Reviews by WDarling

WDarling says "Best BBQ in town" about Luella's BBQ - Asheville, NC

WDarling — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 21:22:35 GMT

Luella's moved into our neighborhood and also serves the college crowd since it's within walking distance. Plenty of parking and seating at non-rush hours, it serves lunch from once the patron has ordered from the counter and from a menu and waitstaff at dinner time. BBQ choices are chopped pork, beef brisket, turkey, Andouille sausage, pork ribs and chicken. A customer chan choose between a sandwich and a plate without the bread. Extra sauce is on the table and worth the shaking. The sides, such as spicey vinegar slaw, sweet potato fries, fried okra, mac N' hoop cheese, collard greens, and green chillie cheese grits - are exceptional.

The menu also includes "beyond the Q" smoked trout salad, Luella's Cobb salad, Brunswick stew, one-pound baked potato, and for the vegetarian, BBQ tempeh. The hushpuppies that are served with meals are like dessert they're so good. And the desserts are to cry for. A kid's menu is also included. Juices and tea for beverages. Catering is available. ...

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WDarling says "keeps a small room comfortable on low settings" about honeywell Heater With Digital Display Model 5620

WDarling — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:56:18 GMT

I have been very pleased with the Honeywell for some ten years now to keep a bedroom warm even when asleep without worrying. It is on wheels which means it can be positioned exactly where needed and transferred to other rooms or even other houses which has happened. The switch is lighted to alert the user to current usage which prevents failure to turn off. Because of the thermostat, it will not overheat and should automatically shut off if tipped over.

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WDarling says "Most exotic appealing flavors in town" about India Garden - Asheville, NC

WDarling — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 22:53:24 GMT

India Garden has introduced quality dining at a buffet price. The menu includes vegetarian as well as meat items, but I have only had the buffet because it presents such a variety and marvelous sauces. There's a fruit and rice pudding desert that makes me sing it is so divine. Staffing is all foreign and sometimes unable to communicate well. It is usually crowded and may take a while to get seated....

WDarling says "No one beats the Keurig for speed and flavor." about Keurig B 40

WDarling — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 22:38:14 GMT

Because it delivers various drinks via K-cups at a substantially hot temperature, the comparison to other makers is distinguishable. The owner is not obligated to purchase K-cups if the petite filter is purchased for repeated use. Because it generates heat for the 30 seconds of on-demand hot water, it saves on electricity that way and will also shut itself off if not used in 30 minutes, thus saving the owner the worry of not remembering to do so. The one-cup-at-a-time means there is no burner nor a hot element sitting ready for hours, wasting energy.

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WDarling says "secures nutrition in spite of one's diet" about Garden Of Life Living Multi Optimal Women's Formula

WDarling — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 22:35:44 GMT

Everyone that keeps abreast of the nutrition dilemma knows that our food sources are not supplying the needed vitamins and minerals no matter how well we select our diet. I was directed to this supplier by some older people who could attest to the efficacy of these products. Now I can attest since I am quickly aware when I have not eaten well and must not get sick. I find I can pop these vitamins and head off a cold or sore throat in a day or overnight. The women's formula also has more calcium than standard multi-vitamins and includes actual food sources such as chorella, spirulina, red algae, pomegranate extract and wild yam among many others which I would not likely find in other forumulas. There is also a 100% daily requirement of iron which for some women is very important to prevent anemia. Vitamin E, thiamine, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, biotin and B12 are highly represented with vegetable blends.

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WDarling says "Cottonelle Aloe can fend off rashes" about Kleenex Cottonelle Ultra Toilet Paper

WDarling — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 22:15:25 GMT

I didn't know that toilet tissues could be so different, but when one considers that all white paper has some form of bleach to get it that white, it stands to reason that one is exposing one's self to some amount of a harmful chemical. I was delighted to find the Cottonelle with Aloe added and still have to look for it because so many stores only carry the blue label standard style - without the aloe. The green label Cottonelle has the golden retriever on the packaging but is the only toilet tissue that has aloe added. It could stand to have more, but it is still a far cry from some manufacturers who can make tissue soft but still chemically harsh. It is also not so cheap, but Kleenex has numerous coupons out there and will compete with others by having the stores discount the larger sizes. Nevertheless, the extra cost is certainly worth the money so I don't have to medicate myself if I am not using it.

