http://www.viewpoints.com/aboutme/OldHippie Tue, 26 Aug 2008 19:13:19 GMT Reviews by OldHippie http://www.viewpoints.com/Maltese-Falcon-review-53df0 Humphrey Bogart had never been "The Leading Man" as yet in a film.  Oh, sure, he had been in many films as a supporting actor...but never the lead.  John Huston had never been given the chance to direct before.  What was Hollywood waiting on?  Twice before this film had been produced...badly.  Would the third time be the charm? — In this Dashiell Hammett classic, nobody is as innocent as they appear to be.  Everyone's out to find "The Maltese Falcon"; a priceless figurine encrusted from beak to claw with rare & valuable jewels. — In San Francisco in 1941, private investigators Sam Spade (Humphrey Bogart) and Miles Archer (Jerome Cowan) meet a beautiful new client - Miss Ruth Wonderly (Mary Astor) - who asks them to locate her missing sister, there with a man named Floyd Thursby. Wonderly is meeting Thursby and hopes her sister will be with him. After they receive a substantial retainer, Archer volunteers to follow her that night and help... Tue, 26 Aug 2008 19:13:19 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Maltese-Falcon-review-53df0 OldHippie 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Home-Depot-online-review-08ac10 In St. Louis, just like Builder's Square and HQ (Home Quarters) both now defunct around here, the Home Depot is sliding downhill fast.  Oh, sure...when they first open one up, they promise everything and GREAT SERVICE.  In the beginning, that may be true.  But, as time lingers on...well, you just can't find good help these days. — All of these giant home improvement stores are so big, you need a map to find your way around, Lowe's included.  With the arthritis in my back, I definitely take my cane along whenever I enter one of these mammoth stores.  By the time I find what I need and get out, my back & right leg are killing me. — On line, when looking for a particular product I know they carry, my search always turns up nothing.  I just want a comparative price!!!  For example...Naval Jelly Rust Dissolver; I just typed that in the "search" box.  NOTHING!  I know they carry it, I just bought some a few weeks ago. — Want to... Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:10:51 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Home-Depot-online-review-08ac10 OldHippie 2 http://www.viewpoints.com/Veterans-Wives-amp-Families-review-5cd6 I think we've got more females in the group than males.  Makes for some interesting banter.  We joke around a lot...some are "inside" jokes.  But, when it's time to get serious, we have some knowledgeable people. — Subjects from P.T.S.D. to Agent Orange come up, along with many others.  We have members living all over the U.S.A.  My outlet is humor.  I send the "Garfield" comic strip every morning.  The only cat I like. Short & simple...If you're a Vet, or married to one, or have a loved one in the military now, this site may be for you. —... Mon, 25 Aug 2008 23:20:26 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Veterans-Wives-amp-Families-review-5cd6 OldHippie 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Applebees-Neighborhood-Grill-and-Bar-Florissant-MO-review-9a8e9 To show you how badly this sticks in my memory, it was over 10 years ago I was at this restaurant.  From what I hear through the grapevine, they haven't improved any. (How do any of these chain restaurants stay in business?) — It was July the 4th...1998 if I remember correctly.  I was still married at the time.  My wife worked a lot of hours, and I did too as a trucker.  Grandma certainly deserved a break, and my son...all he wanted was a free balloon. — Grandma (my Mom) wanted the ribs.  My wife ordered either the chicken or fish...I don't remember.  She wasn't keen on red meat.  All I wanted was a good stiff scotch & a medium-rare steak.  Is that too much to ask? — The food finally arrived.  I took one look at my steak and sent it back.  It was burnt...and I do mean burnt! (Crispy black edges.) I ordered another scotch, straight on the rocks this time.  The second steak arrived, not burnt, but certainly... Sun, 24 Aug 2008 10:27:43 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Applebees-Neighborhood-Grill-and-Bar-Florissant-MO-review-9a8e9 OldHippie 1 http://www.viewpoints.com/Top-10-Movie-Cars-review-425e0 This will be purely subjective.  