http://www.viewpoints.com/aboutme/Lykoi Tue, 11 Dec 2007 20:48:24 GMT Reviews by Lykoi http://www.viewpoints.com/Atkins-review-a8f0 Atkins.  It's very extreme in the diet that it poses.  All meat, eggs, cheese all the time.  Hardly any or no carbs.  Sounds great for those couch potatoes, right?  But is it a good system long term? — Any diet, be it Atkins or South Beach or any number of the others, should consider the moderation rule.  You shouldn't cut anything out of your diet to extremes.  Even Vegans (vegetarians who do not believe in eating dairy or egg products) still have to supplement their calcium and protein intake since their diets are so restrictive. — Health risks to consider: — High protein diet (such as the Atkins) can cause Acidic urine.  This leads to leaching calcium from the body and significantly increases one's risk for kidney stones and Osteoporosis and even Gall Bladder Disease. — High Cholesterol — Other Factors to take in: — A very strict diet that most cannot adhere to.  — Weight loss... Tue, 11 Dec 2007 20:48:24 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Atkins-review-a8f0 Lykoi 2 http://www.viewpoints.com/Parents-Choice-Gentle-Formula-review-f67a0 My son was exclusively breastfed until he was 6 months old.  He had developed colic once we started to introduce him to formula.  We then started the weeding out process of different formulas.  — Our initial thought was, "nothing is too good for my baby boy".  That was all great up until about the 4th week.  1 canister every 5-7 days?  You have GOT to be kidding me?  Since he was colicy, we had to test different formulas.  It was expensive, but what other option did we have. — At my wit's end and eyes crossing while comparing the different brands of formula, I bit the bullet and took home the Parent's Choice Gentle.  — To my amazement, the formula dissolved better than any other brand that we had bought, our son loved it and had less issues with gas during digestion.  Let's not forget how easy it was on the wallet as well.  The PCG was at least $10 cheaper than the similar name brands on the shelves and you got... Tue, 11 Dec 2007 18:53:29 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Parents-Choice-Gentle-Formula-review-f67a0 Lykoi 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Fresh-Step-Multiple-Cats-review-d9f91 My aunt reccommended this brand.  Since first using the Fresh Step 6 years ago, we have not looked back from the brand.  — — It clumps nicely and efficiently.  I have two prissy boys so they don't seem to spend half a day just scratching to cover things. — — The litter smell coming out of the box is nice.  It can be a bit dusty, but that calms down quiet fast.  The fresh scent seems to last a long time as well.  I normally don't smell the "cat stuff" in the litter box.  I only know when our boys have used the litter box because I will suddenly get a whiff of the fresh smell of the litter, from being tussled in the box.  —... Tue, 11 Dec 2007 15:38:23 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Fresh-Step-Multiple-Cats-review-d9f91 Lykoi 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Centrum-Chewables-review-66712 Chewable vitamins are great.  They allow you to break down the vitamin in your mouth first so that the particles quickly dissolve into your system once it is swallowed.  Other vitamins that you swallow will just sit in your stomach and finally be passed through with barely even dissolving.  It doesn't do your body any good.  Chewables get your vitamins through quickly and effectively.  — — The Centrum Chewables taste like a big baby aspirin... and at time can have a quick tangy kick that makes you grab for the water (which you should be following any vitamin with a big dose of anyway).  I also find that after I ingest the chewable, I expell tiny burps for about 15 minutes.  "When did I have peanuts?"  — — The chewables are very easy on the stomach, too.  Regular vitamins are so harsh on my stomach that I would end up getting nauseous.  Not with the chewables.  Never once have I yet to feel... Tue, 11 Dec 2007 15:24:59 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Centrum-Chewables-review-66712 Lykoi 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Band-of-Brothers-review-e1681 My husband borrowed this series from a co-worker.  I was so involved with this series that I would stop everything that I was doing to watch because it would pull me in and wouldn't let me go. — First off, the acting and directing is supurb!  They are sneaky and get you involved with the characters before you know you are a goner.  — The events were as close as can be when depicting the war and real time events during WWII.  — The WWII veterans that give their commentary throughout the episodes would just fill and yet break my heart. — The Disc set is laid out nicely through the series.  — Now, I'm going to give you how I felt about the series. — I was speechless.  As I stated before, you get sucked into the characters so fast and yet they (at times) are taken away from you so fast it makes your head spin.  You are left with this developed character who was just blown to bits in a fox hole from an... Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:43:55 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Band-of-Brothers-review-e1681 Lykoi 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Zias-St-Louis-MO-review-30a51 Anyone who visits St. Louis needs to visit "The Hill" (our area's Little Italy) on a Saturday afternoon.  The quaint Italian markets and bakeries set the tone for the number of restaurants that speckle the neighborhood.  — Zia's is little restaurant on the corner.  Once you enter, you are immediately hit with the lower lighting and the muffled clammering of dinner plates and idle chatter from the customers.  The host/hostess is always courteous.  Depending on the time that you go, there is usually a 10-30 minute wait, but it's worth it.  — My husband swears by the Pasta Con Pesce (Linguine noodles prepared in a spicy cream sauce with shrimp, sea legs, clams, mushrooms and a touch of marinara sauce for only $11.95).  He always goes on and on about the amount of  seafood found in this dish.  He said that the price for the seafood alone found in the dish is worth more than the dish itself. — I... Fri, 07 Dec 2007 15:04:47 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Zias-St-Louis-MO-review-30a51 Lykoi 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Ratatouille--118258-review-fd233 I got to watch this the other night, on DVD.  We had the entire family around one tv.  four children (1- 3year old boy, 1-4year old boy, 1-4year old girl, 1-almost 5year old girl) and 6 adults (60 something, 57, 30, 31, 31, 33).  — We all found the movie entertaining.  There were many parts were all of us (including the kids) were laughing.  That is a sign of a great family movie.  — The CGI was top notch, as expected of Pixar/Disney.  The storyline was super cute and it sucked us all in. — This is a definite owner if anyone has children!... Tue, 04 Dec 2007 03:00:59 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Ratatouille--118258-review-fd233 Lykoi 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Knocked-Up--134596-review-e7372 I lost interest in this movie quick.  It seemed to me that it would be better as a cable tv movie than on the big screen.  I'm not saying that parts of it weren't funny, but pverall I felt the movie tried too hard to be funny.  If I put it side by side to 40-YOV, it doesn't hold a candle.  40YOV is naturally funny.  Knocked up is like that kid who tries too hard to fit into the cool clique.  — This is not a movie that I would own, but I am one to see a movie twice, especially those that I think are "eh" because it could have just been the mood of the night and need to revisit the film for an honest review. — Bust as of right now, it wasn't up to my movie par. — ... Mon, 03 Dec 2007 17:36:02 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Knocked-Up--134596-review-e7372 Lykoi 3 http://www.viewpoints.com/Whole-Foods-Austin-TX--8801-review-80b82 Though the nearest Whole Foods to my family is about 25 miles away, we make the trip just to shop there.  They have the best selection of produce, organic items, and vegetarian items around the STL area.  Their prices are a little higher, but I don't mind paying the amount if I know that I'm buying something not crammed with chemicals or other unknown additives (what is Propylene Glycol Nonesters anyway?). — The staff is always friendly and willing to assist anyone who is lost or confused (I should wear a sign sometimes).  Most are very knowledgable on the products that are sold at the store. — I love to buy their potted herbs during the summer.  All of their garden products are always so hearty and lively plants/flowers/herbs/etc.  — It just goes to show that a little bit more time and effort to place people-friendly AND earth-friendly products on the shelf will pay out in more ways than just profit, but a peace of mind that we are all... Mon, 03 Dec 2007 17:21:53 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Whole-Foods-Austin-TX--8801-review-80b82 Lykoi 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Lodge-Color-Enamel-3qt-Dutch-Oven-review-fd69 I bought the Enamel Dutch Oven, Island Spice 3-qt piece at a local department store, on clearance.  I had previously replaced all of my non-stick skillets/pans/pots (sans the wok) for Cast Iron.  I was looking for a few dutch ovens when I stumbled upon this one.  WOW what a great buy.  — I use this dutch oven on the stove and in it (though not with the lid).  It's a breeze to clean after using it.  