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WDarling says "Keurig is a hit at the party" about Keurig Special Edition

WDarling — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 21:57:30 GMT

Keurig Coffee makers are super special since they require so little preparation but produce a very hot, great cup of coffee. Depending on the model, the features include variable cup sizes, built-in clock, light indicators for low water levels, an automatic shut-off after thirty minutes. Once the water is in the tank, the Keurig can deilver the coffee in thirty seconds using the K-cups that are purchased in department stores or online. The appliance comes with sample K-cups but there's about 300 varieties of teas, coffees and hot cocoa that can be found. Something most people don't notice at first but the heating element is only operating for those 30 seconds and then shuts off, whereas other coffee makers have an element constantly turned on while the burner keeps the pot warm which is usually a waste of electricity and coffee if not drunk within the first 30 minutes. Coffee degrades after that and emits bad-tasing oils.

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WDarling says "Precor is smooth and non-jarring" about Precor Elliptical (all)

WDarling — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 21:44:27 GMT

The Precor Eliptical Trainer has multiple monitors on the screen to keep anyone motivated because the measurements of strides per minute, calories burned per minute, total calories burned, heart rate among others are constantly changing so there's always a challenge to meet. I tend to look for the heart rate and minutes until I near the end of thirty minutes before looking at total calories burned so I stay the course. There are variations of speed that can be programmed as a variable speed course, but I am not that well disciplined and would get defeated. But looking at the strides per minute and total number of strides, I try to keep that at 100 strides per minute. The heart rate I like to see at above 120 and total calories at 250. The distration of TV news is helpful. What I like the most is the smooth rhythmic, motion that allows impact but without jarring or injury. The handles allow more upper body strengthening.

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WDarling says "Pulls dirt like a monster" about Dyson Upright Vacuum

WDarling — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 21:29:58 GMT

I have a friend who wholeheartedly recommended the Dyson and said that she had compared her vacuum to her sister's Dyson comparing the dirt retrieved from both. So she had done the homework, and I needed a carpet vacuum due to all the dirt and ash that comes off the woodburning stove. It took a thorough reading to figure out the hose attachment that pulls out as a long tube and then is re-inserted into the machine, but the suction is prolific and can drag the machine across the floor itself. I've used it to clean the car and it delivers. The bagless system allows a quick release of contents into a deep bag since the dust will drift out and cover clothes and furniture but eliminates the purchase of more accessories. The machine will occassionally make a loud screaming noise that I cannot figure out why but quits when moved around. It tends to wear me out from pulling its weight that may be due to its engineering.

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WDarling says "Can heat large spaces with a small box" about Jotul Woodstove

WDarling — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 18:50:19 GMT

The size and shape of the Jotul woodstove doesn't seem adequate to heat 2000 square feet, but after years of use, it has kept us warm through bitter winters and power failures. The one drawback is its small door, but inside a second shelf recirculates the heat before exiting and keeps coals overnight. The large flat top makes it usable as a cooking surface if needed.

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WDarling says "affordable freshly-made soups, sandwiches & salads " about Panera's Bread Company - Asheville, NC

WDarling — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 18:35:49 GMT

First time I heard about Panera's was to try their caramel bagels that are to cry for. So are the other bakery items. Then I found their salads and sandwiches on a short-order basis while sitting in a comfortable booth. Prices are same lunch and dinner-time. Soups du jour are excellent and can be ordered with half sandwich or salad. Wi-Fi with a flavored coffee and pastry is even more appealing

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WDarling says "Homeschooling produces competent and sociable students." about Homeschooling

WDarling — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:54:52 GMT

I have been a homeschooling parent as well as an Instructor teaching GED students after years of public school and homeschooling and find the homeschoolers are considerably more polite, motivated, diligent and willing to learn. Even if their schooling has been remiss in some subjects, their relationships with adults is so much more engaged and attentive that they comply and eventually achieve their goals and with a much better attitude. I can't endorse homeschooling enough unless the parents are able to afford an excellent, Charistian private school. Parents who network with others to augment their deficiencies or time constraints are the most successful.