But, I thought we could have some fun with it.  Maybe more will add their own Top 10 Movie Cars list. — 10: Herbie "The Love Bug" No offense to VW owners, but where else does a "bug" belong but at the bottom.  Herbie was featured in several films, including "Herbie Goes Bananas", "Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo", "Herbie Rides Again" and the film that probably made Lindsay Lohan a star, "Herbie: Fully Loaded". — 9: 1959 Cadillac Ambulance, "Ghostbusters" Tailfins, flashing lights, sirens, attached ladder; who could ask for more?  Over-priced and under-powered, when this car rolled onto the scene, I died laughing. — 8: 1961 Ferrari 250 GT, "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" It's red, Italian and FAST!  Who wouldn't ditch school to take this for a spin.  Ferris' oddball philosophy on how to get away with it: Ferris: Look, it's real simple. Whatever mileage we put on, we'll take off.  Cameron: How?  Ferris:... Sat, 23 Aug 2008 22:48:18 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Top-10-Movie-Cars-review-425e0 OldHippie 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/schwinn_dealer-review-fe001 If you ever need anything for a Schwinn bicycle and want to search ebay, do not...repeat, DO NOT buy from this seller.  Perhaps slow as molasses doesn't even state it enough. — I ordered a roll of "Campus Green" handle bar tape on the 13th of August, 2008.  It's now the 21st of August.  Even if they didn't ship it until the 14th of August...that's still been 8 days.  Their ad stated USPS Priority Mail.  It doesn't take Priority Mail 8 days from New Jersey to St. Louis. — In contrast, I ordered pedals in the original "Rat Trap" style from Bike World USA on the 15th of August (a Friday) and received them on Monday the 18th...from New York! — Now the seller (schwinn_dealer) claims my package reached St. Louis today, the 21st.  If it's in St. Louis, why didn't the postal carrier bring it?  Live & learn.  No picture on ebay for schwinn_dealer. —... Thu, 21 Aug 2008 21:28:36 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/schwinn_dealer-review-fe001 OldHippie 1 http://www.viewpoints.com/Chrysler-Turbine-1963-1964-review-8e173 What would you say about a car that was luxurious, fuel efficient, quieter and had fewer moving parts to go wrong?  I call it "The Car That Never Was".  Actually, that's not quite true.  There were a few of them...55 to be exact.  Chrysler started toying with the idea of a turbine powered car shortly after WW II.   Back then, the object wasn't so much fuel efficiency as it was reliability and a "smoothness" of the engine not found in a lot of cars. — There were no spark plugs, only one spark igniter.  Once the engine fires up, it's basically perpetual motion as long as there is a source of air & fuel.  The engine had one-fifth the moving parts of a traditional internal combustion engine.  The exhaust did not contain carbon monoxide (CO), unburned carbon, or raw hydrocarbons. Nevertheless, the turbine generated nitrogen oxides (NO) and the challenge of limiting them helped to kill the program. — I'm speculating here...but, I... Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:36:55 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Chrysler-Turbine-1963-1964-review-8e173 OldHippie 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Michelob-Amber-Bock-review-b3bd0 I agree with kid-kansas; I enjoy...or use to enjoy an Amber Bock with food.  The doctors have me on meds which say to avoid alcohol.  ):  My "EX" used to try & try to get me hooked on her brand of dark beer.  I couldn't stand it.  After trying several, I came across Michelob Amber Bock at my favorite Sports Bar & Grill..."Rookies".  Man, oh man...a "Trevino's Favorite" with a bottle of Amber Bock and I was in heaven.  I guess I should explain what a "Travino's Favorite" is.  At "Rookies", everything on the menu has a sports related name.  i.e. the Grand Slam, the Hole-in-One, the Slap Shot, etc.  A "Travino's Favorite" is a blackened, Cajun chicken breast sandwich w/cheese & fries. — Amber Bock is not as heavy as other dark beers.  It's not bitter either.  I guess the word I'm looking for is SMOOTH! — If you like other Anheuser-Busch products, give Amber Bock a try.  I honestly... Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:24:45 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Michelob-Amber-Bock-review-b3bd0 OldHippie 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Viewpoints-review-1da87 Sound off?  You bet I will.  Both about this site and some of you out there in cyberspace.  — The good:  Anyone can review anything.  All one has to do is log on, (using a secure web site) create a profile and start reviewing.  Most of the time, if you browse around, a picture of the product is already in Viewpoints file.  But, I still try to add more if I think it will help.  I've written glowing reviews of some products, and not-so-good reviews on others.  If I think a product, service or web site is bad...I'll let you know for sure.  And I hope you do the same. — The bad: Once again; anyone can review anything.  It's time for some constructive criticism folks.  When you're writing a review, look for that little area near the top right corner "ABC" with a little check mark underneath.  IT'S CALLED SPELL CHECK!  The United States is lagging behind other countries in most areas.  Examples are math,... Thu, 21 Aug 2008 13:57:15 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Viewpoints-review-1da87 OldHippie 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/The-Best-Years-of-Our-Lives-review-c0ed9 I have been to Ho Chi Minh City briefly, (Formerly known as Saigon.) in the Spring of '75.  The Vietnam "conflict" was supposedly over.  I have seen what war and it's after-effects can do to men & women.  You don't always see it in the faces of those it effects; that is until something touches them off.  It's not pretty.  Now-a-days they refer to it as PTSD.  Back in 1945, I guess there was no name for it.  That's what this film addresses...coming home, trying to readjust back into civilian life.  And it does it better than most. — The synopsis from web site IMDb "The Internet Movie Database" says it better than I can...The story concentrates on the social re-adjustment of three World War II servicemen, each from a different station of society. Al Stephenson (Fredric March) returns to an influential banking position, but finds it hard to reconcile his loyalties to ex-servicemen with new commercial realities. Fred Derry (Dana Andrews) is an... Wed, 20 Aug 2008 16:29:02 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/The-Best-Years-of-Our-Lives-review-c0ed9 OldHippie 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Zep-Smoke-Odor-Eliminator-review-b6094 OK...it's the 21st century.  Everyone wants to be "Politically Correct" and not offend anybody.  I've used this product twice in vehicles where the next person in it would be a non-smoker.  They never knew.  — The first time, my car was at the dealer getting some warranty work done.  They gave me a loaner without an ashtray.  I was informed that there was NO SMOKING in their loaner cars.  I thought to myself, "We'll see about that."  After 3 days I ran it through a full service car wash and then sprayed the inside thoroughly with ZEP Smoke Eliminator.  Back at the dealer the lady in charge of loaner cars was impressed.  "Mr. Brown, you didn't smoke in the car...Thank you!"  Little did she know. — The second time, my regular truck was in the shop for a week!  The shop manager gave me a truck who's regular driver was on vacation.  Normally, (and I hate to say this) most truck drivers are SLOBS!  But... Tue, 19 Aug 2008 17:02:46 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Zep-Smoke-Odor-Eliminator-review-b6094 OldHippie 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/WD40-10011-11oz-Aerosol-wd-40-review-fb972 One thing that always drives me crazy is squeaks.  And some of the old tractor-trailers I drove had plenty.  Nothing, to me, was more irritating than a squeaky driver's seat.  Just bouncing up & down on America's highways was bad enough.  But then to have to put up with that squeak mile after mile...GEEZ!  I'd stock up whenever I got home just to take one or two cans along with me. — Another problem in a truck...squeaky doors.  Trucks are out in all kinds of weather.  And the weather wasn't nice to those old Freightliners.  On top of the squeak, it would make for a bad ground connection for the CB Radio antenna.  The antenna attaches to the mirror mounts, which naturally attaches to the door.  If a CB Radios antenna isn't grounded properly, both reception and talking distance would fall off dramatically.  