Reviews by Kyle

Kyle says "Love it! One of the best for Chinese food on the North Side. " about Dee's Mandarin Restaurant - Chicago, IL

Kyle — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 05:30:35 GMT

The food is always fresh, the decor is upscale, and the owner, Dee, is absolutely delightful....

Kyle says "Great rates with great service!" about American Family Insurance

Kyle — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 01:41:12 GMT

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Kyle says "Stylish, reliable, moderately priced. Overall, a solid car." about Volkswagen Passat - 2006

Kyle — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 01:40:22 GMT

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Kyle says "A great liberal arts education near a great metropolitan city!" about Lake Forest College

Kyle — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 01:38:11 GMT

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Kyle says "The Apple iPhone 3G is worth the upgrade...I think." about Apple - iPhone 3G Cell Phone

Kyle — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 22:34:36 GMT

The Apple iPhone 3G has officially arrived. Is it worth the upgrade? My answer is "probably". Although my review of the original Apple iPhone was extremely positive, I anxiously awaited its upgrade for two reasons: faster data speeds and GPS capabilities.

If you are lucky enough to use the Apple iPhone 3G in a metropolitan area like Chicago, all web pages will load noticeably faster on the the third generation "3G" mobile network. If you are lucky enough to reside on planet Earth, the Apple iPhone 3G will always know its location down to a few feet. Put these two features together, and a powerful all-in-one mobile device is born.

Those are the two big reasons to upgrade, but here are some of the other new features in the Apple iPhone 3G:

The form factor is relatively the same, but it does have a smoother, curved surface (black or white depending upon the model) on the back.
The headphone jack is no longer recessed.
The physical buttons on the side and top are silver instead of black.
Audio...

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Kyle says "Finally, a Chicagoland golf course I would play every day!" about The Course at Aberdeen - Valparaiso, IN

Kyle — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 22:29:13 GMT

I have played far too many of the golf courses in the Chicagoland area; some of them outstanding, and some of them, well, not so much. Of all these courses, The Course at Aberdeen is at the very top of my list.

From start to finish, The Course at Aberdeen has the look and feel of a modern private golf course. The bent grass tee boxes, fairways, and greens are all in great shape (minus the dozens of ball marks from some apparently lazy duffers). Each and every hole has its own unique footprint; no boring holes that tend to blend together. Along that style, all of the holes are geographically set apart; really no chance of ever hitting into other fairways. The houses and buildings are somewhat plentiful, but they are set far back from the fairways and greens.

While not an incredibly long course (although there are a few beasts), it is generally a shotmaker's course. Many of the holes require thoughtful drives off the tee. To be honest, this was a little frustrating at times. Suprisingly,......

Kyle says "iPhone + Car = Heaven" about USA SPEC - iPod Interface

Kyle — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 18:03:16 GMT

Why didn't I install this sooner? For almost a year, I had been looking for an easy way to play music on my iPhone in my car (a 2006 Volkswagen Passat). With no cassette player in the car, no Bluetooth A2DP capability on the iPhone, and no use for sub-par FM adapters, I figured I was out of luck for the time being. I had heard of iPod interface adapters that hooked right into the back of a factory installed radio, but I questioned if they would work with the iPhone. It turns out they do, with just a few caveats.

The USA SPEC iPod Interface is just under $150 from several online retailers. I got mine from Crutchfield. It is a little box that sits between the radio and iPhone. The end result is one black cable that runs out of the back of the radio and plugs directly into the bottom of the iPhone. Everything else is neatly tucked away and out of sight!

The main selling point is sound quality. Unlike other types of adapters, this one does not lower the sound quality in any way. None. Whatsoever....

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Kyle says "What a fun little course!" about Tanna Farms Golf Club - Geneva, IL

Kyle — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 22:25:13 GMT

Quite possibly the most interesting new course in Chicagoland, Tanna Farms Golf Club is a must play. Name another course that starts out with an island par-3 on the very first hole! A quick look at the scorecard shows a unique set of holes; four par-3s on the front and three par-5s on the back for a par 71. From very short "pick a wedge" holes to "absolute monster" holes, all yardages are tested. The scorecard also reveals just how much water is in play (all but six of the holes). In reality, the generous landing areas and wide-open feel should be just fine for all but the chronic slicer/hooker.

Tanna Farms is literally on the edge of the urban sprawl. As a result, it can take some serious travel time to reach the course from downtown Chicago. Most of the course is surrounded by newly developed homes. It almost has a "Pleasantville" feel to it. While it is a minor disappointment to weave around so many houses out in the boonies, they are at least set far back from the fairways and greens.......

