Reviews by Friends of Brittanyls

TheBard says "I'm Just Not Into This (Very Bad) Movie" about He's Just Not That Into You (2009)

TheBard — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 21:50:49 GMT

Bottom-Line: He's Just Not That Into You is a humorless, white bread, loaf of a movie that is short on drama as well.

Directed by Ken Kwapis (The Office, The Bernie Mac Show, Malcolm in the Middle) and festoon with an A-Lister's dream of (non-minority) Hollywood actors and actresses, including Jennifer Connelly, Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore, Kevin Connolly, Scarlett Johansson, Bradley Cooper, just to name a few, He's Just Not That Into You chronicles the failing fortunes of a multitude of 20 and 30-something single women juggling relationships.

He's Just Not That Into You is based on the (best-selling) relationship book entitled "Just Not That Into You: The No-Excuses Truth to Understanding Guys" by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo.

Despite the who's-who list of Hollywood wattage, and story more or less coalesces around Gigi (Ginnifer Goodwin ~ Robot Chicken, Big Love, Ed) who has a hard time holding a man's interest. Could it be that men react this was way she is unbelievably...

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PattyTherre says "Tastes great and good for you too. Eat em up, yum!" about Thomas' Better Start High Fiber 100 Calories English Muffins

PattyTherre — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 05:13:15 GMT

Quick View: My family calls me a fiber freak. And I am. I believe fiber fills you up and keeps you full and it aids in good digestive health. I don't get nearly enough fiber for the most part so I am always on the lookout for foods that boost my intake. Thomas' Better Start High Fiber 100 Calories English Muffins have 5 grams of fiber per muffin and taste great. They really are a better start to anyone's day!

My Take on Thomas' Better Start High Fiber 100 Calories English Muffins

These English muffins look exactly like regular ones. They come six to a package and need to be sliced into halves to toast. Each weighs 1.8 ounces which is just about what other English muffins weigh.

They taste exactly the same as English muffins at a restaurant or that you buy in a store with little or no fiber in them. At just 100 calories, 1 gram of fat, and 4 grams of protein, the hefty 5 grams of fiber in every muffin is an added benefit to these low cal, low fat muffins.

I toast them and add fat free cream...

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PattyTherre says "Adidas Tropical Passion is fruity but best for young women." about Adidas For Women Tropical Passion Eau De Toilette Spray

PattyTherre — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 05:45:29 GMT

Quick View: I adore fruity fragrances, especially lemon, lime, and orange scents. When I saw Adidas For Women Tropical Passion Eau De Toilette Spray (1.7 ounce) for under $10.00 while shopping online, I added it to my cart. It does smell nice but it's very unsophisticated and the scent fades fast.

My Take on Adidas For Women Tropical Passion Eau De Toilette Spray

This fragrance comes in a glass 1.7 ounce bottle and is tinted slightly orange. It has notes of tangerine, melon, pineapple, magnolia, orange blossom, cedar and musk. It sounded like an amazing light scent that I would enjoy. And I do. But the fragrance is very ... unsophisticated for lack of a better word. It is straight up fruity with orange notes being the strongest.It doesn't change as it dries down. In fact, it smells much more like a body mist than an eau de toilette. And it lasts about as long.

Adidas For Women Tropical Passion Eau De Toilette Spray is strong to start. It is almost overwhelmingly fruity. It then dries down...

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RudiXeno says "Magic Jack: It worked for me" about Magic Jack

RudiXeno — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 00:35:39 GMT

About a year ago a friend and business associate was over with his wife for a Sunday evening dinner.

After dinner we were talking about his business when he asked if I might be able to help him out by making some Public Relations telephone calls for him. So we discussed what the message would be and got that all squared away. He went out to his car and when he returned he tossed a little silver gizmo to me and said, "use this to make the calls."

It was a Magic Jack. His business is in Ft. Lauderdale and of course I live in Boca Raton (another County). It'll look better on the caller ID he claimed. He plugged it into my laptop, we spent just a few minutes setting it up and we plugged a corded phone into it. To test it I called my daughter in New York. She heard me loud and clear and her caller ID identified the call as originating in Ft. Lauderdale.

VOIP on the cheap

Magic Jack is basically a VOIP device that permits you to make free calls over th Internet. I'm not sure what...