I use this for all of my soups, sauces, stews, pot roasts, the list goes on and on.  — I love cooking with cast iron.   The weight of the pans/pots better disburses the heat for more evenly cooked items.  PLUS I am not worried about harsh chemicals that I'm cooking into the air like those non-stick skillets.  — My meals always come out tasting great and I really don't have much of a "sticking" problem from not using a non-stick skillet.  It is all in how you prepare and cook. — Also, the Lodge brand... Mon, 03 Dec 2007 16:41:19 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Lodge-Color-Enamel-3qt-Dutch-Oven-review-fd69 Lykoi 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Lindt-Lindor-Truffles-review-8f2c2 "Since 1845, our Master Chocolatiers have offered passion and meticulous craftsmanship to create the finest chocolate."  ---Lindt and Sprungli — That is no joke.  One bite into one of these truffles and you melt as the chocolate does.  It's oh so smooth and creamy.  It's hard to only eat just one.  If you are watching your calories/fat, this might not be the product for you.  BUT if you are a lover of chocolate, these truffles are it. — I keep a bag at home AND at work.  I never know when I myself, or a co-worker/family member/friend might need a bite of heaven to help brighten their day.  — These truffles come in many different flavors and some even have bits of hazelnut inside.  I rather enjoy the dark chocolate selection, personally.  It's not too bitter yet it's not "watered down" like milk chocolate is. — If you have never tried one and are a chocolate fan, I suggest you pick one up and try it. ... Mon, 03 Dec 2007 16:15:01 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Lindt-Lindor-Truffles-review-8f2c2 Lykoi 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Lysol-Sanitizing-Wipes-All-Scents-review-67332 I keep the wipes at my desk.  Whenever someone is sick or if someone moves cubes/offices, we always wipe things down.  It's also great for stains, dried food, dust and grime on any desk surface.  — I use these at home as well, especially for the bathroom and on the kitchen counters and stove.  If anyone is sick in the house, we use them on doorknobs and handles to any appliance as well.  — The wipes are just a handy product to have around.... Mon, 03 Dec 2007 15:57:51 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Lysol-Sanitizing-Wipes-All-Scents-review-67332 Lykoi 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Gold-Bond-Ultimate-Healing-Body-Lotion-review-3f6d1 This is the stuff that I use all winter long.  My hands/feet/elbows get so dry during this time and I have finally found a product that actually works how I want it to work.  It's long lasting, can last through at least one hand washing, it's got a very clean scent, it's not greasy and a little goes a very long... Mon, 03 Dec 2007 15:47:34 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Gold-Bond-Ultimate-Healing-Body-Lotion-review-3f6d1 Lykoi 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Renaissance-St-Louis-Grand-Suites-Hotel-St-Louis-MO-review-1d7d0 The moment you walk into the Renaissance Grand, you leave the midwest behind.  There is nothing midwest about this hotel.  The foyer leads to a spectacular view of the restaurant below (Don't forget to look up and check out the lighting.  It's unbelievable). — Check in is always quick and courteous.  I have never had a rude person assist me, when I have stayed there. — The rooms are spotless, beautiful and very comfortable.  The rooms are modern yet have a very home feel to them.  The bathrooms are to die for! — Room service is prompt and polite.  The food is always hot and fresh. — The restaurant, ah, the restaurant.  Their food intimately mirror's the ensamble of the hotel.  It's very lush and savory.  Don't forget about dessert.  It's a must. — They have Wifi AND a Starbucks, they have a gym for those on the club level.  There is also a small indoor pool.... Mon, 03 Dec 2007 15:28:28 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Renaissance-St-Louis-Grand-Suites-Hotel-St-Louis-MO-review-1d7d0 Lykoi 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Lightlife-Smart-Strips-review-27f02 On our (husband and I) journey towards a complete vegetarian diet, I stumbled upon this product.  — The package looked small and the price a bit high, but there wasn't much in the ways of a vegetarian selection at the store that I was shopping at.  SO I decided to bite. — I took it home and made it with lo mein noodles and did up a "vegetarian" stirfry: — The smartstrips (beef flavor this time) — Fresh Broccoli Fresh Carrots — Fresh Snow Peas — Fresh Chinese Lo Mein Noodles — Teriyaki and Soy Sauces — OH MY!  The dish was DELISH!!  Then entire meal only had 14g of fat and super low on the calories!  The smartstrips had almost a meat texture when I bit into them.  