The Secret -- Everyone from Oprah Winfrey to my mother is extolling this documentary that -- through a series of interviews and dramatizations -- reminds us that we are in charge of our lives and that, really, anything is possible if we ask for it, believe it and allow ourselves to receive it.
Sure, these concepts are not new -- critics say the film retells the age-old idea of positive thinking and that it's just the Law of Attraction with a New Age spin. My main complaint is that stylistically it looks and feels like an infomercial. But all cheesy aesthetics and jaded criticisms aside, the messages in this film are stellar, and I did find it inspiring. Since I watched it, I find myself starting each morning by thinking about all the things I am grateful for -- something suggested in this film. Ten years ago I would have scoffed at such a practice, but these days, I am painfully aware of how fragile and temporary "all things good" really are and want to enjoy 'em while they're here.
The Secret is available on-line at www.thesecret.tv, through Net Flicks and locally at Riverwest Film & Video. -- Molly Snyder Edler.
shoo -- It can be a struggle to buy cool guy's shoes in Milwaukee. Kate Blake, the owner of the Third Ward's first shoe store, shoo, knows guys' shoes. Sure, she also sells women's shoes, too. But, trust me on this one, if you need a really cool pair of kicks (casual, professional, whatever) give shoo a chance. My two pair of Fluevogs are among the best and most comfortable shoe's I've even owned. Need a pair of new shoes? Check out shoo in person or at shoostore.com. - Jeff Sherman.
"The Black Donnellys" -- NBC's newest show has taken over midseason for "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip" at 9 p.m. on Monday. It's about four Irish brothers that get involved in New York's organized crime system. It's no rip-off of the movie "Boondock Saints," nor is it the greatest new show on television. It still has some growing to do. However, what really drew me to the show was Jonathan Tucker who plays Tommy Donnelly. He's a talented up-and-coming actor who's been seen on "Law and Order: SVU" as well as the movie "Hostage" with Bruce Willis. -- Heather Leszczewicz.
Sky Blue Sky, Wilco -- The release date is May 2007. I can't tell you how I heard it, but it is great. That's all I can say. -- Kevin Brandt.
Ball Four -- It stirred up major controversy upon its release and got the author blackballed from baseball for decades, but Jim Bouton's diary of his life as a knuckleball pitcher with the 1969 Seattle Pilots (a franchise doomed to become the Brewers the following season) is one of the greatest sports books ever written. Its behind-the-scenes look into the locker room foreshadowed the tell-all books that have become common today. Until the book, baseball fans didn't know that Mickey Mantle hit home runs while hung over and that players cheated on their wives, took "greenies" or climbed on hotel roofs to try to glimpse naked women in other rooms. Bouton's book, which harpoons a lot of "baseball wisdom" that is still in practice today and also takes aim at race relations and other social issues, is a perfect way to gear up for opening day. -- Drew Olson.
The Whole Foods Large Chocolate Cupcake -- I can't resist it. It's large and frosted with sugar sprinkles and chocolate shavings, oh and besides being pretty to look at, it's tasty. - H.L.
Cartridge World -- If you're sick of paying insanely huge dollar amounts for HP replacement printer cartridges, Cartridge World is the answer. Black and White replacements run around nine bucks. Color, around 17 bucks. Totally kick-ass. - K.B.
