An alternative to water, outstanding headphones and an expensive (but effective) new razor ... are just a few of the things we like this week.
AblePlanet NC300W True Fidelity headphones -- I've been a long-time Koss user in large part because the hometown company sticks by its product and offers free replacements. But over the years I've had to go back to get new (actually refurbished, I think) 'phones more often than I'd like, mostly because of wonky connections that cause one side or the other to go intermittently dead (and I'm not that hard on headphones). The upside is the savings, the downside is the annoyance. So, I've had an eye on new pair for a while and am pleased to report that the comfortable AblePlanet noise canceling babies are perfect.
They fold up nice and small to fit into the soft carrying case, have an in-line volume control and a range of adapters. The combination of the noise canceling technology and the in-line volume control makes it easier to go easier on my ears and listen rewardingly at a lower volume. If you get the chance, compare a set with the noise cancellation off and then on and you'll be amazed. I hear a bit of hiss with the noise canceling on, but that disappears, at least for me, once the music starts, so I'm not bothered. I've listened to jazz, reggae, Italian folk music, the Beatles and more on them and they never disappoint. They have great bass response for reggae, though I might roll off a little low end on some other stuff to bring the EQ in line with my preferences. You can also use them with the battery-powered noise canceling off, though you'll have to adjust your EQ if you do this as the sound gets a bit midrange-y. Although they're not too heavy, I'll use them mostly at home to listen to music or to play the electric guitar while the kids sleep, but they work nicely with my iPod and iPhone, too, and next time I board a plane, I'll have them with me, too (along with the two-pronged airplane adaptor). They come in black and white and have an MSRP of $129. -- Bobby Tanzilo
Wyler's Light Singles to Go Packets -- I'm on a mission to drink less and less soda this year but since I don't really care for drinking a bottle of "plain" water, I've been on the hunt for just the right additive. I've tried some suggestions and samples from Drew Olson but stumbled upon these packets during a late-night trip to Walgreen's. Just $5 for 50 and I was hooked. Just enough lemonade flavor without being overwhelming and just five calories. Can't beat it. -- Andrew Wagner
Schick Hydro 5 razor -- I have to admit, the escalation in "Razor Wars" has gotten a bit out of hand in recent years. How many blades do we need, anyway? What’s next -- a razor that makes an omelet while you scrape yesterday’s shadow off your face? The prices seemed ridiculously high and the whole enterprise seemed like such a scam that I spent a good portion of time on the sidelines, using cheaper disposable razors and congratulating myself for being a shrewd consumer (though a lousy friend to the environment). Last week, I broke down and bought a spiffy new Hydro 5 because it was on sale and I just felt like "giving it a try." Ridiculous or not, this one lives up to the hype. The design is cool and the shave is amazingly comfortable. --Drew Olson
Romain Virgo (VP Records) -- Let this recent reggae CD serve as a reminder that you can't always judge a book (or record) by its cover. I expected this to be a light, collection of smooth modern lovers rock. Instead, the 20-year-old Virgo lends his talents to a more diverse array of material. Sure, there are sweet Auto-Tune-tinted tracks like "Love Doctor" and "Wanna Go Home (Rain is Falling)," but Virgo's best moments are on weightier tracks like "Live Mi Life" and his recent hit, "Mi Cann Sleep" (aka "Can't Sleep") a song about the nightmare of senseless violence in Jamaica. --B.T.
Blue Diamond Bold Wasabi & Soy Sauce Almonds -- You always hear that nuts are healthy for you. These might not be, but they are delicious. The mix of heat from the wasabi, offset by the salty soyness is excellent. Put them in a small dish at your next cocktail party -- perhaps with a warning sign for people who don't have adventurous palates -- and they'll be a hit. --D.O.
Stone Creek Coffees' Milwaukee blend posters -- I love Milwaukee coffee. Alterra, Stone Creek, Anodyne - I share the wealth. But, only one local company does a "Milwaukee blend" with unique packaging and very cool local scenery. I love Stone Creek's Milwaukee blend and really like their posters that mirror the coffee's packages. Bradford Beach, the Hoan Bridge, the Riverwalk and more are all featured. Check them out and buy them here. -- Jeff Sherman
