Heaven on Seven
A dining experience only for the daring and strong
By Paul P.

Heaven on Seven is a Cajun/New Orleans ("N'rleans,") restaurant across the street from Disney Quest, on Michigan Avenue in Chicago.

Its main attractions are the hot sauces. The restaurant has a wooden shelf more than ten feet high covering a wall that is filled with at least 10,000 different kinds of hot sauce!

The hot sauces come with everything from sombreros to coffins to bibles, to lassoes and cowboy hats. Sauces range from mild to unbelievably hot. So far I've had Hot and Very Hot.

There is a contest where you bring in a bottle of hot sauce, and if they don't already feature it, you get free meals for a month and a T-shirt and hat.

Another fun thing about Heaven on Seven is, if you say, "Feed me Jimmy!" to your waiter, they'll bring you a seven-course meal. If you finish the meal, you get a prize.

I ordered the Angry Chicken Po' Boy Sandwich with a jambalaya appetizer.

Once my chicken arrived, I readied my Green River drink and got out my sauce. I covered a chunk of meat in sauce and stuck it in mouth.

The last time I did this I had stomach pains and was sweating all over. After I swallowed it, I looked at my dad and said, "This isn't as hot as I remember it."

I then felt as if someone had started a fire in my stomach. I sucked down my Green River and felt much better.

I just repeated that process with different sauces until I was full. The chicken was very good and so was the garlic bread it sat on.

The food is great but the main attractions is the hot sauces.

Food - 4
Atmosphere - 5
Service - 5
Cleanliness - 5
Value for Money - 4
Kid Friendliness - 3
Overall Experience - 6

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My Fair Lady
Pheasant Run features delicious food and a fine show
By Sammie D.

On Sunday, November 19, at the Pheasant Run Inn in St. Charles, I went to dinner and a show. I went with my grandparents and my Mom to see the musical, My Fair Lady.

The cost was around $35 per person, which was not a bad price considering you were getting dinner and a show.

My Fair Lady is a story about two men making a bet that they can transform a poor dirty girl from the streets of London, into a well-spoken, mannerly lady.

Even though they didn't plan on it, one of the men happens to fall in love with the heroine.

My Fair Lady featured great music and dancing.

This was a dinner theater, so between the choices of pork, chicken and beef, I had the chicken. It was very good.

For dessert I had chocolate cake. The play was great and the dinner was delicious too.

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Johnny Rockets has style and tasty food
By Nikki A.

Johnny Rocket's is the place to be. This restaurant is small but worthwhile because of all its good qualities. It's located at Stratford Mall in Bloomingdale.

Even though this was primarily a burger place, I felt like having a B.L.T.. I liked the B.L.T., and I heard that the burgers were tasty too.

The atmosphere is fifties style, and they even have individual old-fashioned radios at each table.

The service was good. Our waiter even juggled ketchup bottles for us. I observed another patron leaving, however, because he wasn't getting any service.

This restaurant was really clean, and the food was of average expense.

And because the waiter was juggling for us, this place must be kid-friendly.

If your looking for a place to eat at Stratford Mall, Johnny Rocket's is a great choice!

Food: 4
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 4
Cleanliness: 5
Value for money: 4
Kid friendliness: 5
Overall experience: 4

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Portillo's
Great atmosphere and filling food
By Mark G.

My dad, sister, mom and I went to Portillo's-Barney's on Lake Street in Bloomingdale, on a Sunday afternoon. It is a place decorated with stuff from the 1950s and they also play '50s music.

Also, another nice thing about Portillo's is that no matter how busy it is, you can always find a clean table.

My dad ordered a hotdog and fries. He said his hotdog was good, but not great, but that his fries were great.

My sister got the same thing as my dad, but said it was excellent.

My mom ordered a cheeseburger and said that she enjoyed it.

I got a hotdog from Portillo's and fries from Barney's. They were both really good and filling.

On a scale of one to five:
Food-5
Service-5
Price-4
Friendliness-5
Quality-5
Atmosphere-5
Over All-5

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The Grinch is a success
By Paul N.

The Grinch movie opened November 17 and has done very well. For a good three weeks it was first at the box office, earning $172 million.

The producer of the movie, Ron Howard, did a great job. Jim Carey starred, and did an excellent job as the Grinch.

The movie followed the basic plot of the cartoon version of the Grinch with a few extra characters and sideline stories.

Everyone who grew up watching the Grinch cartoon will definitely enjoy watching the Grinch come to life. For those who have never heard of the Grinch, you'll most likely all enjoy this remake of the Christmas classic.

Anyone who has not seen this movie should go see it this weekend.

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The Grinch who stole Christmas
By Christa C. and Ashley H.

