Reviews by Friends of Brooklyn77

ChrisJarmick says "wide mix of musical styles, salsa, dance to opera = great album" about David Byrne - Grown Backward

ChrisJarmick — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:58:44 GMT

Only 2 of the 15 songs on Grown Backwards are opera--well David Byrne's skewed version of opera, with the help of Rufus Wainwright.

Grown Backwards is a pastiche of influences and styles that seem to be touched upon in this interesting hodge podge of an album that on this album includes music created by kitchen utensils, a vacuum cleaner, a theremin, classical string arrangements, South American and South African percussions and the inclusion of the Middle Eastern influenced Curtis Mayfield-like 2002 European Dance hit: Lazy (all 9 minutes and 35 glorious seconds of it).

If you're a Byrne fan, all you need to know is that this is nearly as strong an album as 'Look Into The Eyeball' was. It's a solid album and if you only like Byrne when he approximates Talking Head type music-there's 3 or 4 songs on this album for you too. If you don't mind Byrne's musical explorations then there are at least a dozen keepers on this album.

Which brings us back to opera. Byrne really does give us two songs...

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ChrisJarmick says "Murray & Boyle's performances make movie a winner" about Where the Buffalo Roam

ChrisJarmick — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:54:46 GMT

"You know, I hate to advocate drugs liquor, violence, or insanity to anyone--but in my case it's worked."
-- Bill Murray as Hunter S. Thompson

Where the Buffalo Roam (1980) is a relentlessly anarchistic meandering drunk of a movie, addicted to the spirit of Hunter S. Thompson and saved by superb performances by Bill Murray and Peter Boyle.

The movie is only amusing in fits and starts, but Thompson irreverent self is channeled by Murray and you can't take your eyes off of him. Ideas are picked up and frustratingly dropped, we start to get interest in what seems to be a story line and it's over. The comic pacing isn't even consistent with the last half of the movie all over the map and unsastifying. So many opportunities are squandered, so many possible funny scenes missing key ingredients or meaningful observations to score. You would think the whole thing was done on purpose since it is such a relentlessly 'almost' of a movie. The constant drug use seems to make Thompson more...

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RudiXeno says "GE Dimmable Compact Fluorescent Flood Lamp: Not quite there yet" about GE Dimmable Compact Fluorescent Flood Lamp

RudiXeno — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:48:07 GMT

Over the last few years I've converted most of our lamps and lighting fixtures over to Compact Fluorescent Lights. With the exception of a small number of ornamental lights and lights controlled by dimmer switches, the conversion is almost complete. The savings, in terms of our electric bill are both noticeable and impressive. And, of course there is that intangible reward knowing that I'm doing something good for the environment.

So several months ago when I got the opportunity to try convert the few remaining R40 Floodlamps with GE's Dimmable Compact Fluorescent Floods I didn't hesitate.

GE Dimmable Compact Fluorescent Flood Lamp

Theses CFL Floods appear virtually identical to any other and comfortably fit any high-hat meant to accept an R40 bulb. At 1300 lumens, they provide just a bit less light at full brightness than the 100W bulbs they are replacing. They consume just 26W of electricity rather than the normal 90 - 100W of a conventional incandescent flood.

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PattyTherre says "Nine tasty soda flavored lip balm tins to keep or share!" about Schweppes Gold Medal Lip Balm Gift Set

PattyTherre — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 04:22:55 GMT

Quick View: This gift set of ten soda flavored lip balms is tasty, hydrating, and fun. Keep some and give some away or keep them all! I got a great deal on these at HSN.com. They were on sale for just $10.00 a set. They're incredibly tasty in flavors i remember as a kid.

My Take on Schweppes Gold Medal Lip Balm Gift Set

This set comes boxed and has nine separate time of old school Swhweppes soda flavors. The balms are tinted in the tins but have very little color on the lips. Although they have a novelty look to them, they contain good ingredients like organic extra virgin olive oil, organic coconut oil, cocoa butter, beeswax, rosemary and Vitamin E. And boy do they taste great!

