Reviews by Friends of Daquan13

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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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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TheBard says "Vampires Come in From The Cold" about Dead Until Dark

TheBard — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 17:53:29 GMT

Bottom-Line: Dead Until Dark brings to life in a new way one of the oldest myths in human existence, one that refuses to die an honored death.

Dead Until Dark revolves around the life of a small town waitress, Sookie Stackhouse, who makes her home in Bon Temps, Louisiana. The book and series is a first-person account of Sookie's life as a barmaid, who also happens to be a telepath, after she starts dating a local Vampire named Bill Compton.

In Dead Until Dark, Bill and the rest of the Vampire community have come out of the proverbial closet so-to-speak and into the light around the world seeking to become part of the human world. Though they can only come out at night, Vampires have made their presence felt throughout society and dating the "undead" has becomes almost fashionable. And drinking their blood can bestow super-human abilities, or drive the consumer mad.

My Viewpoint

Catherine Harris has woven together a pretty compelling story in Dead Until Dark. Sookie Stackhouse...

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TheBard says "An All Too Familiar Human Story" about Precious

TheBard — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 13:34:30 GMT

Life is hard. Life is short. Life is painful. Life is rich. Life is....Precious. Few movies have garnered as much attention, derision, and critical acclaim as the just released Precious the depressing (could be anyone) story of a 15-year-old African American girl growing up in Harlem during the latter part on the 1980's.

Story Line

Directed by Lee Daniels (Shadowboxer), and adapted from the novel Push by Sapphire, Precious centers around the life of Clarice "Precious" Joans portrayed by new-comer Gabourey Sidibe. Clarice is dark, obese, illiterate, unloved, unwanted, and pregnant with a second child sired by her father. She gave birth to her first child (also sired by her father) at age twelve and refers to the child, who has Down's syndrome and lives with her Grandmother, as Mogul.

Clarice lives with her verbally, physically, and sexually abusive mother, Mary, portrayed by Mo'Nique. Mary doesn't work and instead collects welfare checks and food stamps for Precious and her...

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TheBard says "Quick, Easy, and Good for Me, or so they say!" about Quaker Simple Harvest Instant Oatmeal Maple Brown Sugar with Pecans

TheBard — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:25:12 GMT

During the week I leave the house fairly early, so most mornings I don’t eat breakfast until I get to work. And then I want something filling, but quick, and oh it has to taste good and be good for me. A tall order indeed and Quaker Simple Harvest Instant Oatmeal – Maple Brown Sugar with Pecan certainly fit the bill.

Sold in 11.8oz boxes with eight 42g packages per box, Quaker Simple Harvest Instant Oatmeal – Maple Brown Sugar with Pecan is cost-effective winner. Checking in at $2.99 box, (at my local Super Target) one box can last a week (two packages per day)more than pays for itself.

Quaker, worry not it looks as though you have a hit on your collective corporate hands; the Simple Harvest/maple brown sugar with pecans instant multigrain hot oatmeal is a hit with me. According to Quaker Simple Harvest Instant Oatmeal – Maple Brown Sugar with Pecan "is a great tasting breakfast option you can feel good about. Made from only natural ingredients like whole oats, whole wheat...

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TheBard says "Small, lightweight, expandable; I'm In!" about Dell E-Port Plus Replicator

TheBard — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:26:32 GMT

Bottom-Line: All-n-all, I am very pleased with the E-Port Plus Replicator.

As I stated in my review of the Dell Latitude E6500 Notebook computer, it has been almost five years since I started my new job as a Senior IT Engineer running the messaging infrastructure (Microsoft Exchange 2007/BlackBerry Enterprise Server) installation for a mid-sized Mid-West financial company. And when I started the job I was issued a Dell Latitude D600 light weight notebook computer.

A good desktop replacement notebook computer deserves a good "unrestrained" port replicator to go along with it; we choose Dell's new E-Port Plus Replicator in slate black thank you.

The 411

The new E-Port Plus Replicator is optimized for dual digital monitors (two DVI ports (HDMI supported via adapter)), (1) VGA port, six USB and (1) eSATA, Serial, and parallel ports as well as (2) PS/2 ports. The E-Port Plus Replicator ships with a 130 watt power adapter.

The Dell E-Port Plus Replicator can be used with the following...

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TheBard says "My Lightweight & Powerful; Portable Desktop Computer" about Dell Latitude E6500 Laptop

TheBard — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:02:24 GMT

Bottom-Line: Hands down, the Dell Latitude E6500 is a performance winner.

Now that Windows 7 is finally on the street, it is time for another technology refresh in my company; this time the entire department traded up to the Dell Latitude E6500 Notebook computer. Dell constructed the business-class notebook of a magnesium alloy, rugged paint finish and tough metal hinges, which makes the Latitude E6500 more durable than older Dell portable offerings.

