Reviews by Friends of Magician

Bryan-Carey says "Palo Alto Battlefield: The Beginning of the Mexican War" about Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park

Bryan-Carey — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 05:45:25 GMT

<!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:1; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:0 0 0 0 0 0;} @font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1073750139 0 0 159 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:10.0pt; margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";...

...

TheBard says "Delve deeper, if you dare, into the world of the supernatural" about Living Dead in Dallas

TheBard — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 20:43:02 GMT

By the end of the HBO series True Bloods' first season I had become intensely interested in reading the series of books upon which the show is based, and so I bought the boxed set of (7) books, the second of which is Living Dead in Dallas.

Synopsis

Living Dead in Dallas picks up where Dead Until Dark left off. The book revolves around the life of a waitress, 26-year-old Sookie Stackhouse, who makes her home in the Northern Louisiana town of Bon Temps.

Living Dead in Dallas opens as Sookie finds the dead body of Lafayette, the openly Gay short order cook at Merlotte's the bar in which she works. Sookie soon learns that Lafayette had been frequenting local sex parties and she believes members of the group might know something about her associate's murder so she uses her "disability" to start tuning into people's thoughts as they come into the bar.

About this time Bill informs her that they have been summoned to Shreveport to appear before Eric Northman at his bar named Fangtasia. ...

...

Bryan-Carey says "Philips Norelco Nivea Razor: Closeness and Comfort" about Philips Norelco Nivea Razor HS8420

Bryan-Carey — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:07:16 GMT

Electric razors offer some distinct advantages when compared to shaving with a manual razor. They offer convenience and speed, without the need for shaving cream, hot water, or anything else. However, electric razors often do not provide a very close shave and some are prone to irritate the skin. One electric razor that helps to resolve these and other problems is the Philips Norelco Nivea Razor, Model HS8420.

Razor Commentary:

The Philips Norelco Nivea Razor Model HS8420 is similar to other electric razors in several ways. This razor is rechargeable and it cuts facial hair by running the heads over the skin. The razor has about three dozen small blades that are hidden beneath a thin metal shield that protects the skin from the spinning blades.

This electric razor is a wet/dry razor, which is nothing new, but what sets it apart from most other electric razors is the Nivea conditioner that is dispensed as you shave. This conditioner is loaded into the razor by inserting the tip of...

...

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...

...

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...

...

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...

...

Bryan-Carey says "Excedrin Extra Strength Offers a Good Level of Relief" about Excedrin Extra Strength

Bryan-Carey — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:16:28 GMT

I don’t suffer from headaches very much, but when I do, I will usually reach for one of an assortment of over the counter pain relievers to stop the pain. I usually pick Aleve or one of a few others, but another product that generally works well is Excedrin Extra Strength, an inexpensive pain reliever.

Pain Reliever Commentary:

Excedrin Extra Strength are used to relieve multiple types of pain. When it comes to pain, I generally experience nothing but headache pain but Excedrin Extra Strength is good for body aches, arthritis, muscle aches, menstrual cramps, toothaches, and more. Whatever type of pain you have, Excedrin Extra Strength is ready to get to the core of the problem and lessen the discomfort.

Excedrin Extra Strength contains aspirin, acetaminophen, and caffeine in its list of active ingredients. The dosage of caffeine is good because it prevents drowsiness and some people even claim they feel more wide awake than usual when they take this product. The caffeine dosage...

...

Jo says "Clinique Quickliner for Eyes may not be for seniors" about Clinique Quickliner for Eyes

Jo — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:20:03 GMT

To the Point

I am not an eyeliner person. In fact the only eyeliner I have ever used I've had for years and it is liquid. I threw it away. Wanting to treat myself, one of my Clinique items was the Clinique Quickliner for Eyes. I asked the clerk's advice about color and she suggested moss. There are 14 colors which can be seen at www.clinique.com/product/CATEGORY4897/PROD516/Makeup/Eye_Liners/index.tmpl.