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PattyTherre says "A very good clarifying conditioner that also adds moisture." about Avalon Organics Lemon Clarifying Conditioner with Shea Butter & Babassu Oil

PattyTherre — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 05:53:17 GMT

Quick View: I love Avalon Organics Lemon Clarifying Shampoo with Shea Butter and bought the conditioner to accompany it. This lemony conditioner adds moisture to dry hair yet keeps build up and weigh down away. My only small gripe is that it doesn't detangle as well as I would like but otherwise, my hair loves it.

My Take on Avalon Organics Lemon Clarifying Conditioner with Shea Butter & Babassu Oil

This 11 ounce bottle of white conditioner smells as great as the shampoo,. It has natural lemon extract and smells of fresh lemons. There are no parabens, petroleum-based ingredients, sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate, or other harsh preservatives or chemicals and no synthetic fragrances or colors, It is 100% vegetarian and cruelty free.

The conditioner is of medium consistency and comes out of the flip cap easily. I need quite a bit because my hair is very long but most people will only need a small amount to cover their hair. The scent is great and stays in my hair after drying which I love.

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Meredith says "Big Star wins!" about Big Star - Chicago, IL

Meredith — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 05:48:05 GMT

I really love the new Tex-Mex cantina in Wicker Park - Big Star. The owners of Avec started Big Star... nice group. Let's just say I went there 3 nights in a row so it must be good. Located across from The Violet Hour on Damen near Milwaukee. Great vibe, greater food and drinks. I'm in love.

The highlights...

- $2 tacos (chicken, fish, pork, veggie)

- Impressive tequila & bourbon list. Plus, a ginger & beer cocktail that I love. Most cocktails are $7.

- On tap: Goose Island's Matilda ($6), Lagunita lager ($4) & Schlitz ($1)

- Super fresh quacamole, handmade tortillas

- Chill atmosphere, friendly staff

- Good music. They play records. Yes real records on a record player! Mostly rockabilly, old country (think Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash)

Go early-ish for any hope of getting a seat at the bar or seats anywhere, for that matter.

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PattyTherre says "Does Schweppes Club Soda taste like soap? This balm does!" about Schweppes Club Soda SPF 15 Lip Moisture Stick

PattyTherre — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 02:59:46 GMT

Quick View: I am kind of hooked on the Schweppes lip balms that are out now. I like the Schweppes Gold Medal Lip Balm Gift Set I recently purchased so, when I saw that Sephora was selling a Schweppes Club Soda SPF 15 Lip Moisture Stick for $6.00, I decided to try it. I love club soda and like sticks better than tins. This does hydrate but it tastes like soap. Club soda does NOT have a sweet, soapy scent and flavor!

My Take on Schweppes Club Soda SPF 15 Lip Moisture Stick

This stick comes in a lipstick tube and is an off white color. It smells soapy. Club soda really doesn't have a taste per se and I was wondering how they would flavor something that really isn't flavored. I guess they decided to go with soap...

The balm does slick on my lips nicely and is creamy. It gives my lips a light sheen, nothing too shiny. I can feel the moisture and it does add hydration. The SPF 15 is a plus.

But the taste is really soapy. It is like a combination of sweet and soap. I don't sense any club soda...

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RudiXeno says "Swiss Army Officer's Watch: A Casual yet Dressy Classic Design" about Victorinox - Swiss Army Officer's Watch

RudiXeno — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:20:57 GMT

As I was saying just the other day, I've always loved watches, always!

Over the years I've collected quite a few. Some, like the Timex I wore while I served in the Army were quite inexpensive. On the other hand, some like my Rolex Submariner and Omega Speedmaster were very expensive. And finally, my Concord Delirium was in a price-class of its own. Truly, its purchase was an extreme act of ego and folly back during the days when I might have been given to that behavior.

But ordinarily I've always liked watches that were moderately priced and classically timeless. That's just what you get when you slip a Swiss Army Officer's Watch on your wrist.

Features

Precision Swiss Quartz Movement

Stainless Steel Case & Bracelet

Bracelet has Push-button Safety Clasp with Diver's Ext.

