Old school glam rock, a natural sleep aid and vodka with an extra kick are just some of the things we like this week.
Making an Oscar pool -- This year's Academy Awards show airs Sunday. Plenty of cinemaphiles (myself included) look forward to and watch the Oscars every year without fail, but for those who need a little more incentive, backing your ballot with a little wager is always a fun, friendly way of making things more interesting. Printable ballots are available online for you and your fellow Oscar-watchers to keep track of your selections, so all you have to do is decide what kind of cash and/or prizes will go to the winner. -- Renee Lorenz
"The King's Speech" -- Speaking of The Oscars, go see "The King's Speech." But, first, a big thank you to my mom for the constant "have you seen it yet?" reminders. She, and many others simply loved this movie. As someone who sees very few flicks in the theater, I was a bit leery to see a movie with so much good buzz. But, it doesn't disappoint rather only entertain and energize you. It's a great story told with fine acting. Throw all of your perceptions about royalty out the window, and go see it this weekend. Show times are here. -- Jeff Sherman
"Mellow Out" by Jeff the Brotherhood -- This is one of those songs that you just ruin in a week because it's all you can listen to. Jeff the Brotherhood are two brothers from Tennessee who write ridiculously pure rock songs, nothing but big catchy riffs with lyrics to shotgun beers to. While the 7-inch record put out by Suicide Squeeze that the song originally appeared on has sold out, you can track it down in MP3 format on a number websites including Suicide Squeeze. -- Bob Purvis
Rehorst vodka infused with jalapenos -- On a recently and rare lazy Saturday afternoon, I went to Trocadero, 1758 N. Water St., for a Bloody Mary. When the bartender asked me if I wanted regular vodka or jalapeno-infused Rehorst I was so thrilled by the thought of jalapeno vodka that I internally busted into the Mexican hat dance. And indeed, the spicy spirit added extra bite to my Bloody, which was especially appreciated because most of the time they are not mixed spicy enough for me. I am so excited about this that I plan to splurge on my very own bottle of Milwaukee-made Rehorst and infuse it with my very own hot peppers. Looks like Saturdays just got lazier. Ole. -- Molly Snyder
T.Rex - The Slider (Fat Possum) -- It's been years since I spent any time with T.Rex's 1972 "The Slider," which was the band's first record on Marc Bolan's own label -- it followed 1971's monster "Electric Warrior" -- and was recorded in a remarkable five days. This edition contains the disc's original 13 cuts -- though there are other editions out there will lots of bonus tracks -- and it reminds us how accomplished an effort "The Slider" was, despite sometimes tepid reviews when it appeared. There's the classic celebratory glam sound of the hit "Telegram Sam" and opener "Metal Guru," but the acoustic guitar-fueled tracks like "Mystic Lady," "Main Man" and "Spaceball Ricochet" add depth. What's most amazing is that "The Slider" sounds so modern that if someone made "The Slider" today, we wouldn't flinch. -- Bobby Tanzilo
Melatonin -- For years, thanks to goofy work schedules and other shenanigans, I've dealt with poor sleep habits and, at times, some terrible insomnia. While on a trip to Walgreens to pick up some Vitamin C last week, I found a bottle of Melatonin on the shelf, proclaiming the ability to assist in good sleep, and after some quick research, took the plunge. A week later, I can honestly say it has been a tremendous help. I'm still a little erratic in my sleep patterns, but when I do go to sleep, I fall asleep quickly and sleep through the night -- and don't wake up with the groggy hangover feeling that comes with traditional OTC sleep aids. Melatonin is a natural hormone which, long story short, assists your circadian clock. Naturally, you should consult your doctor with questions but if you're looking for something to help get you back into rhythm, give it a shot. -- Andrew Wagner
