Furthermore Brewing Company -- I started noticing Furthermore beer when Comet began stocking their artsy cocktail coasters, featuring classic images of ravens (think Poe). While visiting the Great Lakes Beer Fest in Racine in September, I sampled one of their Fallen Apple beers, which is "fresh-pressed cider blended with cream ale." It was a bit sweet for my taste, but one was nice. My most recent encounter with the brewery was Halloween night at Burnhearts, where I grabbed a Fatty Boombalatty -- a dangerously drinkable Belgian - out of the cooler. Adding a fair share of grain and wheat to the traditional white, it was the perfect not-too-sweet concoction. I'm hooked and look forward to trying the other beer varieties, like Knot Stock, a pale ale; Proper, a light-bodied English Ale; and, Three Feet Deep, a dry Irish stout. -- Julie Lawrence
Scott Williams on "Bucks Live" -- Former Bucks forward Scott Williams is now an analyst on pre- and post-game shows during home game telecasts on Fox Sports Net Wisconsin. He's a great addition already. Williams played for the Bucks for three seasons from 1998-2001 and, as the gang (Paschke, McGlocklin and Coshun) points out, has three NBA championship rings. His high energy and high basketball I.Q. make him more than a great fit for Bucks TV. -- Jeff Sherman
"Lars and the Real Girl" -- Originally, this movie sounded dumb to me. I heard it was the story of a man who falls in love with a blow-up doll, which I felt was a tired plot. (It reminded me of the '80s film "Mannequin" and an episode of the TV show "Boston Legal.") After reading a favorable review of the film, I decided to check it out last Friday night. I am so glad that I did. Ryan Gosling is fantastic as a delusional 28-year-old who orders a life-sized sex doll off the Internet, believes she is real and falls in love with her. Even more interesting is how his small-town neighbors deal with the situation, including his brother and sister-in-law. I laughed, I cried and I wasn't the only one who thoroughly enjoyed this flick. After it was over, the audience broke into thunderous applause. See it at The Oriental while you still can. -- Molly Snyder Edler
The classic Chicago Dogg at the Dogg Haus -- You're on the go, your stomach is rumbling and you don't have time to stop for lunch. You don't even really need a meal, just something to tide you over for a couple hours. In the time it takes you to shout your order into the drive-thru speaker, you could stroll into the Dogg Haus, order a Chicago Dogg and bask in the perfect mix of onions, tomatoes, relish, mustard, two sport peppers, a dash of celery salt and a pickle spear. You'll be back on the road in less than 10 minutes. Best of all, it costs just $2.49. Check the location at 1433 E. Brady St. or 1633 W. Wells. You won't be disappointed. Both locations are open late on weekends. -- Drew Olson
Notre Dame's losing season -- As a lifelong Fighting Irish fan, the recent bloodletting in South Bend doesn't really bother me. In fact, maybe it will shake up the administration to realize that the program is not the premier program that they believe it to be. I am curious to see how they justify retaining Charlie Weis after dismissing African-American coach Ty Willingham so cavalierly. - Kevin Brandt
MilwaukeeHDTV.org -- Navigating the maze of local high-definition TV is tough, even if you're a knowledgeable technophile. You have to cut through the promises and advertising clutter of Time Warner, DirecTV, Dish Network and the Big 10 Network ... and that doesn't even begin to explain what 1080i is, and why you'd want it. That's where MilwaukeeHDTV.org comes in, a forum filled with local and passionate experts who like watching TV even more than you do. Not only do they stay on top of national HD trends, they help out with equipment questions, programming and pricing issues, and more. If you're thinking about buying an HDTV, or if you want to know who will be the best provider for your needs -- or if you're still trying to figure out what a HDMI port is -- surf on over to their site and join in the fun. -- Andy Tarnoff
A vanilla steamer -- I'm usually just a plain coffee guy, with a bit of milk and/or cream. Lately, though, I've been adding a steamer or two to my weekly coffeehouse stops. It's just steamed milk and a shot of flavor syrup. But, the result is a hot, flavored and tasty non-coffee alternative. Try one wherever your regular coffee stop is. -- J.S.
Julianne, aka the Cute Blonde Dancer on "Dancing With the Stars" -- "Dancing with the Stars" is one of those shows that I would have never sought out myself. As a matter of fact, I avoided it during the first two seasons. Last year, I started watching with my wife and while I can't say that I am hooked, I do make time to watch when I am at home. One of the highlights of the show is Julianne, the 18 year old dancer who is teamed with Helio Castroneves this season. Last year she stole the hearts of America with Apollo Ohno. Nothing spectacular about her, other than she is adorable. That's all. -- K.B.