Screw-In Caseback

Sweep Second Hand

Sapphire Crystal - Extremely Scratch Resistant

100 Meters Water Resistant

Date

Luminous Hands and Hour Markers

Swiss Army Brand insignia at 12 o'clock

The case measures...

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RudiXeno says "Degree Invisible Stick - Cool Rush: Anyone can use it" about Degree Invisible Stick - Cool Rush

RudiXeno — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:24:09 GMT

For years our entire family has used Mitchum Clear Gel Anti Perspirant Deodorant in the Rain Forest scent. It worked for me as it did my wife and daughter.

But recently when at the store it was missing. I hate that! And so of course rather than going to another store I looked over the alternatives. While I wanted something that all of us could use, I'll confess. I was mostly thinking about myself. Typical guy huh?

Degree Invisible Stick Anti-perspirant & Deodorant

Although I had never tried Degree, something about the packaging appealed to me. Living here in steamy South Florida I liked that it was both a anti-perspirant & deodorant. When the temperatures climb into the 90s and the humitity hovers around 100 I like staying as dry as I can while smelling fresh.

Degree Invisible Stick is of course a solid that is advanced by twisting the bottom of the dispenser.

Goes On Invisible

They claim that it is invisible and I've found that their claim is correct. It doesn't seem...

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PattyTherre says "I honestly can't think of a use for the Cozy 2 Heated Blanket." about Cozy Car 2 Heated Blanket - 12 Volt

PattyTherre — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 05:36:31 GMT

Quick View: I am always cold. Obviously my family members know this, even distant ones, because I received a Cozy Car 2 Heated Blanket - 12 Volt as a gift last Christmas. I thought I would love a car blanket but I don't. I never use it.

About the Cozy Car 2 Heated Blanket - 12 Volt

This blanket is 40" long x 56" wide. It is made of polyester fleece and is thin and lightweight. Attached to the blanket is a 6'3" cord that plugs into a car, RV, or boat cigarette lighter. The blanket takes 10 minutes to "heat up" and should only be used for an hour at a time. It should not be used when the vehicle is not running as it will drain the battery.

We travel fairly often by car and I thought the blanket would come in handy when we traveled in the cool weather. The problem is that we always have the heat on in the car since I am not the only one who gets cold and I am usually very comfortable. Still, now and then, a blanket is a nice extra.

The Cozy Car 2 Heated Blanket is quite wide. It seems to be...

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TheBard says "I wanted enjoy this movie more than I did" about The Wrestler

TheBard — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 02:51:13 GMT

Bottom-Line: After all the hype surrounding The Wrestler, I expected more.

Directed by Darren Aronofsky (The Fountain, Requiem For a Dream) The Wrestler chronicles the failing fortunes of Randy 'The Ram' Robinson a once successful professional wrestler who now lives alone in a rented trailer, works part-time at a super market and wrestles at small venues on the weekends.

My Viewpoint

The wrestling moves and action sequences took me back to yesteryear. Yes, I have long since given up the ritual, but I can still remember the signature moves, the back and forth of the opponents seeking the upper hand. The move captures that magic all over again with startling realism. Ram's body truly dies take a beating, but he keeps coming back for more. He knows wrestling is all there is for him; life has lost its meaning outside the comfortable cocoon.

And therein lies the problem with The Wrestler, Ram is not smart and neither is the movie. The movie is predictable and that...

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PattyTherre says "Clarifies and moisturizes hair to bring out its best qualities!" about Avalon Organics Lemon Clarifying Shampoo with Shea Butter

PattyTherre — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 02:49:16 GMT

The Dilemma: Your hair has a lot of build up from styling products and the elements. But if you use a deep cleansing shampoo, it will dry out your hair and be too harsh for it. The Solution: Avalon Organics Lemon Clarifying Shampoo with Shea Butter. Deeply cleanse your hair and scalp and ADD moisture at the same time. And the scent is amazing!

My Take on Avalon Organics Lemon Clarifying Shampoo with Shea Butter

I read a review about this shampoo and conditioner and wanted to try it. I use lots of styling products and love to get my hair and scalp deep down clean. However, having very long hair that has been highlighted and heat styled kept me from using clarifying shampoos more than very rarely. Avalon Organics Lemon Clarifying Shampoo with Shea Butter adds moisture as it deep cleanses so I can even use it everyday with no damage and no drying out of my hair.