Kyle says "A Chicagoland golf course with no houses lining the fairways!" about Heritage Bluffs Public Golf Club - Channahon, IL

Kyle — Mon, 19 May 2008 21:43:32 GMT

Until this last weekend, I hadn't played Heritage Bluffs Public Golf Club in Channahon, IL in several years. It is about an hour south of downtown Chicago, and as such, is sometimes off the radar of "must play" courses.

To me, a good golf course should have three things: quality conditions, variety of holes, and appropriate prices. The first two are an absolute requirement, with good prices being an extra bonus. Heritage Bluffs passes all three tests!

Quality
The conditions at Heritage Bluffs are excellent for a public course. The fairways are rolling, the rough tall and thick, the greens firm and true. Yardage markers, pin placements, key layups are all appropriately displayed.

Variety
Of the 18 holes on the property, I would say only three of them (#4, #12, #14) are similar. They are still good holes, but these three tend to blend together when looking back at the end of the round.The other 15 holes are spectacular! With varying total yardages and doglegs, absolutely every club in the...

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Kyle says "A little taste of the PGA without the high price tag" about Cog Hill Golf & Country Club - Ravines Course #2 - Lemont, IL

Kyle — Mon, 12 May 2008 04:05:02 GMT

Anyone familiar with the game of golf has heard of Cog Hill and its famous Dubsdread #4 course. The PGA Tour has made it a regular stop for decades. Those not willing or able to pay the $125+ green fees of Dubsdread will appreciate the value of the other three courses on the property. Of those other courses, the Ravines #2 course is easily the best. While it is not quite "up to par" with the rolling fairways and greens of Dubsdread, the Ravines course does offer some very solid golf at an affordable price. I would argue the mini "Amen Corner" of 9, 10, and 11 are some of the best back-to-back holes in Chicagoland. There are a handful of other beautiful holes scattered about the #2 course, making it a solid choice for any golfer looking for a taste (OK, a little taste) of PGA Tour golf.

QUALITY
Tee Boxes - good
Fairways - great condition
Greens - admittedly somewhat inconsistent
Clubhouse/Pro Shop - traditional look and feel

PRICE
$55 for a prime-time weekend round is worth it, but...

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Kyle says "Great conditions, but not much variety." about Coyote Run Golf Course - Homewood, IL

Kyle — Mon, 05 May 2008 21:34:14 GMT

Just a 35-minute drive from downtown Chicago, Coyote Run Golf Course in Flossmoor, IL is a very solid course, albeit a little boring. After a major overhaul a few years ago, the entire course is now in absolutely great condition. Seriously, from tee to green, it definitely ranks as one of the most highly maintained, affordable public courses in Chicagoland.

The only downside is with the variety of holes. It just doesn't have any absolutely breathtaking holes. With no elevation changes and short distances from green to tee, the course is easily walkable. I am almost certain I was able to see all other 17 holes from every single tee box. With that said, because it is in such great shape, I still had a good time playing Coyote Run. I would probably play it again, but it is near the middle-bottom of my "Top 50" list in Chicagoland.

QUALITY
Tee Boxes - flat
Fairways - absolutely great
Greens - few bumpy ones, but overall extremely fast
Clubhouse/Pro Shop - brand new, full service building

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Kyle says "Book your tee time online." about GolfNow.com

Kyle — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 20:10:06 GMT

I am always on the look out for good deals on golf tee times in the Chicagoland area. GolfNow.com seems to be taking the lead in this online market. I can often find tee times with a 50% price discount! With near real-time inventory, it is easy to narrow down available tee times by geographic region, time/date, price, and number of players. Unlike some other sites, I can actually book a tee time as a single player. Yes, man with no wife or kids = unlimited golf.

Although the site is the best of its kind, it is not without flaws. I would like to see more golf courses on the site. I realize some of this is out of their control, but with well over 250 courses in Chicagoland, I only find about 45 courses on GolfNow.com. Like many new sites, it can have a few bugs throughout the booking process. Many times the selected tee time is suddenly unavailable on the final confirmation page. Some page refreshes are often required to get the selected tee time back in the list of availability.

Overall...

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Kyle says "Good enough for the pros." about Cleveland CG10 Wedge

Kyle — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 19:49:51 GMT

Cleveland Golf is arguably the biggest name in golf wedges. Their CG-series of wedges just extend the already impressive product line. I have three CG10 wedges in Black Pearl (52-degree gap wedge, 56-degree sand wedge, 60-degree lob wedge) all in standard 2-dot configurations. All three perform beautifully!

As of April 2008, CG11 and CG12 models have appeared on the market. Apart from a few adjustments to weighting and grooves, they are essentially all the same type of wedge. Save yourself a few dollars and get the older CG10 model.

Cleveland CG10 Wedges - put them in your bag!

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Kyle says "Great set of irons!" about Cleveland CG4 Irons

Kyle — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 19:32:39 GMT

If you are in the market for a set of irons (golf, not curling), then check out the CG4 irons by Cleveland Golf. They are a somewhat forgiving cavity back iron with a great look at a moderate price. Cleveland is a big name in golf, but not as big as its high-priced cousins like Ping, Titleist, or Nike.

