Reviews by Colej

Colej says "Years of Fun for Cats (And Maybe Even Dogs)" about Petmate The Cat Track Cat Toy 'Crazy Circle'

Colej — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 23:33:56 GMT

Want to give your cat (and possibly your dog) years of fun from a toy that they never seem to tire of? Try the The Cat Track Cat Toy "Crazy Circle" by Petmate!

The toy consists of a lightweight ball "trapped" inside an enticing, sturdy circular track. Curious cats can see the ball from every angle, but just can't seem to "fish" it out. Mine reach for and bat at the ball, lie inside the circle guarding their toy possessively, and just generally have a good time!

I have owned the large one for many years and all of my cats and even my dog have had hours and hours of fun with it! Yes, I said "dog". One of my cats and my dog frequently played a game of "furry ping pong" batting the ball back and forth in the enclosed track. What a hoot to watch!

I've bought a lot of toys for my pets over the years, but never one that has lasted so long and brought so much joy into their lives!

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Colej says "Daily Use for Over a Year and Still Happy" about Toshiba A105 Satellite

Colej — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 23:14:13 GMT

Need a workhorse, reliable laptop computer that can frequently be found on sale in large office supply chains? Look no further than the Toshiba A105 Satellite.

Mine is a media center computer with a wide screen, making it a bit heavier than some laptops, but I spend 6-8 hours a day looking at the screen and am an avid reader and video watcher, so I am thoroughly satisfied with this machine.

My unit came with XP, with the promise of a "free Vista upgrade", which I never received, but from what I've heard, that's not much of a loss other than for the fact that I am limited to 32 bit processing. Still, I expected them to make good on the offer, something they have refused to do. Other than that, I have had absolutely no problems or complaints.

I recently carried the computer in a backpack (I use crutches) on a lengthy trip and found it a bit heavy compared to the tiny, high-priced machines you normally see business users with on airplanes, but the weight was still manageable.

I use a chill mat...

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Colej says "Great Headset for Computer & Skype" about Cyber Acoustics - AC960

Colej — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 22:55:18 GMT

If you're looking for a high quality headset for Skype or for listening to music on your computer, then the Cyber Acoustic AC960 Pro Grade Stereo Headset is for you!

This unit was built with classroom usage in mind (i.e. language labs), but its affordability make it perfect for the home user, too.

The noise-canceling microphone, mounted on a ratcheting boom, is sensitive and provides excellent sound quality. The headset features a wide headband, heavily padded "leatherette" ear pieces, excellent stereo sound, and a volume control knob mounted just below the microphone boom . This second volume knob, in addition to the volume controls on your computer, allows for greater control when using programs like Skype, which is what I primarily use this headset for.

I have tried a variety of headsets, including the ones marketed by Skype, but have not found anything any more comfortable or better functioning than the A960 unit and it was much less expensive than comparable products.

With high quality...

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Colej says "Great for Quick & Easy Litter Disposal and Odor Control" about Litter Locker Plus

Colej — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 19:18:31 GMT

If you're looking tor an efficient, odor-controlling way of disposing of used cat litter, then the Litter Locker Plus is for you!

It sits easily near the litter box and has a flip-top opening of ample size that makes it easy to drop used scooping litter into the container. With a simple turn of a dial, the used litter is locked away, thereby preventing odors. Once all of the "locker's" inner bag has been used, the "locker" comes apart and the entire bag can be thrown into a standard kitchen-size garbage bag for disposal in the trash. Re-installing a new bag is a fairly simple procedure after you've done it once.

On the down side, the full bag is a bit heavy. Also, I have heard that the bags can be difficult to locate, but the local PetSmart always has them. They are a bit pricey compared to using grocery bags or paper sacks, but It's nice not to have to carry a bag of litter through the house and outside to the trash can every time I scoop the box.

I highly recommend this product for...

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Colej says "Great for the Single Person Who Hates to Cook" about George Foreman Indoor Grill - GR10AWHT

Colej — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 19:04:49 GMT

If you're looking for a quick, easy way of cooking for 1 or 2 people, then this small George Foreman grill is for you!

It "grills" food quickly and easily, including a grate system and "drippings dish" that allow unhealthy fat to drain away from the food. Since the drippings dish is separate, it is easy to clean. It allows for fast meal preparation without the need to fire up the oven for just a couple of portions.

On the down side, the grates are not removable, but they are non-stick and quite easy to wipe clean.

This would make a fantastic present for a newlywed couple or single person who hates to cook because it is so easy to use it's almost like not cooking at all!

