Reviews by BabsJohnson

BabsJohnson says "VW finally delivers a sharp looking sedan." about Volkswagen Passat CC - 2009

BabsJohnson — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 16:19:29 GMT

Those pesky Germans are at it again. Volkswagen has taken a huge step in the up-market automobile teritory with the release of the Passat CC. While it shares virtually nothing with the Passat, it does keep the name. I, for one, thought that was a bad idea as it really is quite a large leap from the Passat to the CC. At first glance you might think this car is a Mercedes Benz. It does borrow quite a few lines and creases from them, however it is much less expensive than the E class. The flowing design makes the car seem like it is moving even when it is parked. That design carries over into the cabin. Once inside, you are comforted by the rich details in the seats and dashboard. This is almost more Audi than Audi. I wonder if the CC may steer some people away from its sister brand? Either way, its a win I guess.

Driving the CC is a true pleasure. Crisp handleing and almost no noise inside the cabin rewards the driver and passengers. This is what you expect from an......

BabsJohnson says "Warning, this company is ripping people off!" about Eden Pure Quartz Infrared Portable Heater

BabsJohnson — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 20:54:25 GMT

Please Google this product "Eden Pure" well before purchasing. Numerous reports indicate that the product is misrepresented and does not offer the value for its price. The manufacturer has very poor customer service (if at all) and does not stand behind its product.

...

BabsJohnson says "Easy to use and works well." about Shark Carpet Sweeper

BabsJohnson — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 22:55:29 GMT

The Shark cordless sweeper keeps its promises. This easy and lightweight vaccum is perfect for quick and effortless pick ups. For example, cat litter is always being spread around in my house and this unit does a very respectable job of picking it up. Other uses include spills in the kitchen and other rooms in the house that don't require lugging out the big unit. Also this vaccum works well on outside porches and other areas that have no power plugs nearby. It is lightweight and goes under couches or chairs with ease. The vaccum tray is easy to remove and replace. I sometimes am amazed at what it grabs from the seemingly clean floors. I would reccomend this unit to anyone who has an animal. In addition, it is great for dorm rooms or small apts that need an occasional cleaning....

BabsJohnson says "The DeLonghi EO 1270 convection oven has no bakeing timer." about DeLonghi Model EO1270 Convection Oven

BabsJohnson — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 16:45:22 GMT

The DeLonghi EO 1270 convection oven is a nice looking unit which has intuitive controls. However, unless you have a separate timer to alert you when the baking is done you will end up with burnt meals. The toast function is timed, but nothing else is. The unit is well made but I would say that the shelves are a bit flimsy. Heavy casseroles tend to warp the shelve and can make for difficult removal of the dish once it is cooked. The fan bake option (convection) does work well and saves energy by cooking 20-50% faster than a conventional oven. In addition, you are not heating a huge space for just one dish. I would not highly reccomend this unit as DeLonghi has other convection ovens that have built in timers for baking which cost only slightly more than this one. Those units also contain a rotisserie which can accomodate a small chicken (~4lbs)....

BabsJohnson says "An interesting toy to learn about static electricity" about Steve Spangler Science Fun Fly Stick

BabsJohnson — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 21:21:23 GMT

The Fun Fly Stick is a riot to use. It consists of a cardboard stick that contains a static electricity generator powered by two AA batteries (not included). When activated, the supplied tinsel static flying toys are repelled by the stick. It takes a bit of finesse to control the actions, but once you get the trick, it is a real riot. Just a hint, if you have more than one child you better buy all of them one or there will be problems. A second hint is to order a replacement pack of flying toys as they are delicate. Several vendors now carry this toy other than Steve Spangler Science.

...

BabsJohnson says "You get more than you paid for..." about Hyundai Genesis - 2009

BabsJohnson — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 22:46:19 GMT

I had a chance to drive this car while on vacation. All I can say is wow. This is a big car with gobs of leg room in the rear and a huge trunk. The fit and finish is up to par with much more expensive cars (entry Lexus, BMW). With the rear wheels pushing the car, the steering feels light and easy without any tourque steer. This is also a quiet car that employs an intuitive dashboard and upper class finish. The bottom line is that it is remarkably cheap. The direct competitor would be a Buick Lucerne. The Lucerne is easy to beat once you see the technology built into the Genesis. The base model has plenty of power from the V6 and gets good fuel economy with the 6 speed automatic. Shifting is flawless and almost not noticable. Braking is excellent without hesitation. There is little noise, vibration or harhness in this car. Financing is good now and their seems to be a good supply on hand at the dealers. I know it is weird to buy an upscale car from Hyundai, but......

BabsJohnson says "Will this be the worlds largest airline?" about United and Continental Merge

BabsJohnson — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 21:01:36 GMT

Well, it didn't happen. Now that fuel costs are low, it is not in the best interest of either party. On the other hand, there is a lot of trouble between the Delta and Northwest merger. United lucked out this time.

...

BabsJohnson says "Currently the only wood burning pizza place in or near the FQ" about Louisiana Pizza Kitchen - New Orleans, LA

BabsJohnson — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 20:32:04 GMT

LA Pizza Kitchen does have the best pizza near my home. However, it recently had competition from La Vita. Due to a fire there, the Pizza Kitchen is the only spot that can give you a wood cooked pizza at an affordable price. They also make one of the best Ceasar salads I have come across in the city. One hint for saving cash is to order two salads and split a pizza. If your still hungry after that, then you have been eating too much!...

