Punch-Out has always been known for its tremendous personality. The over-the-top characterized opponents we all know and love from older additions of the franchise now have voices, special effects, and smoother animations. The resulting effect is a revitalization of the borderline offensive stereotype, which we haven't seen this well decorated since the "I am offended by that" ultra-sensitive mid 90's. This upgrade creates a more in-depth and involving experience to classic arcade style gameplay. Playing through the difficult challenges will certainly exercise your reflexes, sharpen your sense of observation, and even give your "heat of the moment" improvisation skills a good tune up, which some Nintendo franchised games have abandoned since the "ultra-64" mid 90's. Now more than ever do we feel the impact of defeat and sheer excitement of landing a knock out blow to a challenger's jaw, especially in this exaggerated context. With the addition of new game play options and a two player versus mode there is more an incentive to pick this one up. The notion of bringing a 2D franchise into the 3D realm is an art form in itself, which about half of the time fail epically. The mid 90's was never as exciting as this. Punch-Out Wii has certainly been artistically upgraded to the next level! P.S. Mid 90's.

INSPIRATION 5/5 - The improved in-depth experience of arcade style boxing and solid character design will certainly have an impact on your mind (especially when you are knocked out by the harder punches).

RELEVANCE 4/5 - Upgrading a classic franchise by 15 years of game development is certainly something to add to your gaming repertoire. Lack of WiFi connectivity doesn't bring this old franchise entirely into the present.

CONTENT 8/10 - Replay value and game length are always a concern, especially when it comes to the rewards that come with mastering a game. This game is lengthly enough to keep you playing onward with the unlockables and the opportunity to try it with the Wiimote waggling control style or classic button pressing.

TOTAL = 17/20

We all love to hear success stories. Ever walk away from one of those stories feeling unsatisfied with the answer? "A whole lot of gumption", "She's a genius", "Hard work and dedication," ect... Beyond the typical non-informative success stories Malcolm actually provides us with hard facts and answers to success. Outliers breaks down the the definition of success and tells it to us in delicious bite-sized straight forward vignettes. Malcolm will inspire you to draw your own rewarding path and it may help you to form a new outlook on hard work and dedication. If you're looking to measure success, this book is your yard stick. Quit listening to your rich grandpa's long winded stories of success and read this book.

INSPIRATION 4/5 - Malcolm has a way of spelling things out nicely. If you have a plan for success, he will encourage you.

RELEVANCE 4/5 - The story of success is a timeless one, and this one is for our time. Artists could certainly benefit from this one.

CONTENT 9/10 - Some of the stories can be more drawn out than his previous works, but Malcolm never loses his charm.

TOTAL = 17/20

Malcolm Gladwell makes for a great weekend reading binge. Blink, his second installment, is one of my favorite reads. Malcolm identifies a need for us to trust our instincts and act on our impulses rather than think twice abut everything. In our age of information where most answers are at the click of a mouse, a time when parents coddle their children too much, and people are indecisive over how to pay for something at a checkout line, its easy for us to forget there is power in trusting our instincts. There are big lessons to learn about not over-thinking our way though life and Malcolm's stories will change the way you trust your mind. Don't think about it, just buy this book!

INSPIRATION 4/5 - This book has the ability to make you more aware of your thoughts and decisions.

RELEVANCE 5/5 - An invaluable resource for any freelancer with tight deadlines.

CONTENT 10/10 - The stories are simple, well presented, and inspiring.

TOTAL = 19/20

Any reason to avoid your mother while living in her basement is always a plus. If you aren't going to get a REAL job why not get in shape? I know what you're thinking, "its much too bright and scary outside and I have a history of Melanoma in my family!" You can stop all that complaining over the issues of your self-esteem because now you can get into shape when nobody is looking and have fun doing it! How does Dance Dance revolution make a great addition to my gaming library you ask? Simple. Unfold and plug in the DDR Dance mat that comes with the game and let this game whisk you away in a whirlwind of step arrows to a time where your energy levels were high, and when Ace of Base "Saw the Sign." Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Dance Party is a great way to make sure your computer chair doesn't get smaller, and that you can fit into the tux at your friend's wedding. Who knows, you may even alienate your friends and family by making DDRHDP a part of it (true story). You're on the computer all day "drawing pictures" for a living; why not unwind and work up a gravy-like sweat in front of a different monitor for a couple of extra hours each day. You're hard working nerd ass will thank you.

INSPIRATION 3/5 - The variety in music selection may have you whistling in the shower (or in your sleep, depending on how much you play it).

RELEVANCE 4/5 - This game will make you sweat and burn calories like crazy. If you want to burn tons of calories through cardio then pick this one up. Sure beats going to a gym with girls.

CONTENT 8/10 - Tons to unlock with multiplayer for up to 4 players (if you buy extra mats, or get one bundled with the sequel, and if your mom's basement has enough space). Added Wiimote interactivity to the dancing makes waggling more fun than usual. Let's face it–working out has never been this fun, especially if you don't get out much. No Mii interactivity either. Get with the program!

TOTAL = 15/20

I know what you're thinking–Its been a while since I heard anything from the Grease musical soundtrack. "You're the One That I Want" would also sound nicer if someone made it all "digital auto tune" sounding for today's modern audience. Think no further my friends! Dance Dance Revolution takes dance lessons to a "video-gamey" level by providing you with a dance mat so you can "quickly step" to your favorite hyper-techno remixed songs on to well timed arrows. Why learn to dance, you ask? Well, let's say when you and your hot Japanese girlfriend goes with you to an arcade and says "Remember this? I love DDR!" you can hold your ground during an obscure hyper-techno Anime song with 500 arrows going up the screen at 1000mph. If that hot Japanese girlfriend of yours breaks up with you because she wanted a guy with a sense of rhythm in the first place, no worries. Just simply add her Mii to the character menu. Now that there is the creepy option to use your Miis as background dancers, it would be just as if your hot Japanese girlfriend is always with you (only when you're dancing and always while wearing a queer dancing outfit). A sense of rhythm always comes in handy when a girl actually asks you to dance on a real dance floor. Just make sure she asks you to dance on a floor with a square tile pattern on it or you're screwed. If public dancing isn't your thing then dancing like a moron in the privacy of your own home can be your own business. I know it's mine. Don't look at me!

INSPIRATION 3/5 - Fair bit of remixed music here, some of which may be counter inspirational/motivational.

RELEVANCE 4/5 - Developing a keen sense of rhythm is never a bad thing, especially for keeping you in shape and keeping girlfriends.

CONTENT 8/10 - Like the previous games in the series there is tons to unlock, a 4 player option, Wiimote waggling controls, and the option to add your Mii heads to the dancing background characters which is a lot more creepy looking than it sounds (are you a dude that wants a girl's body? Now's your chance!).

TOTAL = 15/20