It's an eclectic week in the editorial office, where we talked about a great aquarium, a beer made from beet juice, a kid's movie with adult appeal, an incredibly tasty cheese, a must-have computer accessory, a rocking guitar strap, the NBA playoffs and medicated powder that will help you freshen up after hitting the gym.
The Reiman Aquarium -- I love the Reiman Aquarium at Discovery World. It gets better with every visit with new aquatic life from the Great Lakes, North Atlantic and the Caribbean. Stingrays, a bamboo shark, slipper lobster, sea urchins, sturgeons and the cool jellyfish bubble. I love this place. Don't miss the touch tank, where you can pet the stingrays. --Jeff Sherman
Magic Hat Brewery's Wacko -- Summer is within our sights and we all know what that means: new seasonal beers to sip while lounging on back decks, dining on outdoor patios or manning the grill. Here's an interesting newbie to try: Wacko by Magic Hat Brewery Company. Why is this one a standout? Because it's made with beet extract, an ingredient that gives it its vibrant red hue and punchy fruit flavor. Don't worry, it tastes nothing like the actual root vegetable. Rather, it's a light and refreshing summery brew that's got a subtle hop finish and amazing drinkability. Look for it through August on its own or within the Magic Hat Summer Scene Variety 12-pack. --Julie Lawrence
"The Tale of Despereaux" (Universal) -- There could hardly be a more star-studded animated film than last year's "The Tale of Despereaux" about a brave and virtuous mouse that dreams of becoming a knight. There's something for everyone here. Familiar talent for the grown ups (Dustin Hoffman, Kevin Kline, Sigourney Weaver, Matthew Broderick, Tracy Ullman, Stanley Tucci, William H. Macy), swashbuckling adventure for the kids so inclined and a princess and a love story for those thusly inclined. The DVD release also has a bevy of bonus features, including interactive games and maps, a "making of" film that is "(mostly) non-fictional" and more. The Blu-Ray disc features even more bonus content. --Bobby Tanzilo
Parrano cheese -- I was born in Wisconsin, so naturally, I love cheese. I wouldn't say I'm an aficionado, but I know what I like (mostly everything but stinky or moldy-type cheeses). Rarely, however, does a grocery store sample hook me, but I pulled the trigger today and picked up a half-pound of Whole Foods' Parrano Uniekaas Dutch cheese. Apparently, I'm not the only American who is a fan of this stuff; sales of the cheese, which has only been in existence for 15 years, are skyrocketing in this country. Made with Dutch cow's milk, Parrano is marketed as Italian-style parmesan (Bobby Tanzilo commented that it tasted like an younger parmesan, in fact), but it's technically a gouda. It's mild and nutty, salty and sweet -- and it's pretty awesome. Whole Foods has the semi-firm, five-month-aged cheese for $8.99 per pound. --Andy Tarnoff
GE All-in-one Screen Cleaner -- Ask any sportswriter who spends more than 75 percent of his waking hours in front of a laptop, those screens get dirty quick. Couple that reality with the fact that I simply can't afford cheap and little techno-toys and accessories, and this handy tool is a must-have for anybody that stares into a computer screen for hours at a stretch. This little trinket has a built-in sprayer for cleaning the windows, and a microfiber "brush" to polish your monitor to a streak-free shine. I picked mine up for about $5 at Target. Grab one and toss it in your work bag. --Andrew Wagner
Souldier guitar / bass straps -- I recently ducked into Top Shelf, 2358 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., to price a few amps and found myself drooling over Souldier bass guitar straps instead. Made from recycled seat belts and neck ties or vintage material, these super hot and durable straps feature hand-cut leather ends that have a lifetime warranty. Souldier is an independent design company in Chicago that also creates banjo, sax and camera straps. I've dropped major hints that one of these babies -- which run between $40 and $50 -- would make the ideal Mother's Day gift for this rockin' mama. We'll see how well daddy listens. --Molly Snyder Edler
The NBA Playoffs -- This is sports at its best -- 40 games in 40 nights, featuring the best athletes in the world. I love the NBA Playoffs, and you should too. Even if you don't follow the league during the regular season (shame on you if you don't, by the way), you'll love the battles and energy of the post season. LeBron, Kobe, D-Wade -- all the stars are here. The Finals begin June 4, but until then tune in to ABC, ESPN, TNT And NBA TV for early round action. --J.S.
Gold Bond Medicated Powder -- Forgive me ladies, but this one is for the guys. You know that "no-so-fresh" feeling we men occasionally develop, perhaps after an all-too-quick shower or a fairly intense workout? Of course you do. Try this, enjoy the "burn" and sit and walk comfortably. Enough said. --A.W.
"Ted's version" of "Hey, Ya" -- Further proof that "Scrubs" is the best comedy on network television, it used an acoustic version of Outkast's "Hey Ya" last week. Character Ted "sang" the tune, artfully done by Mat Weddle of Obadiah Parker, to close a two-part episode about love and relationships. Pure gold. Check outthe Weddle verision here. --J.S.
