Reviews by Friends of Telpher

ChrisJarmick says "wide mix of musical styles, salsa, dance to opera = great album" about David Byrne - Grown Backward

ChrisJarmick — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:58:44 GMT

Only 2 of the 15 songs on Grown Backwards are opera--well David Byrne's skewed version of opera, with the help of Rufus Wainwright.

Grown Backwards is a pastiche of influences and styles that seem to be touched upon in this interesting hodge podge of an album that on this album includes music created by kitchen utensils, a vacuum cleaner, a theremin, classical string arrangements, South American and South African percussions and the inclusion of the Middle Eastern influenced Curtis Mayfield-like 2002 European Dance hit: Lazy (all 9 minutes and 35 glorious seconds of it).

If you're a Byrne fan, all you need to know is that this is nearly as strong an album as 'Look Into The Eyeball' was. It's a solid album and if you only like Byrne when he approximates Talking Head type music-there's 3 or 4 songs on this album for you too. If you don't mind Byrne's musical explorations then there are at least a dozen keepers on this album.

Which brings us back to opera. Byrne really does give us two songs...

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Fardreamer says "Brokaw's The Greatest Generation is vivid and readable " about Tom Brokaw - The Greatest Generation

Fardreamer — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:18:57 GMT

There is, in American culture and its language, a seemigly unerring penchant for the use of hyperbole and terms such as The Best of...The Most Popular...and The Greatest to promote, sell or attempt to sway people in some form or another.

You've probably seen at least a few "Greatest Movies" or "Greatest Sports Figures" lists in the course of watching television, browsing the Web or reading the newspaper. If you're into politics, doubtlessly you've seen lists of historians' "Greatest Presidents" lists and watched, bemusedly perhaps, as changes in the political mood of the country move certain names up and down depending on what party the Chief Executives were from or what policies they tended to favor.

And ever since the late 1990s, when director Steven Spielberg's Saving Private Ryan and Tom Brokaw's The Greatest Generation burst into the American cultural landscape, the moniker of Brokaw's book has been attached to the men and women who lived through the Great Depression of the 1930s...

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ChrisJarmick says "Murray & Boyle's performances make movie a winner" about Where the Buffalo Roam

ChrisJarmick — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:54:46 GMT

"You know, I hate to advocate drugs liquor, violence, or insanity to anyone--but in my case it's worked."
-- Bill Murray as Hunter S. Thompson

Where the Buffalo Roam (1980) is a relentlessly anarchistic meandering drunk of a movie, addicted to the spirit of Hunter S. Thompson and saved by superb performances by Bill Murray and Peter Boyle.

The movie is only amusing in fits and starts, but Thompson irreverent self is channeled by Murray and you can't take your eyes off of him. Ideas are picked up and frustratingly dropped, we start to get interest in what seems to be a story line and it's over. The comic pacing isn't even consistent with the last half of the movie all over the map and unsastifying. So many opportunities are squandered, so many possible funny scenes missing key ingredients or meaningful observations to score. You would think the whole thing was done on purpose since it is such a relentlessly 'almost' of a movie. The constant drug use seems to make Thompson more...

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Fardreamer says "Orange Clean Cleaner is a must-have housecleaning product!" about Orange Clean Cleaner

Fardreamer — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:47:55 GMT

Ever since my mom and I moved back to the U.S. after living abroad for several years, I've been doing household chores from age nine until the present day.

At first, my one job was vacuuming, a choree I liked better in our previous home because that house had only one story while this one has two floors. (Even that did not faze me at first, but when we moved here I was a couple of weeks shy of my 15th birthday and now I'm three times that age.)

However, with the passage of time and with my mom's health in decline, Your Humble Correspondent is now responsible for much, if not all, of the housekeeping chores.

One of the stark realities of housekeeping is that it's a job that would drive Hercules crazy -- you can work long hours wiping, mopping, scouring, vacuuming, dusting, and picking up things and still find some speck of dirt on the floor or a new grease stain on a counter. Let's face it, keeping a home clean and sanitary is a never-ending and often thankless job, but it...