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WDarling says "Keeps me motivated to stay on course" about Precor EFX 5.33 Elliptical Trainer

WDarling — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:43:54 GMT

Even though I am very diligent about choosing healthy foods, I lack a discipline to excercise regularly like I should. However, I can easily get on the Precor and stay because of the various measurements it is relays while pressing on. One's heartbeat, strides per minute, calories per minute and total calories burned are constantly showing on the monitor so that I tend to maintain at least for 30 minutes. Thankfully I can watch TV news.

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WDarling says "Keeps on working year after year" about Maytag Washing Machine

WDarling — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:36:12 GMT

Have used this Maytag machine since 1982 justs prior to a new baby for whom I washed diapers! Because of several temperature settings, I could easily disinfect without using harsh chemicals. I prefer top-loading simply because I can stop the action for changes in temperature, load amount or laundry products. Because it accommodates at least 18 pounds, small scatter rugs are acceptable even though not recommendable.

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WDarling says "looking for honesty, reality and true piety" about The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream

WDarling — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:18:41 GMT

I can't afford to be bamboozled by a silver-tongued, sophiscated man full of ear-wash, who claims to have been raised in deprivation or improverishment and yet was sent to costly private schools that any mother could wish for. I am not impressed. Please spare me the rhetoric....

WDarling says "Colors and visual indulgences to cry for" about Marie Antoinette (2006)

WDarling — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 23:22:57 GMT

Eye candy to behold. For anyone who loves period filming and costuming, there is none to surpass this one. The childlike innocence of Marie who never saw the destruction the royalty's decadence was causing made for a powerful contrast and morality lesson to those now living in voluptuous decadence without a care for the less fortunate. That could have been more stressed and developed as a subplot. Court intrigues were tantalizing but never carried out any powerful force to the plot. ...

WDarling says "failed to give any acceptable performance" about Mr. Woodcock

WDarling — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 23:06:29 GMT

Dumb, stupic and unfulfilling. I was invited to see a movie and this was the only reasonable choice, but it failed to meet any expectations. The only redeeming character was the young man who could not conceal his utter disgust for a former gym teacher that never rose to any acceptable standard of behavior, neither before nor after. Don't waste time on senseless drivel....

WDarling says "Getting out of this world visually and experientially" about The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe 2005

WDarling — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 22:59:31 GMT

The way C.S.Lewis transforms a morality issue into an intriguing drama with four, lovely lost children is compelling. Anyone could identify with the discovery of an adventure from a hide-and-go-seek game in such an enormous house that transports the viewer into that never-world that must be out there - the soul's longing for more than this world. So what does the Lord of the Universe do about the errant ones? Does anyone get off scott-free? Why does anyone especially children have to battle the forces of evil? Are we not all children of this world wanting more than anything to get to the next world "intact" or at least resembling ourselves? Who will mitigate our dilemma?...

WDarling says "Accidentally came upon it" about Once

WDarling — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 22:35:06 GMT

A friend and I were planning to see the Edith Piaff film which was not held over but decided to try "Once", uncertain as to what was coming. I learned later that the success of the film was almost accidental at the Sundance Movie Festival. I half expected something tragic to happen since the plot was so simple and their only driving theme was to record a CD. I wish I had known nothing dire would come about so I could have just sat back and enjoyed it for the force of character coming from their talent and love of music. I was heart-warming to see them succeed, especially to see him deliver a piano to her at her apartment so that she could always have an instrument to practice. So the music, contemporary and passionate, was what carried the story, and very well, I might add, with an appreciable verve and drama. It was hard not to love....

WDarling says "I was serendipitously surprised."" about Bridge to Terabithia

WDarling — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 22:19:16 GMT

I was not sure what to expect but found the notions of conjuring up a fantasy world not so disagreeable since the creatures seemed controllable or defeatable if they became sinister. I especially liked the recreation of common items into more elaborate ideations. The character developments were more plausible and resonated better than the story line, and the ending brought a lot of loose ends together for a more complete resolution of family and personal issues. It would possibly entertain a grade-school or pre-teen more than anyone....