A little bit of spice, a good book, a catchy tune and something to wash it all down. That's what we like this week ... and we hope you like it, too.
Ichiban's screamin' tuna rolls -- If you like more kick with your sushi rolls than the standard blob of wasabi on the side of the plate, then try the screamin' tuna rolls at Ichiban, 2336 N. Farwell Ave. The blue fin tuna and asparagus rolls are laden with Japanese mustard that adds a blast of intense heat that, at times, induced tears. The screamin' tunas are reasonably priced at $6.95 for six, and because it's Bar Month at OnMilwaukee.com, I'd like to add they pair well with warm sake. -- Molly Snyder
"Sail" by AWOLNation -- True, the lyrics aren't all that upbeat, but the music side of this song more than makes up for that. It's both industrial and soulful and not very complex, but they way the song adds layers of sound and fits them together is really intricate and pretty cool. Download the song by itself or get the whole debut EP, "Back From Earth." -- Renee Lorenz
Shah Jee's -- Inconspicuously located in the Downtown "food court" inside the 770 N. Jefferson St. building, Shah Jee is a simply a great Milwaukee lunch. It's plain and simple Pakistani food that's packed with flavor and spice. I'm no expert on Pakistani food, but I love this place. Try it, it's open daily 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Cash only. -- Jeff Sherman
"A Nation Within a Nation: Voices of the Oneida in Wisconsin," edited by L. Gordon McLester III and Laurence M. Hauptman (Wisconsin Historical Society Press) -- This is the fourth and final volume of a series by the editors on Oneida history and in it, Wisconsin's Oneidas tell their own story via first-person accounts, biographies, scholarly investigations, oral histories, maps, time lines and more. The Oneidas arrived near Green Bay after being removed from their native New York and by the late 19th century their reservation was being broken up by the government. But during all their struggles, the Oneida community remained tied together and this book is more than simply the history of a native peoples and its struggles. It's also a testament to the endurance and drive of the Oneida people, who refused to allow poverty, oppression, assimilation and government interference shatter their community. -- Bobby Tanzilo
Lipton Citrus Green Tea -- I tried to eliminate soda from my diet and that really didn't work. Since I can't "drink water," I've used those little, low-calorie lemonade packets non-stop for the last year. Still, sometimes, that doesn't even hit the spot. But every now and then, though, I'll grab a couple bottles of Lipton Citrus Green Tea and it hits the spot. Though I'm adding iced tea to the list of "Things I've Started To Like As I Get Older," it's still not in my regular rotation. But I like this stuff -- it tastes good and, if you believe what the labels say, it's good for you, too. I'm especially partial to a bottle the morning after tying one on. -- Andrew Wagner
iMainGo X portable speaker system -- Portable speakers for iPods and other mp3 players are a dime a dozen. Underpowered and tinny at best, they blow through batteries and can hardly be considered an pleasant way to listen to your music on the go without headphones. The iMainGo X is the exception to this rule. This integrated case and speaker is loud. Really loud. And, amazingly, it’s distortion free with good bass. You could almost use this in your home and get away with it -- it’s that good. Though it fits an iPod or iPhone snugly, it’s compatible with any mp3 player or laptop through its standard jacks. And get this: it also has an external jack for plugging in an electric guitar, making this a rugged, mini amp. It’s water-resistant and is powered via a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. At $70, it’s the last portable speaker system you’ll ever need. -- Andy Tarnoff
