What are we talking about this week in the OnMilwaukee.com editorial office? There are basics like yummy milk and a legendary punk rock recording.
Bad Brains -- Live at CBGB Omfug 1982 (MVD) -- This vinyl-only release comes on stunning red and black vinyl and is limited to 1,000 copies. Although it was recorded at the same December 1982 shows at the legendary New York venue as a similar CD, the versions are completely different. These are audio recordings of performances from the DVD and also includes a couple unreleased tracks, too. As a collectible, the package is unbeatable. As a testament to the explosive fire of one of the best and most exciting American bands ever, it's even more important. That it captures the band at the height of its powers -- at least to my tastes -- makes it a must-have. -- Bobby Tanzilo
Rug Doctor Carpet Cleaner -- A clean carpet is the foundation of a happy home. When our pooch got sick last week, my roommate and I decided it was high-time to give our carpet a thorough cleaning. A $25 rental (plus about $20 in cleaning supplies) sucked out every last bit of embedded dog hair and grime, transforming our apartment into a place we wouldn't be embarrassed to have our mothers visit. -- Andrew Wagner
iPhone 4 Ballistic HC Series Case -- The iPhone 4 case I just received in the mail is the most over-the-top, rugged cell phone case I've ever seen -- and it's just what I could've used when my phone slid out of my arm band and on to the pavement last week while running. Because my phone wasn't in a case, it's now missing some chunks of glass on the back. But had it been in this bad-ass case, it probably would've survived being thrown out of a plane. Get this: the Ballistic sports four layers protection, beginning with a thin layer of soft thermoplastic polyurethane. On top of that, there are two more layers of hard TPU, and a fourth optional case of pliable silicon that offers plugs to seal the ports. And it comes with a holster on top of this. This is ridiculous iPhone protection for people like construction workers, outdoor types … and clods like me who keep dropping their new $300 toy. It's big and bulky and not cheap at $50. But if you need industrial-strength iPhone protection, you can hardly do better than this. The case will be available soon online and at AT&T stores. -- Andy Tarnoff
Flavored toothpicks by preserve -- These things are great. preserve (yes, the company spells its name with a small "p") makes a variety of natural and made from recycled material products. Their toothpicks are manufactured from sustainably harvested birch grown in the USA, and packaged in a pocket-sized canister made from 100 percent recycled plastic. The cinnamint flavor is great and I like the mint tea tree too. Both pack enough punch to freshen the breath or just chomp on during the day. -- Jeff Sherman
Kwik Trip "Milk in a Bag" -- Kwik Trip, for various reasons, is one of my favorite places to shop, in large part because of its "Milk in a Bag." Sure, the bag version is no different than what you'd find in a store, but for about $2.50 a gallon (two bags), it's a much better deal. -- A.W.
Margarita Paradise at the Milwaukee Public Market -- I'll admit I was a bit skeptical when MP opened at the Public Market, 400 N. Water St., last summer. I'd never been to the resturant's other locations and didn't know much about them. Today, I'm here to say that I truly enjoy MP's food, vibe and service. I love their tacos, burritos and really appreciate the extremely friendly service. I'd like a bit hotter salsa, but all in all MP at the Market is a great stop for breakfast, lunch or dinner. -- J.S.
Contigo travel mug -- I'm betting that you, like me, have had a wide range of unsuccessful travel cups for your coffee over the years. I've had some that keep coffee hot but leak or have wonky lids that don't stay on. I've had ones that have good lids and don't leak but don't maintain temps very well. Then I got this sparkling red Contigo AUTOSEAL West Loop Stainless Steel "vacuum insulated" 16-ounce baby that works like a charm. The lid seals on tightly and you have to push a button to access your bevvy. So it never leaks and it never spills. The drink stays nice and hot and the cup it never to warm to pick up. My only gripe is that the cup can't go in the dishwasher (although the cover can), but I can live with that. Once they perfect that, it will be the world's most perfect BPA-free travel mug. But even now, I'm with you Contigo. -- Bobby Tanzilo
Strawberry poppyseed and chicken salad at Panera Bread -- It can be hard to find healthy food in a hurry, but the fine folks at Panera have made it a bit easier with this offering. This salad features all-natural, antibiotic-free chicken, romaine lettuce, strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, Mandarin oranges, pecans & reduced sugar, fat-free poppyseed dressing. It's quick. It's filling. It tastes like summer. And, best of all, it's just about 300 calories. --Drew Olson
