http://www.viewpoints.com/aboutme/RKREADER Sat, 24 Nov 2007 15:53:07 GMT Reviews by RKREADER http://www.viewpoints.com/Community-Tire-and-Automotive-Service-Specialists-Phoenix-AZ-review-c70a2 Community Tire and Automotive Services on north 32d street in Phoenix has the customer service aspect of business mastered. They schedule appointments and keep to the time. If something interferes with their schedule, they are prompt to notify you. I have nothing bad to say about them - they expain things to you, they are involved in community  activities, they are courteous and conscientious of your time and they answer questions -- honestly. They have received awards from BBB for their level of service. — I really like the on-line scheduling. In addition, they have an e-mail that arrives monthly and contains coupons -- that I actually use! I have purchased tires for both of my vehicles and have been very pleased with the service and the warranty associated with the purchases. I also have had service performed on one of my vehicles -- there was no "up-sell" pressure at all. Just the facts of the vehicle's service needs. These people are real.y great, very helpful and not... Sat, 24 Nov 2007 15:53:07 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Community-Tire-and-Automotive-Service-Specialists-Phoenix-AZ-review-c70a2 RKREADER 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Sierra-Trading-review-b8f02 I really like Sierra Trading Post. They have great inventory (although if you miss their e-mails, popular sizes may be out), great selection of items from personal clothing to home decor. As a source conscious shopper, I am a little concerned with the volume of items from China. A bargain in my pocket may mean an extremely poor quality of life for a worker in another part of the world. It seems that Sierra Trading Post in an effort to keep their bargains may be compromising in other areas. — As we become more socially conscious, I can only hope that online retailers such as Sierra Trading Post looks to other sources for healthier choices in their items. — The quality of items at Sierra Trading Post is great. I have never had a problem with quality, color or other problems which are often encountered in an online experience. Their bargain barn and web only specials ROCK!! I have found numerous items at 70-80% off -- these are items which are stylish, in my... Sat, 24 Nov 2007 15:36:53 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Sierra-Trading-review-b8f02 RKREADER 3 http://www.viewpoints.com/Palm-Treo-700w-Smartphone-review-b47b0 I traded out my cell for the TREO once I was able to do so. I have had a bit of an adjustment period just transitioning from cell to smart phone. As I adjust, I find the things I miss most are things which I can do with the TREO, I just have not taken the time to learn how to do them (voice command and quick dial). —  I really like the interactive nature of the phone. It is quick to hook up to the internet, I have it sync to my business account for outlook (calendar and contacts and mail) and use internet for my personal account. I am able to sit in a meeting and read e-mail from work and personal and answer. I have not yet learned how to open attachments, but they are there. — I purchased this over other devices b/c I wanted to have microsoft platform for ease of operation and better access. I have not been disappointed, nor have I wanted to go back to carrying two devices --  cell and PDA. The size on the TREO is just about right for my smaller hands. —... Sat, 24 Nov 2007 15:25:30 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Palm-Treo-700w-Smartphone-review-b47b0 RKREADER 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Half-com-review-9b471 This site saved my meager college budget! I was able to save hundreds of dollars on my graduate studies text and study aids. This site is easy to use, with a reliability factor unmatached by any other site. I found the individual sellers and buyers (I would use the books and then resell them the next semester) honest and willing to answer questions about reducing shpping for multiple purchases, condition, refund policy, etc. — Half.com is serious about keeping the integrity of site. There are mechanisms for tracking items, evaluating sellers, commenting on process and they have a good customer service area for trouble shooting. — I now use the site for my leisure reading and professional tomes at reduced rates. I use the "wish list" function which notifies me when new listings of my wish list and within my price range are listed. I also like the feature that asks me if I want to sell a copy of the book I have (because it is on someone else's wish list. —... Sat, 24 Nov 2007 15:10:19 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Half-com-review-9b471 RKREADER 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/igive-com-review-460c igive.com is an inspiration to all on-line stores. I will search for and shop at those stores which participate in igive.com. The stores who participate are making a difference in charities and the quality of life for those who access the charity. In addition to seeking out those stores and making purchases from them, I will exclude shops that are not on igive.com from my list. — It is important to me to be more than just a shopper, but to shop green, shop wise and assist those who need it --igive.com fulfills this ... The site can be a bit difficult to navigate, but persistence pays off. I like the feature that permits you to search for a particular item and the site will provide multiple venues from which to select for your purchase. I read where someone "forgets" to use the site -- the solution is to download the igive.com window. This window notifies you when you are in an igive.com participating shop and automatically records your purchase without having to access from... Sat, 24 Nov 2007 14:52:59 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/igive-com-review-460c RKREADER 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Verizon-Wireless-Network-review-53040 I use a cell for business and personal purposes. I have been a longterm customer of Verizon. Recently, I questioned the manner in which family plan minutes were calculated. Interestingly the calculations are not available to me, the customer, during the billing cycle, but are calculated after the cycle. In addition, the calculations do not include simultaneous minutes, but only one of the phones has added minutes and the secondary line is not added. The secondary's per minute costs are significantly higher than the primary line. —  VZ also knew that there was a potential minute overage and did nothing to notify me. They send me other trash messages via text, but did not inform me of this problem. —  I contacted them to reconcile the charges and was told there is nothing that could be done. I have recommended VZ to most of my associates over the years. My recommendation now is to jump ship and leave VZ -- they do not respect... Mon, 27 Aug 2007 15:05:44 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Verizon-Wireless-Network-review-53040 RKREADER 1 http://www.viewpoints.com/Holland-America-Line-Ryndam-review-bf270 Really great experience with the staff. Some of the passengers had attitudes of entitlement which was distasteful. Excursions were great. Recommend whale watching out of Juneau and adding the Kenai Fjord trip to your itinerary. The food on the ship was good. — We also took a land tour from Fairbanks into Denali down to Anchorage. Would recommend taking the Southbound route as the cruise gives you a little time to recupperate from the land travel. The land portion included a nature tour into Denali -- WOW - awesome and a domed train ride from Denali to Anchorage -- incredibly beautiful. —... Mon, 27 Aug 2007 14:50:11 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Holland-America-Line-Ryndam-review-bf270 RKREADER 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Alaska-Airlines-review-d423 Recently flew for a holiday on Alaska Air. The first flight was delayed over 1 hour after we had all boarded. There was no way to "start the plane" (there was no APU). Therefore, there was no air circulation on the plane. It was nearing 100 F outside without air. Alaska Air offered nothing for this most uncomfortable and unhealthy situation, which they caused - they sent an airplane without aircondiitoning to the Southwest in the summer.... Mon, 27 Aug 2007 14:36:17 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Alaska-Airlines-review-d423 RKREADER 2