Reviews by Friends of Katrena

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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this2shallpass19 says "Planet Zzz Footed Sleepers are the worst baby clothes ever!" about Planet Zzz Footed Sleeper

this2shallpass19 — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:51:18 GMT

Knowing that I was looking for some warm, footed sleepers for my toddler, my friend bought my son some Planet Zzz Footed Sleepers that she found at a great price. Unfortunately, these are probably the worst clothing items my son has ever worn.

The Planet Zzz Footed Sleepers feel like they are made out of cheap materials, nothing like Carter's brand footed sleepers. They have a full-length zipper and cloth feet with rubber gripping in the words "Planet Zzz". The zipper even feels cheap, but whatever. I excitedly put my little guy in his new pajamas and felt good that he looked nice and warm. A couple hours later, I was changing his diaper and getting him ready for bed and I saw that there is already a hole in the foot! The seam in the foot was sewn so poorly, it unthreaded itself. It's not like this footed sleeper was too small either, my son wears a size 24 months and this Planet Zzz Footed Sleeper is a size 2T.

Based on the fact that these brand-new pajamas got a hole within...

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Fardreamer says "Brokaw's The Greatest Generation is vivid and readable " about Tom Brokaw - The Greatest Generation

Fardreamer — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:18:57 GMT

There is, in American culture and its language, a seemigly unerring penchant for the use of hyperbole and terms such as The Best of...The Most Popular...and The Greatest to promote, sell or attempt to sway people in some form or another.

You've probably seen at least a few "Greatest Movies" or "Greatest Sports Figures" lists in the course of watching television, browsing the Web or reading the newspaper. If you're into politics, doubtlessly you've seen lists of historians' "Greatest Presidents" lists and watched, bemusedly perhaps, as changes in the political mood of the country move certain names up and down depending on what party the Chief Executives were from or what policies they tended to favor.

And ever since the late 1990s, when director Steven Spielberg's Saving Private Ryan and Tom Brokaw's The Greatest Generation burst into the American cultural landscape, the moniker of Brokaw's book has been attached to the men and women who lived through the Great Depression of the 1930s...

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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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Fardreamer says "Orange Clean Cleaner is a must-have housecleaning product!" about Orange Clean Cleaner

Fardreamer — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:47:55 GMT

Ever since my mom and I moved back to the U.S. after living abroad for several years, I've been doing household chores from age nine until the present day.

At first, my one job was vacuuming, a choree I liked better in our previous home because that house had only one story while this one has two floors. (Even that did not faze me at first, but when we moved here I was a couple of weeks shy of my 15th birthday and now I'm three times that age.)

However, with the passage of time and with my mom's health in decline, Your Humble Correspondent is now responsible for much, if not all, of the housekeeping chores.

One of the stark realities of housekeeping is that it's a job that would drive Hercules crazy -- you can work long hours wiping, mopping, scouring, vacuuming, dusting, and picking up things and still find some speck of dirt on the floor or a new grease stain on a counter. Let's face it, keeping a home clean and sanitary is a never-ending and often thankless job, but it...

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jasyjen says "Gives new life to even the limpest hair" about Kenra Volume Spray

jasyjen — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:33:18 GMT

If you have fine hair that tends to always look 'limp', or if you like your hair to have lots of volume, than Kenra Volume Spray is for you! This hairspray is THE BEST hairspray you will ever try. If you're having a bad hair day, you can spray and play with your hair using Kenra Volume Spray, and it will be transformed into a much better version of the hairdo that you are trying to improve. HONESTLY. Once you try Kenra Volume Spray, you will become a faithful user.

Kenra Volume Sprayis such a good product that it was awarded the winner of the 'Stylist Choice Award' in 2006. What women like about this particular hairspray, is that it has super strong hold (without looking stiff) and gives even the limpest, flattest hair volume and body. It isn't a 'sticky' hairspray. In fact, you can spray and play with your hair to get it just the way you want it and then spray it to give it the hold that you want.

The pros of using Kenra Volume Spray are as follows:

All day hold
Fast drying...

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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.

Latency

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Meri says "Olivio makes me feel better about my butter addiction." about Olivio Premium Products Olivio Spread

Meri — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 06:50:21 GMT

If I was keeping a life time-line, 2009 would be the year of the olive oil. This year I have discovered olive oil soap and olive oil moisturizer to go with the butter substitute made from olive oil I've used for over five years now. Olivio was recommended by my Father's doctor and then my Father recommended it to me. The butter substitute is called, Olivio.

Olivio has a rich, buttery flavor that tastes great. You can buy it as a premium spread in a large tub made of light olive oil, a spreadable butter that combines real butter with canola and olive oil to make a healthier butter and a buttery spray that is perfect for diets because you can control the amount you spray.

All of the Olivio products can be frozen so I always make sure I have an extra in the freezer- just in case.

What makes Olivio unique?

all products- no trans fat

premium spread & spray- no cholesterol

spray- has zero calories per serving

spreadable butter- half the saturated fat and 1/3 the cholesterol of butter,
400...

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this2shallpass19 says "Surprisingly good meatless meal!" about Weight Watchers Smart Ones Broccoli and Cheddar Roasted Potatoes

this2shallpass19 — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 04:53:08 GMT

I normally wouldn't buy a meatless entree, but my best friend said that Weight Watchers Smart Ones Broccoli and Cheddar Roasted Potatoes was really good, so I took her word for it. As it turns out, I can enjoy a meatless dish, but I do wish it had a little more texture.

