My Big Fat Mouth

Why do we get such a kick out of kicking a digital bad guy while he is on the ground?

The answer: It's fun to go against the grain when there are no reprecussions.

So, I'm wondering what violent video games are most fun.

Here's a short list.

5. EA Sports Boxing: It's realistic, competitive and rewarding when you knock your opponent to the mat.
4. Bully: For once, we get to be the terror in high school and get points for it.
3. Resident Evil 4: The good thing is, you're taking it out on zombies. And frankly, I've got a few friends who are less productive than the walking dead.
2. Grand Theft Auto: It might become the most popular video game in the modern era.
1. Mortal Combat: This started it all. It was legendary for finishing moves that allowed your character to decapitate the other guy.

Are the Black Crowes the most popular--subjective term, I know--band to ever play in Naperville?

Gin Blossoms, Ted Nugent, Heart, George Thorogood, Reo Speedwagon, Cheap Trick, Ashlee Simpson are some of the most popular musicians to play in and around Naperville in the last couple of years at the assembly of summer festivals.

But are the Black Crowes the most popular ever?

They are, and it proves that Naperville is capable of attracting A-list talent. It's about time the city steps up and considers adding a major venue to the area.

If you remember I was telling readers that their fates would meet and we received a small confirmation this week that it's possible it would happen.

After appearing semi-nude in Vanity Fair magazine this week, the pop sensation is trying to recover from some of the anticipated backlash.

She is a Disney product, no less.

But so was Britney Spears.

For every person that says there is too much noise, too much police concentration, too much drinking in the downtown area, there are 10 people who are walking from establishment to establishment having a safe and fun evening.

It's not always the same in Chicago or other nightlife areas.

Lesson here: Live a little, let others do the same and let a pint of beer dribble down your chin one night instead of complain about how your tax dollars are being used.

There was a time when you had to stand next to a wall to make a phone call, or get up to change the TV channel.

No more.

Just as books once were, they'll certainly be different in the future.

Face it: technology is changing even the simplest of things.

In some ways, it would be crazy to say it's worth the trek to nearby Plainfield for some Naperville residents.

But is it? Has anyone tried driving northbound toward the downtown area on a busy evening?

Sometimes it makes you want to turn the car around and head back south to Plainfield, a place with a promising and rejuvenated downtown area. Those not wanting to battle with crowds, can walk down Lockport Street to wine and dine.

Sure there's a few shopping centers on the southwestern portion of the city, but is it enough to spend a Friday afternoon?

Now that real TV shows like "My Name is Earl" and "Scrubs" will return to air in just a few days, will ratings go up for these show after a horrible winter that featured mostly reality shows?

Was this the worse winter in modern entertainment history?

Is IMAX the future of American cinema?

If you think about it, home entertainment centers are increasingly becoming sophisticated and a major part of the modern home. Why go out to the theater when you can nearly duplicate the experience for less money in your house?

Not with IMAX. There are no imitations.

If you're squeemish about the idea of taxes--this is Naperville, after all--you should be probably take a dramamine. More taxes are on the way. Is that a good thing?

It's the most famous party for high school seniors and college students who want to get away from miserable March weather and the false pretense of tyrant parenting.

But parents should be worried about the supposed vacation that essentially invites underage kids to drink, indulge some more, and get even more drunk in foreign locations with unknown people. Just recently a riot broke out in Texas due to spring breakers.

Let us also consider the most troubling part of these weeklong parties: they put young women in horrible situations where they are often very vulnerable.

Considering Naperville's stellar reputation for family living, I'm wondering if Naperville's parents will take a stand against letting their children go on spring break?