Reviews by TracyAlana

TracyAlana says "Petsitting: the profession and what it enTAILS" about Petsitting

TracyAlana — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 23:48:47 GMT

According to the American Pet Association, over 44 million people own dogs and almost 77 million people have cats in the United States. These statistics not only show how integral pets are within the family unit, but essentially how important it is to choose the right professionals to care for them (i.e. veterinarians, groomers, and petsitters).

I am a petsitter. I have worked in animal care since I was 16, and have always had a passion for our furry friends. I am the office manager and lead technician at the clinic which I've commited to for almost five years now. I initially began petsitting as a means of supplementary income for my travels as well as saving up for my new car. Now that I have attained both, I continue to petsit to be closer to my workplace and to invest in life's big milestones (wedding and family).

This review will not only showcase the petsitter's view, but also help others gain insight as to what any pet owner should look for when choosing a sitter. Here's...

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TracyAlana says "1,2,3...cheese! Xshot makes self-portraits a cinch!" about X-Shot - Stainless Shield Shaft for Cameras

TracyAlana — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 19:41:50 GMT

Everyone has run into this moment sometime or another: You are standing in front of a beautiful landscape, statue, or landmark with your significant other. In the mayhem of people stampeding by, you look at each other and mind-talk, "Who should we ask to take our picture?" After a couple of minutes fumbling with the camera and scrutinizing over which poor stranger to inconvenience and possibly steal/drop/smudge your Cybershot, you finally grow the nerves to ask. They nod, look for the shutter button, and snap a a pic that may very well be the only pic you may get of that moment. Sometimes it's off-centered, unfocused, or over/under-zoomed. But you'd hate to ask another person so you settle for what you got and continue with your travels. Well here's the simple answer to this predicament: XSHOT.

What is XSHOT?

XShot is a 3' extendable baton that allows YOU to hold the camera at whatever vantage point you want on any digital camera. For $19.99, you now have the freedom to take whatever picture...

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TracyAlana says "Maui No Ka Oi, as the locals say" about Maui

TracyAlana — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 21:05:13 GMT

"Maui No Ka Oi", which translates roughly into "Maui is the Best", can be argued for days depending on who you speak to. I was born and raised on Oahu, the most developed of the Hawaiian Island chain, but always had a fascination for Maui. We call Maui "The Second Oahu" because it harbors similar traits of city and night life compared to the other islands. Often times, I hear visitors from the mainland rave about the island of Kauai simply because of its natural, preserved beauty. I have visited both many times and my heart still favors The Valley Isle that Maui is named today.

Two weeks ago, I spent four beautiful days in Maui with my boyfriend, his brothers, his brother's girlfriend, and cousin. I have visited Maui at least a half dozen times, however this visit was the most productive and enriching of them all. We stayed at the Maui Sunset in Kihei, a well known tourist town facing the south shore. I've stayed in Kahului, Ka'anapali, and Kihei, and would recommend to a first time visitor...

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TracyAlana says "Riveting film that opens eyes to medicine's erroneous nature" about Awake

TracyAlana — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 07:53:39 GMT

Awake is a film based on the frightening statistic that every year, 700 people experience a phenomenon known as anesthetic awareness where they are completely conscious but unable to respond to the outside world. This movie stars Hayden Christensen as main character Clay Beresford, Jessica Alba, Terrence Howard, and Lena Olin.

Christensen's character Clay is an affluent, young man who is romantically connected to Sam Lockwood, played by the beautiful Jessica Alba. Clay is on borrowed time, inflicted with a serious heart condition that pressures him to accelerate his life while trying to find a suitable donor. His mother Lilith (Olin) is a classy woman who has the best board-certified surgeon lined up to do the procedure for her son. Partially defiant from resentment and gulit of his father's passing, Clay has chosen his own surgeon to do the procedure, Dr. Jack Harper (Howard), who was there for him when he experienced his first symptoms. As the story unfolds, the audience is taken...

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TracyAlana says "104 colors in one palette- This is THE GIFT for 2007, ladies!" about Sephora Blockbuster Collector's Palette 2007 Edition

TracyAlana — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 09:27:41 GMT

Let me just start by saying that I have never purchased ONE thing at Sephora...ever. Particular is an understatement to describe my taste for makeup. With such fair, sensitive, dry skin, I have only used a handful of products that I felt "complimented" my face. I have used the same foundation brand (Body Shop) since I was in high school, the same lipstick color that has long been discontinued (L'oreal Coffee Talk), and the exact same eyeshadow no matter what color dress I'm wearing, day or night (Revlon Wet/Dry Shadow "In the Buff"). I was never a seeker for expensive makeup lines or brand names, even though 99% of my friends and family swear by MAC. So for me to pitch a makeup product means that I went through every shadow of doubt before purchasing it. Let me tell ya, it's awesome!

This year, Sephora launched their Blockbuster 2007 Collector's palette, which features 64 different eye shades, 32 lip shades, 6 blushes, and 2 powders. Anything from luscious lavenders to eye-busting blues,...