This meal is very simple; just russet potatoes and broccoli florets covered in a cheddar cheese sauce. I have seen this entree in the freezer section many times, but it looked too plain and simple, so I never bought it. I'm glad I took a chance on it, because I do like it.

Although the cheddar cheese sauce isn't very authentic, it is still good. The potatoes are in small, bite-size pieces and nice & soft, the broccoli is a good addition, but I would like more texture. The potatoes are soft and so is the broccoli, so it would be nice to have some other kind of texture too. I'm not crazy about the processed, chewy meat that is in most frozen entrees, so this meal just might be good enough as is. It is surprisingly...

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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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this2shallpass19 says "A really nice soy candle that burns for FOREVER!" about Archipelago Lemon Eucalyptus Soy Candle

this2shallpass19 — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:38:05 GMT

There are a couple things that I have an addiction to and candles are definitely one of those things. I love having a selection of candles to choose from when one burns out, so I always have a whole bunch in my "candle cupboard". Archipelago Lemon Eucalyptus Soy Candle was my most recent selection from my candle cupboard. It seemed like it would be great because it smelled really good in the jar and is made of soy wax, but I wish it smelled a little stronger while burning.

I don't normally like botanical fragrances like eucalyptus, but the combination of that with lemon is very refreshing. For some reason, I also pick up a slight cinnamon note too, but it seems to work out perfectly. What I like about this candle is that it is made with 70% natural soy wax, which burns longer and cleaner than traditional paraffin wax. This candle has an approximate burn time of 50 hours and I do have to say that it really does burn well. I have burned it for hours and hours and it burns...

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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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jasyjen says "An inspiring book, but difficult to read for many reasons" about Precious

jasyjen — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:48:03 GMT

The novel, Precious, was originally released titled, "Push" in 1996. It was renamed Precious, I think, because it was made into a movie that has yet to be released. I learned about the book Precious from Oprah Winfrey, who recommends the book.

NO SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW:

Precious is an illiterate girl who has been sexually abused by her father, physically abused by her mother, and is pregnant with her second child from her father. For many reasons, the book Precious is difficult to read. There is graphic descriptions of the abuse that Precious suffers at the hands of both her parents, which is difficult in itself. When Precious gives birth to her first child, it is born with many birth defects and is quickly taken away from her. Pregnant with her second child at twelve years old, Precious is confused and concerned about her unborn child's health and wellness, and how she will care for it once it is born.

The book Precious is written AS Precious herself speaks. Her language...

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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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jasyjen says "Better than any travel mug I have ever owned" about Chinet Comfort Cups

jasyjen — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:26:22 GMT

It seems that I am always on the go, running the kids somewhere that they need to be. Between football practice, baseball practice, school event, work, and everything in between, there is always somewhere that I need to be. As a coffee lover, I have tried several different types of travel mugs so that I can enjoy my coffee on the go. No matter how much I spend, or what type of brand I buy, travel mugs always leak and drip coffee on my clothing! It frustrates me to no end.

On a recent trip to Walgreens, I saw Chinet Comfort Cups on sale. I liked the fact that they came with lids and a chique' pattern that looked like something you'd see from your corner coffee shop. The cups came 10 to a pack, with lids, for a price of right around $ 3.00.

As soon as I tried the Chinet Comfort Cups, I began telling everyone I know about how great they are. These things are better than ANY travel mug I have ever owned! They don't leak, they keep my coffee nice and warm, and they look nice...

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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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Meri says "a Christmas Tradition for over 50 years..." about Wrigley Life Savers Sweet Storybook

Meri — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 04:52:56 GMT

Yesterday I was in Target looking at the Life Saver Storybooks. I couldn't help but smile and wondered if I should get a few to include in my grandchildren's packages.

From my earliest Christmas memories, Life Saver Sweet Storybooks have been a consistent tradition. Every year Santa always put a book in my stocking as well as a book in my little brother's stocking. The variety of flavors in the rolls were a total adventure to us and we would wheel and deal with each other to end up with two rolls of our favorite flavor. Neither one of us liked the Butter Rum rolls so our Dad got a treat as well.

Since I was a "cruncher" with a sweet tooth my storybook would be finished long before my brother's. Sometime before Valentine's Day I would talk him out of whatever he had left. For me, Christmas came twice in those discarded rolls of candy.

When I became a Mom the tradition continued. Santa always remembered to include a storybook in each of my kid's stockings. Sometime along the way, Life Saver...

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this2shallpass19 says "I get the raspberry, but where's the buttercream frosting?" about Jaqua Raspberry Buttercream Frosting Hand Creme

this2shallpass19 — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:11:47 GMT

I think Jaqua needs to fire their scent specialist. I am experiencing the same problem with Jaqua Raspberry Buttercream Frosting Hand Creme that I experienced with their Pina Colada Hand Creme - scents that don't smell like their name.

As with Pina Colada, Raspberry Buttercream Frosting doesn't smell like Raspberry Buttercream Frosting. It smells like tart raspberries, and that's it. Buttercream Frosting (to me) implies a sweet, creamy and buttery scent. There is none of that in there!

This hand creme is a bright pink color. I mean you blended raspberries in the blender, bright pink. The texture of Jaqua Raspberry Buttercream Frosting Hand Creme is interesting. I like it because it is moisturizing and leaves your hands soft, but it is very greasy and takes a long time to fully absorb. I really don't like it's ingredients. Although it does contain some good ingredients, it is loaded with parabens. I won't buy anything that contains parabens, so even if the scent was...

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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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