The Grinch Who Stole Christmas was funny, sad, and spectacular all in one. That's what makes it a four star movie!

Since the holidays are coming up, it would be a great movie to go see with your family. This movie brought tears to many eyes but also many laughs.

"I thought it was really good. It had comedy, happiness and sadness," said seventh grader Cara G. It is one of her favorite movies, she said

It all started when "The Grinch" was eight years old and he started to hate Christmas. He ran to the mountains living up there all his life and hating every little Who living in the small town below him.

Everything changed when Cindy Lou Who decided to be his friend and help him to believe in Christmas once again.

This movie really shows the real meaning of Christmas, which is not to get presents and but to be with friends and family.

"It was a great movie," commented seventh grader Liz I., "it is a cute movie for young kids."

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Little Nicky is a treat for Sandler fans
By Laise Q.

Little Nicky was a good movie if you're in the mood for comedy. If you're an Adam Sandler fan then you will think this was the best one yet.

This fun-filled comedy is about the devil's son trying to get his brothers to come back to their home, way underground, so their father, The Devil, won't die. When Nicky tries to get his brothers to come back they beat him up.

But when he finds out his mom is an angel he starts to get some sense and gains the upper hand.

I recommend you see this movie to fans of comedy and Sandler.

Overall Rating: 5 of 5
Genre: Comedy
Rating: PG-13

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Unbreakable is definitely one of Hollywood's failures
By Ashley D.

Unbreakable has magnificent trailers, but the movie is a real bust.

The plot is hard to follow. It is basically about a man, David, who is a passenger involved in a major train accident. Astonishingly, he is the only man who survives.

The eerie part of it is that he has no scratches, broken bones or any injury whatsoever.

Before the train wreck, he was involved in other major accidents. For example, he was in a car accident in which he saved his wife, Aubrie's, life.

During the movie, he meets a comic book collector named Elijah Price, whose bones break as easily as glass. Elijah helps David to better understand his unbelievable powers, which seem to make David seem "unbreakable."

In one scene, David's son pulls out a gun and aims it at his father. The emotions you should be feeling at this moment are fright, suspicion, and astonishment. Instead I laughed my way through this stupid scene.

The characters make such comments as, "If you are my friend, you wouldn't shoot me 'cause friends don't hurt friends,'" ...right.

The ending of the movie is a real surprise. It's not worth the eight bucks you have to pay to get in.

Folks, if you're looking for a bizarre, messed-up, action flick with some comedy thrown in, then this is the movie for you. For me, Unbreakable should be broken.

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Meet the Parents will leave you laughing
By Emma H.

Last month I saw Meet the Parents. Greg, played by Ben Stiller, is planning to ask his girlfriend Pam (Teri Polo), to marry him. Just as he is about to ask her, her phone rings. It's her sister saying that she has just gotten engaged.

Pam tells Greg that her father gave his "permission " for her sister to get married. Greg then knows that he can't just ask Pam to marry him, but will need to meet her parents and ask her father first.

From here on in, trouble ensues for Greg. He and Pam go to her parents house, (played by Robert de Niro and Blythe Danner), for her sister's wedding and one thing after another happens.

Greg loses his luggage, insults the family cat, knocks over grandma's ashes, loses the cat, accidentally gives Pam's sister a black eye, starts a fire that destroys the wedding alter, floods the backyard with sewage, is accused of being a drug addict and has to deal with everyone making fun of his profession as a nurse and his unusual last name.

In between all of this, he is given a lie detector test by his father-in-law to be and gives away the honeymoon details.

All this time, Greg thinks Pam's father is a retired florist, but is actually a retired CIA agent. This only adds to the hilarity of what happens to Greg and the family.

In the end, things turn out quite well for everyone. The cat is found, the wedding goes off without a hitch and...Well, you'll have to see the movie to find out the final secrets.

I recommend this movie to anyone who has a sense of humor and finds it funny to see how one mistake can lead to another and snowball into a disaster.

Robert de Niro was excellent in this comedy as was Ben Stiller. It will leave you laughing even as you exit the theater.

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Creed is still one of the best
By Sunny B.

For about a month, Creed has been in the top ten in the Music Box Office with their latest hit, "With Arms Wide Open." Their debut album, My Own Prison, was a big success. This CD features "My Own Prison," "Torn," "What's This Life For," and "One."

Creed's second album, Human Clay, was even more successful than their first. Human Clay features the #1 hit song, "Higher." Creed's lead singer is Scott Stapp. The bass player is Brian Marshall, the drummer is Scott Phillips, and the guitar and background vocals are provide by Mark Tremonti.

For better information, go to www.creednet.com for the latest news, photos, etc.

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WWW.Cheatplanet.com has arrived!
By Jacek M.

