It's time for another installment of "OMC Recommends," a periodic look at cool things that we like and think you should know about.
Use the Talkback feature to let us know what you think of our picks and if you'd like to add some of your own, e-mail them to omcrecommends@staff.onmilwaukee.com.
The Sarah Silverman Program -- Comedy Central recently aired the premiere episode of comedian Sarah Silverman's new television show, "The Sarah Silverman Program." Like her DVD called "Jesus Is Magic," her TV show is more of the same: a sweet-faced girl saying over-the-top, shocking stuff in between strange musical numbers that are usually about something gross like poop.
Silverman can be annoying, especially her "little girl" voice, and at times her supporting cast (Steve Agee, Brian Posehn, and real-life sister Laura) is stronger and funnier than she is. But just when you're about to surf far, far away from Senorita Silverman, she comes out with something stellar, like her reason for not helping her friend Natalie move: "I stubbed my vagina." -- Molly Snyder Edler.
Venchi hot chocolate -- I've looked longingly at the Venchi chocolate bars that come in interesting combinations (one has red chiles) and are nicely displayed at Whole Foods, but at $3.99 a pop, I'm priced out of that market.
But the Piedmontese chocolatier (down the road from Ferrero, which invented the Tic Tac and Nutella), which has been in business since 1878, also makes a powdered hot chocolate mix and my mom -- who clearly knows me well, as you'd expect -- gave me some for Christmas and pointed out the label that had been affixed to the box, presumably by the American distributor, saying that Americans will want to add sugar. But I love dark chocolate, the darker the better. I always grab the bar with the highest cocoa content and then look for one with an even higher percentage before committing. So, the dark, silky, complex and barely -- if at all -- sweet Venchi stuff rocks. Someday, I may splurge and treat myself to one of the bars. -- Bobby Tanzilo.
Riverwest Co-op spring rolls -- Just about everything in this tiny yet tempting café is extraordinarily flavorful, even if the preparation is slightly varied each time you order it. What remains consistent, however, is the deliciousness of their spring rolls -- a filling combination of sweet and spicy tofu, rice noodles, carrots, spinach, cucumbers, fresh mint and cilantro rolled up in delicate rice paper and served with their homemade peanut sauce. They are one of those things you could eat daily and not get tired of, and they're only $3.50 -- Julie Lawrence.
Guitar lessons on YouTube -- Beginner, intermediate and advanced players alike can find a way to kill some time and blast past learning plateaus by surfing the huge selection of instructional guitar lessons on YouTube.com. A personal favorite: Milwaukee's own "Gristleman" Greg Koch showing how to play in the style of Stevie Ray Vaughn (http://youtube.com/watch?v=duRLfpo3LQ0). It might not be as good as a real lesson, but it's free and you don't have to leave the house. -- Drew Olson Bolthouse Farms Perfectly Protein Drinks -- I saw the bottle at Whole Foods one day and thought, why not try it? It turns out it's delicious, plus healthier than having a pop. The mocha cappuccino drink acts as the perfect alternative to coffee in the morning, but also acts as a liquid dessert in a way. Bolthouse is sold at both Whole Foods and Pick 'N Save. -- Heather Leszczewicz.
Cnet's Crave -- Always one on the search for the next gadget, I love a weekly peak at Cnet's crave. I rarely act on the items, but always find something new and exciting here. One of these days, I'll go on a shopping spree at http://crave.cnet.com/. -- Jeff Sherman.
Katharine McPhee's self-titled CD -- The "American Idol" runner-up released her CD in time for the newest season of "Idol." It's a mixture of R&B and pop music suitable for her beautiful voice. "Over It" is a song I can play over and over again and not get tired of it. It's one of my new favorite songs of the moment. -- H.L.
Kangaroo Sea Salt Pita Chips -- I picked up a bag at the Milwaukee Public Market. They are baked pitas, toasted crispy thin and deliciously seasoned with sunflower oil. Wow. Even better, Kangaroo Brands is located right here in Milwaukee. Replace those chips with these. You'll love 'em. -- J.S.