A Closer View

I am so new to this that I didn't understand why nothing was coming out of this very thin pencil-type tube. I was told I was using the smudging side. Ok so back to the mirror in the store and I used the correct side which has a very small crayon type point - well it isn't pointy like an eyeliner that you would sharpen with a pencil. Clinique Quickliner for Eyes is more rounded.

Each side has a different cap. If you accidentally put the clear cap on the color side you'll squash the color and lose some of the Liner. I looked at the price and since I was in a rich mode I didn't...

...

Bryan-Carey says "Prilosec OTC Provides Long Term Stomach Acid Relief" about Prilosec OTC

Bryan-Carey — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:05:22 GMT

Excess stomach acid can cause great discomfort. Heartburn is one common problem associated with out of control stomach acid, but GERD/acid reflux is even worse because it can lead to lesions in the throat and other health issues. To stop heartburn and associated problems, I sometimes reach for Prilosec OTC, a remedy for stomach pain.

Drug Commentary:

Prilosec OTC helps relieve stomach acid problems by blocking the production of stomach acid. This makes it a little different from other antacids, which usually work to neutralize the stomach acid already present. Prilosec OTC accomplishes its mission through the active ingredient Omeprazole Magnesium. This ingredient is released on a delayed basis, and this means that Prilosec OTC can help relieve problems associated with stomach acid for a full day.

I have the occasional bout with excess stomach acid, usually the result of overeating or consuming foods and beverages that are either spicy or high in acid. I have an assortment of antacid...

...

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...

...

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...

...

Jo says "The 50 cent GoodSense Soup and Salad Bowl " about GoodSense 24 ounce Soup and Salad bowls

Jo — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 21:14:04 GMT

To the Point

We never have the right reusable bowls when it's time. For $1.00 I bought a set of two GoodSense 24-ounce Soup and Salad Bowls at The Dollar Store.

A Closer View

These are great. I mean 50 cents each and they aren't tiny. Each one is 4 1/4 inches in diameter and holds 32-ounces.

Each one has lines on it indicating 1 cup, 2 cups, and 3 cups.

What is amazing is that they go in the freezer, are fine in the microwave, and can be washed in the dishwasher.

GoodSense 24-ounce Soup and Salad bowls are made in the USA and should be washed before using.

Also the directions are to lift the lid to vent when microwaving and a warning that the containers get hot.

The seal is good I have to say. For this price I am going back and buying more GoodSense 24-ounce Soup and Salad bowls. The lids, of course, are flimsy. Don't expect Tupperware! As stated they are reusable meaning they could double as throw aways.

Jo's Viewpoint

GoodSense 24-ounce Soup and Salad Bowls are handy to have around the...

...

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...

...

Jo says "Rachael Ray's Paring Knife is worth $5.00" about RACHEL RAY 4" Basics Paring Knife

Jo — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 22:23:40 GMT

To the Point

Knowing our kids are coming for Thanksgiving I had to buy a good knife so they could cut vegetables. They eat them raw and complain about our lack of knifes. I never knew knives were so expensive. I ended up buying Rachael Ray's 4" Basics Paring Knife for $4.00. Just this morning my husband commented on how good it is.

A Closer View

There were two reasons I bought Rachael Ray's 4" Basics Paring Knife.

The price was better than any other.
I liked that it has a cover.

The one downside is that the knife is orange and it reminds me of the orange knife with which I used to carve our Halloween pumpkins.

This is considered a basic paring knife, which means it is an all purpose knife. It's great to cut raw brussel sprouts, for example.

Rachael Ray's 4" (blade) Basics Paring Knife has a wedge-shaped handle which makes it easy to hold. It also has antimicrobial protection and a rubberized grip that makes using the knife comfortable for my hands. As I said I love that it has a blade...

...

