Reviews by OldHippie

OldHippie says "Learn From Our Fore-Fathers" about BrainyQuote - Thomas Jefferson

OldHippie — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:31:45 GMT

I'm not going to write a lot here. I'm simply going to 'copy & paste' several Thomas Jefferson quotes. And also remind you that "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." - George Santayana

See how many past quotes can apply to today's left wing political mistakes.

A wise and frugal government, which shall leave men free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned - this is the sum of good government.

Do you want to know who you are? Don't ask. Act! Action will delineate and define you.

Every government degenerates when trusted to the rulers of the people alone. The people themselves are its only safe depositories.

History, in general, only informs us of what bad government is.

I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.

If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in...

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OldHippie says "Sweetly Addicting" about Beaumont Coffee Cappuccino - Double Mocha

OldHippie — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:40:20 GMT

Anyone that's ever been to Aldi knows they may not carry the "name brands" other stores do. However, that doesn't mean they are not just as good - and less expensive. Last winter I discovered Aldi carries some flavored coffees - but only in the winter. (???) I guess they think we only drink Cappuccino in the winter. That's the one & only drawback I can find to this product.

For less than the price of one cup of flavored coffee at a high priced joint, you can buy a 16 oz. can of Beaumont Cappuccino Double Mocha. I'm addicted! I've been known to go through a can of this stuff in less than a week.

Nutritional value: Little to none. Vitamin A - "0". Vitamin C - "0". Calcium - 4%. Iron - 2%. Total fat - 5% of daily recommended.

But...I'm a "junk food junkie". What the heck. Just add a heaping tablespoonful of this to hot water - stir vigorously - and enjoy. There's also a recipe on the can for Dairy Freeze Cappuccino. I'm on a budget - a severe budget. But, I've...

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OldHippie says "Know What Your Looking For" about Bikes Direct

OldHippie — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:40:52 GMT

Bikes Direct might just be the place to go...if you know exactly what you're looking for. Personally, I would prefer to actually see, and test ride any bike before buying.

However, some of the prices are well below that of a real bike shop. Plus, they offer free UPS shipping and no sales tax. On the website, there are helpful links to sizing and another link to email them for any questions.

By simply clicking on a bike photo, it will open a new web page with a huge, full size photo. Plus, you can get detailed close ups.

Bikes Direct offers road bikes, mountain bikes, comfort, cruiser & hybrid bikes. Naturally, the more you pay, the better bike you'll get. You can find a hybrid bike for as low as $269.95, complete with fenders, all the way up to a Titanium frame mountain bike pushing two grand.

I would suggest this site only for the knowledgeable cyclist who knows exactly what they are looking for. Then there are those three dreaded words..."Some assembly required." You...

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OldHippie says "Repeating a Repeat" about "V"

OldHippie — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:49:27 GMT

Wait a minute... Hasn't this been done before? Anyone remember 1984 - 1985? For those too young, or don't remember, "V" was a mini-series on NBC (I think) that was short lived. From imdb.com, "V" - The Series was a critical and ratings disaster that will leave the viewer bewildered and in disbelief, yet strangely mesmerized.

So what bombed on NBC - ABC hopes to resurrect some 24 years later. Good luck! "V" stands for "visitors" - as in from another planet. And they don't want to "phone home" either. They promise to "come in peace" and even help earth. If you believe that - I'll sell you swamp land in New Mexico.

For those that do remember the original TV series, I'm sure this version won't differ much. For those that don't...tune in & be prepared to be bored to death, and possibly grossed out. "V" starts November 3, 2009 on ABC.

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OldHippie says "The Reel That Taught America to Fish" about zebco zebco33

OldHippie — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:43:03 GMT

What a funny name - Zebco. How and why did this name ever catch on? Believe it or not...it all started back in WW II when Zebco stood for the Zero Hour Bomb Company. A watchmaker from Texas presented them with a contraption he had designed to help fishermen solve the problem of backlashes. Why not? The war was over and all this metal was lying around - not making bombs anymore.

