http://www.viewpoints.com/aboutme/Slats Wed, 22 Aug 2007 04:40:39 GMT Reviews by Slats http://www.viewpoints.com/EA-Sports-Madden-08-review-b27b I'll never forget getting Madden for Christmas when I was 13. Over the next twelve years the day Madden came out became some what of a personal holiday. Madden 08 is a solid game and if you're looking for a major overhaul then don't bother wasting your money. If you're like me and you just need updated rosters and the opportunity to have the new rookies in a fantasy draft then this version should do just fine. The team at EA has completely revamped the tackling structure in Madden 08. No longer will you see the same animated tackle over and over again. This years tackling system is probably the coolest new feature and you will see some ridiculous hits in this years game. The other new feature I've really enjoyed are the pre snap settings on both offense and defense. You can now call just about anything at the line and while it can be a little overwhelming at first, it definitely helps the experience. The biggest complaint I have with this years version is the have pretty much... Wed, 22 Aug 2007 04:40:39 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/EA-Sports-Madden-08-review-b27b Slats 3 http://www.viewpoints.com/Superbad--135813-review-93f20 If you liked any of the following movies you will love Superbad: — — 1. Animal House — 2. Revenge of the Nerds — 3. American Pie — 4. Meatballs — 5. Can't Hardly Wait — — Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg did it again!  "Knocked Up," was one of the best movies I've seen in a long time and Superbad isn't far behind.  The movie follows two High School "nerds" in a quest to score alcohol in hopes of scoring with girls.  While you've seen this plot time and time again Superbad takes it to another level.  The jokes are great and while some are over the top it's the subtle humor in Superbad that really makes the movie.  I don't want to give away too much of the plot but if you're looking for a good laugh and owned, desired to own, or had a friend who owned a fake ID go see... Wed, 22 Aug 2007 04:22:28 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Superbad--135813-review-93f20 Slats 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Hotel-Indigo-Scottsdale-AZ-review-7970 I've been to Scottsdale several times and while it is easy to find an affordable hotel nothing has come close to Hotel Indigo.  — — Lobby: — — The lobby as with everything in the hotel is very hip.  The hotel bar serves drinks at night and Starbucks coffee in the morning.  The hotel also has a unique water jug filled with different fruit for one of the most refreshing glasses of water I've had in awhile.  The staff on hand is extremely helpful and enthusiastic. — — Room: —  walked into my room to hear music playing from the stereo system and a plasma screen television.  Like the lobby the room is very hip.  One of my biggest pet peeves with hotel rooms is there are never enough outlets around the bed area.  Hotel Indigo addresses this problem with plenty of outlest throughout the room.  The shower was very unique with a stone floor and a unique design.  The alarm clock is actually a CD... Wed, 22 Aug 2007 04:02:23 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Hotel-Indigo-Scottsdale-AZ-review-7970 Slats 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/The-Dirt-Confessions-of-the-Worlds-Most-Notorious-Rock-Band-review-2016 If you're looking for a fast paced novel that reads like a magazine than this is the book for you.  Being a fairly avid reader who sticks only to non-fiction I picked up The Dirt more out of intrigue than anything else.  The novel follows the life and times of Motley Crue and the craziness that ensues over the years.  As crazy as you imagine Motley Crue just multiply that by ten and that is The Dirt in a nutshell.  While the stories are absolutely ridiculous, what stands out about The Dirt is that it's incredibly well written.  The book is told from four different perspectives (Vince, Nikki,Tommy, and Mick) which helps you differentiate what is fact and what is a little hazy.  (I often describe the narrative process in this book as similar to how the movie GoodFellas is told).  Whether you're a fan of Motley Crue or not, I would highly suggest reading this book.  I've recommended it to several of my friends who later thanked me.  It may... Mon, 25 Jun 2007 23:41:06 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/The-Dirt-Confessions-of-the-Worlds-Most-Notorious-Rock-Band-review-2016 Slats 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Zig-Zag-Kitchen-Chicago-IL-review-0fbc I stumbled upon Zig Zag Cafe walking down Lincoln Ave one day.  The restaurant, which is easy to miss is just north of the Fullerton/Lincoln intersection, doesn't look like much from the outside.  Do not let this fool you, the food they serve up inside more than makes up for the small and unimpressive dining area.  The salads are absolutely enormous, I'd highly recommend the barbecue chicken salad which is delicious.  The menu is large and this is the perfect place to go when you're not in the mood for anything specific.  On the menu several items have the option for a lunch or dinner portion.  Be sure to go with the lunch portion which will surely be enough (I've seen both sizes on several items and I'm not really sure there is a difference).  