http://www.viewpoints.com/aboutme/Tip Mon, 28 Apr 2008 21:44:14 GMT Reviews by Tip http://www.viewpoints.com/American-Gangster-review-18e41 It had to be good, you knew that long before it was released. Denzel and Russell would both have to be ill and hungover(at the same time) for this to be a bad movie. — It is sometimes hard to watch, violent, sometimes too real but never boring. Denzel and Russell were both brilliant in very different ways and different roles. The violence or maybe I should say the casual attitude to violence, was on one level necessary to emphasize the world these characters lived in. The really scary thing, was that it was based on a true story. Those of us who live the "normal" lives of "ordinary" people cannot envisage or feel the knife edge exsistance of the lives in this film. — Award worthy acting but I'll admit it isn't for everyone. —... Mon, 28 Apr 2008 21:44:14 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/American-Gangster-review-18e41 Tip 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Charlie-Wilsons-War-review-84913 We watched this film on DVD last weekend. So sorry I missed it when it was playing in the cinema, I just knew it would be a good film. And I was right, the dealing, back scratching and all, although not a surprise to anyone was artfully portrayed. The characters were "real" human beings, warts, bad choices, bad moods and all. — If you missed this, as I did - rush out now, rent it and microwave the popcorn. — I promise you'll enjoy this film for it's acting, story line, some of the dialog is truly brilliant, the message it delivers at the end of it all is priceless and relates directly to the "international problems" with us today. — ... Mon, 28 Apr 2008 21:09:56 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Charlie-Wilsons-War-review-84913 Tip 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Discovering-the-Golden-Compass-A-Guide-to-Philip-Pullmans-Dark-Materials-review-eed62 This is the first in a really different trilogy. Not as simple a story line as it appears, unlike the Lord of the Rings or the Narnia books, were it's pretty clear who and what is evil and needs fighting. — The Compass books require a bit more thought, they are working on more than one level and I'd advise people who think them disturbing to actually read all 3. They are the perfect books for a reading circle/group to discuss and dissect. — The most basic premise they make is that anything taken to extremes (at either end of the spectrum) is potentially dangerous. (Won't go into any specifics in-case I spoil someones read.) — I grew up on with the likes of Narnia (with all it's christian morality) and loved them, still re-read them now. I didn't find anything to challenge anyones beliefs in the Compass books, just the advice to think through judgments, reasons and choices that we make. And to be honest about those reasons. — Hope this helps. —... Mon, 28 Apr 2008 20:55:34 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Discovering-the-Golden-Compass-A-Guide-to-Philip-Pullmans-Dark-Materials-review-eed62 Tip 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/The-Pillars-of-the-Earth-review-57474 I read this book several years ago, when it was first released. I really enjoyed it as I like historical novels, that aren't of the "ripping bodice" or "softly yielding body" type. I think this has been re-released because Follett released a follow up and there was just too many years between the releases. I've still got my copy, I'm thinking of refreshing my memory, then I'll see if the follow up is as... Mon, 28 Apr 2008 20:32:29 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/The-Pillars-of-the-Earth-review-57474 Tip 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/CSI-review-53544 All the characters feel real, the acting is high quality and the story lines are always outside the box. It comes across as real due to the fact it is not all high drama or all action. The characters act out sadness, comedy, drama and action. As in anyones working day it isn't all one thing or the other. — Also, I don't think the CSI folks take themselves as seriously as some cast members in other versions do. They are not trying to look like celebs or talk like the husky over ad voices, these people look and act like people doing a job and wanting to do that job well. I know the show is sometimes criticized for finding tiny bits of evidence too quickly but folks lets allow a little poetic license here, it's a t.v. show, not a best seller novel. They only have a short time slot to work with. I say well done and keep it up ! — I can't get into the "Miami" version at all. —... Mon, 28 Apr 2008 20:22:58 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/CSI-review-53544 Tip 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Holland-America-Line-Zuiderdam-Eastern-Caribbean-review-7e960 I have to agree that Holland America is the best cruise line, for anyone who doesn't want to be in the middle of a constant party or theme park atmosphere. — We have travelled on the Zuiderdam and the Westerdam, on different Caribbean itineraries, loved every minute. Treated like a celebrity, nothing is too much trouble and yet the staff ( at all levels) remain friendly, open and warm. — We have tried other lines and been disappointed. We've realized that we have been spoiled and are now planning our next cruise, with Holland America. It feels almost like going home ! —... Fri, 25 Apr 2008 14:56:09 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Holland-America-Line-Zuiderdam-Eastern-Caribbean-review-7e960 Tip 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Fidelity-Funds-IRA-review-85e01 I had to retire very early, due to health issues and had to decide how to handle my 401K. I also had 2 smaller amounts with different institutions from previous employers. — I decided to combine all 3 into one account that I could view on-line and access if needed. I did some research and then called Fidelity. I cannot praise the folks that I dealt with at Fidelity enough. Pleasant, knowledgeable, patient and reassuring. — I was very anxious about facing the future, with no income of my own - to be dependant on my husband, not to say he is not supportive and a good provider but I've earned my own income since I was 12 ! This was going to be difficult, to say the least ! — I highly recommend Fidelity for anyone trying to protect their financial future. They talked me through opening an account online and advised how to move the other accounts. Fidlelity was the easiest to deal with out of the 3 companies involved and the quickest to respond to any... Fri, 25 Apr 2008 14:45:49 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Fidelity-Funds-IRA-review-85e01 Tip 5