Arby's curly fries -- I'm not much of a fast-food eater, but once in a while I must have an order of Arby's curly fries. I love the boingy shape, which lends itself to holding beaucoup ketchup. Plus, the crispy coating and seasonings are incredible. You can get 'em smothered in melted cheddar, but I think its blasphemy to mask the original flavors. -- Molly Snyder Edler
The latest from Two Gallants -- Adam Stephens and Tyson Vogel chose an appropriate name when they decided to call themselves Two Gallants. Their blend of folky, bluesy, poppy ballads are spirited, thoughtful, stylish and, at times, brave. It's not surprising to learn they've been friends since age five -- their musical dynamic of gritty, impassioned vocals, bluesy harmonica parts and melodic hooks is amazingly tight and spot on. The new self-titled album -- the band's third full-length effort -- surfaced Sept. 25 on Omaha's Saddle Creek Records. Although the band is now touring in its support, there are, unfortunately, no Milwaukee stops (although they did play to a happy crowd at Stonefly / Onopa back in '04.) -- Julie Lawrence
A round of fall golf -- The air is crisp. The leaves, at least the ones that aren't creating spectacularly colorful mosaics in the sky, crunch underfoot. And, best of all, the courses aren't crowded and they're even offering deep discounts on greens fees. This is a great time of year to hit the links. Break out the golf slacks and the windshirt / argyle sweater and go for it. It pains us to say this, but one of the best times to tee it up is during a Sunday afternoon Packers game. Just DVR the tilt and watch it when you get home. You'll thank us later. -- Drew Olson
The opening credits for "Weeds" -- I'm a fan of Showtime show because it is funny (funnier last year, though), well-acted and quirky. I'm not, though, a fan of most opening credits. They usually get TIVO-ed through. The opening of "Weeds," though, stays on the screen as its shots of a suburban town where everyone and everything is the same roll and different artists perform "Little Boxes." The Shins, the Decemberists, Randy Newman, Angelique Kidjo and many others bring unique spins to this quirky little intro tune. Check out http://music.homegrownseries.com. -- Jeff Sherman
Buying shoes online -- A few weeks ago, a pair of Kenneth Cole Reaction dress shoes caught my eye at Boston Store. They cost more than I was accustomed to spending on shoes, but I asked to try on a pair, anyway. Unfortunately, they didn't have my size -- a 9 1/2 -- and didn't know if or when a new shipment was coming in. So I went home and looked up the make and model online, and found the exact pair for about $35 less than what they had at the Grand Avenue. It took about a week for them to arrive, but shipping was free. And sure enough, these snazzy kicks fit like a glove. -- Andy Tarnoff
Halcyon Daze (93qfm.blogspot.com) -- When I was a kid, 93QFM represented all things adult and badass. Former QFM disc jockey Scott Beddome (you may remember him as Scott the Kid) is now a freelance writer in Los Angeles and has created a blog recounting some of the more memorable stories to come out the station, which was the epicenter of the city's rock scene in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Among the more memorable tales was Tim "The Rock Animal" standing on a ledge outside of the WQFM studios at the corner of Sixth St. and Wisconsin Ave. (the studio was a penthouse on top of what is now the Wisconsin Tower). The stunt, which began 25 years ago, was an effort to get The Who to add Milwaukee as a stop on its "farewell" tour. Check this site out if you remember when Milwaukee radio really rocked. -- Drew Wagner
"The War" -- If you are avoiding Ken Burns' epic documentary on PBS because you "missed the beginning," well, forget that. Tune in for 30 seconds and you'll be hooked. The presentation is phenomenal. The stories of the veterans provides a chilling oral history. This is TV at its best. -- D.O.
Organic Rooibos tea -- It's pronounced (ROY-bus) and it's Afrikaans for "red bush," which is a small shrub found only in South Africa that turns red after fermentation. But enough of the technicalities; this naturally flavorful tea is caffeine-free and low in tannins, so you can feel good about drinking it day or night. Besides being sweet and slightly nutty, Rooibos is full of health benefits like antioxidants and minerals. It's great iced and hot (and for the days when you need just a little more flavor, try adding a little half and half or milk and a packet of sugar -- it's divine.) You can get Rooibos at Alterra and other teashops. Infuse for four to five minutes and enjoy. -- J.L.
Jim Romenesko's media news blog -- Former Milwaukeean Jim Romenesko had decades of media experience when he began blogging about the business as something of a hobby not long after Al Gore invented the Internet. A few years later, Poynter hired him to do that work there and he turned his passion into a paycheck. And he's earned it, considering his blog is still a one-stop shop for buzz, news, analysis, leaked memos and more about media in all its stripes. -- Bobby Tanzilo
