Before the best movies, music and moments of 2004 slip away from us, the editors of OMC would like to acknowledge a few of the year's bests (some Milwaukee, some not). Add your own picks by using the talkback feature at the end.

Molly Snyder Edler

Movie -- "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind." First of all, it reminded me for the first time since "The Cable Guy" that Jim Carrey is more than a Silly Putty face. Second, I love films such as this one that ask questions like "is ignorance bliss?" and "is it REALLY better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all?" And finally, Kate Winslet's hair color and fashion sense far surpassed anything seen on the silver screen in '04.

Concert -- David Byrne at The Pabst. At this incredible show security took an extra-long smoke break and many of us in the balcony found ourselves dancing like we were on fire in the aisles on the main floor. The set list featured a stellar selection of tunes from Byrne's illustrious career, including many Talking Heads favorites.

CD -- Bebel Gilberto. Coined the Norah Jones of bossa nova, Gilberto's self-titled CD turned my backyard into a mellow lounge with chaise chairs and crab grass almost every night this summer. Or maybe that was the mango daiquiris ... The soundtrack to "Garden State" is also a boatload of ear candy, with cuts from The Shins, Nick Drake, Coldplay and more.

TV/Book -- Haven't finished it yet, but David Sedaris' "Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim" is sure to place somewhere in the top trio of good reads. The last episode of "Sex and the City" was a small screen highlight -- especially the final few seconds when we finally found out after six seasons "Mr. Big's" real name. (John)

Event -- The opening of the Old Navy, Linens 'N Things and TJ Maxx in The Shops of Grand Avenue. It's not because these are my favorite retail outlets, rather it's proof that Milwaukee's Downtown is indeed going through a revitalization. Also, Kerry winning Wisconsin was a moment where I felt like -- despite inclement weather and ridiculous parking rules -- I live in the right state.

Person -- At risk of sounding like a complete arse kisser, I am going to say my bosses: Andy Tarnoff and Jeff Sherman for allowing me to set up a satellite office in my Riverwest home and type my brains out during naptimes and after Daddy comes home from his day job. You rock, guys. Also, the forces behind Mondo Brothers, Alterra Coffee, Mia Putia, Club Timbuktu, The Tool Shed and Art Bar for believing and investing in the Riverwest neighborhood.

Becky Roozen

Movie -- I don't see tons of movies, but one that really sticks out for me this year is "Man on Fire." As usual, Denzel Washington pulled off a spectacular performance in this action thriller. But shining through better than his tough-guy role is his character's attachment to the little lady already sporting a big name, Dakota Fanning. She won me over in 2001's "I Am Sam," and proved herself a star again in this film. The duo effectively created a tender story of trust amid all the action.

Concert -- I'll admit it, FM 106.1 is programmed in my car. I just love the pride and twang of country music. And the best display of this down-home genre was at Tim McGraw's Fourth of July Summerfest concert. He showed up wearing his perfectly rugged tight jeans and T-shirt and the mandatory cowboy hat. Even though this presented a show all its own, good ol' McGraw's voice swept me away. From oldies like "Don't Take the Girl" to his newest like "My Old Friend," and the Summerfesty vibe floating around, this was, without a doubt, my favorite show of the year.

CD -- Norah Jones' "Feels Like Home" was everything I expected and more. The country/bluesy combo -- along with the signature rasp in her voice -- can have me jamming in my car or drifting off to na-na land. There's just something about the rugged-but-pretty music she makes that guarantees "Feels Like Home" a spot in my CD player.

TV/Book -- Reality TV is annoyingly overtaking prime time TV. But there's one "reality show" I've been sucked into, "The Bachelor" (and "The Bachelorette"). The catfights, name-calling and in-house rivalries these women submerge themselves in is true entertainment. The crying and heartbreak of being sent home provokes a good laugh (some of these ladies are convinced he was "the one."). In any case, the drama and romance lead to an emotional proposal and a yearning for the next episode to begin. Jen's journey as "The Bachelorette" begins Jan. 10!

You would have thought that you learned all of life's lessons in Mitch Albom's "Tuesdays with Morrie," but round two of lessons learned came via 2004's easy-to-read "The Five People You Meet in Heaven." It illuminates the earthly connections Eddie -- who died trying to save a little girl -- had with everyone he met, from family to strangers. A picture of Heaven and the afterlife depict the importance of those relationships and give hope to his discouraging existence. Definitely a spirit-lifter to add to the collection.

Event -- The opening of the Metro Market on Van Buren Street in August was a great event. It's no concert or significant news happening, but because of it I can now say I enjoy grocery shopping. All the amenities at this Pick 'n Save (and the fact that it's only a three-minute drive from home) actually make it fun! Even though I don't buy the lobster or fresh flowers they have for sale, the great selection of organic fruits and veggies saves me a trip to Outpost. And, it's not as expensive as some people might think; I can still use my Advantage Card and save a few bucks here and there.

Person -- This one goes to the many residents of Bay View who requested a grocery store for their neighborhood and got the city another Outpost Natural Foods store. Milwaukee could use a little more organic style, and the addition of this store -- slated for 2005 -- is a perfect start. Besides, these people simply spoke up to get what they wanted (called for change instead of complaining), and it worked. We can all learn from that.

Jeff Sherman

Movie -- Omar Sharif's "Monsieur Ibrahim" came out in April and was the year's most charming film in my book, but not its best. I loved its message and simplicity. Overall, "Garden State" and "Finding Neverland" tie for the year's best movie experiences. "Garden State" may not click with the 50-plus crowd, but it was creative, fun and warm. "Finding Neverland" did big in Hollywood without being big Hollywood, if you catch my drift. It teaches persistence, entrepreneurship and creativity all in one amazingly wonderful movie. Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet were beautiful in this very entertaining film.

Concert -- Two stand out, but there were many good ones. Sarah McLachlan's "Afterglow" tour at the Bradley Center was a surprise and one of the best big production tours of the year. November's Martin Barre/Willy Porter gig at the Northern Lights Theater was also very good. Two great guitars and equally solid human beings onstage making music and having fun.

CD -- I open up to my soft side for pop rock tunes here and say that I really enjoyed Bruce Hornsby's "Halcyon Days." It's classic piano pop and vintage "the way it is" Hornsby. It's also wonderful sing-a-long music with some great collaborations. Sting sings a duet with Bruce on the lead track, "Gonna Be Some Changes Made" as well as on the title track. Elton John does the honors on "Dreamland" and Eric Clapton plays on three tracks and contributes vocals on "Candy Mountain Run." Other tunes that lasted long in the changer and on the itunes this year were Kanye West's "College Dropout" and "Feels like Home" from the ever-maturing Norah Jones. And, one more -- another shout out to Zach Braff for the great music and soundtrack from "Garden State."