Spraying some WD-40 on the door hinges on a regular basis kept those hinges clear of rust and therefore a better "ground"... Tue, 19 Aug 2008 03:48:05 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/WD40-10011-11oz-Aerosol-wd-40-review-fb972 OldHippie 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Niagara-Cycle-Works-review-c76c6 Last week (8-12-08) I ordered a new front wheel, tires and rim strips for my Schwinn Varsity restoration project.  My credit card was charged the next morning.  I waited for a confirmation of shipment via Fed-Ex, so that I could track it.  Never got it.  So I Emailed them, "When will this order ship?"  I got a lame excuse back that they were in the process of relocating their warehouse to a bigger, better location. — This morning (8-18-08) I tried calling them...no answer.  I immediately called my credit card company & Emailed them again to cancel the order.  I got a very glib apologetic Email back from them stating that only the rim strips in stock.  What good does it do to order something via the Internet, if the product IS NOT IN STOCK?  They sure charged my credit card fast enough.  — About a half hour later I did receive an Email from them confirming they were issuing a credit.  Bottom line...do not order... Mon, 18 Aug 2008 16:42:23 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Niagara-Cycle-Works-review-c76c6 OldHippie 1 http://www.viewpoints.com/Oldsmobile-Ciera-1992-review-f8342 The ads used to say, "This is not your Father's Oldsmobile."  No joke?  My Father couldn't afford an Oldsmobile.  The first car I remember as a child was my Dad's 1952 Plymouth.  We all got excited when he moved up to a 1957 Ford Wagon with a V-8.  Sadly, GM decided to drop the Oldsmobile line several years ago.  People got it in their heads that Detroit could not build a quality car anymore.  BUNK! — Today I drive this car.  It was originally purchased for my Mom, before she passed away.  The 3.3 liter V-6 has plenty of power and decent gas mileage.  I average 22 - 23 MPG combined city/highway.  Darn near 30 on straight highway miles.  Routine maintenance items like the Air Filter, Oil Filter, etc. aren't hard to change.  The Serpentine Belt only takes about 10 minutes to change with no special tools. — This old car has been to hell and back...literally.  When my Mom was still alive, it was... Mon, 18 Aug 2008 03:23:17 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Oldsmobile-Ciera-1992-review-f8342 OldHippie 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/101-Cars-You-Must-Drive-review-0ab04 From the Volkswagen Beetle to a Ferrari Dino 246GTS, Alonzo Bodden gets to drive them all.  And I'M JEALOUS!  If there is a fault with this show, it goes by too quick, and not enough of an in-depth look at each car.  But that would take up too much network air time.  I'd spend at least an hour on each car, if it were my show.  101 Cars You Must Drive is only a half hour show aired Mondays on Speed TV at 9 PM, 8 Central. — There's only one episode left, that I know of. (only 7 episodes) Alonzo will drive & review a 1958 Edsel Pacer, a Ferrari Dino 246GTS, a 1954 Porsche Spyder, a 1951 Mercury Coupe and a Lincoln Continental.  Lucky B&%$*#@!  Wait...that can't be right.  Perhaps the web site only listed 7 episodes. — In past episodes, Alonzo has driven cars such as a Sunbeam Tiger, a "James Bond" like Aston Martin, a 1957 Ford Thunderbird and even a Dodge Aries K car.  Yes, I used to own one. — I... Sat, 16 Aug 2008 21:43:57 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/101-Cars-You-Must-Drive-review-0ab04 OldHippie 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/South-Side-Cyclery-Saint-Louis-MO-review-a80e5 South Side Cyclery is probably the oldest bike shop in St. Louis, started about 1933.  They expanded & moved, and expanded again & moved again.  In fact, they now have two locations.  One at 6925 Gravois and another at 9985 Lin Ferry in South St. Louis County.  The Lin Ferry location is the only location to still carry Schwinn bicycles.  And they don't stock very many. (Two on the showroom floor at last visit.) I believe their #1 seller to be Trek bikes.  And they are HIGH PRICED.  Other brands include GT, Giant, Lightspeed and Haro.  What gets under my skin is the attitude found here.  