My slate black (it can also be had in red and blue) Latitude E6500 doesn't feel any heavier than the notebook it replaces, which makes carrying the portable desktop replacement everyday easy on the shoulders and back. But the Latitude E6500 is far more capable than the Latitude D820 checking in with 4GB of Ram, an Intel Core 2 Duo Processor and 15.4" Premium WXGA LED display.

The Laptop

The Latitude E6500 comes very close to being a full fledged, full feathered desktop replacement; the unit houses your choice of Intel Core 2...

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TheBard says "Love The Rise, the Price,and the Taste" about Krusteaz Honey Cornbread & Muffin Mix

TheBard — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 01:48:11 GMT

Nothing goes better with BBQ ribs and baked beans than freshly baked cornbread coated in rich, creamy butter. I sometimes make my own from scratch, sometimes whip up some Jiffy, but I recently discovered the 15oz. box of Krusteaz Honey Cornbread & Muffin Mix made with real honey.

My Viewpoint

The flavor of Krusteaz Honey Cornbread is not surprisingly, tasty. The honey flavor (honey powder is listed as an ingredient) is mild and not overpowering. The cornbread's texture is moist, not dry like cheaper brands, and almost cake-like. Of course I added my own ingredients to the mix: a teaspoon of nutmeg, and a hint of allspice.

Krusteaz Honey Cornbread is a simple cornbread mix making it easy to prepare. To make the basic recipe, add to the mix is 2/3 cups of milk, 1/3 cup of vegetable oil, and 1 Lg. egg. On the side and back of the box are two more recipes to spice up the cornbread and turn the mix into a full meal; Bacon & Cheddar Mini Corn Loaves anyone?

I highly recommend...

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nicki2442 says "the back pleats are cute...but the skirt looks a little big" about Victoria's Secret Pencil Skirt with back pleats

nicki2442 — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:19:22 GMT

About the product: A kicky look for work or after-hours. Back zip. Imported polyester/viscose/spandex.
24" length. Sizes 0-14. Special price is now $39.50.

I love finding cute skirts to wear to the office and I normally stick to pencil skirts. This skirt from VS has back pleats and comes in about 5 different colors. I picked the light grey color. The waist fitting runs true to size...but its almost as if the back pleats adds to the width of the rest of the skirt. Its not a full skirt...but its also no pencil skirt either. It just adds some room to the bottom and floats away from the body. I dont mind it...its a nice break from the form-fitting-ness of my usually pencil skirts...just something different. It is made out of polyester and spandex...so it does have a bit of stretch and bounce-back when it moves (which could also add to the "a half size too big" look). I dont recommend going down a size...because the waist fits true to size.

There is no matching jacket...

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nicki2442 says "I was expecting a dress worth wearing...not so fast." about Victoria's Secret Little Black Dress

nicki2442 — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:11:13 GMT

About the product: Sophisticated by day, sultry by night. Slim fit. Gathered bust with silk charmeuse detail. Cross-over, draped front. Imported polyester/rayon/spandex.

24" from waist. Sizes XS-L. On special now for $79 @ victorias secret website.

As soon as this dress hit the catalogs last year I wanted it for dressy event I was going to months later. I kept looking for other dresses, and then coming back to it...knowing I wanted it. I loved the way the top looked in the picture and it was form fitting. Everyone loves a little black dress, especially one that make you look great. I finally purchased it and tried it on as soon as it came. Hmmm....well I didn't expect the fabric that it was made out of. It was a jersey-ish fabric with a tiny bit of sheen to it. The buse had the bathered detail...but it didnt look exactly like the picture. I had to move it and crease it so that it did...but it ended up doing its own thing a minute later. It was form fitting...but...

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nicki2442 says "works great when used slowly and with very small amounts of hair" about Sedu Nano Ceramic Tourmaline straightener 1"

nicki2442 — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:03:30 GMT

About the product: Sedu Revolution Nano Tourmaline Ionic 1" Styling Iron
Sedu Revolution Professional Styling Irons feature the patented Freestyle Guiding System with smart groove technology! This revolutionary process takes hairstyling to the next level. Sedu's Freestyle Guiding System captures all of the hair in one smooth pass, eliminating frizz and static, while allowing the freedom to freestyle. Optimized for curling, the unique curved edge plate design allows you to create any look you want, from straight and sleek, to sexy waves, to mega curls, this tool does it all. Join the Sedu Revolution

Adjustable temperature: 180ºF - 450ºF

Lightweight design: 0.65 lbs

Scratch resistant curved plates

Ceramic/Ionic nano tourmaline technology

9' professional length power cord

I originally had the Sedu Professional Ceramic Tourmaline Straightening Iron in the 1.5" until it started to short out on me and I couldn't stand it turning on and off a million times while I tried to straighten...

