Reviews by aprilefisher

aprilefisher says "Selling your soul to the devil is obviously a bad idea!" about Marlowe's "Doctor Faustus"

aprilefisher — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 16:23:47 GMT

About the Book

Dr. Faustus is a book about a doctor who desires knowledge of the black arts, because he is unsatisfied with the knowledge he can gain as a man alone. He assumes that all men commit sins and therefore are doomed to go to Hell anyway, so he gives his soul to the Lucifer in exchange for Mephistophilis a devil to perform his every wish and command for "four and twenty years." He lives his life making fools of those who oppose him, traveling the world and meeting the Pope and dukes, completing wishes that other people request of him, and having his devil conjure the deceased. As would be predicted, at the end of his "contract" with Lucifer, he laments his decision and fears eternal damnation.

Review

As a glimpse into the sixteenth century mind, Dr. Faustus is an intriguing book with well-written verse--but, it doesn't go far beyond that. Although this very short story is a necessity for all literary scholars, I wouldn't recommend it to those who do not have to read it. The...

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aprilefisher says "Rediscover the pleasure of gift giving!" about Kate's Paperie - New York, NY

aprilefisher — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 17:45:03 GMT

About Kate's Paperie

As "cute" as it is to receive a gift in a grocery bag from a guy, or to as special as it is to get a gift wrapped in your traditional wrapping paper from the grocery store, bed bath & beyond, the dollar store, etc., there is nothing like receiving a gift whose giver has put as much thought and detail into the aesthetics and pleasure of opening it as they have the gift itself. For those of you, like me, who wish to impart this experience onto others, Kate's Paperie is for you! And, luckily for you non-NYCers, Kate's has an online store too (katespaperie.com).

About...the paper!

Everything from hand marbled, brushed gold, lace and crystalized tissue, Kate's has papers to really "ooh and ahh" over. Some of it is quite pricey as wrapping paper, but pretty cheap as a work of art! Frame it and hang it on your wall, use it to paper an old lamp, or create your own work of art with it! The less-expensive paper is also fabulous to wrap gifts and is one way to really...

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aprilefisher says "Internet Dress-up" about Yahoo! Avatars

aprilefisher — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 15:09:19 GMT

About Yahoo! Avatars:

Your brain will not increase in size. You will not be helping the unfortunate. You will maybe not even be contributing to the success of society. But, if you are, like me, a child-at-heart, then you will have a whole truck-load of fun.

Basically how it works: you select your avatars face-shape, eye color, hair-style and color, clothing, body type (there are only two options, really--'regular' and 'plus-sized'), pets, accessories, and background. There are so many options: everything from western to star wars, from christmas to betty home-maker, from punk to preppy. What is even better--they are continually adding new 'toys.' You know those games where you can make-your-own character? Well, this is version 3000. Your avatar will follow you through your Yahoo! adventures--into your Yahoo! Instant Messenger, onto Yahoo! Answers, etc.

Other features:

You can select your Avatars mood: content, ecstatic, sad, angry, or a special mood which changes based on...

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aprilefisher says "Keeping Kitty Healthy" about The Drinkwell Pet Fountain

aprilefisher — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 14:41:57 GMT

I purchased the The Drinkwell Pet Fountain because my cat, Miles, has this thing where little bumps form around his lip area if he isn't well hydrated (I believe it's called ____ granulosa. I have a horrible memory and the sheet isn't right in front of me...). Besides giving Miles a cat food with low ash content, a drinking fountain was recommended to encourage him to drink water--and it does! He loves his fountain. At first he was flabbergasted by it, but it wasn't long until the Fountain became part of his routine.

The hum the fountain makes is quiet and actually quite relaxing. However, if the fountain gets too low it will make a horrible, horrible noise which indicates the damage being done to the motor, I'm sure.

I fill up Miles' fountain twice a day--first thing in the morning, and right before I go to bed.

I like the fountain because of the constant flow and filtering of water--it keeps Miles' water clean and fresh. I would recommend this product for all pet owners, regardless...

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aprilefisher says "Was that the toilet? Nope--just RoboReptile!" about WowWee RoboReptile

aprilefisher — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 13:29:30 GMT

RoboReptile gets a rating as high as "2" (I think that is generous) for two reasons: it's neat looking and it was pretty cheap ($60 originally, $30 on sale at TJ Maxx). The articulated tail is very cool and moves with tail-like motion. However, all of the other features of this toy are less than impressive:

Low quality and not many sounds. One sound is so distorted, it sounds like a toilet flushing, rather than a dinosaur/reptile noise!
Range of motion. While RoboReptile can turn around, it needs a LOT of space to do it.
Runs into things. Although the box says that it avoids running into things it sees in its "eye" sensors (infrared)...it doesn't!
Need a screw driver to get it out of the package. Since when did toy companies start screwing their toys into the boxes?? Is this really necessary?? They didn't do that back in my day!
Repetitive nature. RoboReptile kind of just does the same things over and over again...I'm sure the designer picked a good subject for this toy by...

