A sub-par performance at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2007 was just one of several PR missteps by Britney Spears.

The war between Blu-ray and HD DVD is no fun for consumers.

Local movie buffs are well taken care of thanks to the off-the-beaten-path screenings at Keystone Art Cinema and Key Cinemas, pictured here. (Tom Klubens for the Indianapolis Star)

The root beer at Mug 'n' Bun is a popular not-alcoholic whistle-wetter in Indy. (Charlie Nye / The Indianapolis Star)

The chili cheese etoufee with crawfish at Yats, one of the city's more popular take-out spots.

The sloppy look popularized by stars like Amy Winehouse is on its way out in '08. (Submitted photo)

Look at your hand. OK, wipe off the Cheetos dust. Now look at your hand. That thumb there is a mystical digit capable of proclaiming awesome, magical, happy fun-ness or total lameosity with merely a flick of the wrist.

In 2008 there will be many thumbs lifted in good spirits, as well as many objects of discontent indicated by turning that thumb in the opposite direction. Here are some thumbs-up and thumbs-down, many compiled from the passing year and from Indy.com users.

THUMBS UP: Mouth-watering whistle wetting

Need an adult beverage that goes down smooth? Kimikokopuffs recommends the Vanilla Pomegranate Cosmo at the still-new Weber Grill. "Divine," she writes.

IndyNewYears suggests the Oatmeal Cookie Martini at Blu. Oatmeal Cookie, in a drink? Sounds delightful.

Non-alcoholic picks include Mug 'n' Bun's root beer or Black Thunder coffee from Cornerstone.

THUMBS DOWN: Highs bring lows

Property taxes skyrocketed this summer. People get upset -- some lose their homes, and a dramatic switch-up happens for local politicians. Hint to the next administration: Don't raise property taxes, period.

Across the country, gas has topped out at more than $3 per gallon. Indy residents responded by cycling, scooting, walking or just not going anywhere. Will prices go down -- perhaps during the 2008 election? We can only wait and cross our fingers.

THUMBS UP: Tasty takeout

You want it quick and you want it to go. Oh, you want it good, too. For fast food, our friends opted for Jimmy John's. With 12 locations, it's a safe bet you'll come across one on your journey. If not, this chain delivers: www.jimmyjohns.com. Yats (soon to have four local locations, on Mass Ave., College Avenue, Fishers and Greenwood), known for spooning out the spicy tastes of New Orleans' gumbos and etouffees (with a side of bread), is another thumbs up. Balboa's Philly Steaks, which opened in 2007 at 22nd and North Meridian streets, offers a taste of the City of Brotherly Love right here in Indy. "The first thing I gotta say is 'Hail the Balboa's Steak,'" wrote steakfan.

THUMBS DOWN: HD DVD vs. Blu-ray war

The war between high definition discs and Blu-ray has studios taking sides. The VHS-or-Beta war of the 1980s has consumers confused as to what sort of player to buy and what sort of discs to really put their dollars into. Studios are picking sides as to what format their movies will be released onto, making for shaky consumer interest. Just keep your regular DVD player and hope for the best.

THUMBS UP: New grooming

Eyebrow waxing? How passe. You can't throw a rock in this city without hitting a woman who's had her eyebrows threaded. More and more threading spots are cropping up around the city, including the ubiquitous Eyes by India (you can find them at Circle Centre and Lafayette Square Mall). Also try Sai's Boutique, in the same building as Udupi, 4225 Lafayette Road, (317) 388-1809.

THUMBS DOWN: Cousin Itt

Long hair will always have its place, but not so much in 2008 when it's about being sleek and chic (see The Sloppy Look, Page 18). First Posh Spice cut her hair (Really, she had to lose the extensions. They were falling out during romantic moments with her husband). Then Katie Holmes cut her hair. Then Rihanna cut hers. Suddenly, everyone in the Circle City has an inverted bob. Yes, even some of the dudes.