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jasyjen says "Gives new life to even the limpest hair" about Kenra Volume Spray

jasyjen — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:33:18 GMT

If you have fine hair that tends to always look 'limp', or if you like your hair to have lots of volume, than Kenra Volume Spray is for you! This hairspray is THE BEST hairspray you will ever try. If you're having a bad hair day, you can spray and play with your hair using Kenra Volume Spray, and it will be transformed into a much better version of the hairdo that you are trying to improve. HONESTLY. Once you try Kenra Volume Spray, you will become a faithful user.

Kenra Volume Sprayis such a good product that it was awarded the winner of the 'Stylist Choice Award' in 2006. What women like about this particular hairspray, is that it has super strong hold (without looking stiff) and gives even the limpest, flattest hair volume and body. It isn't a 'sticky' hairspray. In fact, you can spray and play with your hair to get it just the way you want it and then spray it to give it the hold that you want.

The pros of using Kenra Volume Spray are as follows:

All day hold
Fast drying...

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RudiXeno says "GE Dimmable Compact Fluorescent Flood Lamp: Not quite there yet" about GE Dimmable Compact Fluorescent Flood Lamp

RudiXeno — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:48:07 GMT

Over the last few years I've converted most of our lamps and lighting fixtures over to Compact Fluorescent Lights. With the exception of a small number of ornamental lights and lights controlled by dimmer switches, the conversion is almost complete. The savings, in terms of our electric bill are both noticeable and impressive. And, of course there is that intangible reward knowing that I'm doing something good for the environment.

So several months ago when I got the opportunity to try convert the few remaining R40 Floodlamps with GE's Dimmable Compact Fluorescent Floods I didn't hesitate.

GE Dimmable Compact Fluorescent Flood Lamp

Theses CFL Floods appear virtually identical to any other and comfortably fit any high-hat meant to accept an R40 bulb. At 1300 lumens, they provide just a bit less light at full brightness than the 100W bulbs they are replacing. They consume just 26W of electricity rather than the normal 90 - 100W of a conventional incandescent flood.

Latency

Like...

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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...

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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...

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jasyjen says "An inspiring book, but difficult to read for many reasons" about Precious

jasyjen — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:48:03 GMT

The novel, Precious, was originally released titled, "Push" in 1996. It was renamed Precious, I think, because it was made into a movie that has yet to be released. I learned about the book Precious from Oprah Winfrey, who recommends the book.

NO SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW:

Precious is an illiterate girl who has been sexually abused by her father, physically abused by her mother, and is pregnant with her second child from her father. For many reasons, the book Precious is difficult to read. There is graphic descriptions of the abuse that Precious suffers at the hands of both her parents, which is difficult in itself. When Precious gives birth to her first child, it is born with many birth defects and is quickly taken away from her. Pregnant with her second child at twelve years old, Precious is confused and concerned about her unborn child's health and wellness, and how she will care for it once it is born.

The book Precious is written AS Precious herself speaks. Her language...

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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...

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jasyjen says "Better than any travel mug I have ever owned" about Chinet Comfort Cups

jasyjen — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:26:22 GMT

It seems that I am always on the go, running the kids somewhere that they need to be. Between football practice, baseball practice, school event, work, and everything in between, there is always somewhere that I need to be. As a coffee lover, I have tried several different types of travel mugs so that I can enjoy my coffee on the go. No matter how much I spend, or what type of brand I buy, travel mugs always leak and drip coffee on my clothing! It frustrates me to no end.

On a recent trip to Walgreens, I saw Chinet Comfort Cups on sale. I liked the fact that they came with lids and a chique' pattern that looked like something you'd see from your corner coffee shop. The cups came 10 to a pack, with lids, for a price of right around $ 3.00.

As soon as I tried the Chinet Comfort Cups, I began telling everyone I know about how great they are. These things are better than ANY travel mug I have ever owned! They don't leak, they keep my coffee nice and warm, and they look nice...

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Katrena says "The Emperor's Egg is an Amazing Story About Penguins" about The Emperor's Egg

Katrena — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 07:51:48 GMT

The Emperor's Egg [1999, Candlewick Press, ISBN: 0-7636-0557-3], by Martin Jankins and illustrated by Jane Chapman is a 29-page children's book about Emperor penguins.

