The back-to-school edition of our popular weekly feature brings blurbs about a very addictive TV show, "Man V. Food," along with some fun folk music from the former Sean Scolnick, cheap (and sweet-smelling) disinfectant spray, a tasty breakfast snack and
These are a few of our favorite things this week:
"Man V. Food" -- I've blogged about The Travel Channel's "Man V. Food" before, and now I'm wholeheartedly recommending it. The new season started last week, and it was highly entertaining and, like past seasons, a bit addictive. Host Adam Richman has great presence and a witty personality, not to mention a stomach that seemingly accepts any and everything shoveled into it. He's funny and provides good insight into the cities and restaurants that he visits. Solid entertainment all around. Check out the show and my blog from February. --Jeff Sherman
"She's Gone" -- I'm pretty sure "Restless" was the single from Langhorne Slim's eponymous third CD, but I like the rollicking piano on this track. Slim, who was born Sean Scolnick, gets dismissed as a Neil Young / Dylan rip-off artist but the songs are simple, unpretentious and catchy. --Drew Olson
Watching the aloft W Hotel grow -- This development looks better and better each week. Hugging the Milwaukee River, this Starwood Hotel located along Riverwalk and just north of East Juneau Avenue, is slated to open in November. Not only will it add more life to Downtown, but using TIF (tax incremental financing) the developers also are creating a public plaza and improving the streetscaping and, of course, the Riverwalk. Check it out here. --J.S. Linen scent disinfectant spray from Target -- You could go with a more expensive "name" brand, but why bother? This stuff is great to spray in the waste basket, in the kitchen and anywhere you need a blast of fresh, clean scent. --D.O.
Anthony Robbins -- Many years ago, a former boss turned me on to Anthony Robbins. He's a bit much for many people, but his teachings, books and ongoing online features are all great, simple tools. You've got to give the guy credit for staying relevant for more than three decades, and the fact that his first book, "Unlimited Power," still sells and is still pertinent says a lot about his teachings. I usually take leadership books and tools with a grain of salt, yet I always take something away and learn from them too. Sign up for his newsletter. It provides good, regular life reminders. --J.S.
"Hang Up and Listen" -- If you only have a little time each day to devote to sports talk radio, I'd prefer you spend it with 540 ESPN (they have a scrappy little midday show from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.). But, this podcast from the boys at Slate.com is pretty entertaining. Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca kick around topics in a breezy, intelligent manner. It's worth a download. --D.O.
NYT.com's Restaurant Preview Issue -- I've only been to New York City once, but read the Times regularly online. Its current dining preview provides many great features and summaries that, in turn, provide inspiration for new concepts and ideas here in Milwaukee. Interestingly, just this week, local chef Marc Bianchini received a brief mention in a Times' feature about legendary NYC restaurant mogul Tony May. Bianchini trained with May at San Domenico in New York as well as the San Domenico in Italy. Check out the restaurant preview issue here. --J.S.
French toast bagels from David's Deli -- Made with vanilla and maple syrup, these bagels from Crystal Farms provide morning fuel without the guilt of, say, a McGriddle. --D.O.
