternoon. I have to give Reynolds credit; they’ve solved some irritating problems that have annoyed me for years. Have … Continue reading →

Posted in Creativity, Food, Life | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Casting a long shadow

Posted on July 27, 2018

The sculptures in this case are located in the “marble quarrying” section of the Grohmann Museum’s second floor. I’m not sure why this caught my eye today, because I walk past here all the time. Maybe it’s just a little … Continue reading →

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An old friend I can rely upon

Posted on July 26, 2018

As you can see, my old umbrella is completely held together by safety pins and paper clips. Every single junction of stretcher and rib has broken at one time or another, which I’ve always managed to repair with whatever little … Continue reading →

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Wham! “Freedom” in China

Posted on July 25, 2018

I heard Wham!’s “Freedom” on the radio while driving yesterday. I’ve always liked this song, but what I’ve especially always remembered about it was its official video, which details the 1980s duo’s groundbreaking trip to China. Wham! was the first Western … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Creativity, History, Life, Movies and film, Music, Photography, Political Analysis, Popular culture | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

MGIC Plaza in Black and White

Posted on July 24, 2018

I don’t do black-and-white photography very often. But these sunny-day pictures of the MGIC Plaza down the street from my office seemed perfect for a more stark presentation than color could give them. What do you think? (P.S. – As … Continue reading →

Posted in architecture, Milwaukee, Photography | Tagged , , , , , | 8 Comments