You get the following:

# .35 oz. Schweppes' Cider SPF 15 Sunscreen Lip Balm.
# .35 oz. Schweppes' Dry Grape Ginger Ale SPF 15 Sunscreen Lip Balm.
# .35 oz. Schweppes' Raspberry Ginger Ale SPF 15 Sunscreen Lip Balm.
# .35 oz. Schweppes' Black Cherry Seltzer SPF 15 Sunscreen Lip Balm.
# .35 oz. Schweppes' Sarsaparilla...

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TheBard says "You'll Never Need Another Mathematic/Scientific Calculator" about Texas Instruments - TI83

TheBard — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 21:04:36 GMT

Bottom-Line: The Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator is probably the last calculator you will purchase in your academic career, it is just that powerful.

Texas Instruments released the first TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator, and upgrade of the TI-82, in 1996, and it has gone to be one of the most widely used graphing calculators for students across a broad range of educational levels. In addition to the functions found on normal scientific calculators the TI-83 Plus includes graphing, polar/parametric/sequence graphing modes, statistics, trigonometric, calculus (the Plus) and algebraic functions. Texas Instruments released the TI-83 Plus in 1999 as a replacement for the normally aspired TI-83. The TI-83 Plus also ships with flash memory, which would enable the devices’ OS to be updated as needed.

Powered by (4) AAA-sized batteries (plus 1 CR-1616 or CR 1620 lithium battery for backup), the TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator is large unit ideal for advanced mathematics students...

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Jo says "Herbalife 21-Day Herbal Program didn't leave me Cleansed" about Herbalife 21-Day Herbal Cleansing Program

Jo — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:15:54 GMT

I am buying into the Herbalife life while doing a 12-week weight loss program. They are the sponsors. I bought the Tea and like it a lot.

Another product I bought is the Herbalife 21-Day Herbal Cleansing Program. This is not the first cleanse I have done. I guess in general they don't work all that well for me.

What is Herbalife 21-Day Herbal Cleansing Program

For about $27.00 I got two bottles. One is for the morning and one is for the evening. The products are herbal blends which I like rather than a bunch of chemicals. The morning formula is called the Replenishing Formula and the evening one is called the Cleansing Formula. Herbalife 21-Day Herbal Cleansing Program is called "An internal cleansing system for digestive health."

According to the box the benefits are to helps the body eliminate toxins; to improve nutrient absorption, and it may support weight management. Of course none of these statements nor the product is monitored by the FDA.

I do believe that cleaning out my digestive...

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TheBard says "Most Costly Than Others, But It Brings The Goods" about Kaspersky Kaspersky Internet Security 2010

TheBard — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:31:25 GMT

Bottom-Line: Overall, Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 is more than adequate for both power users and those users who take a more set-it-and-forget it approach to their computer’s security.

Even if the antivirus program cannot clean the infected file, most can at least isolate it and keep from doing harm the rest of the computer system. One of the antivirus programs I trust is Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 a program I recently downloaded and installed on a laptop running Windows 7 Enterprise Edition.

Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 supports Windows 7 (32/64-Bit), Windows Vista (32/64-bit), and Windows XP Home Edition (SP2).

The 411

Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 ships with all the usual suite of protections found in most of its competitors with the exception of a data backup utility. That means you’ll antivirus protection for files, web browsing, e-mail, applications and various processes.

And of course Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 include auto-protect and e-mail...

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PattyTherre says "A VERY sweet soap that doesn't strip my hands like the others." about Bath & Body Works Anti-Bacterial Deep Cleansing Hand Soap, Winter Candy Apple

PattyTherre — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:46:55 GMT

Quick View: I like Bath & Body Works' hand soaps and I recently bought nine different scents and types (I had a great coupon!). One that I bought was Bath & Body Works Anti-Bacterial Deep Cleansing Hand Soap, Winter Candy Apple. Normally I'm not a fan of the deep cleansing soaps and go for the moisturizing ones but I didn't see this scent in the moisturizing hand soap area so I bought the deep cleansing one. It is VERY sweet but doesn't seem to dry my hands out like the other deep cleansing soaps from BBW.

My Take on Bath & Body Works Anti-Bacterial Deep Cleansing Hand Soap, Winter Candy Apple

I never smelled this scent but I knew candy apples are very sweet. I guess the name intrigued me. Winter Candy Apple. Is there a difference between summer and winter candy apples? I had to know so I bought the hand soap.

