What's the buzz this week in OnMilwaukee.com's editorial offices? How about a documentary looking into the construction of a true engineering marvel, an iPhone App that brings the device one step closer to having a laptop in your pocket and a healthy breakfast suggestion.
Not enough for you? Well, we've also got suggestions for cheap eats, a book on life after Brett Favre, a catchy tune and much, much more in this week's installment of OnMilwaukee.com recommends.
"A Man, a Plan, a Canal -- Panama" -- NOVA's 1978 documentary, "A Man, a Plan, a Canal -- Panama," is well worth an hour of your time. It's informative and exciting and a true testament to the entrepreneurship and passion that helped build the Panama Canal. Featuring rare photographs and insightful narration from author David McCullough, the documentary is a fascinating story of a massive project that I knew little about. Check it out on DVD. --Jeff Sherman
"Life After Favre: A Season of Change with the Green Bay Packers and their Fans" -- Wisconsin native Phil Hanrahan moved from Los Angeles to Green Bay last year to chronicle the first season A.B. (after Brett). In the hands of an outsider (or less skilled writer), this could have been a "Gee, isn’t charming how folks in this quaint little town love their football team" tome, but Hanrahan used access and insight to dig for deeper details that will surprise even diehard fans. He takes you from the practice field to the locker room to tailgate parties to Packers Bars nationwide, and tells the story of Favre’s exit and its impact on the state. In a way, it’s a sports book where the fan is the focus and the athletes are the bit players. Nothing wrong with that. Now that we’ve seen Favre beat the Packers twice, I can hardly wait for the sequel. --Drew Olson
Two for $20 dining deals -- Heading home from work last week, I was starving. Considering how much cooking I did during the last few weeks, the last thing I wanted to do at that point was figure out a meal, go to the grocery store for supplies and then bust my hump in the kitchen. The better half and I passed a Chili's and remembered their full meal for two people for $20 deal and took a chance. It was a good call. We shared a giant appetizer (nacho chips and beef queso dip) and our entrees (a bacon cheeseburger for me and chicken quesadillas for her) were large enough to be filling and still provide leftovers. The price is right and the portions are plentiful. --Andrew Wagner
The Healthy Start Frittata at Cafe at The Pfister -- I've shared my love for breakfast at The Pfister's cafe before, but now I'll recommend a favorite item. The Healthy Start Frittata is great. At $9.50 it's a hearty and, like its name says, healthy breakfast. Organic egg whites, organic Alpine cheese and fresh produce all served with a side of toast and fruit. Mmmmm. --J.S.
Fender medium guitar picks -- Something about this pick just feels better than others. They always feel right and I lose them before I break them or wear them out. -- D.O.
Dunlop thin nylon guitar picks -- While Drew might like the heft of a medium pick, I like the click and the flex of a thin pick that gives a little when I play. I also like the Dunlop nylon pics because they're textured, making it easy to get a grip. --Bobby Tanzilo
Photoshop.com iPhone App -- Adobe-Apple issues aside, it would be nearly impossible to convert the mighty Photoshop franchise into an iPhone-friendly package but this application comes pretty darn close. Manipulate, crop, edit or just play with your iPhone pictures with this free App. --A.W.
"Fireflies" by Owl City -- I know, I know, many of you probably can't stand the perky, pop that is Owl City. Their tune, "Fireflies," is perched atop many charts, including iTunes downloads and rightfully so. It's a fun, no brainer pop tune that catchy and clever. It will stay with you and make you smile. Sing along: "I'd like to make myself believe. That planet Earth turns slowly. It's hard to say that I'd. Rather stay awake when I'm asleep, Cause everything is never as it seems. (When I fall asleep.)" --J.S.
Watching "U2 Live from the Rose Bowl" on YouTube -- When you think about it, stadium concerts are usually an excuse for people to drink heavily and watch TV together. Most seats are located so far from the stage that performers look miniscule. U2 is one of a few acts that can bridge that distance. A space-age, spaceship-themed set helps, but the power of the music carries the day. Watching this show, shown live on Oct. 26 and archived at youtube.com/U2, makes you wish you were there. That’s saying a lot for a concert at a stadium. --D.O.
