What do we like this week? How about a new release from The Old 97's or fun new toothbrushes for the little ones.
The Seedy 70's: True Talkes of Dope & Depravity in the Days Before Disco" by William J. "Bill" Krupinski (Kruptoons.com) -- Jefferson-based Krupinski was a figure on Milwaukee's East Side 40 years ago and his new comic book -- oops, sorry, graphic novel -- is a collection of stories, rock concert posters and more from early 1970s Milwaukee. This is racy enough stuff you'll want to keep it from the kids, but Krupinski himself published his first cartoon in the legendary Kaleidoscope while he was still in high school. Veteran scenesters might recognize some faces and places here but for most of us, "The Seedy 70's" is a document from a fascinating, but bygone era. I especially like seeing the gig posters for blues and rock shows at Humboldt Park, Washington Park and the old lakefront Gun Club. There's also a mock front page from "The Milwaukee Urinal." Get it for $7 at the Web site. -- Bobby Tanzilo
The Old 97's: "The Grand Theatre, Volume One" -- I'm pretty "new" to The Old 97's, but once I got started, I was hooked and went out to add as much of their catalog to my library as possible. I read some previews of the group's latest album, released last October, which said the music was a return to the band's roots. Me? I couldn't tell the difference. Rhett Miller's lyrics were as good as I've heard and I love the contrast between the fast-paced, dancehall hits -- perfect for driving -- and the slow, heartfelt tales of woe. I'm not a music guy and I'll never claim to be. I know what I like and I can tell you that I definately like this offering, especially when Amazon has the album available as a $5 digital download. -- Andrew Wagner
FireFly toothbrushes -- February is National Children's Dental Health Month (along with Black History Month and Bar Month on OnMilwaukee.com, but anyway...) if you are seeking a fun way to make sure your kids are brushing long enough to really, truly scrub the fruit leather bits away, consider one of these flashing toothbrushes. It's true: these disposible t-brushes from FireFly actually blink for two minutes so your kids know when it's cool to stop brushing. They range in price from $1-4 and come in a variety of characters, from Peanuts to Hot Wheels. My kids are 7 and 8, and they still try to cheat the system and stop brushing before the two minutes is up, but at least I can tell now -- thanks to the trusty blinking light -- when they've brushed long enough. Cavities are no fun, as we recently discovered. -- Molly Snyder
Mashable
With more than two million followers on Twitter, Pete Cashmore is an online content source to be reckoned with. By reading his Mashable.com and following Cashmore, you'll instantly get up to speed with all the digital happenings that are changing your life each and everyday. -- Jeff Sherman
Tool Logic Credit Card Survival Tool-- It won't fend off the high interest rates of the other cards in your wallet, but this clever multi-tool could come in handy into the wild style or with common household tasks. Included in this standard credit card sized gadget are; a two-inch serrated knife, compass, bottle opener, scissors, tweezers, screwdriver, toothpick and a magnifying glass. It's lightweight and easier to remember and less clunky than a Swiss Army Knife. --Bob Purvis
Power naps -- Often misunderstood and generally misused, the power nap is an elusive way to recharge your batteries. I used to be of the school of thought that wrote off the so-called "power nap" as the stuff of myth, much like unicorns and that annoying Diet Dr Pepper commercial. However, if timed right and used responsibly, the power nap is a beautiful -- and very real -- thing. Next time you're asleep-on-your-feet tired, set an alarm for 20 minutes, pass out, and thank me later. -- Renee Lorenz