When I first tried this eight ounce pump soap, I was overwhelmed with the sweet candy scent. I smelled no apple at all, just the candy coating that the apples are dipped into. It...

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PattyTherre says "Everything's better when it's baked - even blush! " about Laura Geller Blush-n-Brighten Blush Compact, Golden Apricot

PattyTherre — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:08:08 GMT

Quick View: I have been a fan of Laura Geller's line of cosmetics for years. Her line of baked products is great. I have TONS of blushes but tend to stick with rosy hues. I decided it was time for a change so I picked up Laura Geller Blush-n-Brighten Blush Compact in Golden Apricot. I thought I would look orange it doesn't at all. I love this shade and the formula is really great. I'll be buying more shades soon.

My Take on Laura Geller Blush-n-Brighten Blush Compact, Golden Apricot

This blush is baked and has a somewhat uneven texture. It isn't one color throughout. There are shades of deeper apricot and lighter all swirled within the compact. I like that because blush really shouldn't be one flat color. A little variation makes skin look better and the blush look more realistic.

This compact of hard packed blush looks peachy but also has deeper apricot hues. I was totally afraid that my pale olive skin would look like a pumpkin when I applied the blush. To the contrary, the shade actually...

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PattyTherre says "I can't drink this but it's an effective throat soother for you!" about Yogi Tea Throat Comfort Organic, Caffeine Free Tea

PattyTherre — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 05:55:09 GMT

Quick View: I discovered this tea while browsing around online and, because I have sore throats a lot in the winter, bought a box. As it happens, I got a sore throat soon after and tried the tea. It's not bad and does sooth my throat. I can't drink it though because it lowers my potassium level. However, in general, this tea is safe and effective.

My Take on Yogi Tea Throat Comfort, Organic, Caffeine Free Tea

This tea comes16 bags to a box and is naturally caffeine free. It has natural sweetness to it and it tastes like black licorice. I don't like that taste very much but, with a little honey and lemon, the tea is just fine. When I drank it, my throat was coated and soothed. My mucus membranes opened up and my sinuses drained which relieved my stuffy head.

This tea can be drank as often as one wants and kids can benefit from it as well. It contains nothing artificial and has a blend of many herbs and spices to coat, soothe, and relieve sore, scratchy throats. Singers and speakers often...

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Bryan-Carey says "Excedrin Extra Strength Offers a Good Level of Relief" about Excedrin Extra Strength

Bryan-Carey — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:16:28 GMT

I don’t suffer from headaches very much, but when I do, I will usually reach for one of an assortment of over the counter pain relievers to stop the pain. I usually pick Aleve or one of a few others, but another product that generally works well is Excedrin Extra Strength, an inexpensive pain reliever.

Pain Reliever Commentary:

Excedrin Extra Strength are used to relieve multiple types of pain. When it comes to pain, I generally experience nothing but headache pain but Excedrin Extra Strength is good for body aches, arthritis, muscle aches, menstrual cramps, toothaches, and more. Whatever type of pain you have, Excedrin Extra Strength is ready to get to the core of the problem and lessen the discomfort.

Excedrin Extra Strength contains aspirin, acetaminophen, and caffeine in its list of active ingredients. The dosage of caffeine is good because it prevents drowsiness and some people even claim they feel more wide awake than usual when they take this product. The caffeine dosage...

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ChrisJarmick says "Movies to make even manly men cry. Five hankie movies." about Best Movies top 5 Tear Jerkers to make you cry.

ChrisJarmick — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:49:02 GMT

Here are some movie that are sure to bring a tear or two or a whole flood to your eye. Powerful movies that will make even the most manly of men cry. No not Fried Green Tomatoes, or even Gone with the Wind.

5. Edward Scissorhands (1990) directed by Tim Burton)

A dark fairy tale about a lonely outsider who falls in love with a girl he cannot have. Johnny Depp imbues a rain forest of emotion in his mostly silent character, a mad scientist's creation an artist with scissors for hands left alone to fend for himself in a harsh cruel world.

4. The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964) (Les Parapluies de Cherbourg) directed by Jacques Demy

A love story that is told completely through song is what they call a three hanky film. It's about love and soulmates and how two beautiful people meet in France and fall in love and life is perfect-until he goes off to war, leaving behind his true love and the child he did not know he made. Years pass, they marry other people and then.... Well......