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nicki2442 says "A pretty and feminine coat...but a little too "bell shaped"" about Via (sold by Victoria's Secret) Double-breasted A-line coat

nicki2442 — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 21:53:18 GMT

About the product (from the Victoria's Secret website): Top things off with a striking silhouette. Lined. Solids: imported wool/nylon with polyester lining. Twill: imported wool/acrylic. Herringbone: imported acrylic/wool/nylon/mohair. Available in solids, twill and herringbone. Retails for $158; on sale now for $99.

I bought this coat near the end of last year's winter--when the weather gets really cold and then decides to switch to spring within just a few weeks. I decided on the solid dove color, which is a light grey. I needed a longer coat to keep me warm when I wore skirts to the office. This definitely did just that. I kept warm down to bottom of my knees and the coat fits true to size. It looks great on...except for the overly belled bottom. It does fall away from the body starting at the waist and would be a help to anyone with curves to disguise. I dont need my coat to bell out as much as this one does...but I have learned to like it.

Final thoughts: I wouldn't...

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nicki2442 says "a pretty good shave " about Schick Quattro Titanium Razor

nicki2442 — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 21:43:37 GMT

About the product:

The Schick Quattro Titanium - a stylish razor with 4 Titanium coated blades for a comfortable, smooth shave. An edging blade provides extra precision in harder to reach spaces, and an ergonomically designed handle gives added control.

Shaving

4 Titanium coated Blade system provides a comfortable and smooth shav.
Less irritation than the leading brand.
Rubber guard bar prepares the skin prior to blade contact for a close, smooth shave.
Conditioning strip enriched with Aloe and Vitamin E at the top of the razor cartridge enhances blade glide over the skin.
Compact pivoting head follows the contour of the face.
Ribbed rubber grip handle is ergonomically designed for the way a man shave.

Edging

Precision Titanium coated edging blade located on the back of the main razor.
Edging blade allows for cleaner edges on all facial-hair styles, as well as a simple tool for addressing harder to reach spaces.
Ergonomically-designed handle for comfortable and easy edging

Obviously...

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TheBard says "These Are Seriously Delicious" about Pillsbury Grands Flaky Supreme Cinnamon Rolls

TheBard — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:58:54 GMT

It's the weekend and in the Bard's household that usually means some sort of decadent high calorie, high fat desert pastry for Saturday morning breakfast! Sometimes I pick up something fresh from the local supermarket, or sometimes I pop something into the oven. Today, that something was a fresh batch of Pillsbury Grand's Flaky Supreme Cinnamon Rolls, made with "Cinnabon" cinnamon and cream cheese icing.

My Viewpoint

I am pleased with my choice for this weekend's breakfast pasty; these cinnamon buns are seriously flaky and delicious! I prepared the cinnamon buns per package instructions; sixteen minutes in the oven at 350 degrees and they were ready to emerge; browned, hot, moist, and yummy.

The package contains a small container of cream cheese icing, which is just enough to cover the (5) cinnamon buns.

I highly recommend Pillsbury Grands Flaky Supreme Cinnamon Rolls; for about $3.79 a can (in the dairy section) they are a bargain compared to the $3.99 I would have...

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nicki2442 says "a cute and comedic movie" about "the Proposal"

nicki2442 — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:04:47 GMT

I ordered this movie from Netflix and was actually waiting for it to arrive (which I normally dont do...but this movie looked cute). I watched it over the weekend and was glad I saw it alone...it's not that its a chick flick...but I have a feeling that more of the watchers of this movie are famales. Ryan Reynolds is adorable in this movie...and Sandra Bullock's character slowly changes from a nightmare boss into some actually likeabl by the end. If you've ever worked somewhere where there is a boss that frightens people the movie is more identifiable. Most people can probably already guess the ending --in most parts...but it is a cute love story that takes a few small twists and funny turns. I have to admit that I can either take or leave Sandra Bullock in most of her movies...but I liked how she portrayed her character is the Proposal.

Final thoughts: In the end I'm glad that I saw this movie...a lighthearted movie that doesn't make you think too much.

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nicki2442 says "A great tasting, quick to make, tortellini" about Buitoni Three Cheese Tortellini

nicki2442 — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:53:50 GMT

I have always and will always be a pasta lover. I could eat some sort of pasta dish every day...and never sicken of it. I normally dont check out the section of the grocery store where Buitoni is sold..mainly because it is sold by the huge chunks of cheeses--but I strolled by it about 5 months ago and saw the Buitoni products. I picked up a small package of the three cheese tortellini and made it for dinner. I was amazed at the quality and good taste of the pasta. I have since tried two other flavors and they are just as good. They only take about 8 minutes to cook and then you just drain, add in your favorite sauce (and/or veggies of your choice), heat together and serve. So easy...and so tasty!