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aprilefisher says "Maybe too perfect, but still a great CD" about KT Tunstall - Drastic Fantastic [Limited]

aprilefisher — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 18:42:29 GMT

When I first purchased the CD "Drastic Fantastic," I bought it for the song "Hold on." I listened, someone skeptically, of the songs weaved together by KT that seemed too good to be true. I wondered if they were formulaic, lacking in emotion. I was critical and felt that KT had a checklist: "folksy song? Check. Bluesy song? Check. Hook in each song? Check." In otherwords, as Rob Sheffield from Rolling Stone said, "Some fans complained the album was overproduced, glossing over the rough edges Tunstall shows in concert." I still think this is may be true, but after about the 3rd listen to the CD, I started "getting it" and I now feel as Betty Clark from the Guardian: "But beneath the glitz, buttery harmonies and glaring hits, there's the sadness of Funnyman, which details the mental anguish suffered by her friend Gordon Anderson (of the Aliens); the self-deprecation of Hopeless; and a sense that Tunstall is torn between her folk past and pop present." In otherwords, the...

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aprilefisher says "Save time and get great food!" about Fresh Direct - Long Island City, NY

aprilefisher — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 17:02:45 GMT

Needless to say, as a full-time employee, a part-time Graduate student, and a full-time rider of the new york city "express" bus, the idea of reclaiming some weekend time to myself by having ALL of my groceries (including the heavy water, milk, and juices!) delivered to my front door for the unbelievably low delivery charge of $2.99 was a no-brainer. The service has you select a time slot (there are several each day, and each is only a one and a half hour wait, i.e. 7:30-9, so you don't have to wait around all day.)

Overall my experience with FreshDirect has been great: the deliveries are always on time, the products are many and tastey, they are delivered in recycled and re-recyclable cardboard boxes, the website is easy to use and you can update your order up to 9pm the night before the delivery.

The only qualms I have, and one of them is pretty big: 3 times they have forgotten items within my delivery. This is very frustrating because then I have to go to the grocery store, which...

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aprilefisher says "Everyone has it for a reason!" about Motorola - Razr V3 Cell Phone

aprilefisher — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 13:49:54 GMT

About the phone, as a phone

If a phone could be a cliche, this one would be it; everybody has it! The RAZR V3 is my first real "grown up" phone, and I must admit, it took me a little while to figure out all of the features (there are a lot!) and the whole logic of the thing, but after about a week of off-and-on playing and exploring, I mastered the RAZR and since then have had nothing but love of this great phone!

It's sleek, attractive design, color screen, and ease of use make it a perfect cellphone. Ringtones/music tones play remarkably well on it (for a cellphone), I've downloaded about 6 games without any negative effect to my phone, it has voice recognition (which works about as good as any voice recognition:

Me: "Home"

Phone: Calling "Jonathan"

Me: No, "Home"!! "Hooommme!!").

The text messaging is easy and quick for anyone with limber thumbs.

Many others have commented that the battery runs out to quickly. I, personally, have not had this problem, and sometimes go 3 or 4 days before...

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aprilefisher says "Death by Cuteness" about Cute Overload

aprilefisher — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 17:33:38 GMT

Cuteoverload.com is where I go when I need stress-relief, a good laugh, and a reminder of the good thing in life (like tiny kittens). The site creator, only known as "Meg," has created her own sort of cute slang and so 'tocks, buns, and the pant-a-loons that cats sitting on hind legs develop (i.e. http://mfrost.typepad.com/cute_overload/images/snowball.jpg) abound.

Pictures range from adorable to sweet to outright weird. There is a high-standard of picture quality and I always leave the site with a feeling of overall satisfaction with life.

A Sampling

Warning: Extreme Cuteness!!

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aprilefisher says "I've died and gone to Coffee Heaven." about Think Coffee - New York, NY

aprilefisher — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 15:29:53 GMT

About Think

I'm walking through Washington Square Park, passing the lovely dog park with Giant Poodles and more pure-breeds then I've ever seen in my life, strolling underneath the cherry blossom trees and listening to the Jazz bands that decorate each end when suddenly, it happens. I need coffee. Let's consider my options. Should I go to Starbucks on University Place? Nah, the line there is always out the door. Should I go to Starbucks on Broadway? Starbucks on Waverly? The other Starbucks on Waverly? SO MANY OPTIONS! But I don't even consider these seriously. There is only one coffee shop for me. My sweet, sweet, Think Coffee.

"Is this Coffee Heaven?"

Buys fair trade products
Donates 25% of profits to local charities
Supports Local producers
Organic and Shade-grown Coffee
Offers cheap classes on Crema, milk 101, and espresso machine care
Hosts up-and-coming music groups
Local art on the walls
You can rent their Manhattan basement space! For cheap!
Their coffee tastes...

