Milwaukee's resident groundhog didn't see his shadow – so rejoice in the revelation that spring is indeed coming. This weeks #WeWant features some of our favorite things to do and use these last few weeks of spring.
Ride it: Gi FlyBike
As the weather warms, it's time once again to get out there in the world. This year, I've gotta admit I'm lusting after this new Gi FlyBike – a foldable electric bike which seems to have just about anything a commuter would want – an easy-fold design with an auto lock feature, anti-puncture tires, and a non-grease belt drive, so my pants won't get dirty. It even comes with a built-in smartphone charger. I also love that it will work as a manual bike, as well as with the electrical assist. Pretty darn cool. – Lori Fredrich
Build it: LEGO
Oddly, as Forbes just reported five of the new 2016 Lego sets wouldn't exist without video games. Unplugging, in spring, it’s hard. Yet, Lego bricks are so very easy and awesome for kids and adults of all ages. Buy a set or two, and build. Follow the directions, or don’t. Lose a piece, go to lego.com and the company replaces it for free. How to build. How to concept. How to collaborate. You’ll learn all three and more with Lego. Unplug now, and spend a few hours with Lego. This set, by the way, looks great. Finally, Lego, if you’re reading please bring back the sports series. Stadiums, players, arenas. Please! Thank you. – Jeff Sherman
Mow it: Black & Decker 19-Inch 36-Volt Cordless Electric Lawn Mower
I’m not always a fan of using an electric tool when the job calls for gas, but last summer I was drawn to the Black & Decker cordless electric lawn mower to replace my old one that was falling apart. Imagine it: no emptying old gas, changing oil or spark plugs. No maintenance at all, really. I have a pretty small yard, but I easily got through two or three mows without recharging (which couldn’t be easier) and it folds up when not use. The mower isn’t exactly silent but it’s very quiet, and except for when the grass is really long, it performs very well – and even when it’s too long, the motor hasn’t died on me yet. Note that this $300 CM1936 model has been discontinued and replaced with one for $479. That’s a little steep for my budget, so maybe you can find the one I bought while it’s still in stock. – Andy Tarnoff
Grow with it: Purple Cow soil
I have three raised-bed gardens in my yard from Victory Garden Initiative, and part of the deal (which is a great deal, by the way) is that they install the beds and fill them with Purple Cow organic soil from Middleton, Wis. Last season, trying to save on cost, I tilled in bags of cheaper soil and I was not as happy with my yield (although the weather had something to do with that, too.) This season, I am not moo-ing around – I'm going to swap out most of my soil with new, rich Purple Cow. I can't wait to get dirty! – Molly Snyder
Tee it up: Grips
Golf is coming, and the way it looks, it will be sooner than later. One of the most critical parts of golf is having clubs with good grips. I know that some people will say you need to have someone put new grips on for you, but I can speak from experience that with a little patience and the right stuff, you can get your clubs ready for the season. First you need to get the old grips off and the shaft ready for regripping. The Wedge Guys have a good kit that gives you everything you need except the new grips. Once your clubs are ready, you need new grips. There are lots of grips on the market but most golfers don't need the fancy wraps. A good grip for most golfers comes from Golf Pride, and it's the multi-compound grip meaning it will handle sweat and even some rain without getting too slippery. Fresh grips can help you get a good grip on your game before you hit the first tee. – Dave Begel
Wear it: "old school Brew Crew"
The Brewers may not be good on the field this year, as they begin their much-discussed organizational rebuild, but they’ll look good on Sundays in their new alternate jersey and cap. If you’re like me, you haven’t bought new Brew Crew gear in a few years (probably time for me upgrade that Braun shirtsey from Kohl’s), and the return of the "ball & glove" in an updated style is just the thing to dress up a down season. Start your spring off looking fresh. – Jimmy Carlton
Read it: "A Century of Progress: A Photographic Tour of the 1933-34 Chicago World's Fair" by the Chicago Tribune (Midway Books)
One spring 80-odd years ago, the Midwest was in the spotlight as the "A Century of Progress" world's fair exhibition opened on the shores of Lake Michigan in Chicago. Nearly 50 million people packed into to see 83 miles of exhibitions of all kinds. The fair is also credited with really kicking off the upper Midwest's love for frozen custard, which was sold at more than a dozen stands at the fair. Though there are no custard pics in this handsome hardcover, there are tons of great photos from the archives of the Chicago Tribune that will transport you back to this exciting event right in our own backyard. From snake handlers to kids eating ginormous pretzels to the monkey island in Frank Buck's Jungle Camp, this book is full of fun and interesting shots. – Bobby Tanzilo
