Things are pretty complicated in the world these days, so we're sticking to some simple pleasures this week. A favorite song from Marshall Crenshaw (pictured), a tasty dish from Beans & Barley, a book about pets, a place to have your pants fixed and the simplest, quickest side dish known to man.
These are a few of our favorite things this week:
"Someday, Someway" -- I love those mystical, magical moments when the iPod "shuffles" to a long-lost chestnut you haven't heard in years. Such is the case with this catchy song by Marshall Crenshaw, from his eponymous 1982 release. Crenshaw, who would probably rank in my all-time top 20 for "favorite debut records," channels Buddy Holly, the Beatles and the Everly Brothers. The song is 2 minutes 51 seconds of pure pop heaven. --Drew Olson
Beans and Barley's black olive and pesto cream pasta -- I eat at Beans and Barley at least once or twice per week, and usually go for a burrito, egg salad sandwich or soup. Last week, the black olive and pesto cream pasta called my name. It's tortellini loaded with olives, artichoke hearts, red bell peppers, walnuts, pine nuts and garlic, and it's very, very good. It is not available every day, so call ahead. --Jeff Sherman
The Time Marches on Dog Book (AuthorHouse) -- This slim volume by Florida- and Canada-based author Kate Reynolds -- who has a miniature poodle of her own -- is a humorous take on the way that pet owners pamper their pets and on the many companies that take advantage of that with sometimes absurd products and services. The illustrated book isn't especially lavish, but Reynolds -- perhaps because she's a dog lover herself -- can sniff out the elaborate ways in which we're devoted to our pets and has knack for making light of it. -- Bobby Tanzilo
One Stop Alterations at the Grand Avenue -- To say my weight has "fluctuated" in the last few years is a bit of an understatement. Naturally, a growing frame has an adverse effect on one's apparel. I've ripped more pants and shirts in the past couple months than I care to count. Instead of shelling out for new suits, sport coats and dress slacks (does anybody use that word anymore?), I usually drop them off at the Grand Avenue, where Milton Jackson does a heck of a job. He's quick, he's talented and he's incredibly inexpensive. Got a split seam in your favorite pants? Drop them off with Milton; he's on the upper level of the Plankinton Arcade. --Andrew Wagner
Tony Dungy's "Uncommon: Finding Your Path to Significance" -- I am not a huge pro football fan, but I've always admired former Indianapolis Head Coach Tony Dungy. His latest book, "Uncommon: Finding Your Path to Significance," is a good and easy read. It doesn't break any new ground, but uses stories and coaching to provide simple life lessons that we can all use. His pathways to success are simple, too: attitudes, ambitions and allegiances. The name of the book is derived from a quote by former University of Minnesota Coach Cal Stoll, who said: "Success is uncommon, therefore not to be enjoyed by the common man. I'm looking for uncommon people." --Jeff Sherman
Uncle Ben's Ready Rice -- Now that I've started working out, I've attempted to be careful with my diet. Instead of coming home at night and ordering a pizza or Chinese take-out, I've switched over to a grilled chicken breast and a side dish. Time is always a factor, so Uncle Ben's 90-second rice packs are a great side. Quick, tasty and reasonably healthy, they've available at just about any supermarket. --A.W.
"Battle for Tobacco Road: Duke vs. North Carolina" -- HBO Sports did a terrific job on this documentary, which details the heated rivalry between Atlantic Coast Conference schools located less than 10 miles apart from each other. Since 1985, Duke and UNC have combined for five national titles and 18 Final Four trips -- a figure that eclipses any other conference in the country. Public vs. private. North vs. south. Rich elite vs. working class. Iconic coaches. Legendary players. This rivalry has something for everyone. --D.O.
Todd Rosiak's coverage of Marquette basketball -- JSOnline has really stepped up its coverage of the Golden Eagles this season. Sure it helps that Marquette is a top 10 team, but Rosiak's coverage, blogs and interviews are great. For too many years, under Tom Crean, I'd find national MU hoops coverage was often better than the daily newspaper. While this might be a reflection of Crean's style too, Rosiak deserves praise for his effort this season and he deserves your readership. --J.S.
The Alligetter -- Truth be told, we haven't tried this snappy device, which is described as "a lighted retrieval tool." For $19.99, we may give it a shot. With serrated teeth and a grabbing tip and a bright LED light, this will help extract items from any tough-to-reach place. For me, that means the "dead zone" between the driver's seat and the car console. Inventor Micha Bertin apparently was inspired after dropping his child's sippy cup valves into the disposal as he cleaned and rinsed them. I know what that's like. --D.O.
"One Fine Day" -- The title may have you thinking about The Chiffons, but this recommendation is for Track No. 9 on "Everything That Happens Will Happen Today," a collaboration between Brian Eno and David Byrne. Byrne has referred to the work as "electronic folk gospel." I just think it's cool. --D.O.
