Here are a few of OnMilwaukee.com president Jeff Sherman's favorite things of 2008.

Movie -- I stayed out of the theaters this year as a bit of protest for my long-held desire that all new movies be released in theaters, on demand, online and on DVD simultaneously. It's the age of options and I want every option possible to fulfill my movie-watching desires. Anyway, I loved "Iron Man." Put simply, it was the most entertaining movie I saw all year. Tight performances from Robert Downey, Jeff Bridges and even Gwyneth Paltrow made this comic book beauty truly stand out. It's smart and fun, and I can't wait for the next one in 2010.

Music -- Let's see. What stayed on the ipod longest this year? New releases from Adele, Darius Rucker, Sugarland and Coldplay all kept my interest. And, I have to say that I love the single "Human" from The Killers. I can't seem to get it out of my head.

Book -- Russell Roberts rocks. You want to learn about capitalism and the economy? Read and listen to Roberts. A professor of economics at George Mason University and a research fellow at Stanford University's Hoover Institution, he was back this year with another great book called "The Price of Everything: A Parable of Possibility and Prosperity" (Princeton University Press, 2008). Told in the form of a novel, it's the story of Cuban-American tennis star Ramon Fernandez, his economics professor Ruth Lieber and economic growth in America. Or, as Roberts says, "It's about how prosperity is created and sustained, and the unseen order and harmony that shape our daily lives." I loved this book.

Exhibit -- I'll admit to not knowing a ton about Les Paul. Thankfully, Discovery World's "Les Paul's House of Sound" exhibit truly helped me appreciate Paul's place in the world. It debuted on June 21 and is much, much more than a trip through the guitar master's life. It's an interactive experience focusing on the spirit of innovation and creativity that resides in all of us. Paul lent several items from his personal collection, many of which have historical importance. It was set to end on December 31, but has been extended through June 2009. So, don't miss it.

Concert -- Josh Rouse at Turner Hall Ballroom. He was made for that venue and put on a great show in October. Joshua Radin's August show at The Pabst was also very good. But, honestly, I loved Tim McGraw's July 3 Summerfest show. It was big, in your face and an all-out sing-a-long. I got to hear "Live Like You Were Dying" live, which was very cool. His Dancehall Doctors band also sounded great.

TV -- The DVR taping schedule remained nearly the same this year. "Mad Men," "30 Rock," "Scrubs," "Real Sports," "Friday Night Ligths" and "Entourage." All of these are stellar in their own right.

Sports events -- It was another huge year for sports in Milwaukee. Crean and Favre left. The Brewers finally made it back to the post season and Marquette beat UW for the second straight season in a big December battle at the BC. But, the Bucks hiring of Scott Skiles was -- for this passionate fan -- one of those "it's about time" moments and the biggest 08 event of the year. The team is responding to Skiles and good things are on the horizon.

Milwaukee place of the year -- It was another big year for Harley and while I love its Museum, the Iron Horse Hotel, 500 W. Florida St., is the best new Milwaukee place of the year.

It bills itself as "the first modern luxury boutique hotel geared toward business travelers and the growing segment of motorcycle enthusiasts." That's a fitting description, but it doesn't even come close to telling you how amazingly cool it is. Tim Dixon and team, kudos!

Other random events worth noting -- So much happens in a year that I wanted to do a catch all category for other important '08 events. The following all deserve props and/or remembering. The Bronze Fonz unveiling, the near constant stream of positive, national press for Milwaukee, Harley's 105th, The Gufs' summer concerts with the MSO, Sprecher being named best root beer in America by the New York Times, the triumphant return of Bradford Beach, 10 years for OnMilwaukee.com, the openings of many new, wonderful restaurants, craziness and pending changes at Riversplash! and the Marquette women winning the WNIT.

Here's to 2009.