The cavity back is perfect for the mis-hits, and it even allows me to work the ball without the move up to a blade iron. And because the progressive offset is very minimal, it has the look of a club for a serious golfer. Overall, I am extremely pleased with these irons.

Cleveland CG4 Irons - put them in your bag!

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Kyle says "Get yourself a hybrid... golf club that is." about Cleveland Halo Hybrid

Kyle — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 19:18:07 GMT

The 1, 2, 3, and 4-iron are officially dead; seriously, dead. The word "hybrid" isn't just used in the car industry. The golf industry's hybrid is a relatively new club that is a cross between a fairway wood (or metal) and a long iron. I have had a few hybrid clubs and have settled with a 21-degree steel shafted Cleveland Halo Hybrid.

It is probably the most versatile club in the bag. I use it to lay up off the tee, get myself out of the rough, hit approach shots in the middle of the fairway, and even chip just off the green. It does it all! It is incredibly easy to hit (especially compared to typical long irons), looks good, and is relatively inexpensive in golf terms.

About the only negative is the unjustified stigma attached with using an odd-looking club instead of a typical long iron. These days, though, even the PGA Tour has plenty of players with a hybrid club.

Cleveland Halo Hybrid - put it in your bag!

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Kyle says "It definitely helped my game!" about Odyssey White Hot 2-Ball Putter

Kyle — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 23:22:46 GMT

I am a big fan of the Odyssey White Hot 2-Ball Putter. This putter really seems to help me line up the ball, make a nice pendulum stroke, and get the ball rolling on a true line. It often comes down to personal preference, but I really think the 2-Ball design has improved my putting game. Highly recommend one in your bag.

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Kyle says "I had a hole-in-one, and I still wouldn't go back!" about George W. Dunne National Golf Course - Oak Forest, IL

Kyle — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 22:30:06 GMT

Chicagoland has a multitude of golf courses - from the exclusively private to the public municipal courses. Many of these municipal courses are run by the local Forest Preserve district. Of the eleven Forest Preserve courses in Cook County, George W. Dunne National Golf Course probably has the most potential. It is also the most expensive.

Located in southwest suburban Oak Forest, Dunne does offer a variety of challenging holes with some decent scenery. The bent grass fairways and greens just need some more nurturing to justify the higher green fees. Add regular slow play to the overall mediocre quality of the course, and the result is less than ideal.

I really wanted to like this place. I tried it many times, hoping the next time would be better. I even aced the par-3 17th hole (180 yards into a stiff wind over water - 6 iron). Not even that has made me go back!

If the staff would make the greens more consistent and less bumpy, give life to the many dead areas of grass in the middle...

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Kyle says "A great golf bag!" about Ping Latitude Golf Bag

Kyle — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 22:02:32 GMT

After trying several types of golf bags over the years, I finally went back to a solid name in the industry, Ping Golf. Although the golf bag is slightly more expensive than other golf bags on the market, I couldn't be happier with my choice. As far as I am concerned, there is not a single feature missing. It has double retractable straps for carrying, an insulated pocket for a cold drink, plenty of pockets for golf accessories (plus wallet, phone, keys), a huge loop to hold a towel and/or glove, an umbrella sheath, and a collapsible stand. All this and it is still incredibly lightweight and extremely durable. I would highly recommend the Ping Latitude Golf Bag, and any of the other product lines from Ping Golf.

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Kyle says "Makes me want to go and build a school!" about Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin - Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace . . . One School at a Time

Kyle — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 05:11:34 GMT

What a great book! In short, it is a true story of one American man's mission to build schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan. But, it is about more than just building schools. It is a reminder of how a regular person can change the world, one act at a time.

In Three Cups of Tea, David Oliver Relin tells the story of Greg Mortenson and the Central Asia Institute. It starts when Mortenson (or "Dr. Greg" as the locals eventually call him) gets slightly lost on a descent from K2. He wanders into a small village and is nursed back to health with (among other remedies) tea. According to a Balti proverb, "The first time you share tea with a Balti, you are a stranger. The second time, you are an honored guest. The third time, you become family." Finally recovered, Mortenson sees children doing arithmetic with sticks in the dirt. He vows to return to the region and build a school. Not only does he eventually return and build a school, but he builds many other schools, survives a kidnapping, meets...

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Kyle says "Should have been nominated for an Oscar" about Gone Baby Gone

Kyle — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:27:52 GMT

Put this movie on your absolute must-see list. The middle of the movie is admittedly a little cryptic, but it all makes sense once the ending is in place. "Gone Baby Gone" asks some moral questions that are surprisingly difficult to answer. Wow, what a great movie!

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