The Zebco 33 is the reel that taught America how to fish. Anyone can use it...literally. Even blind people have fished & caught fish using a Zebco 33. To cast, all one has to do is depress a button and as the rod travels forward - release the button. Of course, this may take a small amount of practice for someone that has never fished before. But, a very small amount.

The concept of the Zebco 33 is - No More Backlashes! A baitcast, or level-wind reel reel requires a level of proficiency from the angler not to have an over-run or backlash in the line. This is commonly called a "birds nest"...

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OldHippie says "Cheesy is Right - in the Wrong Sense" about Ragu Cheesy Classic Alfredo

OldHippie — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 11:16:41 GMT

OK...maybe I'm "too" picky. I was born & raised in St. Louis; home to many fine Italian restaurants. I'm spoiled! Pop always said, "If you can't say anything nice - don't say anything at all." But, I feel the need to give a brief description.

This jar of Ragu Cheesy Classic Alfredo is about as Italian as Taco Bell is authentic Mexican. It's not. On their web site, Ragu claims "Made with real cheese and full of creamy flavor." They also state, "Roasted Garlic Parmesan".

Then why was I adding more Parmesan & more garlic - and it still didn't taste right? Yep...it's more convenient - but the 'real Italian flavor' is sadly lacking. I'll just go back to making my own from scratch - thank you.

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OldHippie says "The King is Back!" about One Kind Favor by B.B. King

OldHippie — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 21:54:29 GMT

The King is Back! As if he ever left... Somehow, this 2008 release missed me. I just found it on MP3 Fiesta for a mere 50 cents. That's right...the cheapest legal music download sight on the Internet!

One Kind Favor won a Grammy for Best Traditional Blues Album at the 51st Grammy Awards. If you're looking for pure 'kick-up-your-heels-and-dance' blues...this is it! So far, I would have to say track 4 (How Many More Years) is my favorite. Fast - but not so fast that dancing is impossible for us 'Old Folks'. It's got that 'roadhouse' blues feel to it; your feet just can't sit still. Other tracks with that swing beat are: Track 2 (I Get So Weary) Track 7 (The World Gone Wrong) and track 9 (Midnight Blues).

Without a doubt...this is the best CD produced by B.B. King in a long, long time. Track listing below...

1.See That My Grave Is Kept Clean (Lemon Jefferson)

2.I Get So Weary (T-Bone Walker)

3.Get These Blues Off Me (Lee Vida Walker)

4.How Many More Years (Chester...

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OldHippie says "I Can't Wait" about Men of a Certain Age

OldHippie — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 08:07:14 GMT

Premiering on TNT on Monday December 7th, 2009 - I can't wait for Men of a Certain Age. From TV Guide Magazine, Ray Romano touts it as a dramedy. (Half comedy - half drama.) Quoting, "Well, it's a dramedy, I guess, if you have to give it a lame name, it's a dramedy. You know TNT, they know drama."

Men of a Certain Age naturally stars Ray Romano as Joe, Scott Bakula as Terry and Andre Braugher as Owen. With all the garbage on TV now-a-days - just maybe this will be the show that appeals to those of us who have undergone a middle-age crisis.

Three friends who have stayed in touch through the years and are now facing middle age. I KNOW THE FEELING WELL! I'm rooting for it. Go Ray!

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OldHippie says "Walter Matthau at His Best" about Hopscotch

OldHippie — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 21:21:03 GMT

From 1980 comes a long forgotten Walter Matthau classic...Hopscotch. Matthau plays CIA agent Miles Kendig who looks to get "out of the game"...to retire - his way. When asked what he'll do with all his spare time, he decides to write his memoirs and send copies to the CIA along with other agencies in Russia, China, France & England. This man knows every CIA secret from the past 20 + years!

Kendig's inept boss, Myerson (Ned Beatty) sets out to track him down & kill him...anyway possible. The problem is - Kendig has help from a long time associate & part-time girlfriend - Isobel von Schonenberg. (Glenda Jackson) Kendig manages to stay one step ahead of both the CIA and Russian agent Yaskov (Herbert Lom) despite giving them clues to his whereabouts.