BabsJohnson says "Actually another product with a face lift." about Philosophy Hope and a Prayer Vitamin C Powder .25 oz

BabsJohnson — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 17:24:26 GMT

Philosophy does not make their own products. Many people are unaware that only a few companies exist which formulate most of the products you purchase. All major retailers utilize the few cosmeceutical compounders to prepare their products to their specifications. All that said, this is a very good product and a lot of research went into it prior to its introduction. First off, the vitamin C used within is the best kind for actually getting into the dermal layers of your skin. Secondly, it has a light feel unlike most other products. Third, but not least, is that it is at a price point that makes it a relatively good buy. I did not come up with the Kookoo names, but you have to admit, they do make fun of themselves....

BabsJohnson says "VW ups the ante!" about Volkswagen Rabbit - 2008

BabsJohnson — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 15:06:12 GMT

The renamed Golf, which is now called the Rabbit, has increased horsepower for 2008. Not that it was slow in the past, but now it is a basic pocket rocket and takes note from other small hatchbacks. Besides being one of the larger cars in its class, it has the fit and finish of more expensive cars. Once inside you will notice lots of basic features not found in this class. First off, the crash tests are very impressive. Secondly, you will see upgraded materials abound inside. No, it is not an Audi, but close in many respects. Little touches like an auto down feature for the windows using the key makes summer days a lot more tolerable. Nobody has this feature. The standard auto locking feature is also welcome as well as the integrated alarm system. If you look at the most stolen cars, VW is not on this list with any of their models. Resale values are high for this car. So, you get what you pay for in the long run. Hatchbacks are in fashion these days and this car......

BabsJohnson says "Oil Prices may kill Uniteds Frequent Flyer Program" about United Airlines

BabsJohnson — Sun, 25 May 2008 14:42:50 GMT

The increase in oil prices may put several airlines in jeopardy. United Airlines could easily fall victim to this trend. You may see an instant end to the Frequent Flyer Program as well as surcharges for bags in the next few weeks. My advice, if you have lots of miles, is to burn them ASAP. Also remember, if the FFP is abandoned, you will not have the perks to upgrade seats or to use the First Class check in agents. Update: United admits to the surcharge for baggage on 6/12/08. Use those FFP miles ASAP!!!...

BabsJohnson says "Smart design and a logical choice for small spaces" about DeLonghi Pinguino Air Conditioner

BabsJohnson — Sat, 24 May 2008 15:18:13 GMT

I purchased the Pinguino PAC L90 last summer to cool my bedroom (approx 350 sq ft). The unit has performed flawlessy and has yet to require removal of the water tank. As I live in the deep south, that in itself is amazing. The unit has two hoses, one as an intake and one as an output. This feature along with some patented tricks keeps the user from being a slave to the humidity it removes. The unit is well designed and does resemble a penguin. Locally, only Lowes stocks this item, however I have seem several outlets on-line for purchase. ...

BabsJohnson says "Don't like having to remove the condensed water from the unit!" about Amcor Portable Air Conditioner ALD 12000EH

BabsJohnson — Sat, 24 May 2008 14:56:01 GMT

While this portable AC works well, it has a very small capacity resevoir for the condensed water (humidity) it removes. Hence, you will be running to the unit after it beeps to relieve the tank. The unit shuts down when full and will not restart until empty. A suggestion is to let it continually drain if you can accomodate the included hose to the sewer. This is not practical in most situations. Look for a more intelligent brand that uses the two hose system (intake/output) to the window. These rarely require any emptying. My suggestion: DeLonghi Pinguino series....

BabsJohnson says "For once, it really does work without prewashing your dishes." about Cascade Complete Powder

BabsJohnson — Sat, 24 May 2008 14:40:27 GMT

After years of hearing that the new dishwasher detergents work without prerinsing and finding it to be hype, one brand finally delivers. Cascade Complete does what is says. While it may be a bit more expensive than the regulars, you get what you pay for. I own a bottom of the line dishwasher with no bell or whistles so it had to overcome some big hurdles to prove itself. The resuslts were that the powder removed the grime I purposly left on othe dishes, silverware, glasses, etc. Most of all, everything came out spotless and shiny. To me, time is money and I don't have to stand at the sink any longer prior to loading the dishwasher removing every speck of food or stains. I highly reccomend this product....

BabsJohnson says "Down Under, But Up Over!" about The Mandozz Project

BabsJohnson — Thu, 22 May 2008 17:59:53 GMT

The Mandozz Project is an up and coming band from Melbourne Australia. Rennie Ozzimo and Theodore Mandylas (Singer and Keyboards respectively) comprise the duo. They have re-made the Babys "Isn't it time" into new funk, techno and danceable tracks. They recently released a new single "Livin', out loud". Comparisons to George Michael and Grace Jones come to mind when listening to this song. You can visit their home page at www.themandozzproject.com for more information. Enjoy!...

BabsJohnson says "Downsize, but have fun driving." about Volkswagen GTI - 2002

BabsJohnson — Thu, 22 May 2008 17:41:51 GMT

My six year old GTI has gone up in value in the last year. Why? Due to the increased cost of fuel, all small cars have appreciated rather than depreciate. Some models, like the GTI, have done better than others. If you have to downsize, you can still have fun while driving a fast and yet affordable car like this. ...