The Story:

This book gives lots of information about Emperor Penguins. It gives the information in simple terms and has colorful and engaging illustrations that compliment the story nicely.

I actually found this book to be quite informative since I know very little about these amazing birds. I didn't realize that Emperor Penguins can be about three feet tall and that they are the only ones the breed in mid-winter in Antarctica. I find it amazing what these penguins must endure just to ensure that their one egg will survive to hatch.

My Viewpoint:

The Emperor's Egg would be a great book to read at home or to a group of kids that are learning about penguins or how animals protect their eggs. This simple story and colorful illustrations can help to educate children and adults on the interesting world of the Emperor Penguins....

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Katrena says "Bear Feels Sick is Cute Story Especially if Child is Sick" about Karma Wilson - Bear Feels Sick

Katrena — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 07:41:32 GMT

Bear Feels Sick [2007, Margaret K. McElderry Books, ISBN-13: 978-0-689-85985-4], by Karma Wilson and illustrated by Jane Chapman is a delightful story of a sick bear and his friends.

The Story:

Poor Bear is feeling sick, but his faithful friends decide to help him and offer all sorts of help. Each of his friends tries to assist Bear, but it is quite a while before he is ready to play again. Finally, Bear wakes up feeling ready to play, but what's wrong with all of his friends?

My Viewpoint:

Bear Feels Sick is a nice story about friendship and how friends can help one another. Maybe the author should have put something in there about hand washing or should I say paw washing? In the midst of the flu season, I'm sure that kids who are sick might find this book helpful and fun to read, but hopefully the same thing wouldn't happen to anyone who is helping the sick one at home! The illustrations are colorful and the characters are likeable, and the story flows nicely and quickly from one page...

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Katrena says "Vegetarians Will Like Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving" about Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving

Katrena — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 07:31:56 GMT

Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving [1990, Orchard Books, ISBN: 0-531-08505-8], by Dav Pilkey, is a story of a children's field trip to a farm on the evening before Thanksgiving.

When the children arrive, they are delighted to see lots of beautiful turkeys at the farm. Then they discover that these turkeys are going to be the main course for the big holiday the next day. The children decide to do something about the situation, and each child decides to stuff a turkey up his or her shirt, but the book doesn't really say what they do--the reader has to figure that out on her own. They are quite comical walking out to the bus.

The end of the book shows that the turkeys are actually a part of Thanksgiving dinner, but not in a way that most people would suspect. The story flows well with rhyming sentences that are short and the illustrations compliment the story nicely.

My Viewpoint:

Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving is a cute book that incorporates humor and an interesting side to Thanksgiving....

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Katrena says "The Adventures of Laura & Jack is Exciting But Sad at End" about The Adventures of Laura and Jack

Katrena — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 07:14:37 GMT

The Adventures of Laura and Jack [1932, Harper Trophy, ISBN 0-05-442045-0], by Laura Ingalls Wilder and illustrated by Renee Graef is a 71-page juvenile fiction chapter book.

The Story:

Laura is a young girl growing up in the day of covered wagons and simple family life. As her family travels from place to place, the family's dog named Jack is a faithful friend that is spunky and fun. Although the odds are stacked against the little dog in many of the adventures, Jack seems to be able to survive anything. Yet, at the end, the family must move again and Jack is now old. Pa decides that Jack will ride in the wagon the next morning, but will the faithful dog be waiting with wagging tale in the morning?

My Viewpoint:

I remember watching Little House on the Prairie as a child. That show really appealed to me, and I remember Laura and her dog Jack on the show. My 8-year-old is now reading chapter books, and she really enjoyed reading The Adventures of Laura and Jack.

It is hard for me to imagine...

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Katrena says "Find the Teddy Engages Kids With the Story" about Find the Teddy

Katrena — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 06:56:43 GMT

Find the Teddy, [1999, EDC Publishing, ISBN: 0 7460 3825 9], by Phil Roxbee Cox and illustrated by Stephen Cartwright, was based on an idea by Claudia Zeff. This 16 page children's board book features a teddy bear on each page.

