Reviews by Friends of Interested377

ChrisJarmick says "It continues to be the best review site on the internet." about Viewpoints Let's review Year 3

ChrisJarmick — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:56:04 GMT

One of the things I am thankful for is Viewpoints.

Yes, I'm one of the people who was asked in 2006 to be part of the Beta Testing team to launch this site, but I was an outsider... nowhere near the Chicago base of the company and not one to join a group and immediately think everything was GREAT....

I remember thinking... I wonder how long the site will last or how long it will be until the wrong sort of people show up and ruin it for everyone like I've seen happen at other sites.

I was assured if I got involved, I'd be treated with respect, kindness and professionalism.

Indeed I was. Things were so smooth and people I emailed were so kind I wondered if I was actually part of a beta testing for something akin to Pleasantville or perhaps I was in a cult and I had been drugged with happy pills like everyone else.

It's a stressful situation to be part of a start-up... but I didn't have an investment of money in the place... I had time and energy and I suppose a bit of my reputation,...

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ChrisJarmick says "Re-boot of classic 1967 McGoohan Series flawed but worthwhile." about The Prisoner

ChrisJarmick — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:35:59 GMT

Subject: The Prisoner 2009. The good news: AMC's new reboot of the classic, influential Patrick McGoohan series: The Prisoner is pretty good. Episodes 1, 2 and 5 are very enjoyable. Ian McKellen has the right balance of sinister malevolence and fatherly authority to create a memorable villain. He's perhaps not having quite as much fun as we've seen him have in the X-MEN movies but mostly he strikes the right notes about as perfectly as any actor working together possibly could.

Jim Caviezel as Six only over-plays things for a few moments here and there but mostly captures the plight of a man who has lost everything fighting to understand what has happened to him and how he can win at this new strange and unfamiliar game he's been forced to play.

The look of the new Prisoner won't make you forget the picture perfect Village of the original, but the production design by Michael Pickwoaed and cinematic sense of Director Nick Hurran and his cinematographer get high marks. ...

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ChrisJarmick says "dull indie film stretches decent 10 minute idea to 70 minutes" about Film Geek

ChrisJarmick — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:25:01 GMT

Film Geek is a movie based on an idea that 20 years ago might have made a good 20 minute short movie or SNL comedy sketch. At 70 minutes, the 'cute' dated idea is stretched way too far and the film's couple of good ideas don't save the viewer from being bored and most likely annoyed with the execution.

Scotty Pelk (Melik Malkasian) is a movie fanatic who works at a video store (renting mostly VHS) who gives more information about movies then the customers ever ask him for. Some of the customers are annoyed, some are amused, but his manager is fed up with the complaints and fires him. He has a crush on his neighbor a good looking bikini wearing babe who isn't just wall paper. Scotty winds up getting a job in an Auto-Parts store and tries to function in the world outside of video stores with very little success until his movie web site is discovered by other film buffs and he becomes something of a local celebrity.

The writer director is James Westby and the film has technical...

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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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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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LoveisJoy says "Caress Bathes My Skin in Silky, Soapy Bubbles " about Caress Daily Silk Soap

LoveisJoy — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:46:27 GMT

In general, I have committed myself to Olay soaps because of the great lather and soft-as-butter feel. Still, I can't turn my back on my first love, Caress. Let's just say that I love the way Caress Daily Silk Soap makes me feel.

In addition to the amazingly fresh fragrance of a bar of Caress soap, the fact that the bar is made with bath oil lets you know that you're in for a moisturizing experience. Caress lathers up incredibly well and the bubbles just seem to last and last. At first I was afraid that the soap wouldn't rinse off easily, but actually it did with no problem and no drying residue. After my shower, my skin felt soft and moisturized--even before using my regular lotion. I also noticed that my skin doesn't get dry even when using Caress during the cold winter months. That's high praise for a simple bar of soap.

I do enjoy the boutique body soaps and more expensive shower gels, but you don't always have to spend a fortune to get a great bathing experience. Caress...