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Colej says "Sumptuous Central London Accommodations On the Thames" about Park Plaza Riverbank London - LONDON,

Colej — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 18:52:38 GMT

This gorgeous hotel is located on the Thames almost directly across from Parliament in a very safe area of the city. (I am handicapped and ambulate with crutches, yet I was treated with courtesy and patience by everyone as I traversed the busy sidewalks of central London.) The London Eye was a five-minute walk down the same street. Trafalgar Square was a 10-minute walk. In other words, a perfect location for someone who likes to walk and doesn't want to 1) learn to drive on the left side of the road, and 2) doesn't want to pay a high fee to park a rented car. Plus, a number of tube stations were nearby.

The room was very nicely & comfortably furnished and the huge bathroom was incredible - black marble, plenty of towels, a deep bathtub for soaking that was separate from the solid glass corner shower, and all the amenities you'd expect at a 5-star hotel in a prime location.

The staff was friendly and helpful. The front desk also included currency exchange as a service, which was handy since...

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Colej says "Great Prices on CD's, DVD's, & Books with Free Shipping!" about DeepDiscount

Colej — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 17:55:15 GMT

Hate the trip to the mall? Prefer to shop online for bargains? Looking for books, CD's, and DVD's at prices that rarely are lower anywhere else? Want free shipping, too? Then DeepDiscount is your online superstore!

The selection is huge and they are constantly running specials and sales, making prices even lower. I rarely look anywhere else anymore because after years of shopping happily at DeepDiscount, I know I'm automatically getting the best deal delivered to my door for less than what the local mass merchandiser can do when you consider sales tax, etc.

Their communication is great and their shipping speeds excellent - even with the free shipping option. They occasionally run out of stock on an item or it may take them longer to get the more eclectic selections in than the local video, CD, or DVD store, but on the popular items, they're stocked up and ready. If they do run out, they usually ship ahead of estimated wait time.

I can't say enough about how good DeepDiscount and the...

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Colej says "The Mat Works, the Power Cord for It Doesn't!" about Targus Chill Mat PA248U Laptop Cooler

Colej — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 17:27:28 GMT

I have been through three power cords and many battles with Targus over the poor design of their flimsy cord. The unnecessary switch on the power cord has nothing to keep the wires from pulling loose and breaking, so if you're a mobile user, this chill pad is not for you.

If you use a laptop in a single location and can leave it connected, thereby eliminating any movement of the power cord/pull on the switch, the chill pad does an admirable job of keeping even a large laptop cool.

After battling with Targus and replacing the cord three times, I finally removed the switch from one of the bad cords and soldered the wires together. Not a great solution, but at least one that provides reliable service from the unit.

In the future, I'll be looking at models from other companies.

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Colej says "Perfect for a Fresh Potful" about Krups Cofee Grinder - 203-42

Colej — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 17:13:19 GMT

This inexpensive little machine is durable and reliable. It's perfect for grinding a potful's worth of beans fresh from the freezer. If you're looking to grind the whole bag of beans at once, then you'll probably be disappointed. But if you like your coffee fresh and want to quickly and easily grind enough coffee for a potful, this unit is perfect!

Other than it's small size, the only negative is that it is quite loud, but that's a small price to pay for a durable unit that is easily stowed away in a nook or cranny!

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Colej says "Less Expensive than Cable" about Dish network

Colej — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 17:01:54 GMT

Dish Network offers a quality product at a price that is much less than comparable service from most cable companies. Plus, there is a plethora of on-screen information available - something not offered unless you can pay the ridiculously high prices cable wants for their digital programming. And Dish's programs are all digital to begin with. I'll never go back to cable!

On the down side, I occasionally temporarily lose the signal in really bad weather, but it is usually only for a few minutes. Also, you have to have a clear southern exposure where I live and I have tall trees, necessitating my purchasing a higher mast than what is supplied free by the company. I also keep a roof-top antenna for severe weather so I can receive local channels without interruption.

All in all, I am very pleased with their service and highly recommend it, having had Dish for nearly five years.

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Colej says "Great "just in case" service at a reasonal price." about Tracfone

Colej — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 16:44:48 GMT

If you're looking for a cheap phone plan for emergency or occasional use, at around $100 per year, Tracfone offers great service and a good selection of reasonably priced phones. I have used the phone in various locations around the US and the service has been great. Plus, they offer excellent renewal offers. For instance, I purchased 200 minutes with the annual plan upon renewal, but I ended up with 800 minutes via bonuses. The phone can also be used to call overseas, although it does not work overseas to call back to the US. I highly recommend Tracfone if you want to either control phone usage spending or just to have in case of an emergency....