My only complaint with Zig Zag cafe is the actual restaurant is very underwhelming so I would definitely recommend taking your food to go. —... Mon, 25 Jun 2007 01:32:21 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Zig-Zag-Kitchen-Chicago-IL-review-0fbc Slats 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Brooks-Brothers-Non-Iron-Shirt-review-3542 One of my least favorite things to do in the morning is get up a little bit earlier to iron my shirt before I go to work.  Dry cleaners are always a good option but the bills can add up over time.  While non-iron shirts have been out for quite some time there is something about the non-iron shirts from Brooks Brothers that separates it from the competition.  The shirts come in many different colors and patterns and the new slim fit line are very sharp.  While the shirts are a bit expensive (between $75-$125) they are definitely worth the extra money. Brooks Brothers is frequently having sales so I would not suggest not paying full price unless you're in a bind.  Wait for the buy 2 shirts get one free sale and then take advantage of these incredible shirts. —... Sun, 24 Jun 2007 19:27:46 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Brooks-Brothers-Non-Iron-Shirt-review-3542 Slats 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Flight-of-the-Conchords-review-af39 I saw a preview for Flight of the Conchords a few weeks before the show launched and my girlfriend and I both got a kick out of the unusual but witty humor.  We decided to give the first show a try and while at first it came across as a bit strange the end of the show had as dying of laughter.  The show follows Brit and Jermaine, friends from New Zealand who move to New York hoping to make it big with their hip folk band.  The band is similar to Tenacious D in the fact that they right ridiculous songs ("I'm not cyring it's just raining on my face") only the humor is more along the lines of Napolean Dynamite.  The show airs after Entourage Sunday at10:30PM ET on HBO. It's still early but based on the first episode if you liked Tenacious D or Napolean Dynamite and you're not watching this show I highly suggest you give it a... Sun, 24 Jun 2007 19:04:22 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Flight-of-the-Conchords-review-af39 Slats 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/LG-Chocolate-VX8500-Cell-Phone-review-a197 When the Chocolate phone came out Verizon Wireless wanted it to be the RAZR they missed out on a few years prior.  The company put a heavy marketing campaign behind the Chocolate and for awhile everyone under the age of 18 needed to have this phone.  As time passed and more and more people began using the Chocolate it was soon apparent that there were some definite downfalls.  For one the Chocolate's focus was as a music playing phone.  Unfortunately the battery couldn't keep up with frequent users (When I had the phone I had to charge it 3 times a day).  On top of that the touch sensitive buttons caused the phone to freeze and took a little while to get used too.  On a positive side the sleek design was definitely the first of its kind and opening the phone was kind of fun (I would subconsciously open my phone constantly).  The phone has a camera with video capabilities, however any video you would record no matter how quiet... Sun, 24 Jun 2007 01:44:14 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/LG-Chocolate-VX8500-Cell-Phone-review-a197 Slats 2 http://www.viewpoints.com/Vespa-GTS-250-2003-Motorcycle-review-2eee0 Owning a Scooter — If you live in a big city but are frustrated with the parking, crowded public transport, and expensive cab fares, owning a scooter could be the answer to all of your problems.  I wanted a Vespa for close to three years until I finally got one.  Living in Chicago and with so many great areas to see I thought owning a scooter would be the answer to all of my problems.  Not only was I right but it proved to be so much more enjoyable than I ever imagined.  Owning a scooter provides you with the freedom to enjoy a big city without the hassle of parking a car.  On top of that, the actual experience of getting to your destination is an adventure in itself.  My ride to work used to consist of cramming into the overly crowded CTA train where I'd be smushed up against someone I didn't know for 30 minutes while I contemplated the work I had ahead of me.  Since I've owned my Vespa I actually look forward to the commute into work in the... Sun, 24 Jun 2007 01:04:39 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Vespa-GTS-250-2003-Motorcycle-review-2eee0 Slats 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Moneyball-The-Art-of-Winning-an-Unfair-Game-review-92cb Moneyball is the story of Billy Beane a highly touted baseball recruit out of High School who fails to reach his potential as a player but uses what he learns from his failure as a player to become the best General Manager in all of baseball.  Whether you're a fan of baseball or just a fan of thinking outside the box Michael Lewis captures an amazing story in Moneyball.  As I'm fanatical about baseball a friend recommended this book to me years ago but it wasn't until a few months ago that I finally picked it up (big mistake).  If you're a baseball fan I'd recommend reading this book either to get you excited for the season around March or start reading it right as baseball starts in April.  I made the error of reading Moneyball as  the season was coming to  a close, which, since the book changes the way you look at the game I couldn't wait for the winter to pass so I could watch the theories the book... Sat, 23 Jun 2007 12:30:27 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Moneyball-The-Art-of-Winning-an-Unfair-Game-review-92cb Slats 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Chicago-Lake-Front-Running-Path-review-5bb1 The Chicago Lake Front is one of the most beautiful places to go for a run in all of the United States.  