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LoveisJoy says "So Soft, So Flattering, and So Affordable" about Old Navy Women's Stretch Tanks

LoveisJoy — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:26:14 GMT

I found the Old Navy Women's Stretch Tank Top by accident. I was at the Old Navy website looking for something else, and I happened upon the item while I was browsing. Like most women, I always have room in my wardrobe for a sleek tank top to wear under other pieces. At first, I was skeptical about making the purchase because I was afraid that the material might be too casual-cheap looking. To my surprise, the tank top is nice enough to either dress up or dress down, making it a very versatile option.

The Old Navy Women's Stretch Tank is made of a cotton/spandex blend giving it a flattering fit over your curves. The hand of the material is soft, and the straps are wide enough to hide bra straps if you want to wear it alone or as a camisole under a sheer blouse. It has a scoop neckline, is long enough to hit at the hips, and is tagless (thank goodness).

The tank comes in both Petite and Tall, as well as regular sizes. There is an assortment of available colors from Brights (Radiant...

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LoveisJoy says "Learned Some Spanish in Spite of Software's Many Flaws" about Individual - Learn to Speak Spanish Deluxe 10 Software

LoveisJoy — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:06:07 GMT

The only reason I didn't rate Learn to Speak Spanish Deluxe Software lower is because I did learn a few more things that I didn't come across in Rosetta Stone. That said, this software program probably has as many things going against it as it does going for it.

Pros:

Speech Analysis: Practice speaking, and the gauge will rise and fall depending on how well you pronounce the words. I'm always excited when I manage to talk like a "native speaker."

Beginner to Advanced: Instead of paying for different levels, Learn to Speak Spanish Deluxe is designed so users can begin instruction at the level they feel most comfortable.

Simulated Conversations: Each lesson takes you through a simulation of real world experiences, like meeting new people at a party or speaking to a clerk at a currency exchange.

Incredibly Affordable: I paid $14.99 when I bought Learn to Speak Spanish Deluxe; a mere fraction of the $200+ cost of Rosetta Stone Level 1. If you're curious about learning Spanish,...

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LoveisJoy says "My Shower Sparkles Like New" about CLR Calcium Lime Rust Remover

LoveisJoy — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:01:26 GMT

The first time I used CLR Calcium Lime Rust Remover was many years ago when I lived in an apartment that had rusty water. The inside of the dishwasher would get stained with rusty blotches and I was at a loss as to how to get it clean. Someone recommended running a dishwasher cycle with CLR in the detergent compartment. I did so, and was thrilled that when I opened the dishwasher door I was greeted with a sparkling white interior. This stuff really blasts through rust stains.

Fast forward several years, and I remembered that CLR can also power through hard water and calcium deposits. I bought a bottle to attack my shower faucet. I had recently noticed that the water coming through my showerhead had lost its forcefulness. Over time, the shower spray had gotten pretty wimpy and I hoped CLR would clear out the calcium deposits from the showerhead so that I could get my invigorating shower back. Happily, CLR not only cleared out the nozzles on the showerhead, but it provided...

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LoveisJoy says "O-Cedar Makes Sweeping the Floor Easier" about O Cedar Large Angle Broom

LoveisJoy — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:40:46 GMT

These days it's popular to use products like Swiffer and other dust mops for cleaning hard floor surfaces. I do use a dust mop for some household chores, but nothing takes the place of a good, old-fashioned broom. O-Cedar Large Angle Broom is the most dependable way for me to clean up debris that other floor cleaners miss.

O-Cedar Large Angle Broom is made of sturdy, plastic angled bristles. This particular broom is extra wide so that it lets me finish a job more quickly. The bristles are flexible, but not mushy, and the angle allows the broom to reach into corners effectively (unlike my experience with Swiffer).

The bristle tips have a feathered edge and it seems to pick up the finer particles better than other brands of brooms that I've tried. I also think that the quality of the O-Cedar broom is outstanding. The bristles don't shed or fall apart like corn brooms can. I've used O-Cedar brooms for ages, and they seriously last for years.

Overall, my opinion of O-Cedar Large...

