Advertisement READ THIS: “101 Things to Buy Before You Die”
Soon enough, everybody’s going to be asking you what you want for Christmas.
So why not get a few ideas by reading “101 Things to Buy Before You Die” by Maggie Davis and Charlotte Williamson (2007, Red Rock Press, $21.95)?
Wouldn’t you love a $500 fountain pen with which to write your grocery list? How about a sofa in the shape of lips or a $1,300 coffee maker?
Ask Santa for this book and everything in it.
— Terri Schlichenmeyer
VISIT THIS: St. Louis
Looking for a great three-day weekend trip? Try St. Louis, the very German community of Hermann to the west, and the Missouri Wine Country and Daniel Boone home in between.St. Louis offers the Gateway Arch, the latest (2006) incarnation of Busch Stadium, and the restaurants and night spots of Laclede’s Landing along the Mississippi River.
Hermann has lots of specialty shops and some good wineries, especially the Stone Hill Winery, which has its own great restaurant. There are several other wineries near the Missouri River, between St. Louis and Hermann.
And don’t miss Daniel Boone’s home near Defiance; it was the famous pioneer’s last permanent home.
— Steve Cahalan, La Crosse Tribune
HEAR THIS: Rascal Flatts’ “Still Feels Good”
If you’re a fan of Rascal Flatts’ pop-infused formula of country, chances are you’ll enjoy their latest effort, “Still Feels Good.”
The trio’s tight harmonies are evident throughout the disc, most notably in the current single “Take Me There.” That song and a guest vocal from Jamie Foxx on “She Goes All the Way” (yes, the lyrics are as questionable as the name) are the highlights of an effort that’s clearly more of the same. But if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it ...
LISTEN TO THIS: “Secret Smile”
SKIP THIS: “Bob That Head” (Seriously. It’s even worse than “Backwards.”)
— Stephanie Downey, La Crosse Tribune
GET THIS: Chatpad
If your 360 controller got together with your PC keyboard, their offspring might be the Chatpad.
This controller attachment crams a full QWERTY layout into the palm of your hand. The additional bulk does change the feel of the controller somewhat, but the keys are large enough and feel good.
The package, which sells for $29.99 at www.xbox.com, includes a special headset with on-cord volume controls.
Unless you don’t mind juggling between a keyboard and controller, this is the best combo we’ve seen so far.
— Game Informer
TALK BACK
Did David Letterman call you to order sheets? Did you find your best friend from a cold call? Been sworn at during a simple call checking on a product?
We’re looking for telemarketers and cold-call sales professionals with wild, odd and true stories about their life on the phone.
Share your stories with us at www.lacrossetribune.com/realtime. Or send them to Scott Rada at srada@lacrossetribune.com.