The path starts on the north side of Chicago at Bryn Mawr and continues south for 18 miles to Chicago's south side.  While the path runs along Lake MIchigan, a beautiful bright blue lake that seems as big as the ocean, it's the many sites along the way that really makes it an exceptional place to go for jog.  The northern portion of the path is filled with parks and a great beach where people bring there dogs to play.  You'll pass North Ave beach which during the summer is packed with people sunbathing, playing volleyball, and enjoying the sun while it lasts in the windy city.  The southern side of the path will take you by Navy Pier, the Aquarium, and Soldier Field.  All and all whether you're training for a marathon or just out for a quick jog trying to break a sweat, there are few places in the US that compare to the Lake... Sat, 23 Jun 2007 01:35:26 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Chicago-Lake-Front-Running-Path-review-5bb1 Slats 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Samsung-U-740-Cell-Phone-review-181d The Samsung U-740 was the first phone of its kind to be able to flip horizontally as well as vertically.  With a full QWERTY keyboard and slim design the U-740  was designed for those who like to text message without having the bulk that coincides with full keyboard phones of the past (ENV, Blackberry, Q, etc.). My initial thoughts when I first saw this phone were the swivel head and slim look were unbelievable, however, I thought the keyboard would be way too small and people would start to complain.  When feedback on the phone came back my instincts proved me wrong.  Everyone I talked to that owned the phone loved the phone and here's why,  most of the people buying the phone were girls who tend to have smaller fingers and therefore the smaller keys didn't get in there way.  As time passed I noticed most guys who had this phone didn't hate it but girls that carried the U-740 absolutely loved... Sat, 23 Jun 2007 00:53:55 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Samsung-U-740-Cell-Phone-review-181d Slats 3 http://www.viewpoints.com/LG-VX-8300-Cell-Phone-review-6aa2 Having worked in the cell phone industry for the past 3 years I can honestly say that there is not a phone out there today that is as reliable and efficient as the LG 8300.  If you are in the market to purchase a phone I'd highly recommend considering this phone for several reasons: — — 1.  The phone has all of the bells and whistles you need at an affordable price.  The phone can play/download music, take pictures, record videos, access the internet, and is VZNavigator capable. — — 2.  The battery life is exceptional.  It seems that the more exciting phones get the one thing that the manufacturers fail to take into account is the battery life.  The 8300 is a phone that when fully charged a heavy phone user can expect to go 2 days until the battery is dead. — — 3.  It's very durable.  If you're someone who drops your phone a ton this may be the phone for you.  I'm an extremely active person and... Thu, 21 Jun 2007 18:34:17 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/LG-VX-8300-Cell-Phone-review-6aa2 Slats 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/RJ-Grunts-Chicago-IL-review-938f Being a a relatively young guy (25 years old) in Chicago who tends to eat out a lot (5 days a week), I find my self asking the same question every night, "Why shouldn't I go to RJ Grunts?" — — Background: — RJ Grunts is the first of the Lettuce Entertain restaurants (Café Ba-Ba-Reeba, Tru, Joe's Seafood, Maggiano's) and it's located directly across from the Lincoln Park Zoo on the corner of Dickens and Lincoln Park West. — — Atmosphere: — The atmosphere is very friendly with photos of waitresses from years past all over the walls and music playing in the background that every time I go I swear I hear a song that I had totally forgotten about but absolutely love. The clientele is everything from families with small children to young couples on dates. It is the last place anyone would feel out of place. — — Price: — As far as pricing goes dinner for two with drinks and desert will usually cost around $30 which is... Thu, 21 Jun 2007 18:27:51 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/RJ-Grunts-Chicago-IL-review-938f Slats 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Cincinnati-OH-review-13ee Cincinnati is known for it's hills, rivers, and food. If you're going to be in Cincinnati for a weekend there are a few things you must do in order to experience the city to it's fullest. — — 1. Catch a Reds game at Great American Ballpark: — — Great American Ballpark was built in 2003 and is a great place to catch a game. As far as tickets go, your best bet is to buy the $5 nosebleeds and then sit wherever you want. The games rarely sell out so although your seat may tell you you're at the top of the stadium you often times can get great seats in the outfield. Make sure to stay away from sitting in left field. The scoreboard is located behind you and it's one of the best features in the park. — — 2. Skyline Chili — — If you want to be an official "Cincinnatian" you need to go to Skyline Chili and get a 3-way (chili on top of noodles). I've taken many out of towners to Skyline and 50% of the time they like it. The perfect... Thu, 21 Jun 2007 18:20:03 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Cincinnati-OH-review-13ee Slats 4