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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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LoveisJoy says "Dove Heat Defense Conditioner is Like Therapy for Dry Hair" about Dove Heat Defense Therapy Conditioner

LoveisJoy — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:40:59 GMT

I'm a pretty low maintenance gal when it comes to styling my hair. I don't have a drawer full of blow dryers, hot curlers, flat irons, or heated rollers. But I do chemically relax my hair, and that process can cause breakage and split ends if I don't carefully shampoo and deep condition regularly.

I received a sample of Dove Heat Defense Therapy Conditioner and noticed that it was designed to protect and strengthen hair. Even though I don't specifically use much heat on my hair personally, I figured that any conditioner that can repair heat damaged hair can certainly help protect mine. I washed my hair with the Heat Defense shampoo, and then applied the conditioner on my damp hair.

Dove Heat Defense conditioner smells fresh, but not in an overpowering way. It's not as thick as the Pantene Relaxed and Natural conditioner that I normally use, but it does have a slick feeling to it. I think the slickness may be from the silicone in the formula, and it helps to smooth and soften...

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LoveisJoy says "Dove Lets You Shampoo Some Softness Into Your Hair" about Dove Heat Defense Therapy Shampoo

LoveisJoy — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:19:44 GMT

I'm a die-hard Pantene user, but I was intrigued by a sample I received that proclaimed: "No one repairs damage better than Dove." Well, that's quite a confident statement so I was determined to put it up against my beloved Pantene.

Dove Heat Defense Therapy Shampoo is a fresh-smelling shampoo that's formulated with "millions of micro particles" to protect and strengthen hair that's been subject to heat irons, curlers, and blow dryers. Personally, I very seldom use heat when styling my hair. However, because my hair is chemically relaxed I figured the Dove could help strengthen and protect it. Not surprisingly, Dove Heat Defense contains glycerin (moisturizer) and dimethicone (smoothing silicone) to help soften and smooth hair while shampooing.

The shampoo has a light--and very pleasing--fresh scent. The lather was surprisingly full for a conditioning shampoo. It definitely beats out my Pantene Relaxed and Natural on that score. The texture of the shampoo was smooth; I...

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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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LoveisJoy says "Just 5 is Gentle Enough to Use on Chemically Relaxed Hair" about Just 5 Hair Color - Five Minute Colorant

LoveisJoy — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:05:00 GMT

The last time I changed my hair color was over 25 years ago when I was in my early 20s. I went through a "Dark Auburn" phase for a couple of years. After suffering really bad hair breakage, I finally accepted the fact that the permanent dye was much too harsh for my relaxed hair. Lately, I've begun to notice a handful of grays sprouting and I decided to see if I could find a gentle formula that would cover the gray without damaging my hair. I purchased a box of Just 5 - Five Minute Hair Colorant because it promised:

Semi-permanent color - One application lasts up to 6 weeks, until the gray grows back.
Five gentle minutes - Doesn't expose my hair to chemicals for 30 minutes
Color gray right after you relax your hair - No more waiting a week to color
Replenishing conditioners - The added conditioners go to work as you color
Gray coverage - Blends shades of my natural color so that the gray looks more like highlights
Doesn't alter natural color - It just kind of brightens...

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LoveisJoy says "A Tub Full of Bubblegum-Scented Bubbles" about Avon Bubble Bath - For Kids

LoveisJoy — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:27:22 GMT

My four year old grandson is big enough to take a shower, but he still enjoys splashing around a bubble-filled tub when he spends the night. I purchased a bottle of Avon Bubble Bath - For Kids so that I always have something kid-friendly on hand for him.

The first time he saw the bottle with a pair of ducks gracing the label, he knew that it was just for him. I opened the lid and he giggled and said that it "smells like bubblegum." I have to agree. It's a bit too sweet smelling for me, but apparently it's just right for a child. We poured in a generous amount of the clear colored liquid and watched the bubbles quickly foam up. Good times.

Even after splashing around for about 15 minutes or so, the bubbles hung in there and didn't fade. When it was time to extract him from the bath, I didn't notice any dryness or irritation to his skin. He didn't smell like bubblegum either--just fresh and clean.

The only downside to Avon Bubble Bath - For Kids is that it is not an organic...

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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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