—Hard Pressed Fitness: On its website ( www.hardpressed.me ) , Chicago's Hard Pressed says it "stresses the use of controlled lifting speeds and strict form in a time-intensive program." All I know—from just going to the half-hour workouts for three weeks—is that my own body has transformed. Moreover, Dan Geraci, Chad Smith and former NFL player Ron Israel won't yell at you like staff sergeants, although they're pretty firm.
—Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty: This highly praised compendium about the late designer looks at his entire career, revealing how he achieved his very distinctive aesthetic. The text is comprehensive and you see practically all the runway looks that generated the most buzz and made sure he lived up to one of his statements: "Let's break down some barriers."
—Sleep Number Dream Throw ( www.sleepnumber.com ) : If you want to feel like what it's like to be in a cloud, try this reversible throw that is smooth and soft on one side, and fuzzy and plush on the other. Plus, it's not heavy, so you can use most of the year. ( Bonus: It's currently on sale for about 25 percent of its current price through Jan. 16. )
—Revenge: Mix the opulent background of the Hamptons with some good-looking, backstabbing characters and what do you get? You have this Wednesday ABC show ( 9 p.m. CT ) that features a young woman ( played by Brothers & Sisters' Emily VanCamp ) who tries to take down the people she feel wronged her father years ago. Madeleine Stowe stands out as Victoria Grayson, the imposing matriarch of the family in Emily Thorne's sights. Joshua Bowman is the beyond-handsome scion who dates Emily.
—Cladmen.com: This website is a go-to place for men who don't know Cole Haan from cole slaw. Not only does it have nice clothes and accessories to purchase ( although you'll probably skip the $1,950 Caruso suit ) , but it also offers what it calls "damn good advice" on everything from style to tailgating.
—Andrew Davis
( Andrew@WindyCityMediaGroup.com )