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RudiXeno says "PowerShot Forward Action Heavy-Duty Stapler: Easier on your hand" about PowerShot Forward Action Heavy-Duty Stapler

RudiXeno — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:08:17 GMT

One of the most useful tools for any homeowner to have is a heavy duty stapler. Chances are you can find one in your garage or basement. For many years, Arrow Brand has led the market in this type of tool. Big and chrome plated, I have a couple hanging on the wall.

My only complaint about the Arrow model is that it's awfully tough on your hands after a couple hours of use. Following an accident a few years ago in which I hurt my hand I knew I needed an alternative.

On a trip to The Home Depot I found what I was looking for in the PowerShot Forward Action Heavy-Duty Stapler. It featured an updated design that promised to be less fatiguing. The trigger mechanism was forward-action rather than the usual rear-action mechanism utilized in the standard Arrow design.

This design is considerably easier on your hands since you have the weight of your body to help firing a staple. If you look at the product photo, this advantage is immediately obvious.

PowerShot Forward Action Heavy-Duty...

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PattyTherre says "Watch out Carmex, you have stiff competition from ChapStick!" about ChapStick Fresh Effects Lip Balm - Invigorating Green Tea Mint

PattyTherre — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:57:44 GMT

Quick View: In New York, you need lip balm. Period. The summers parch your lips and the winters dehydrate and chap them. I have a tin of so many balms, you'd think I was ... a lip products junkie! And I am. However, I sometimes need more than a pretty color or flavor on my lips. I need deep hydration. I get that and more with ChapStick Fresh Effects Lip Balm - Invigorating Green Tea Mint. And it's inexpensive!

My Take on ChapStick Fresh Effects Lip Balm - Invigorating Green Tea Mint

This lip balm comes in the traditional stick form and is clear. It glides on easily. It isn't waxy like the original ChapStick. It's quite thick and immediately starts working. I can feel it tingle like crazy! The mint is strong and actually wakes up my senses. Although there is no flavor in this balm, the scent is great. I love tingly balms like Carmex and ChapStick Fresh Effects Lip Balm - Invigorating Green Tea Mint rivals even Carmex's tingle.

My dry lips feel protected and hydrated and the balm lasts for...

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ChrisJarmick says "unique look at a group of river raft guides over 20 years time " about Same River Twice Documentary

ChrisJarmick — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:48:29 GMT

The Same River Twice is a unique but rather static documentary focusing on 5 people who back in 1978 were part of a group of 17 River Rafting Guides who took a 6 week long river trip together. They often ran around stark naked as if they had formed a nudist commune. The film contrasts 16 m.m. footage from 1978, with footage shot 20 plus years later on digital video; youth to middle age; naked rebellion to societal conformity.

It is interesting, particularly because it's all done in a modified verite style. We don't get explanatory narration. No one is asked questions about how they have changed, what they miss about the past, their regrets of what they did. We learn some details about relationships then and relationships now, but in a piece meal fly on the wall fashion. Life goes on.

In a way that is refreshing. It forces you as the viewer to put everything into your perspective. How do you feel about what you are watching? Perhaps you know people like the ones you are watching, or perhaps...

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Matt says "Craft Steak delivers on food, wine and ambiance!" about Craft Steak - Las Vegas, NV

Matt — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:47:21 GMT

Last night I went to Craft Steak in Vegas at the MGM Grand. I am a big fan of Tom Colicchio who is the owner of Craft and arguably one of the most famous celebrity chefs since his role as the head judge on Bravo's Top Chef. Tom is known for his attention to detail and fresh ingredients. I have been to Craft in NYC and just fell in love with the wide assortment of fresh vegetables and family style approach.

I was not disapointed with my experience at Craft Steak in Vegas. We orderd the 12 oz Kobe Skirt Steak and the assortment of mushrooms, roasted asparagus and a great avocado salad (pics to the right) and buffalo mozerella to start out with. The steak was really amazing: tender, flavorful and overall mouth watering. I had a margarita to start with, followed by the Resiling (which was a little tangy but ultimately very nice) and then the Zifnandel with the entree. I finished it off with a butterscotch pudding (pics to the right) and a nice port.