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TracyAlana says "The Mist exposes underbelly of science vs. religion debate" about The Mist

TracyAlana — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 09:05:21 GMT

I'm on the fence with this one. One moment, I want to bash the film for its poor computer graphic imagery and weak sci-fi effects. On the other hand, I want to herald it as the most thought-inducing horror film I've seen this year. Last year, I watched The Descent and enjoyed it for its visceral horror. This year, I regard The Mist as doing the same job.

Stephen King's novella, of which this film is based on, puts you in the eye of the storm and makes you face your worst fear of all- the unpredictable, primitive human. The film unravels like this: A storm leaves a town in disarray and a mysterious fog in the distance creeps slowly, but not yet threatening, towards the community. The lead character drives his son and his not-so-friendly neighbor to the grocery store to pick up supplies. After a few casual conversations with the townspeople, a man comes running to the store with a bloody nose panicking, screaming that there is something in the mist. With no power or electricity,...

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TracyAlana says "Ripper, Tearer, Slasher...Beowulf takes CGI to a whole new level" about Beowulf (2007)

TracyAlana — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 10:34:31 GMT

Computer graphic images have sure come a long way. Does anyone remember that 2001 film Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within that pioneered the slew of CGI movies? Before the trio of Shreks, A Bug's Life, and The Bee Movie, movies did not venture much further into animation than the classic Disney tales of Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Little Mermaid.

Beowulf takes CGI films to a whole new level. Sure, there are always parts of the film that you know is fake-- John Malkovich's way-too-perfect hair, the pouring of wine, the poreless face of Angelina Jolie, or the still-not-intricate-enough finger detail of the Queen. Even with these multiple flaws, I still walked out of Beowulf saying "wow". I did not go into the theater expecting anything. With all the hype and trailers, it was difficult denying the feeling that it was going to be a good movie. However, I did not enjoy Final Fantasy so why would I enjoy another CGI film?

Beowulf has received mixed reviews from the public as well...

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TracyAlana says "Tertiary travel companies offer great deals, but be wary" about Travelocity

TracyAlana — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 19:58:24 GMT

A note of recognition: I was inspired to write this review from a recent one posted by AprileFisher re: Orbitz Travel entitled "A Necessary Evil". Please refer to her review as well for more details.

As a frequent traveler, I am always on the prowl for great deals on flights and hotels. My personal favorite website for travel deals is Travelocity (the gnome does it for me on commercials). The ease of typing in my fantasy destination and waiting to see what the magical gnome will yield often puts a grin on my face; a somewhat pathetic, guilty pleasure of mine.

I have been very fortunate as I never had any problems with my flight or hotel itineraries with these tertiary companies. I have booked flights to California, Spokane, and New York with zero errors. In addition, I frequently book hotel accomodations and are pleased with the results-- hotel descriptions were accurate, and rooms passed with my standards of cleanliness and basic amenities. Tertiary travel sites such as Travelocity,...

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TracyAlana says "Il Divo bridges the gap between classical and pop youth" about Ancora by Il Divo

TracyAlana — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 07:11:15 GMT

Il Divo, at first glance, did not appeal to me. Sure it had good-looking guys on the front cover with songs in three or four different languages. I was truly skeptical. But my mom had introduced this album Ancora and I have great respect for her taste. So I popped it into the CD player while munching on my bagel...and I was hooked.

Il Divo, like Josh Groban, Charlotte Church, and Sarah Brightman, bridges the gap between classical music and pop taste--especially with the youth community. It captures the essence of classical sound (the powerful Pavarotti voice is the mental image that comes to mind), while offering soft vocals and even words in understandable English. My favorites on this album is Track 3's 'I Believe In You (Je Crois en Toi)', Track 5's 'Si Tu me Amas', and Track 2's 'Isabel', in that order. Featured guest singers like Celine Dion make it an even more delectable treat, and I feel a small ounce of gratification singing the lyrics in the hopes that I may just learn a few foreign...

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TracyAlana says "Holiday flavors a must-try, especially the Gingerbread Frapp!" about Starbucks - Seattle, WA

TracyAlana — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 00:02:50 GMT

I think I speak for at least a third of the US population when I say that caffeine makes me happy. I drive considerably far to get to work every morning (I literally live on the west side of Oahu and work on the very east side of the island). Sure, I live on an island so people often think the drive can't be all that bad. The odometer says I drove 28 miles, but it took me an hour to get from point A to point B. That's bad. And anyone driving on Oahu during rush hour knows this.

Starbucks is the light at the end of the tunnel. It is not something that I would recommend doing on a daily basis (I speak on behalf of my organs like my kidneys, pancreas and liver who have to process this delightful fix) because it does get pricey, not to mention fattening (I get a tall whip mocha--nothing fancy). I love how the baristas know me by face, and how their pleasant attitude rubs off on me and I leave feeling just as pleasant. The smell when you enter is captivating (I know others have complained that...

