Sports, smoothies and a good story – get the scoop on what stuff we like this week in this edition of OnMilwaukee.com Recommends.
Summer Olympics Closing Ceremonies – Normally, I'm one for getting outside and doing – and seeing – something, but this weekend I think we can make an exception. I've always enjoyed the closing ceremonies of an Olympic games far more than the opening festivities and London is shaping up to be pretty good. Of course NBC and the IOC are trying to build some drama as to which musical acts will (or won't) be performing, but I do anticipate some great music. And, the athletes are just so excited to be done (and by their own admission, many will be very very inebriated) so the scene on the grounds is much more chaotic and energized than what we saw a couple weeks ago. It's also a great way to celebrate what we watched for the last few weeks – and what we don't have to worry about again for another four years. – Jim Owczarski
Caribbean Smoothees – I look forward to these State Fair smoothies each year like most people eagerly await cream puffs. These refreshing, real-fruit smoothies are blended up in three spots across the Wisconsin State Fair grounds and come in an array of tasty flavors (Strawberry, Strawberry Banana, Paradise Colada, Very Berry, Orange Sunrise, Yucatan and Raspberry Rocker). I'll be picking up my personal favorite – the Yucatan – today, in fact. I can taste it already. – Renee Lorenz
William Lychack's "The Architect Of Flowers" – It had been a while since I read a collection of short stories, so when a Facebook friend gave a positive shout-out ot this book, I decided to crack the spine and see if it grabbed me. Sure enough, I was hooked after the first story and went on to devour all of the poignant tales, most of which are heartbreaking stories of human behavior and relationships. My favorite, called "Ghostwriter," is just plain hilarious. It lets us peek into the life of a journalist who writes eternally upbeat stories for a spiritual magazine. Overall, it's beautifully crafted and a quick read that's well worth the effort. – Molly Snyder
