Word of Mouth 42-49

What we’re reading

Jeff Haupt, publisher:

It’s not every day a cease-and-desist letter comes on a scroll and begins with “Hear ye, hear ye.” But when Minneapolis microbrewers Modist released a beer that plays off Bud Light’s tagline “Dilly Dilly,” the beer giant sent a letter straight from the Dark Ages, in keeping with the medieval theme of the ads the motto comes from. You always hear about America’s infamously litigious society, so it’s nice to see some levity in the mix.

What we’re watching

David Michael Miller, staff artist:

Needing something to ease me off my jones for Breaking Bad, I've been Netflix-binging on Better Call Saul. Although the spinoff makes Jimmy a much more sympathetic character, it still delivers the same dose of stupid criminals, ironic music montages and acid cinematography, all against that western noir setting. Plus, it's funny as hell.

What we’re listening to

Jeri Casper, web analyst:

Sia’s new Christmas album "Everyday is Christmas." As far as Christmas/holiday albums go, this one is actually tolerable. Many of the songs are beautiful and heartfelt, like my favorite, "Snowman." There's also a great, catchy tune called "Puppies are Forever" that touches on being a responsible pet owner and not a dog-dumping garbage human. For me, Sia's holiday album is right up there with Twisted Sister's

What we're eating

Chris Lay, contributor:

Taiwan Little Eats was so thoroughly packed when we stopped in that the only seats left were in the window overlooking State Street. Between the Coffin Toast (an Asian spin on a bread bowl, consisting of corn chowder nestled in a brick of fried toast) and the Fried Chicken Cutlet (pounded flat, boldly seasoned and, despite coming from the “Little Eats“ section of the menu, bigger than my face), I'm looking forward to exploring the other comfort food corners of their menu.

What we're making

Stacy Bruner, videography director:

Since Episode 8 of Car to Table, my fiancée and I have been making different kinds of harvest bowls at home using Israeli couscous. I had never used it in my cooking before, but the chefs in that episode prepared an amazing meal. The bowl typically consists of roasted veggies, chicken or pork, the couscous, and some unique salad dressing. Incredibly tasty, and it's helping us shed some pounds before we tie the knot!

Perfect day

Sean Kennedy, digital editor:

This Saturday is the Midwest Regional Cyclocross Championships in Sun Prairie. Cyclocross, for the uninitiated, is a ludicrous sport that’s basically racing a road bike, off road, in winter. It’s hard, it hurts, you look stupid doing it — and I love it, because I’m an idiot. We’ve had really nice weather for most of the season, which is a bummer, because the worse the weather, the more interesting the race. Saturday, though: high of 24 degrees. Might be some snow on the ground. I can’t wait.