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TracyAlana says "Get swept away to the island of Capri" about Capri

TracyAlana — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 09:12:29 GMT

Capri is an island off the coast of Sorrento in Southern Italy. While Rome, Venice, Florence, and Milan seem to catch the majority of Italy seekers, I found one of the most enjoyable days to be on this little land mass they call Capri (pronounced KAH-pree, not kuh-PREE).

Jumping on a boat to get there in itself makes you feel like you are unveiling a jewel just off the beaten path. Since I was born and raised in Hawaii, I rarely gravitate towards travel spots that proclaim sunny weather and ocean views. But Capri captured something different, beyond the weary tourists and side shops. Once you disembark, make your way to the boat dock that sets off to the Blue Grotto, a cave no more than three feet above water that captures the sunlight casting a natural, turquoise glow. It is an adventure just trying to get IN the cave, as some days the waves are too high and dangerous for boats to enter. Once you revel in mother nature's charm, take the bus to the town of Anacapri and ride a chairlift...

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TracyAlana says "Hawaii Regional Cuisine at its finest" about Roy's Restaurant - Honolulu, HI

TracyAlana — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 08:42:58 GMT

Hawaii Regional Cuisine is the term used to describe traditional dishes that are infused with a wide gamut of flavors and ingredients of the islands. There are a few well known names that pop up once this term is spoken-- Alan Wong, Jean-Marie Josselin, Sam Choy...the list goes on. But there is one Hawaii Regional Cuisine chef that epitomizes the Aloha Spirit in his cuisine and staff. Roy Yamaguchi. Roy's Restaurant is my personal favorite in HRC because it encompasses the delicate balance between culinary art, flavor embodiment, and dining experience.

If you have never tried blackened ahi or poke before (a raw favorite amongst the locals), this is the place to start. Roy's offers your traditional foods like crab cakes, house salads, and ribeye steak, but also tempts you with ethnic foods such as szechuan spare ribs, spring rolls, and edamame (soybeans). Hawaii is known for its strong Asian influence on its foods (rice is the common staple), and I always go to Roy's to celebrate a special...

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TracyAlana says "Gear up for the game that has you panting for its sequel" about Xbox 360 - Gears of War

TracyAlana — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 07:19:13 GMT

Many people who look at me would never guess that I do get an ounce or two of pleasure playing third-person shooter games. I would not label myself as a gamer. I would imagine such an individual to feel withdrawals if they can't be by a video game console within any 24-hour period. But if I start a game, I intend to finish. Which is why I can easily get sucked into such a label if you catch me at a time when I am trying my darndest to beat the Big Boss or finish the last chapter. However, I can go for months and years without every touching a controller.

Gears of War was the very first XBox game that truly won my respect as an Xbox follower. Prior to playing GOW, I was adamant that I was a Playstation girl all the way. I had purchased the PS3 during its initial launch for $600 and was quickly disappointed by the lack of game variety. So I noticed my bf's Xbox 360. He had purchased GOW and I thought heck, might as well try. Boy was I in for a treat.

This game rocks. I have completed it on...

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TracyAlana says "Luxury overrules performance in the Lexus IS250" about Lexus IS 250 - 2006

TracyAlana — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 06:58:08 GMT

I love my Lexus. This is my very first new car purchase. Before you assume that I am some spoiled, 26-year old from Hawaii, allow me to elaborate. I have never received anything for free my whole life. When I first learned how to drive, I used my mom's Acura and enjoyed its easy handling. When I needed my own vehicle, I began driving around a 17-year old Honda Accord to take me to school and work. No A/C, no radio, upholstery hanging off, and a cracked head gasket that taunted me everytime I started the car. I was sick of driving on the freeway in fear that I may end up on the evening news. Or worse yet, I may cause myself or someone else severe bodily harm. My family had always been a Honda family. Dad has a Honda Passport, my sister a Honda Accord, and my mom an Acura Integra. But I grew interested in the Lexus line when the IS first came out. I still remember my dad commenting on how ugly the rear lights were, so I was quickly dissuaded. Not to mention that I was getting reamed...

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TracyAlana says "HD quality with easy-to-use features, just takes some time" about Sony - Cybershot T100 Digital Camera

TracyAlana — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 06:12:54 GMT

This digital camera not only met, but exceeded my expectations when it came to high quality, HD photography. Its maiden voyage was set in Italy, where my boyfriend and I spent two weeks discovering 12 different regions of Bella Italia. With a 4GB memory stick and an extra battery, I captured every gondola, cyprese tree, Byzantine cathedral, and Renaissance painting that I ever wanted with ease. Videos, though not HD quality (don't be fooled by the slightly misleading marketing of an "HD" camera), came out beautifully and I appreciated the massive LCD screen to view my photos and videos post-capture. I had used Sony Cybershots before. My previous one was a Sony Cybershot DSC-P9 4.0 megapixel with 6x optical zoom and image stabilization. I had purchased that camera when it first came out in 2002 for $700 and it had been good to me for the following five years. But prior to my trip in Italy, I decided to upgrade to a model that reflected the advances in digital technology. I looked at the...

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