The Story:

A little girl has lost her teddy bear and begins a search. Each page has a short sentence and the bear can be seen on each page. The main character continues to look for the bear until the very end, but what happens once she goes to sleep?

My Viewpoint:

Find the Teddy is a cute, fun, and engaging board book. My two-year-old had a little bit of a hard time finding the teddy on several pages, but her eyes absolutely lit up when she recognized a picture inside the book that resembled the front of the book. The teddy is hiding in a big red boot. My daughter loves to talk about and look at boots and shoes but hates to wear them.

The story is pretty predictable. The sentences are short, which to me is appropriate for a board book since they are geared toward...

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jazzybean01 says "What Happens In Vegas...follows you home" about what happens in vegas

jazzybean01 — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:16:34 GMT

Cameron Diaz and Asthon Kutcher star in What Happens In Vegas

Plot: When a stranger gets rich at a casino off another strangers quarter, they get drunk and wake up married. Now back at home, they try to trick the other out of the money, finding out surprising things about each other along the way.

Why I like What Happens In Vegas: Cameron and Ashton are perfectly paired for this comedy. The chase scene is hilarious. LOL funny! I laughed through this entire movie.

If you'd like a funny, feel good movie, rent What Happens In Vegas.

What Happens In Vegas Snack Attack: chocolate chip cookies

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jazzybean01 says "Flicka is a horse lovers dream" about Flicka

jazzybean01 — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:03:11 GMT

Alison Lohman, Tim McGraw and Maria Bello star in Flicka, based on the book "My Friend Flicka."

Plot: A young girl, raised on a quarter horse farm in wide ranging Wyoming, falls in love with a Mustang against her fathers ill will for the creature.

Why I like Flicka: The Wyoming landscape (or wherever they shot it) is spectacular; the free running horses; beautiful scenery and cinematography; amazing orchestral music moves through your soul; amazing human-horse bond.

Flick is heartbreaking because the horse just wants to be wild and free; you realize the wild horses will one day be extinct. Definitely a tearjerker.

Flicka Snack Attack: chocolate pudding (warm) with banana slices.

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jazzybean01 says "They take the Die Hard literal...still great" about Live Free or Die Hard

jazzybean01 — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:41:21 GMT

The saga continues when Bruce Willis returns as John McClane in Live Free or Die Hard.

(Unrated version)

Many movies lose steam when they get past the second sequel. For the Die Hard series, they just keep getting better and better and that's no difference with the newest addition Live Free or Die Hard. As long as they have Bruce Willis starring, this series is a win-win.

Plot: Without spoiling it, it's about cyber crime and shutting down all systems (transport, financial, utilities).

Why I Liked Live Free or Die Hard: Great ingenuity keeps this action film from being just another action dud; awesome wrecks that will keep you reeling; action like never before; mind boggling action Willis style; and wicked modern explosions like only cyber crime could bring.

If you're a Die Hard fun, I suggest you go out and buy Live Free or Die Hard; don't even preview it first!

Live Free or Die Hard Snack Attack: Old fashioned popcorn (air popped of course) with butter and salt.

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ladym33 says "Glee Is My Guilty Pleasure" about Glee

ladym33 — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:18:13 GMT

I have to admit I am hooked on Glee. Glee is a new television show about a competitive Glee club run by a teacher who was once a Glee club member himself.

I myself was in swing choir when I was in high school which is pretty much like the Glee club in the show Glee. We did not just stand in sing in choir gowns but also danced while we sang more modern songs of that day. We also competed against other swing choirs in the state.

Glee is a show that started out with a few outcasts and a teacher wanting to get a Glee club going. But it is so much more than that. Over the episodes there have been some more popular kids who joined the Glee club and they have taken some heat for it but they love the club and the kids have all grown to care about each other.

The show is a 1 hour combination of drama, comedy, and music. You can be sure to see some singing and dancing in every episode of the show, some complain that it is lip sinking but it would be hard to do such a show any other...

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