Amazon.com shows this as being a "PG" rated film. Don't believe it. I taped this years ago from HBO and it's purely an "R" rated film...mostly for the language from Myerson. Example:

[On the phone, tracing Kendig's location]
Myerson...

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OldHippie says "Celebrate - Dance to the Music" about Three Dog Night - The Best of Three Dog Night

OldHippie — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 07:26:51 GMT

From the "useless facts" department in my brain...you ask - how did Three Dog Night come up with that name? Simple - if your an Indigenous Australian - Aborigines. If it's a cool night, you have a dingo (dog) lay down next to you at night for body warmth. If it gets cooler - two dogs. If it's down right cold...it's a Three Dog Night! And that's the fact - Jack.

The Best of Three Dog Night covers music from America's most popular pop group from 1969-1974. They scored one top 40 single every three months for almost six years straight. Comprised of three lead vocalist, Chuck Negron, Danny Hutton, and Cory Wells, Three Dog Night was the first band to headline a complete tour of stadiums...lots of stadiums. And lots of touring. Maybe that's why they 'burned out' & reportedly got hooked on drugs.

Their biggest song ever (Joy To The World) was written by noneother than Hoyt Axton - mostly known for country music. It was Billboard's "Song of the Year" in 1971. Of course,...

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OldHippie says "A Mockumentary" about Modern Family

OldHippie — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:50:11 GMT

So what's "A Mockumentary"? Presented to the viewing audience in documentary style...it mocks just about everything. In episode one, we meet 3 families; The Delgado-Pritchett Family, The Dunphy Family and lastly - the strangest gay couple you'll ever find - Cameron & Mitchell.

Ed O'Neill from "Married With Children" fame is back on TV. It's about time. Sadly, the "in your face" humor of Married With Children is gone. Ed plays Jay Pritchett who is married to a hot latino Sofía Vergara (Gloria Delgado-Pritchett) and a pre-made family with child...Manny Delgado played by Rico Rodriguez. Young Manny doesn't know quite what to think of his step-dad yet...and it shows.

Then there's the Dunphy family, consisting of Claire Dunphy, (Julie Bowen from Boston Legal) her hubby Phil Dunphy (Ty Burrell) and their two kids Luke & Alex played by Nolan Gould and Ariel Winter. Alex - the girl - sits in her room & communicates to the world thru texting. How does she ever meet anyone new? ...

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OldHippie says "Stay Away - Far, Far Away" about BikeSomeWhere

OldHippie — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 09:45:28 GMT

Early in the morning on Oct. 1, 2009, I logged onto Amazon.com. I went looking for some handlebar grips to finish out the restoration of a 2004 Gary Fisher Tarpon. Based solely on three reviews I ordered a pair of Ravx Comfy X Bicycle Handle Bar Grips. Why not? All three reviews gave them 5 stars - the best there is.

I could've bought some 'generic' grips from a big-box store or A&M Cyclery. But, these looked so good, I decided to spend the extra bucks. The red accent color would match the bike. Well...it's now been a week. (Oct. 7, 2009) I'm still waiting for an email confirmation that they have shipped!

I've emailed BikeSomeWhere several times - receiving but one reply - stating that they would ship tomorrow. Tomorrow never comes. Yep, they got my $$$. And I still don't have the product. With all the fast shipping methods available today (UPS, Priority Mail, etc.) one would think that from Miami, FL. to St. Louis, MO. would be no big deal.

The problem...

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OldHippie says "What are you looking at - you hockey puck?" about Toy Story

OldHippie — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 08:47:51 GMT

It's BA-A-A-A-CK! But only for a limited time & this time in 3D. You have only until the 15th of October, 2009 to catch 2 movies for the price of one - Toy Story & Toy Story 2.