WWW.cheatplanet.com is one of the best video game websites on the web. You first enter the site and choose which system you want to find cheats for: Playstation, Playstation 2, Nintendo 64, Sega Dreamcast, and even the personal computer!

If you don't like to use cheats, www.cheatplanet.com also supplies
strategies, FAQs, (frequently asked questions) and hints.

All of the information in this site is submitted by people who have played the games.

Occasionally, one of the cheats does not work, but the most of them do. If the cheats may not work, Cheatplanet marks the code as, "Invalid Code?."

Cheatplanet also has plenty of links to sites that may have the answers to what you are looking for, including, Gamegenie.com.

Altogether this is a great website. I use it for my Playstation and computer games. You should too!

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Michael Jackson
He's out of the media and on your computer
By Farah A.

Ever wondered where your favorite pop star and mine has been lately? You know who I'm talking about Michael Jackson!

Well just get on the Internet at www.mjnet.com and it'll be like he was never gone. There are eight parts to the "King of Pop's" official site.

The information area allows you to input your e-mail address and become one of the people on Michael Jackson's mailing list.

The art section includes great pictures of Michael that put you right up there on stage of his past tours.

The museum section is a little like a discography of all this star's greatest albums. The subway area has links to other Michael Jackson related sites.

The club area has a little Michael Jackson dancing around on stage.

The movie theater section plays short films about Michael.

The music store lets you listen to his classic hits.

The newsstand section gives you Michael Jackson's tour dates along with his
biography.

I highly recommend this site. Get typing!

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Linkin Park rocks
By Laise Q.

Linkin Park's CD Hybrid Theory, which was the band's original name, has an aggressive hard rock sound with hip-hop vocal.

Linkin Park's lead singer, Chester Bennington, has caught listeners' ears with remarkably powerful singing and songwriting. The band includes Chester Bennington on lead vocals, Mike Shinoda also on vocals, Brad Delson on the guitar, Rob Bourdon on the drums, and Joe Hahn on DJ and sampling.

I would recommend this CD to any hard-aggressive-rock music fan. They would really enjoy the sound of Linkin Park.

Overall Rating: 5 of 5
Genre: hard aggressive rock

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Your pick of top ten Christmas songs
By Christine H.

10. "Nuttin For Christmas" by a squirrel

9. "Jingle Bells" by Elvis

8. "Little Drummer Boy" by a drummer boy in France

7. "What Child Is This" by a confused angel

6. "White Christmas" by a patch of white snow

5. "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa" by a six year old boy

4. "Up On The House Top" by a frozen icicle

3. "Deck The Halls" by a chimney sweeper

2. "All I Want For Christmas Is My 2 Front Teeth" by a toothless little girl

And The #1 one Christmas song for this year is

"We Wish You a Merry Christmas" by 4 gold fish who can't remember what day it is.

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Jet Grind Radio
A video game that imagines a strange new world
By Paul P.

Jet Grind Radio is set in a future time in an imaginary city, Tokyo-To, but everyone just calls it Tokyo.

The two coolest things on the street are Jet Set Radio, a pirate radio station that broadcasts its hardcore music directly to your brain, and the magnetically powered jet skates that kids ride around and do tricks on.

The radio station DJ, Professor K, is the funkiest, grooviest character I've ever seen in a game.

In the city there are three main roller blade gangs. In Benten-Cho, city of the night, there are those high-tech Benten crazies, The Noise Tanks.

From Kogane-Cho, city of the sunset, comes that freaky Kagone gang, Poison Jam. And lastly, from Shibuya?Cho, the city of day, there are the troublemaking punks, the GG's.

Captain Onishima is the new chief of police and will stop at nothing to stop you from existing. He'll call in riot police, attack dogs, and more.

The object of the game is to tag your opposing gangs into submission while evading the cops. Tagging involves spray painting your gang colors in the opposing gangs territory.

The graphics are excellent. Characters look like 3D comic book characters wrapped around a mesh.

The backgrounds are full 3D with 2D effects. The graphics are in
hi-resolution so you can't confuse a cop with a wall.

The levels are very colorful and the Kogane sunset will cast shadows and the billboards in Benten will talk to you.

The sound is the best I've experienced on a console game. The soundtrack is twenty or so songs that range from cool Japanese dance music to Rob Zombie.

Before each level you'll see your opposing gang in that level dance in sync with the music. The sound of your skates grinding along pipes sounds real and your spray paint against walls sounds real too.

Your character will say things like, "Yeah!" and, "Right on!" The game control falters a little bit by putting the view control and the spray paint control on the same button.

When you come near a wall and want to tag it, you press the button and your view changes. The fact is that there are three other buttons they could've used to avoid this confusion.

To recruit new members to your gang, you have to mimic their moves. The skaters you acquire in these challenges turn out to be your best skaters.

