Just like the you, the OnMilwaukee.com editorial staff is settling back into the normal, work week routine. Of course, that doesn't mean we're not doing the same thing you are -- surfing the Web for new toys. Here are a few of our favorite things this week.
Crittertrail Playpen with Mat -- Have hamsters or gerbils at home? My kids have two of them -- "Bubble" and "Lightning" -- and we just discovered a fun new way to play with them outside the cage that's even better than the big plastic ball. The mini metal playpen is easy to assemble and allows your furry friends enough space to roam around freely -- but not too much space. And the plastic mat is essential because, well, critters aren't usually toilet trained. Get this at Pet Supplies Plus or online at petsmart.com -- Molly SnyderEdler
"My Life in France" -- A friend gave me this book, written by Julia Child with help from her nephew Alex Prud'homme, as a wedding gift, as she knew I was headed to Paris for my honeymoon. Months later I saw the movie based on this same era of Child's life, "Julie & Julia," and although I found it to be a fun film, I've decided that the book was better. It was a joy to read, especially as I became familiar with the same French names, things and places she wrote about discovering 50 years ago. But even if you've never been to France or aren't aspiring to be a skilled chef, Child's life story is so passionate and illuminating, one can't help but become inspired. -- Julie Lawrence
AllPosters.com -- Most people I know probably think they "outgrew" posters when the left the dorm after sophomore year. AllPosters.com has a bunch of stuff that would work in that setting, but it also offers cool options for more grown-up settings. You can get things framed. You can see what things look like on a wall. And, the prices are decent (lots of sales). Check it out. You may find something you like. -- Drew Olson
"Open" by Andre Agassi -- I'm usually a bit skeptical of sports stars and their autobiographies. Too many are atonements for lives gone wrong. And, way too often the media and book tours kill the "story" leaving little new to learn from reading the books. Yet, even though I've always admired Andre Agassi and know his "story" rather well, I'm really enjoying his book, "Open."It's extremely interesting, well-written and even gut retching at times. I love tennis, almost as much as basketball, and played the sport for years -- so naturally I like this book. But, even if you're not a fan you'll enjoy this look into the life of one of the sport's greatest players. -- Jeff Sherman
"Real Hollywood Stories," by Scott Raab-- I guess it's not surprising that some of my favorite writers these days work for magazines, since I do, too. One of the best out there is Esquire's Scott Raab, an acerbic, pudgy, foul-mouthed Jewish journalist -- come to think of it, sort of like me. But Raab is a much better writer than I am, and he's assembled 22 classic celebrity interviews into "Real Hollywood Stories." He pulls no punches in critiquing his subjects, including Ryan Seacrest, Ewan McGregor and Sheryl Crow. On the other hand, he approaches Bill Murray, Sean Penn and Paul Newman with genuine admiration for their work. Raab's style is almost poetic, and considering he's writing about celebrities whose affectations he occasionally can't stand, that's something special. In his own words, "For the celebrity profiler, every job's a blind date – and the sweaty fat girl is always you." If that line makes you laugh, trust me, you'll appreciate this no-holds-barred look inside some of Hollywood's most quotable personalities. -- Andy Tarnoff
John& Cait + Nine Blog at Brewers.com -- The players may be relaxing and shifting their attention to spring trainging, but over at Miller Park, there's no offseason for team employees. Brewers Media Relations Manager John Steinmiller, along with help from Marketing Promotions Manager Caitlin Moyer, provide an inside and entertaining look at the inner workings of a major league baseball team with their blog at Brewers.com. -- Andrew Wagner
