These are a few of our favorite things this week:
The video for Locksley's new single "Darling It's True" -- When was the last time you got excited about a new music video? Heck, when was the last time you saw a new music video? It had been ages for me when I came across "Darling It's True" from Locksley, a band from New York by way of Madison. This video, which reminds me of the classic "backwards" episode of "Seinfeld" (actually entitled "The Betrayal"), is just catchy. The band, which is signed to Little Steven Van Zandt's Wicked Cool Records, is embarking on a tour this week and poised for big things. Look for an interview in this space soon, check out the band's Web site and, in the meantime, enjoy this cool video, which is also at the bottom of the page. --Drew Olson
Flowers from Roundy's -- There are a lot of fine florists in Milwaukee, but if you need a quick bunch for a special occasion all Pick N' Saves and Metro Market's have very good, and -- more important -- very reasonably priced flowers. --Jeff Sherman
Trader Joe's PB&J bar -- If you can get past the garish pink, blue and orange packaging, this is a great candy bar -- a delicious combination of peanut butter, milk and dark chocolate, and raspberry jam. It's a lot of taste for 300 calories. --D.O.
"The Cranes Are Flying" and "Ballad of a Soldier" -- I've always been drawn to war movies. But most films of this period focus on the soldiers and combat situations. These two films, both products of the Soviet Union, have caught my eye during some late-night channel surfing. They tell stories from the home front, focusing instead on how the horrors of war aren't limited to combat and affect the lives of those left behind. While the story lines are engaging, the cinematic, artistic and technical qualities of the films earned them high accolades in the Soviet Union as well as the United States, which is impressive when you consider the state of US-Soviet relations when these pictures were released (1957 and 1959, respectively). The next time you're on the couch for a movie night with the significant other, try one of these flicks for a change of pace. --Andrew Wagner
Lemon Poppyseed Bread Pudding at Maxie's Southern Comfort -- Typically, bread pudding is a winter dessert. Thick, rich and filling, Maxie's Southern Comfort, 6732 W Fairview Ave., nails it with a Bourbon Bread Pudding all winter long. But, for the summer/fall months, they've lightened things with a Lemon Poppyseed Bread Pudding. Upon the server's recommendation, I had Maxie's Lemon Poppyseed Bread Pudding last weekend and it was incredible. Just as moist and dense as traditional bread pudding, the lemon poppyseed was a natural, not overly sweet flavor. Served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a carmel nut tuille, it was a fantastic to cap a meal. --Maureen Post
Jimmy Fallon's pratfall at the Emmys -- I didn't even know that the Emmy Awards were on last Sunday, but this video is all over and hard to ignore. It's also pretty damn funny. --J.S.
"Diary of a Wimpy Kid" -- I still get nervous when my almost-9-year-old falls silent in her room for more than 15 minutes. More often than not lately, I find her curled up with a book from this series by Jeff Kinney. Basically, the books are journals by seventh grader Greg Heffley. The narrative is punctuated with stick figure drawings and funny notes of a kid who is making the transition to junior high and battles nerves, bullies, siblings, parents and life as a "tween." --D.O.
The Fine Furnishings Show -- The fourth annual Milwaukee Fine Furnishings & Fine Craft Show is next weekend, October 3 and 4, at the Harley-Davidson Museum's garage. It's a cool show that features approximately 75 exhibitors from throughout Wisconsin as well as from across North America and also includes many very interesting and educational displays. Design matters, people, and this show truly showcases it. Put it on your schedule for next weekend. --J.S.
Making pork chops under the broiler -- While cleaning out my freezer the other day, I came across a couple packages of pork chops and got the urge to grill. Unfortunately, I was out of lighter fluid and my coals got water-logged in the rain. Instead, I gave my broiler a shot and couldn't be more pleased. It didn't take long to have a tasty, hot dish on my plate and, without the smoke and coal taste, the flavor - thanks to some great seasonings -- was explosive. --A.W.
"Stop Making Sense" -- After 25 years, this document of the Talking Heads stands as one of the great concert films ever created. If you haven't seen it in awhile, you'll be amazed at how funky and great David Byrne and company were at the peak of their creative powers. I saw a few songs the other day and hope to watch more on a cold, rainy afternoon. I love the moody lighting and the fact that there are no jump cuts or crowd reaction shots. If you love the Heads, you'll love this movie. If you don't know the Heads, watch it and fall in love. --D.O.