It's like they're saying, "We're St. Louis' Number One Bike Store...always have been, always will be."  In other words...stuck up.  The sales help I got when looking for a quality bike wasn't as knowledgeable or forthcoming as expected.  In contrast, Ed at Big Shark (see separate review) gladly pointed out... Sat, 16 Aug 2008 20:11:18 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/South-Side-Cyclery-Saint-Louis-MO-review-a80e5 OldHippie 2 http://www.viewpoints.com/Bass-Pro-Shop-springfield-MO-review-628c6 Although many in St. Louis and Kansas City, MO. would like to disagree...they can't.  It's a proven fact that Bass Pro Shops in Springfield, MO. is Missouri's #1 tourist attraction.  The phenomenon started years ago, when John L. Morris asked his father if he could set up an eight-foot display in his liquor store.  Since then, the commitment has stayed the same; to sell quality fishing, camping and hunting equipment at a fair price. — So you don't fish, hunt or go camping?  Think you'll be bored?  Think again.  My "EX" wife thought the same way.  I COULDN'T DRAG HER OUT OF THE STORE!  We were there for hours.  She found women's clothes, kid's clothes, shoes, etc.  She and my son thought the wildlife exhibits were great.  "We're going camping next year." she said, half stating, half asking or pleading.  I remember at least one restaurant (full service) and a McDonald's inside.   — Across the street is... Sat, 16 Aug 2008 19:09:31 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Bass-Pro-Shop-springfield-MO-review-628c6 OldHippie 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Spaceballs-review-cfbd5 Who else but Mel Brooks could parody & mock SF flicks like Star Wars & Aliens?  Who else would have the guts to "tell it like it is"?  Mel Brooks as Yogurt: Merchandising, merchandising, where the real money from the movie is made. Spaceballs-the T-shirt, Spaceballs-the Coloring Book, Spaceballs-the Lunch box, Spaceballs-the Breakfast Cereal, Spaceballs-the Flame Thrower. — Brooks pulls quadruple duty as writer, director, President Skroob (of planet Spaceball) and Yogurt.  "Yogurt The Wise, Yogurt The Magnificent, Yogurt the All Knowing."  Brooks: "Please...I'm just plain Yogurt." — The main plot is, King Roland (Dick Van Patten) of the planet Druidia is trying to marry his daughter Princess Vespa (Daphne Zuniga) to Prince Valium (JM J. Bullock), but Vespa is kidnapped by the evil race of the Spaceballs. The Spaceballs ask Roland a tremendous ransom: all the air of Druidia.  The King decides to offer a generous amount of money to a space... Fri, 15 Aug 2008 11:06:56 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Spaceballs-review-cfbd5 OldHippie 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Hewlett-Packard-Lightscribe-LCDR00041M-52x-CD-R-Spindle-review-23170 If you have a PC with LightScribe capabilities, these make for a great looking & sounding CD.  You can choose from many of the layouts preprogrammed in your PC.  Or, you can browse for an image to write on the face of the CD.  — Many times I write the actual CD cover on the disc.  Other times I find a picture of the artist(s) and write that on the face of the CD.  Either way, it makes a great looking CD.  And it makes for great personal gifts to give your friends. — The only drawback, writing a complex picture to the CD can take a long time...up to 20 minutes.  Much less for a preprogrammed Title and Artist(s) only. — Impress your friends with a home made LightScribe CD.... Thu, 14 Aug 2008 21:48:03 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Hewlett-Packard-Lightscribe-LCDR00041M-52x-CD-R-Spindle-review-23170 OldHippie 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Hewlett-Packard-CR00030X-52x-CD-R-Media-review-22576 No need to search the local ads and run from store to store looking for a bargain.  I find these HP CD-Rs all the time at Big Lots for $9.99 plus tax.  That comes out to about 21 cents per CD.  CHEAP!  I use these CDs to make music CDs, and copy files & pictures to CD.  In other words...back up everything to CD in case of a catastrophic failure.  Some people know this...some don't; just about any file on your PC can be backed up on CD.  I highly recommend doing this.   —... Thu, 14 Aug 2008 21:34:54 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Hewlett-Packard-CR00030X-52x-CD-R-Media-review-22576 OldHippie 4