HEAVEN!!! If you are...

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ChrisJarmick says "Warm, honest, engrossing, look inside King's mind & heart." about On Writing

ChrisJarmick — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:04:47 GMT

Drink and be filled up - Stephen King

On Writing is part memoir, part autobiography and part how to. King had about half this book finished on that fateful day on June 19th, 1999 when he went out for one of his customary walks in Maine near his home and was hit by a Van and nearly killed. He talks about this briefly toward the end of the book.

You probably noticed I wrote; 'he talks about this..." This is what King does in ON WRITING. He writes in an almost conversational voice, it is warm, genuine, and honest. The book is short and if you take your time you'll be finished in a bout 6 to 8 hours max. It's like having a very long leisurely cup of coffee with Stephen King as he reminisces about his past, shares some ideas and thoughts he has about writing including his life as a writer and his teaching of new writers.

If you've curious about how King's mind work, some of his personal struggles, his thoughts on what he does for a living and what he was reading...

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ChrisJarmick says "Right back to being a kid enjoying Christmas with a smile." about Alvin and the Chipmunks aka Ross Bagdasarian - Christmas with The Chipmunks Volume 1

ChrisJarmick — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:57:18 GMT

What's my favorite Christmas Album?

Let me explain....

I went through a period in my teens where I absolutely abhorred Christmas music and considered 90 percent of all Christmas music detestable schmaltz worthy of throwing up to. The Beach Boys? Bing Crosby and David Bowie doing Little Drummer Boy... are you insane?

A few years after I passed through my phase came Bruce Springsteen doing Santa Claus is Coming to Town which made me laugh out loud the first time I heard it. I mean what drugs was he on? Remember The Dead Kennedy's (punk band) Christmas classic? F. . . Christmas? Sometimes I wish THAT song would blare into the ears of those rude store parking lot drivers who ignore the rules of decency in their quest to find a half-way decent parking spot. Some will block aisles as the wait for up to five minutes for someone to unload their cart, get into the car, back up and drive away. Why? To save 50 or 100 steps?

Of course there's the driver who goes the wrong...

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RudiXeno says "Husky Extension Ladder Bumpers: Protects your walls and siding" about Husky Extension Ladder Bumpers

RudiXeno — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:38:01 GMT

Most homeowners that do any of their own work around the house probably own an extension ladder. When you need to get up high they are indispensible.

But, while it's hard imagining doing without an extension ladder, they all seem to suffer from one common drawback. They can damage your walls or siding.

When using an extension ladder, its base is generally placed a few feet from the wall and the ladder is allowed to lean against the wall. that of course means that as you climb the wall, all the weight is beared by the base, and the top of the ladder resting on the wall. Although most ladders have plastic end pieces, they are usually a hard plastic and not very protective. One very practical solution to this problem is the use of removable bumpers that fit over the top ends of your extension ladder. For years I've used Husky Extension Ladder Bumpers.

Husky Extension Ladder Bumpers

These bumpers are simply thick, durable plastic covers that slip over the top end edges of your...

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PattyTherre says "I believe in fish oil but I don't want to taste it constantly!" about PharmAssure Fish Oil 1000mg Softgel Capsules

PattyTherre — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:57:35 GMT

Quick View: I strongly believe that fish oil is a necessary supplement for nearly everyone and I take them daily. When I ran out of my Natrol Fish Oil Softgel Capsules, I asked my husband to pick me up another bottle. He came home with PharmAssure Fish Oil 1000mg Softgel Capsules. They were the same as far as active ingredients, milligrams, and even how they looked so I took them. Ugh. Every time I belch or even hiccup I taste fish. GROSS. Back to Natrol for me!

My Take on PharmAssure Fish Oil 1000mg Softgel Capsules

My Natrol Fish Oil softgel caps have lemon oil in them so I never have a "fish burp" which, as anyone who takes fish oil knows, is a side effect of this very healthy supplement. It's a gross side effect.

The PharmAssure Fish Oil 1000mg Softgel Capsules come in several bottle sizes and my husband got me the large 180 count bottle of these things. I usually take two a day but I have been taking one because the fishy taste and even SMELL of these softgels is just too much for...

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