http://www.viewpoints.com/aboutme/a100indecisions Wed, 10 Sep 2008 22:25:22 GMT Reviews by a100indecisions http://www.viewpoints.com/Servaas-Laboratories-Barkeepers-Friend-review-d1011 You've probably walked right by Bar Keeper's Friend at the grocery store and never gave it a second thought. Who ever heard of that? Why not just use the other (more famous) scouring powder? — — Because Bar Keeper's Friend kicks dirt's butt. I have used it to remove the "scratches" on the bottom of a porcelain sink, the remnants of a de-glazed wine sauce from a stainless steel frying pan, the nasty rust ring around the toilet we inherited when we moved into our apartment (even CLR wouldn't get it off!), and ... well, just about anything I couldn't get off using regular soap and water. — — I dont know how mixing it with a little water, forming a paste, and cleaning the messy spots works - sometimes it feels like magic just because I know how many other things I've tried that didn't work. — — This stuff is also economical - we bought a 3-pack from Costco more than two years ago, and we're still on the first can. A little goes a LONG way. — ... Wed, 10 Sep 2008 22:25:22 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Servaas-Laboratories-Barkeepers-Friend-review-d1011 a100indecisions 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Dyson-All-Floors-Bagless-Upright-Cyclonic-Vacuum-review-cb063 Seriously, I hated to vacuum. From unwinding the cord to pushing the loud thing around, i would rather pick up the obvious bits of dirt with my hands than drag the vacuum out. But when we got a Dyson, that changed. First off, how cool is it that you can *see* the dirt  swirling around in the glass tube? Second, there are no bags to change, and the aforementioned glass tube is extremely easy to empty - so there's no excuse for not vacuuming because the bag is full. The Dyson is light and easy to push around - and it is super easy to switch from the regular vacuum mode to the attachment mode, which means i can do all of the surfaces at once.  It picks up dirt so well, our carpets look brand new again - and I've used it to "sweep" the kitchen floor too - it does a better job than the broom, too, as there are no little lines where the dustpan meets the floor. — — I admit I thought it was a little pricey when we picked it up, but we got it on sale, and Target was... Wed, 10 Sep 2008 22:13:55 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Dyson-All-Floors-Bagless-Upright-Cyclonic-Vacuum-review-cb063 a100indecisions 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Bold-Games-Professor-Brainiums-Games-Games-for-Nintendo-Game-Boy-DS-for-DS-review-7cf67 If you judge Professor Brainium's Games by the copy on the back cover, it's awesome. If you actually play it, you'll discover that whoever wrote the copy must have been writing about a different game. The in-game instructions are horrible - for example, one of the available games is "Go," and the instructions tell you how to place pieces on the board and how to win, but they don't explain the object of the game. After 5 minutes the computer player was beating me 3-1 and I had no clue how to make a comeback.Mahjong is OK, but there are issues there too. The board is small and doesn't take advantage of the DS's two screens. The help/zoom/hint icons are too big, and in many of the configurations, they cover a few of the tiles - so the Professor's head pops up and prompts you to choose a help menu, when you really meant to select a tile. — Suduko was clunky, the Mind Bender game is lame (guess the color combination?) and the math-suduko hybrid was not explained well enough for me to... Wed, 03 Sep 2008 03:42:01 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Bold-Games-Professor-Brainiums-Games-Games-for-Nintendo-Game-Boy-DS-for-DS-review-7cf67 a100indecisions 1 http://www.viewpoints.com/nintendo-Planet-Puzzle-League-review-29281 When I got Brain Age 2, there was a little flier in the package that said if you like this, you might also like ... and Planet Puzzle League was one of the suggestions. It looked like one of those mindless block games that are great for when you're waiting in line, for a movie to start, or you just can't think of anything better to do, so I was already intrigued. — — Unfortunately, it took over a month to find the game - apparently either folks think it's really popular, or nobody has heard of it - I think I finally settled on a used copy - and since then, it has not left my DS. All of my other games are jealous - they haven't been played in months. — — Planet Puzzle League is MORE addicting than Tetris - do not pick it up if you have things you MUST get done. I thought that the option to play a timed game would be a saving grace - you have 2 minutes to get as many points as you can. There are three different play modes, so I figured at most, I'd take a 6... Mon, 25 Aug 2008 20:18:24 