Mission tasks range from defending your turf to expanding your territory or just having fun and tagging everything in sight. If you at any point knock an opponent out of the running, you must do a "Jet Spray" in which you need to tag twenty spots in one thousand seconds.

Gameplay is great with the exception of the control problem. This is a very fun game but is also tough and good for beginners and hardcore gamers alike.

Overall Rating - 9
Graphics - 10
Sound - 10
Play Control - 9
Gameplay - 9
Fun Factor - 10
S.R.P $40-$50
Number of Players - 1
Is the Challenge Adjustable - No

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Madden 2001
Not the holy grail of football games
By Michael K., Entertainment Editor

With the football season winding down, I thought I would finish up my quest for the best football video game.

Well, Madden 2001 isn't it.

The game is okay, but the graphics are sluggish. For example, there aren't any moves when you have the ball, i.e. jukes, spins and stiff arms.

Also, when you score, even if you're the home team, the crowd makes no noise at all. There are, however, some good points.

I like the updated rosters and the unique options. My favorite option is the play indicator, which tells you what the other team is going to run.

It also features the commentary of John Madden and Pat Summerall. Madden 2001 also has an expanded play selection and new stadiums.

Overall this is a fairly average game, and it's worth giving a try.

Overall Gameplay: 7
Graphics: 6
Sound: 5
Play Control: 6
Game Play: 7
Fun Factor: 6
Price: $50-60
Number of Players: 1-4
Challenge: Rookie Pro All-pro

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Horoscopes
By Laura B.

I am here with all that stuff you guys have just about been dying to hear. Horoscopes of course! With my trusty dog PJ, Old Faithful, at my side I am now ready to begin. Here goes.

Aquarius- January 21-February 19
Me, my crystal ball, PJ, and those excellent fortune cookies have decided that your deepest, darkest thoughts have been revealed. OK, so now everybody knows you are a horse. Just take it casually.

Pisces- February 20-March 20
You will win something. These fortune cookies could use some explaining. Maybe it's that guy, but then again it could be the trip to Hawaii. I haven't decided what yet.

Aries-March 21-April 20
Hey this one is PJ's! Luck is coming your way. Just make sure that you don't become too reliant on it.

Taurus- April 22- May 21
A big change is happening. It could be that your grades are improving or that it is almost winter break. YEA!! Something like that.

Gemini-May 22-June 21
You are getting sick of your everyday boring life. Do something! Express yourself! Go hiking in Montana. Don't get too carried away though. What my crystal ball is trying to say is do something out of the ordinary.

Cancer-June 22-July 23
PJ says Ruff! Ruff! It could be that the roof is falling in or maybe you are being rough to other people, or animals. One of the two.

Leo-July 24- August 23
Do not get used to your wonderful life because something very strange is going to happen. Just don't ask what.

Virgo- August 24- September 23
Do not zoom off to see the wizard yet because you are not ready. I guess Dorothy was delayed or something.

Libra-September 24-October 23
You have a perfect fortune. You will get good grades, good presents and everything is right, except Never mind, everything is perfect.

Scorpio- October 24- November 22
Your fortune is not so great for the report card, that dear old report card and secondly the attitude. Let's not get to that now. Just patch up your grades before jolly old St. Nick comes to town.

Sagittarius- November 23- December 21
PJ says Bark! But this time I think he means the stuff on trees. I guess it means watch out, it might fall on you. He really means your future is unclear.

Capricorn-December 22- January 20
OK! Finally, I am almost done. My cookie says being first is not always best. Just figure that one out for yourself. I'm outta here.

Ugh! Fortune cookies can give you serious stomach problems if you eat too many. Hey I should make that one a fortune. Oh well. Ta Ta

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Dear Lifesaver
Advice Column

Dear Lifesaver,

My best friend and I like the same person and he knows it. We have both asked him out. He told both of us maybe.

I'm afraid if he wants to go out with me, that my friend will be mad. But, if he asks her out, I think I would be jealous and disappointed.

I don't want our friendship to end just because of a guy. I hope you can help us with our boy problems.

Sincerely,
Worried Sick


Dear Worried Sick,

First of all you should talk to your friend. Find out if she would be mad if you went out with him, or vice versa.

If both of you would be crushed then neither of you should go out with him, especially if it would ruin your friendship.

Don't sweat it too much. Guys will come and guys will go. You might even change your mind about him tomorrow!

If he asked one of you out and you both still like him just explain your situation and hopefully he will understand.

Good Luck!!!

Sincerely,
Lifesaver

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Christmas
By Nancy M.

Sleigh bells are ringing,

Carolers are singing,

People are bringing,

Presents that are dinging,

From those who care,

And that is what Christmas is all about!!!!

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