The taste was out of this world.  I couldn't believe it!  Now, I use the smartstrips in anything that calls for beef or chicken.  They come slightly seasoned, but in the dishes that I create, it just adds to... Sun, 02 Dec 2007 14:40:49 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Lightlife-Smart-Strips-review-27f02 Lykoi 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Laurell-K-Hamilton-Bloody-Bones-review-9c761 Bloody bones, for me, was one of the best Anita Blake series books, aside from Guilty Pleasures. In this book, Richard really gets to show off his power: in the bed and out. He's a very strong character and at this point, hasn't been written as some emotionally injured pansy who can't controls his actions or words. In this book, he's Richard and he's able to show his beat without Anita freaking out much. Anita is also new with the Ardour so things that she starts to do here is very new and not the usual for that appetite. So it's still interesting and not just "Oh here she is, getting her fix on which one now?" She also has a case in this book... which in the later books, gets lost to the... Wed, 28 Nov 2007 17:53:28 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Laurell-K-Hamilton-Bloody-Bones-review-9c761 Lykoi 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Boca-Burgers-original-review-efa4 My husband and I have recently converted to a vegetarian diet. I, being a picky eater, needed to make sure that I had some "meat like" products on hand to keep the meat cravings away. I had never been a really big meat eater, but like any diet... you cut something out and that is the one thing that you want most. I bought Boca burgers as well as their chicken nuggets and chicken patties. All meat free and all very delicious. I prepared the burgers one night, on my cast iron griddle. I finished the burgers as i would any normal meat burger and they tasted fantastic. It had a great taste and texture that of the hamburgers we would get in school. Even my 3 year old son couldn't tell the difference (no worries, he's not on a vegetarian diet). I took the fact that my husband went back for 3rds that he enjoyed the burgers as well. I keep a stash of boxes upon boxes of the Boca line in my... Wed, 28 Nov 2007 17:26:44 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Boca-Burgers-original-review-efa4 Lykoi 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Folgers-Black-Silk-review-3feb3 I am an avid coffee drinker. I love the stuff. I have found that my tastes have favored the more bold and rich blends than those of a breakfast blend. Black Silk is just that, silky. It's robust yet smooth. When I do find the Black Silk at the stores that I do shop, I will buy 2-3 canisters of it just so that I can stock up. I find it difficult to find at times and it's depressing having to settle for a different brand or type of folgers. ... Wed, 28 Nov 2007 17:16:41 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Folgers-Black-Silk-review-3feb3 Lykoi 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/300-review-f75b2 This was a great movie!  I love action films and this one was at the top. — Not only are the graphics surreal, the acting was strong.  The storyline was that of a greek play.  — To me, it played on the loyalty -and almost obsessed- league of soldiers to their general and to their country.  The soldiers were as one, fought as one, stood as one, fell as one.  They knew their place in duty and didn't waiver from it.  They knew death was inevitable so they made theirs glorious.  It was very powerful.  Very profound to me. — I'm caught up in it everytime I watch it.  — THAT is a good movie... Wed, 28 Nov 2007 16:30:19 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/300-review-f75b2 Lykoi 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Hyundai-Accent-2007-review-27da1 I love this lil' vehicle!  My husband and I decided to do our part for the enviornment, as much as we could do financially.  So we decided to trade in our 2003 Ford Taurus and our 1996 Honda Civic for two 2007 Hyundai Accents:  One a Hatchback and One a 4-door sedan.  (I drive the cute hatchback). — We bought the 5-speed, 4cylinder "just a step above the basic" package which included a CD player and AC.  I wish we would have gone one step further and gotten the power windows and locks and cruise control, but those are the only drawbacks to our purchases.  — WE LOVE OUR VEHICLES.  They have a "learning" system that will mold it's performance around how YOU drive.  My lil' hatchback will get up and GO, but if I try to drive my husband's I stall it every time because he drives like a granny.  (ha).  We are getting 35mpg in the city and almost 40mpg on the highway (and we only have 15k miles on... Wed, 28 Nov 2007 16:23:42 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Hyundai-Accent-2007-review-27da1 Lykoi 5