THUMBS UP: Movies and more

Indy.com users are looking for more than flicks on the silver screen at local movie theaters. So they're heading to Keystone Art Cinema (at the Fashion Mall, www.landmarktheatres.com), where you can get vegan yummies, wine, beer and other drinks, and catch an art-house film. Just south of Downtown, Key Cinemas brings in several movies you won't see anywhere else in Indy -- and some you can see elsewhere -- but they do it with Jones Soda. www.keycinemas.com.

THUMBS DOWN: Crazy diets

Well, one has to question the validity of it, especially when starting a New Year's diet. According to the New York Times, the "calories burned" estimates on workout machines are perhaps only half as high in reality. Oh dear! And no exciting new diet has managed to capture the public's attention like Atkins or South Beach, so simple healthy living and good exercise are going to be the way to go for 2008.

THUMBS UP: Boutique browsing

Indy.com user She.does.hair suggests the high-end French Pharmacie in Broad Ripple, which is tucked back from the street. The boutique at 8231⁄2 Westfield Blvd. is stocked with treasures, the likes of which are often hard to find in these parts. www.frenchpharmacie.com. For men's boutique clothing -- as well as some excellent women's wear -- we also like Emporium and N Transit, both at the Fashion Mall. N Transit also has a Circle Centre location. For boutique gifts, try Broad Ripple's Haus or Mass Ave.'s Silver in the City, www.silverinthecity.com.

THUMBS DOWN: Britney Spears

She started 2007 by passing out at a party, followed by a head-shaving, umbrella wielding meltdown. She topped that with a bad, public custody battle, a flubbed performance at the VMAs and an album that -- although it garnered some of her best reviews ever -- still didn't do wonders on the Billboard charts. Then little sister Jamie Lynn usurped Brit's scandal crown by announcing her pregnancy -- and she's only 16!

THUMBS UP: Digital cities

Sometimes it's easier to connect online than it is to venture outside. Although it originated in San Francisco, Indianapolis.Craigslist.org has proven to be a local resource for finding anything from used furniture to freaky boyfriends. Angie's List, which is based right here in Indy, also deserves a thumbs up for continuing to steer consumers in the right directions. www.angieslist.com.

THUMBS DOWN: The stupids

Belligerence is out! Smarts are in! With celebs such as Angelina Jolie being snapped reading thick tomes and Nicole Richie settling down to raise a family, it seems the stupid girls Pink sang of are on their way out. While reading books will never replace partying for Tara Reid, plenty of 20- and 30-somethings will be curling up with books rather than bottles of booze.

THUMBS UP: Mobile for books

In 2008, more of us might shell out the $399 for an Amazon.com Kindle device, which will wirelessly send books to subscribers for about $9.99. Until then, we're heading out to browse the bookstores. Although Indy.com users threw in some love for Books a Million, Big Hat Books and Northside News, most of you really dig Half Price Books, which has locations in Greenwood, and in Indy on Ditch Road and in Castleton. www.halfpricebooks.com.

THUMBS DOWN: The sloppy look

Velour track suits, UGGs, flip-flops and T-shirts? No thanks. Crisp, delightful tailoring spilled into the shops for spring and carried over into fall. Cropped jackets and pencil skirts helped nudge velour sweatpants out of the running for "funwear." Now, if only we could nudge out empire-waist shirts.

THUMBS UP: Sounds in the city

Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band garnered plenty of props on Indy.com. This three-piece outfit -- which does indeed hail from Indianapolis -- has performed live on NPR, Sirius Satellite Radio, Jerry Springer and elsewhere. The music can be heard on XM, the Canadian Broadcasting Co.'s documentary "Mississippi Cold Case," several independent films, and radio stations all over the U.S. Check them out at http://s93101162.onlinehome.us. Although a lot of you have decided to buy music online, Indy is home to great, small music shops. There's nothing like browsing the bins at Indy CD and Vinyl, Luna Music, Missing Link and Vibes. Live local music (in many genres), thrives around the city at Birdy's, Radio Radio, the Melody Inn, the Vogue, the Chatterbox, Locals Only, Tip Top Tavern, the Jazz Kitchen, the Slippery Noodle Inn and the newly opened Sam's Saloon.