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/nintendo-Planet-Puzzle-League-review-29281 a100indecisions 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/General-Mills-Fiber-One-Caramel-Delight-review-c5173 Fiber One's "Caramel Delight" cereal makes getting your fiber easier, but it does not taste as good as the other products in the same line. I was expecting "Caramel Delight" to have a powerful caramel flavor, but found it lacking. It's not that the cereal is inedible - it tastes fine, but the flavor gets a little lost once you add milk. It's like you're eating "healthy" cereal - the "clusters" options make it much easier to feel like you're indulging and taste much better. Just be warned - don't eat too much. Don't snack on it like it's popcorn. It's got fiber, even if you can't taste it - and your body will let you know when you've had too much.... Fri, 08 Aug 2008 17:19:23 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/General-Mills-Fiber-One-Caramel-Delight-review-c5173 a100indecisions 3 http://www.viewpoints.com/Fiber-One-Chewy-High-Fiber-Snack-Bar-review-91753 Fiber One bars are awesome. If you weren't told they had fiber, you wouldn't know it. They taste just like junk food should - but they're good for you, and relatively healthy. The chocolate chip version is better than the other flavors, but it's also the first one to go when they are on sale. They taste sooo good, it is easy to forget that each bar has 35% of your daily fiber allotment. Which you will discover the first time you eat one and go back for a second.  Now you're at 70% of the recommended fiber intake, and since today's processed/fast-food culture makes us lucky to hit 50% RDA, you WILL experience gastro-intestinal upset. It would be in your best interest not to enter a crowded elevator. :) — ... Fri, 08 Aug 2008 16:29:20 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Fiber-One-Chewy-High-Fiber-Snack-Bar-review-91753 a100indecisions 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Back-to-Nature-Trail-Mix-review-d82f2 I am a BzzAgent and was recently added to the Back to Nature Nuts and Trail Mixes campaign, which means I get free samples, and I'm supposed to share my opinions with people I know. Well, I didn't expect to be raving about trail mix, but this stuff is awesome! The individual serving size packets are the perfect size - you feel like you're getting a good amount of snack, but you know you're not overindulging in the calorie arena. And they don't skip on the ingredients - you can actually see the fruit chunks, they don't look like they've been sitting on the shelf for months, and they don't cheap out on you by making half of the mix peanuts. My favorite is the Nantucket Blend (almond, pistachio, cherry, raisin and cranberry mix) - mmmm, yummy! I will be purchasing these as soon as I can find them in my local... Fri, 18 Jul 2008 17:02:46 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Back-to-Nature-Trail-Mix-review-d82f2 a100indecisions 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Shedd-Aquarium-Chicago-IL-review-db2e1 The Shedd has a great story and history, but once you (over)pay the admission fee and step inside, it seems much smaller than it did when you were outside. The cool stuff, like the dolphins, require an additional fee, which was a surprise to us during the "free admission" days. — — While the dolphin show was great (better than the one at Sea World, in my opinion), the rest of the aquarium was a little boring. I felt like I'd seen most of the things on display elsewhere - at the zoo or at other aquariums.  There were a few things that stood out, like the seahorse tubes, but aside from that, I can't really remember anything else. Which is not the sign of a good museum. — — The cafeteria is also overpriced, but everyone know that when they have you hostage, of course the food is overpriced. —... Tue, 24 Jun 2008 03:13:59 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Shedd-Aquarium-Chicago-IL-review-db2e1 a100indecisions 3 http://www.viewpoints.com/Kohls-Credit-Card-review-811f3 The Kohl's card is the only department store card I own - and the only one I want to own. First, they give you a discount on your purchase when you sign up (as does just about everyone!), but then they keep giving you discounts. There are special Kohls card days, and if you spent about $200 in a year, you become an MVP and they mail you coupons once a month that you can use to get an extra percentage off on any day you choose. — — A little known fact about purchases with your Kohl's card - there is a no questions asked return policy. We bought a KitchenAid pasta attachment (not cheap!) and it broke after using it once. I brought it back, afraid that they wouldn't take it because it had been used - but they didn't even open the box! — — Kohl's as a store always has great sales - and their "off season" (which sends clothes eo the clearance section) always seem to start earlier than other