Bryan-Carey says "Fisher Price Sing and Strum Guitar: Good, but Less than Perfect" about Fisher-Price Sing 'n Strum Guitar

Bryan-Carey — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 03:38:12 GMT

My girls love to play music. They love toy instruments and they enjoy creating their own unique songs and lyrics. Their enjoyment of music has led to my purchasing of several different toy instruments and one of them is the Fisher Price Backyardigans Sing ‘n Strum Guitar, a toy guitar without the strings.

Toy Commentary:

The Fisher Price Backyardigans Sing ‘n Strum Guitar is a child- size guitar that measures about seventeen inches in length, ten inches in width at its widest point, and two inches in thickness. The front side of the guitar features Backyardigan cartoon characters, with two characters occupying the area around the "strings" and three other characters in the area that forms the neck of the guitar. The guitar is powered by three AAA batteries.

This toy guitar offers a few different sound effects and one tune. The sound effects are activated one of three ways: By pressing one of the three characters on the neck of the guitar, by pressing the blue tab underneath the...

...

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...

...

Bryan-Carey says "Mr. Coffee CG12 Coffee Maker is a Little too Simple for Me" about Mr. Coffee CG-12

Bryan-Carey — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 03:33:02 GMT

Coffee is a beverage that has grown on me over the years and with my growing acceptance has been accompanied by a growing demand on the device I use to produce my morning beverage. One coffee maker that accomplishes very little but also costs very little is the Mr. Coffee CG12 Coffee Maker, a drip coffee maker from one of the best- known names in the business.

Coffee Maker Commentary:

The Mr. Coffee CG12 Coffee Maker is an inexpensive coffee maker that is mostly plastic in construction and that brews from two to twelve cups. The water reservoir is located behind this coffee maker and it includes cup markings on two sides, for easier measuring. A plastic flip- top covers the water reservoir and the filter basket. There is a simple, on/off switch in the front of this coffee maker, but there is nothing else: No clock, timer, pause feature, or anything else.

Mr. Coffee CG12 Drip Coffee Maker is a no frills device for brewing coffee and suffice it to say that most people who choose this...

...

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...

...

Jo says "Burn calories while drinking Herbal Tea by Herbalife" about Herbalife Herbal Tea Concentrate Lemon 3.53 ounces

Jo — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:21:17 GMT

As I mentioned in my review of the Herbalife Shake I have bought into a 12-week Herbalife weight loss program. Another product I bought is Herbal Concentrate Tea. We were told that for every 8-ounces we drink we burn 80 calories. We were also told not to drink it after 3:00p.m. unless we like being up all night.

Herbal Concentrate Tea has caffeine thus it gives me a boost. It is also used for weight management because it burns calories. However, any caffeine will burn calories and boost your metabolism so is there anything special about Herbal Concentrate Tea?

I really do like Herbalife's Tea. It comes in a powder. I bought the larger bottle coming in at 3.53 ounces for about $30.00. It also comes in a 1.8 ounce bottle.

Herbal Concentrate Tea comes in several flavors. I didn't have a choice and have lemon. It is really delicious tasting. In spite of it not being sweetened it tastes sweet. It does contain fructose powder which is a form of sugar but one that Herbalife doesn't consider...

...

Bryan-Carey says "Don't Break the Ice: Simple, Quick Family Game" about Milton Bradley Don't Break the Ice Game

Bryan-Carey — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:55:14 GMT

Most every child likes to play games and many great memories are formed when families take time to play games with their children- even if the game is short and simple. One game that fits this definition is Don't Break the Ice, a simple, quick game from Milton Bradley.

Game Commentary:

Don't Break the Ice is a game consisting of multiple pieces that have to be assembled each time the game is played. There are a total of thirty- eight pieces: 32 small "cubes" of ice; one large cube that is equal in size to four of the smaller cubes; one red- colored person wearing skates; and two interlocking sides that form the base in which the pieces of ice are placed; and two mallets. The base has to be snapped together and the pieces of ice squeezed inside the base (while inverted) in order to prepare for play. The last step is to place the plastic skating figure on top of the large block, pressing the skater into place. Players than tap the blocks of ice, one at a time, while trying to avoid having...

...