The shampoo comes in an 11 ounce bottle. It is cruelty free and free of parabens. It has 100% vegetable ingredients. It has no harsh...

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TheBard says "Never Trust Two White Guys with White Gloves" about Funny Games (American Version)

TheBard — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 13:58:55 GMT

Bottom-Line: Funny Games, for me, failed to shock, failed to thrill, and failed to entertain, despite the always perfect performance by one Ms. Naomi Watts.

Written and directed by German-born Michael Haneke Funny Games starts innocently enough as a family of three-mom (Naomi Watts), dad (Tim Roth), and son (Devon Gearhart)-settle into their vacation home on a lake. Not long after the groceries are put away and the boat is assembled two psychotic young men Paul and Peter (Michael Pitt and Brady Corbet respectively) in white gloves a-come calling under the pretext of wanting to barrow some eggs.

And so the "funny" games begin. Ann (mom) demands the two young men leave, they don't. George (dad) comes home and demands same and gets a driver to the knee for his insistence. And the violence escalates from there...

My Viewpoint

Funny Games is a remake of a German movie of the same name, where of course the same sadistic things happen to an Austrian family. At times the movie...

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TheBard says "The Perfect "Starter" Display" about ViewSonic VX1940w (Black) 19 inch LCD Monitor

TheBard — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 00:34:40 GMT

Bottom-Line: When all is said and done I have to say that I am very pleased with the VX1940w 19" (Widescreen) LCD Monitor, despite its rather austere features.

When it came time to build my daughter a new computer for Christmas, ViewSonic was my first and only choice for the matching display. So which model?; I settled on the VX1940w 19” LCD Display, not only because of my past experience with ViewSonic, but also because the monitor/display is quite affordable checking in at slightly under $130.00 at TigerDirect.

The 411

The VX1940w 19" (Widescreen) LCD Monitor from ViewSonic is an entry-level thin-bezel LCD. By entry-level I mean no frills: no speakers, no USB ports, and no telescoping bezel. What the monitor does offers up is an outstanding picture (2ms, 3000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and Super-HD 1680 X 1050 resolution) at an affordable price-point. The monitor offers both standard VGA (analog) and DVI-D (digital) inputs.

The VX1940w 19" (Widescreen) LCD...

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GigiandAdonai says "Slip into the Twilight Woods and let your senses carry you away." about Bath & Body Works Bath Body Works Twilight Woods Bubble Bath

GigiandAdonai — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 17:28:31 GMT

I love bubble baths and my Saturday ritual consist of sleeping in and then taking a long, hot bubble bath. Nothing relaxes me more than to put some music on and to slip into a tub full of bubbles and to just soak in the warm water and breathe in the aroma. Twilight Woods has such an intense fragrance that it truly is enchanting. I have never used any sort of aromatherapy bubble baths but this would probably do the trick.

I use two capfuls and it will produce a nice amount of bubbles but not the amount that I really want. You know I want the bubble bath like Julia Roberts had in Pretty Woman. I guess if I were in Hollywood someone could produce that effect for me but for now this will do. So, Twilight Woods doesn't give you all the bubbles but it will bring a lot of delight.

The fragrance is the same as the Twilight Woods body cream. It's a very deep moisturizing bubble bath. It's not very greasy. I don't have to worry about stepping into my garden tub and slipping and...

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GigiandAdonai says "I'm now in the Twilight Woods cheating on Sensual Amber." about Bath and Body Works Twilight Woods Triple Moisture Body Cream

GigiandAdonai — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 17:11:40 GMT

Several weeks ago I was sitting in my office when a client walked in and I was immediately taken by the scent that followed her. I asked her if she was wearing a perfume or lotion because I really liked it. She told me she was wearing Twilight Woods by Bath and Body Works and she pulled a small bottle out of her purse and let me smell it. At first I thought I was smelling Sensual Amber under another name. I took a bottle of Sensual Amber out of my desk drawer and let her smell it and she noticed the similarity too. Twilight Woods is being sold under the Signature Collection series and since I have been introduced to it I must admit that it is now my favorit fragrance at Bath and Body Works.