places. Yay! —... Tue, 24 Jun 2008 02:59:03 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Kohls-Credit-Card-review-811f3 a100indecisions 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Wii-Fit-review-687b2 i admit, i'm overweight. according to wii fit - obese. and i struggle with finding time to get to the gym. so i've been waiting for the wii fit to come out - and now that it has, i'm addicted. not only are the games fun, there is a visual reminder of how well you've been doing (or slacking off) - as you get a stamp each day you complete the "body test". you also "bank" the time you've spent, so as you accumulate more time, you unlock new games and exercises. — there are a few fitness modes to choose from: yoga, strength training, aerobics and balance. yoga makes a good warmup, but i wouldn't choose it if you're looking for a relaxing yoga session. you only do one pose at a time, and it's akward to do them on the wii fit board, so some of the relaxing/tension relief aspects are lost in translation. the strength training is great, although at the beginning, most of the unlocked exercises are for the lower body. so far i have unlocked three games (and their variations)... Fri, 20 Jun 2008 14:20:07 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Wii-Fit-review-687b2 a100indecisions 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Eat-This-Not-That--138268-review-56322 What a novel concept - bright colorful pictures of "bad" and "good" choices at popular restaurants. Who knew that Chipotle's burrito is over 1000 calories!?! And that in many restaurants, the salads and turkey burgers are worse options than some of the more daunting menu items? — — This book makes it easy to choose the right food to help meet your goals. Not only does it include calorie information, but also data on trans fats, sodium, and other nutrients you might want to keep tabs on. — — There is also a section that takes a deeper look at menus from neighborhood restaurants - translating the common phrases seen on Sports Bar, Diner, Mexican (etc.) menus so you know what to steer clear of and which are better choices. — — The book also does a good job of giving "splurge" options - items that might have a "bad" element, but also have a really "good" benefit as well. —... Thu, 12 Jun 2008 02:21:19 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Eat-This-Not-That--138268-review-56322 a100indecisions 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Nintendo-DS-My-Spanish-Coach-review-80154 I recently discovered a large part of my family hails from Cuba, and that they speak both Spanish and English. I would love to converse with them, but have not had much luck with learning from books. When I found out about My Spanish Coach, I couldn't wait to try it. And it works! Through a series of lessons and games, you progress from beginner to ... advanced beginner. The software equates your current level with a grade in school - you start as a Kindergardner and work your way up. — — The game may seem like it's designed for children, but as a 30-something adult, it is fun and educational. There are also features that could come in handy if you're traveling in a Spanish speaking country - like a glossary and a setting where you can draw pictures if you can't figure out how to say what you're trying to say. — —... Thu, 12 Jun 2008 02:13:59 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Nintendo-DS-My-Spanish-Coach-review-80154 a100indecisions 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Nintendo-Brain-Age-2-More-training-in-minutes-a-day-review-c87f2 I wasn't sure about Brain Age, because I've been so disappointed with "smart" games in the past, but this one is awesome! There are different "training" modes that target math, vocabulary, how well you hear, and more. My favorite trianing mode is the Piano game, although I am awful at the "Hard" mode - I've forgotten how to read music since my schooldays. Lots of fun and makes you feel like you're not wasting your time playing video games. — — There is also a hidden version of "Dr.Mario" - which is like Tetris but harder.... Thu, 12 Jun 2008 02:03:07 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Nintendo-Brain-Age-2-More-training-in-minutes-a-day-review-c87f2 a100indecisions 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Bird-is-the-Word-Batavia-IL-review-14487 Bird is the Word is a great shop that is specific to birds and bird lovers. They breed and sell birds, and encourage buyers to come in and visit as much as possible while the birds are weaning. They do a great job of socializing the birds - both through steady handling and with the open-air section at the back of the store where the older birds hang out during the day. — Keep an eye out for Sally's birds - the Macaws in the corner. They like to talk to visitors, although you need to keep your fingers away from the cage, as they can snap them right off. — The seed