Yes, it was even worth the inflated prices now-a-days at the cinema to see both again. I wanted to take my son, because he has only experienced it on TV via VHS, DVD or broadcast with commercials. Actually, he was with my "EX" and I the first time out in 1995. The only problem was...he wasn't born yet! She was still pregnant.

With voices from Tom Hanks as Woody, and Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear- this movie still zips along "To infinity & beyond." Then there's my favorite sarcastic character - Don Rickles as Mr. Potato Head. "What are you looking at - you hockey puck?"

Memorable quotes from Toy Story:

[Mr. Potato Head rearranges his facial features crazily]
Mr. Potato Head: Hey, Hamm. Look, I'm Picasso.
Hamm: Gee, I don't get it.

Buzz: I've set my laser from stun to kill.
Woody: Oh, great. If anyone...

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OldHippie says "Outrageously Funny" about Married With Children

OldHippie — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:41:15 GMT

Obnoxious, raunchy and offensive... Who didn't Al Bundy upset? Who didn't laugh? I laughed and sometimes literally rolled on the floor laughing.

Married With Children was possibly the first major hit for the fledgling Fox TV Network. Now, it seems to be back on almost every station - in re-runs. Nominated for 6 Emmy Awards and winner of many TV Land Awards, this show gives everyone a glimpse at pure "white trash" in the Chicagoland suburbs.

Ed O'Neill stars as lowly shoe salesman Al Bundy. Always scheming to come up with a "get rich quick" gimmick...he always fails. Perhaps he's cursed by the red-headed monster known as Peg Bundy. (Katey Sagal) Peg is content to do nothing all day but sit on the couch, eat bon-bons, watch Oprah on TV and humiliate Al on his 'love making' capabilities.

Al & Peg have two totally disfunctional children - Christina Applegate as the over-sexed Kelly Bundy and David Faustino as the under-sexed Bud Bundy. Bud couldn't get a girl if his life depended...

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OldHippie says "Where History Has Its Price" about Pawn Stars

OldHippie — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 03:27:03 GMT

Pawn Stars airs on the History Channel every Sunday night at 10 PM (eastern time) and can be found on the web @ history.com/content/pawn-stars. They also show re-runs airing at various times.

Who would've thought a show about a pawn shop would be interesting - or even entertaining? They sure take in a collection of things that would make the local pawn shop in my neighborhood look sad. When's the last time you've seen a document with a certified "John Hancock" signature on it? You'll find one for sale at this Las Vegas pawn shop.

They also get some weirdos in the door asking ridiculous prices for junk. One time, a guy wanted an astronomical price for an un-authenticated Chuck Berry signature on a cheap Fender "Squire" guitar. He didn't even have a case for the guitar - but a 'gig bag'. If you owned a 'priceless' guitar, would you tote it around in a bag?

Meet the team: First, there's the "Old Man" - Richard Harrison. A codgity old f*** who seems to be the final word...

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OldHippie says "Mixed Emotions" about Your Songs by Harry Connick Jr.

OldHippie — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 07:19:16 GMT

Your Songs by Harry Connick, Jr. was actually the brainchild of veteran producer & Grammy winner Clive Davis. It was through him the track listing was composed. Then he went looking for the artist to do the CD. Davis' first choice for the project was Connick, who he called "the best young singer of songs today."

My thoughts... Although every song you'll know by heart, I miss the original & 'cutting edge' side of Harry Connick, Jr. I miss songs like "Forever, For Now" from the "We Are in Love" CD, released way back in 1990. I miss the way Harry interacts with a big band, as on the CD "When Harry Met Sally". Every song on Your Songs seems to be 'stamped out'. That is...done with the impression, "Let's not screw with the original version too much."

On Your Songs by Harry Connick, Jr. you'll find everything from Frank Sinatra's "All The Way" to The Carpenter's "(They Long To Be) Close To You". You'll even find Elton John's "Your Song". Most disappointing is Billy Joel's

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OldHippie says "For Mary Travers" about Peter Paul and Mary - 10 Years Together

OldHippie — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 20:07:59 GMT

May children everywhere - of all ages - keep singing "Puff The Magic Dragon" forever. Mary Travers, one third of Peter, Paul & Mary, died Wednesday (Sept. 16, 2009) at Danbury Hospital in Connecticut. She was 72.

