Whether you're a technology geek or appreciate the simpler things in life, you'll find something of interest in this latest installment of "OnMilwaukee.com Recommends."
Motorola Finiti Bluetooth Headset -- A few years ago, I finally gave in and bought a Bluetooth headset -- a discounted Motorola 315. It worked well, but as a longtime subscriber to the "cheaper is better philosophy," I had no idea what I was missing until I tried the Finiti headset, released late last year. While a little pricier than I would normally like (depending on where you look, it runs between $50-$80), it was proof to me that you do, in fact, get what you pay for. With three, little tiny microphones working together, background noise -- even the sounds made from the wind blowing through my open window -- are filtered out. In the uniquely-shaped earpiece, which I'll add is amazingly comfortably, is a sensor that uses ear bone conduction to convert vocal vibrations into speech, helping for a cleaner transmission. Never really a big fan of things sticking in or hanging from my ear, I was surprised with how comfortable the Finiti fit with my odd-shaped ears. The volume levels, voice control and premium technology were good enough to turn me into one of "those guys" with the Bluetooth on my ear and I used it daily ... until the damn thing was stolen out of my car. -- Andrew Wagner
Re-reading books -- Lately, I have been into rereading classic books that I read in high school. It started a few months ago with Virginia Woolf's "A Room Of One's Own" and right now, I'm finishing up "The Catcher In The Rye" and am enjoying it even more than I did the first time around as well as on a different level. When I read in two decades ago, I was enamored with the rebellious nature of the protagonist, Holden Caulfield, but now, I am moved by the complexity and sensitivity of his character. I sense the depth of his loss over his younger brother Allie and his respect for women despite his sometimes brash physical descriptions of them and his insistence on putting the word "old" before their names. Once upon a time, I never reread books, thinking that there's an infinite stack of new material out there so what's the point, but now I realize that rereading a book 20 years after the first time makes it an entirely new literary experience. I think I am going to reread "Romeo and Juliet" next. (I got the idea from Holden Caulfield, who felt slightly uncomfortable discussing a play he found sexy with a nun. But he did anyway. God, I love that guy.) -- Molly Snyder
Joining a movie club -- A night out at the movies is no cheap feat these days. But if you have a little patience and a subscription to an area theater's movie club, the price for a night at the big screen isn't quite so steep. Marcus Theatres has the Spotlight Club, which gives you $5 admission to one of a list of semi-new releases. Landmark Theatres' Film Club signs you up for free screening invitations and giveaways, plus emails about upcoming special events at the Downer and Oriental Theatres. Of course, signing up for both is free, which makes the deal even sweeter. -- Renee Lorenz
nAbr Gallery -- MIAD student Ashley Janke's transformed attic in Riverwest has been playing host to emerging local artists since she moved into the apartment at 1142 E. Walworth Street earlier this year. With Janke leaving soon to spend a semester abroad in Italy, this will be your last chance to experience this carnation of her portable gallery. The last show opening for "The View Master's Lair" featuring work by local artist Oliver Sweet, starts at 7 p.m. and runs until 10 p.m. -- Bob Purvis
"The Last Laugh (this is not an art film)" -- This multi-part film by Milwaukee's Mark Cherek -- with Luckystar Studio -- points a camera at Brew City artists and lets them talk about their inspiration, the ways they work and what drives them to create. From Dwellephant creating art on magazine subscription cards to Reginald Baylor who bought a roll of tape on his boss' advice and opened up a whole new world, these are tidbits that offer insight -- with a good dose of humor -- into some of our best artistic voices. Find part one (and links to other parts) here. -- Bobby Tanzilo
iPad Pillow -- If you read books on your iPad, chances are you need something to prop it up with. If you're on the couch or in bed, it's gotta be soft yet secure. For me, the iPad Pillow works. It's simple, can be used vertically and/or horizontally and it's only $29.99 far less than many of the other custom "lap-type" devices on the market. Wouldn't mind it being a bit larger, but it serves its purpose and meets my iPad reading needs. -- Jeff Sherman
Anthony Logistics Vitamin C serum -- It's true, I spent the first 36 years of my life ignoring my face (insert joke here), washing it in the shower and leaving it be. But now, I'm starting to see a few creases where there once weren't, and I'm wondering if I waiting too long to take care of my beautiful, beautiful mug. So, it was a surprise to me when I won a Twitter contest by following Antony Logistics, and they sent me a gift bag of tons of product -- and this had nothing to do with my job here at OnMilwaukee.com. What I like most is this tiny container of face serum, chock full of important sounding ingredients like stabilized vitamin C, Arnica extract and cucumber extract. Mornings and nights, I rub a small amount on my forehead and emerging crows feet. It doesn't sting or feel weird, and it has a subtle, citrus scent. While I don't look (or feel) like I'm 19 just yet, I am starting to see a subtle difference. Granted, I don't know what to expect, and $40 for 30 ml seems pricey (though I didn't pay for it), but it ought to last a long time. And can you really put a price tag on a nice complexion? -- Andy Tarnoff