selection is always fresh - some of it smells good enough for human consumption - especially the dried fruit and nut blend. They always have a good selection of toys - and some unique ones that you wont find at a regular "big box" pet store. —... Thu, 13 Mar 2008 04:28:47 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Bird-is-the-Word-Batavia-IL-review-14487 a100indecisions 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Lafeber-Avi-Cakes-review-b69b3 Our Quaker Parrot loves these things - they are his favorite treat. We love that they come in a resealable bag, that they are somewhat "soft" while still retaining their shape - they're like granola bars for birds. — Typically, we give one a day as a nighttime treat. They also come in handy when the bird is spooked or throwing a temper tantrum. They are not his primary source of food - although he would love it if they were. —... Thu, 13 Mar 2008 04:14:03 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Lafeber-Avi-Cakes-review-b69b3 a100indecisions 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/MySpace-com-review-206c1 After years of purposely avoiding signing up for MySpace, I finally gave in, and hardly ever log on to update my profile or modify my "top eight." I just feel too old for this - the internet has passed me by and MySpace is for kids. Even though presidential candidates are using it to take advantage of the social media push, a majoriy of MySpace is busy colors, busy webpages, scrolling backgrounds that follow you everywhere, and friend requests from people who you will never meet and probably never talk... Thu, 13 Mar 2008 04:03:03 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/MySpace-com-review-206c1 a100indecisions 3 http://www.viewpoints.com/Art-Institute-of-Chicago-Chicago-IL-review-2d392 Going to the art museum isn' t something I would see myself doing, but when we recently had out of town guests, we went to the Art Institute, and I was amazed at the collection of famous artists - Monet, Seurat, Picasso, Rodin - things I only read about during my European history course. I cannot describe what it feels like to be standing inches away from such a priceless work of art - I was literally brought to tears, and my husband thought I was crazy. — It's also fun to see the giant Seurat - the Grand Jaffe photo that was made famous by Ferris Bueller. That part of the film has a whole new meaning when you're standing in front of it - you get a much deeper understanding of what they were trying to show in that "Cameron-close-up scene." —... Thu, 13 Mar 2008 03:57:08 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Art-Institute-of-Chicago-Chicago-IL-review-2d392 a100indecisions 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Roti-Chicago-IL-review-cd935 I usually only work for a few hours downtown, but on days when I eat lunch in the city, I can't pull myself away from this place. It's faster than many of the places in nearby Union Station, and it's fresh and fast. They make the sandwiches to order, so you only get what you want. — I haven't tried the platters or salads - I keep ordering the falafel sandwich in flatbread ... it's delicious and I like it so much I can't bring myself to order anything else. — The side couscous dish is also really good - I've even tried to replicate the recipe at home. —... Thu, 13 Mar 2008 03:47:15 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Roti-Chicago-IL-review-cd935 a100indecisions 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/American-Gangster-review-2c2e2 Denzel is a great actor, and as much as I hate Russel Crowe, he does a good job too. — I like how the movie has you constantly rooting for the underdog... and then for the good guys... and then back again. A great picture, based on a true story. —... Thu, 13 Mar 2008 03:40:34 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/American-Gangster-review-2c2e2 a100indecisions 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Minimed-Miralax-Laxative-Powder-8-3oz-review-1fa41 I suffer(ed) from chronic constipation, but couldn't tolerate the over the counter medicines because they always left me feeling sick to my stomach and the results were unpredictable - I never could tell when I had to go. After seeing a gastroenterologist, he prescribed Miralax as a daily supplement. Thank god for that, too. I don't have any side effects, and now I am both "regular" and "predictable". — The bottle says not to take it for longer than two weeks, and I strongly recommend you follow those directions unless under doctor's orders. — Note that while it dissolves in liquid, it's best to wait a minute or two for it to fully dissolve, because it does add a slight "stale" taste if you drink it too soon. (Like when you add old ice to a drink?) — ... Wed, 20 Feb 2008 01:25:57 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Minimed-Miralax-Laxative-Powder-8-3oz-review-1fa41 a100indecisions 5