I now buy the largest size available at the grocery store each time I go. It makes for a quick pasta meal anytime that I want...and it only takes one pan to cook it in. The small size package retails for about $3-$4 and the large is $6-$7.

Final thoughts: There is nothing that...

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nicki2442 says "I loved these pumps...until I actually wore them" about Michael Antonio - Keiko pumps

nicki2442 — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 02:51:35 GMT

From the Shoedazzle website (where I ordered this shoe): Keiko is the answer to all of our navy blues in rich crinkle faux patent leather. The high-cut upper is appropriate for the office while the butterfly cut-outs and peep toe make Keiko right for cocktail hour, as well. She is the perfect cross between fierce and feminine with pretty details atop a sleek stiletto and platform. Keiko is a no-brainer with a navy suit, but be daring in an outfit with varying tones of blue and teal for a rich ensemble that shows off the confidence of a peacock's plumes. After work, easy does it with a pair of dark jeans for a leggy look or with colorful tights and a bohemian floral dress for off-beat chic.

- Approx. heel height: 3.5"
- Hidden platform: 0.5"
- Fit: True-to-size
- Man-made upper/synthetic lining/synthetic sole.
- By Michael Antonio; imported.

I loved these pumps...1. because they are navy and I have never been able to find a cute pump in this color yet...2. because they have cute, little,...

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joyjoy says "This was an expensive mistake." about Asus ASUS VH196T

joyjoy — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 23:15:23 GMT

The Good

This monitor has a beautiful picture while the wide screen allows the entire page to be displayed. I've used it with both the DVI and VGA cables (included) and the picture was superb. It is basically plug and play, connect the cables and you are ready. Although the monitor doesn't swivel, it does adjust up or down.

The Bad

The buttons are very difficult to see and use. With the exception of the ON button, which is orange, the buttons are black on black. Even worse is that they are located at the bottom right and have to be pressed with the thumb, I can only imagine how much harder it would be for someone who was left handed. I cannot say about the OSD because I have never used it, the manual is three pages long, does not address the menu, and I am not able to figure how it works. Since I am not a techie let me add that in reviews I have read people who have technical abilities have complained of the difficulties.

The Ugly

The main problem with this monitor was the lack of tech...

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TheBard says "Delicious, not so nutritious, not so good for you, but..." about Kraft Deluxe Macaroni and Cheese Sharp Cheddar

TheBard — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 20:56:49 GMT

I love macaroni & cheese, but I don't always have the time to prepare a dish from scratch. In those times, when time is of the essence, I turn to Kraft Deluxe Macaroni & Cheese Dinner. Now this isn't the regular ole Kraft Mac & Cheese with the powered cheese, that tastes like it was made for children, or other without a discriminating palate, Kraft Deluxe Macaroni & Cheese Dinner comes complete with a package of real cheese, and elbow macaroni.

The Kraft brand has always been my favorite; I like the way it cooks up; fast and easy. Cut open the pouch with its four cheese blend sauce empty into the still steaming macaroni, mix and enjoy.

My Viewpoint

Kraft Deluxe Macaroni & Cheese Dinner makes a great side dish for almost any meat and vegetable, but I like to pair it with either fried of baked chicken, pork chops, or fried catfish. The 14oz package packs a fair amount of flavor, and serves up at least four.

While the product is good right out of the package I like to "doctor" it...

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TheBard says "The perfect side for almost any BBQ Meat" about Bush's Grillin' Baked Beans

TheBard — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 00:19:55 GMT

The side dish; what will it be tonight? That is the conundrum facing millions of cooks all over the country, nay the worlds tonight. Better still, what side will it be tonight with these fabulous BBQ ribs I just spent five hours slow-cooking? The answer: Bush's Grillin' Baked Beans.

My Viewpoint

I am pleased with Bush's Grillin' Baked Beans. There are a number of flavors (recipes) to choose from including Southern Pit Barbeque, Steakhouse Recipe, Smokehouse Tradition, and Bourbon and Brown Sugar. I have tried all four recipes and all have much to recommend them. The beans look and taste like they are made from fresh ingredients and each has a unique taste that goes well a variety of grilled meats. And each goes well with backed meats as well.

At $1.52 a can at my local Super Target (where else) I can afford to keep a can or two of Bush's Grillin' Baked Beans in the pantry ready for quick eating, no matter what is on the grill or in the oven. And the size of the can is...

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