A few weeks ago I was at the mall and stopped by Bath and Body Works because they were having a 3 for 3 sale. You bought 3 items and got 3 of equal or lesser value free. Well, I stocked up on the body cream, shower gel and bubble bath and then I went up front and picked up several of the...

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GigiandAdonai says "Simple Pleasures is my favorite lip balm of all!" about Simple Pleasures Snowman Lip Balm Set

GigiandAdonai — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 16:33:15 GMT

Several months ago PattyTherre and I were discussing the various lip balms and I got into a discussion with her about the most fabulous product I had ever tried. It's the Simple Pleasures lip balms. I never can find them except for at Christmas time and it's usually in gift sets at Kohls. So Patty and I began to search the Internet and she found the manufacturer but we couldn't find the product. Just as I suspected it is now back at Kohls and I have once again stocked up on them. There are several varieties and each gives you a bag full of flavors. My favorite is the Snowman collection. I don't know if it's because I actually like those flavors the best or if the thought of snowman and snowflakes warm my heart during the holidays. I have also purchased the Gingerbread collection and the ice-cream treats.

Kohls website has this to say about the snowman collection:

Deliciously sweet. This lip balm gift set is perfect for the gift-giving season.

Powdered sugar, gumdrop, mint...

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TheBard says "This Ergonomic Keyboard Could Be It!" about Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard (B2M00012)

TheBard — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 02:32:24 GMT

Bottom-Line: Overall, I would state the Microsoft has designed a good, solid, useful, ergonomic keyboard with a lot to recommend it in the Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000.

Let’s face it there is nothing sexy or even new about keyboard design, expect for the rise of backlit units. But the keyboard is one of the most essential parts of the computer; after all, without one the computer is close to useless.

I’ve tried quite a few keyboards over the years so it was time to give Microsoft a try. The Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 almost delivers.

The 411

Microsoft says of the Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 “has been expertly crafted to allow you to work in a more natural position. The new Gull Wing design features a 14-degree gable, a natural arc and a curved key bed - bringing the keys closer to your fingers to reduce reach and unnecessary motion, while encouraging a more natural typing position. It also comes equipped with an optional palm lift for...

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PattyTherre says "Smashbox got the shade right but the formula's just average." about Smashbox Muse Bionic Mascara - Black Violet

PattyTherre — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 01:15:52 GMT

Quick View: Purple is far and away my favorite color. I adore anything purple. I guess it stands to reason that I have been looking for a good shade of deep purple mascara. I don't want a light purple but something with more of a purple tint. When I saw Smashbox Muse Bionic Mascara in Black Violet on sale, I bought it just because the shade was what I wanted. It is a great shade but the mascara is ehhh.

My Take on Smashbox Muse Bionic Mascara - Black Violet

This mascara comes in a typical mascara tube with a straight brush. It promises not to clump, flake, or run and says it will add length and volume to even wimpiest of lashes.The color is great. It is a very deep purple, indeed a black violet. It doesn't look immediately purple. It has purple highlights that show up in the light. This makes the mascara much more user friendly - at least for me. It looks great with deep purple liner and light (or dark) purple eyeshadow. It's not overwhelming at all.

As far as performance goes, the mascara...

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RudiXeno says "Invicta Automatic Pro Diver 8926: Excellent Watch, Bargain Price" about Invicta 8926 Automatic Pro Diver Stainless Steel Watch for Men

RudiXeno — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 13:44:49 GMT

As long as I can remember I've loved watches and timepieces in general. It probably started when I'd watch my grandfather fiddle with his gold pocketwatch.

I used to love those John Cameron Swayze Timex commercials on early TV. "Takes a licking but keeps on ticking!" OK, so maybe only a few of you will remember them.

Over the years I developed a collection of watches. Yes, I started out with very inexpensive watches, but as the years went by I started picking up more expensive watches as well. Rolex, Omega, Concord were my favorites and predictably I started spending more money on my watches.

A not so unique problem

One of my problems with regard to watches is that I'm left handed and have never learned to wear a watch on my right hand. And, being the physical guy I am, I'm hard on my watches. I've come to realise that a good, rugged, handsome everyday watch is a must for me. During these trying financial times an attractive price is a good thing too.

Invicta Pro-Diver 8926A...

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