The cold weather has the OnMilwaukee.com editorial office hunkering down with some good music, warming up with a tasty Caribbean dish, a song that's sure to get you in the holiday spirit and much more.

Here are a few of our favorite things this week:

Bob Dylan's "It Must Be Santa" -- I didn't believe it until I saw it for myself, but Dylan's latest hit is a Christmas song and I'm going on record to say I actually like it. I know, I was surprised, too. Here's what I like about it: it doesn't sound overly Dylan-ish. He doesn't sing the classic Santa hit with his signature gasp and gargle. To be honest, it reminds me more of The Pogues than Bob Dylan. Plus, the video is pretty fun. Check it out:

-- Julie Lawrence

David Nail -- Through the ups and downs of a life in the music business, David Nail has been persistent -- and his dream became reality with "I’m About To Come Alive," a collection of songs that captures the highs and lows, and the flavor of his own experiences.  Nail wrote five of the 11 tracks on this great album, and the single, "Red Light," a tune about a breakup in unlikely circumstances, is one of my current favorites.  A bit moody and reflective, Nail's songs are honest, creative and real. The title track is a Train cover from 2003.  It's a bit odd on a mainly country album, but, overall, Nail's debut is a solid listen. --Jeff Sherman

Chocolate milk: Simple? Yes. Worth a recommendation? You bet. I forget, from time to time, about simple things that give me great satisfaction ... like a tall glass of chocolate milk -- the real stuff, not the powdered or syrup kind. Creamy, smooth and sweet, there's something about chocolate milk that seems like a treat. Plus, being a wannabe farm boy, I'd be remiss if I didn't add that chocolate milk is good for you, too. In fact, it's healthier -- especially after a good workout thanks to a good balance of carbs and proteins -- than most energy drinks.  Pour yourself a glass after your next trip to the gym. -- Andrew Wagner

"In the Christmas Groove: Original Stone Cold Soul, Funk and Rare Grooves from Christmas Past" (Strut Records)-- If you're tired of listening to the pap that passes for holidaymusic, notch up the noel with this disc full of a dozen funky-azzrarities from the 1960s and '70s. Electric Jungle's "Funky FunkyChristmas" recalls Sly & The Family Stone and Jimmy Reed's"Christmas Present Blues" is a harmonica-laden gem. The others -- bythe likes of J.D. McDonald, The Harlem Children's Choir and others --run the gamut from soul to funk to blues. These tunes will light upyour yule log. -- Bobby Tanzilo

"Faith in the Freshman" by Dr. Patrick Ferry -- The ConcordiaUniversity President's book is a good stocking stuffer for somebodythat loves sports and the human drama. Ferry chornicles his life, backto his days as an aspiring basketball player at St. John's College tothe present day, when his son attempts to follow in his footsteps.Along the way, Ferry digs deep and shares his story of dreams and astrong faith. -- A.W.