Her voice gave that soothing effect to all P, P & M songs...even though many had an underlying protest message. P, P & M could take a rough Dylan song, like Blowin' In The Wind and almost lull you to sleep with it...in a good way. Another Dylan song included here is Don't Think Twice, It's Alright.

Both John Denver & P, P & M had success with Leaving On A Jet Plane. Every time I would play this song in a dingy, smoke-filled college coffee house - some girl would inevitably cry.

And for those that remember, probably their most up-tempo song was I Dig Rock And Roll Music. Here they paid tribute to many Rock 'n Roll bands...including The Beatles.

If there's a Rock 'n Roll or Folk Music Heaven - Mary Travers is surely in it.

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OldHippie says "On "The Hill"" about Amighetti's - Saint Louis, MO

OldHippie — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 19:22:28 GMT

I'd be willing to say that if you asked all native St. Louisans exactly where the original Amighetti's is located...over 90% would nail it right on the head. But wait...there are three Amighetti's now. The original "On The Hill", one on Manchester in Rock Hill and one in the Village Square Shopping Center in Hazelwood, MO.

Unlike Jared & Subway - you probably won't drop any weight by having lunch at Amighetti's. Where's the beef? It's inside one of their sandwiches...along with the ham, the salami, the brick cheese, lettuce, tomato, etc.

Don't care for a sandwich? How about some pasta? Anything from spaghetti & meatballs to Cavatelli con Broccoli. Mmmmm. For desert, (if you can) top it off with some cheescake, brownie or a large chocolate chip cookie.

Just want to buy some real Italian bread - take it home & make your own sandwiches? The bakery is right next door. Prices stack up to the St. Louis Bread Co. But, you'll get more for your $$$ at Amighetti's. I almost...

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OldHippie says "He's BA-A-A-A-A-CK!" about Jay Leno Show

OldHippie — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:18:49 GMT

Faltering in the ratings market, NBC has decided to bring late night to 'Prime Time' - 5 nights a week. Why not? If Jay Leno can beat David Letterman after the local late news, he might be able to beat every one out in the 10pm time slot also. (Nine pm Central) Jay explained in a promo that both he & his audience are getting older - and need to get to bed sooner. Ha Ha Ha

The set is new - the band has basically stayed the same. Kevin Eubanks now conducts the 'Prime Time Band'. Naturally, there's a new theme song also. Jay seems refreshed after his 3 month lay-off. (Poor guy, how did he survive?) The jokes seem snappier, the skits fly by - which is good, and the audience is pumped.

The timing couldn't have been more perfect for an opening night to bring out Kanye West and let him make a fool out of himself...again! Bringing a bottle of liquor, drinking it & displaying it proudly on national TV. How can one top that? Simple...disrupt Taylor Swift. What an idiot.

Back...

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OldHippie says "What Are You Watching?" about Retro TV

OldHippie — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 04:13:44 GMT

Retro TV or simply RTV is your alternative to all the new shows if you prefer to watch re-runs & more re-runs from the '50s up to the '80s. Isn't this how "Nick-at-Nite" started?

Some of these old re-runs are downright corny. Some are quite good. You may even re-discover an old 'guilty pleasure'. I especially like re-runs of The Rockford Files & Magnum P.I. I can do without Kojak and The A-Team. To hear those famous words..."Just the facts, Ma'am." tune into Dragnet. No...not the movie - the original TV show starring Jack Webb. If you remember when this show first aired in glorious black & white...you're as old as me.

Saturday evenings feature two of the corniest sci-fi shows ever; Buck Rogers and the original Battlestar Galactica. Both on week-ends and late night during the week you can see a very young looking Robert Wagner in It Takes a Thief.

Looking to go back in time? See if there's an RTV affiliate in your part of the country. They can be found on the web...

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