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aprilefisher says "DO I love thee? Let me count the ways!" about Viewpoints

aprilefisher — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 14:13:39 GMT

Seeing as this is the review which almost makes me "Writer 1" (Yippee! Only one more after this!) I thought I would take the opportunity to review my experience with this great site!

About the site

Viewpoints is different then most review-sharing sites in that it is actually a welcoming community of people! I have made many friends here in my short time, learned a lot of great stuff, and just have had a total blast!

Beyond this, it is aesthetically a very beautiful site. The site was well-plannedto not be overwhelming; it is well organized and easy to use! All websites should strive to this level of excellency with planning and organization.

Y'all have the site right in front of you, of course, so I just thought I would take the time to make a short list of the things you should check out, in case you haven't yet!

Be sure to take advantage of:

The helpful information on the "Community" tab!
The Community Leaders! The VIPs of VP (although, they would probably say we're all VIPs...)! ...

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aprilefisher says "Get your dose of Sci Fi" about Escape Pod Podcast

aprilefisher — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 19:11:47 GMT

About the Podcast

Escape Pod offers Sci Fi (and non-si fi) fans an excellent selection of audio sci fi stories, ranging from about 1/2 hour to hour and a half. I must say, I am impressed with everything about this podcast. Not only are the authors of the stories actually paid (it's so hard to find paying short story magazines/podcasts/etc.!), but the stories themselves are diverse, well chosen, well read, and excellent!

The best argument for the Podcast are the recommended samples I have listed below. If you haven't read Isaac Asimov's "Nightfall" and have an hour or so to spend listening to it, it is by far one of the greatest stories I have read (err...listened to, rather!). The first I list, "How Lonesome a Life..." was one of the first I listened to from the Podcast and continues to be one of my favorites.

Recommended samples

"How Lonesome a Life without Nerve Gas" by James Trimarco: http://escapepod.org/2007/01/25/ep090-how-lonesome-a-life/...

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aprilefisher says "Another Denise Austin Pilates hit!" about Denise Austin Pilates for Everybody

aprilefisher — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 22:10:15 GMT

About the DVD

So you probably know by now...I can't get enough of Pilates! In particular I am impressed by Denise Austin's pilates (although not so impressed by her dance video). All of her Pilates tapes contain central, essential pilates moves like teaser, t-stand, and rolling like a ball, but they also include unique exercisesthat I haven't seen from Pilates instructors before, and particularly commendable are the standing alterations of traditional pilates mat moves. This DVD also features several ballet-stretch moves which are very enjoyable for work-out junkies like me and very bearable/effective too.

I love this dvd!

It includes:

7 minute warm up/stretch (a great, unique stretch. I just don't like the lunges...my feet slip! Interestingly, the Chakra dance DVD I reviewed seems to have "stolen"? some of Denise's moves here, and just made them more free-flowing.
18 minutes: floor work on arms and abs
7 minutes: ballet
7 minutes: arms with some leg work
6 minute: stretch

Total time:...

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aprilefisher says "A Techno-Punk Rock Explosion!" about Discovery by Daft Punk

aprilefisher — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 18:15:40 GMT

About the Album

Daft Punk's album Discovery has some great contents. The hit song "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger" is the perfect mix of techno, rock, and punk. Groovy tempos meet impressive guitar riffs meet techno-sounds. "Aerodynamic" is another example of a successful song in which rock meets tech meets funk (if you don't like repetition, just hang on until it gets to the awesome guitar riff in the middle!!)

Their other songs are sometimes so unique that I find myself laughing. The successful "Crescendolls," for example, sounds like some funky joyful church revival (and so I'm laughing in a good way) but "Voyager" can only be described as what smooth-talking men hear in the back of their heads when they think they are succeeding with a woman (to be fair, it does have one or two pleasant moments within it).

The repetitive nature of the songs do get a bit irksome at times, and I think that Daft Punk gets a little too excited when they find a great sound-bit because they feel...

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aprilefisher says "A Nutritional Glimpse inside your Diet" about The Daily Plate

aprilefisher — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 17:27:25 GMT

I have been a gold member of The Daily Plate for about 6 or 7 months. I don't use it every day, but rather use it to gauge how healthy my every-day diet is. TDP has a huge store of the nutritional content of store-bought and natural foods--everything from a granny smith apple to your favorite brand of popcorn!

As a gold member, I can see a nutritional "label" of everything I have eaten in a day, which I believe is good to do every now and then so that I can monitor my general intake of sodium, calories, fat, protein, vitamins, etc. The weight tracker is also fun, if you are trying to lose weight, as you can pick a cute cartoon-like image of, for example, a woman running to a goal. There is also a blog feature and a great community with the option to add people as friends.

I don't necessarily recommend joining as a paid (gold) member right away--but if you have a fitness goal and would like to have a community to support you and the use of a really great tool, The Daily Plate is...

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aprilefisher says "Silence. Cost: Free. Value: Priceless" about Theodore Roosevelt National Park

aprilefisher — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 16:33:38 GMT

Jacksonville, Florida's Theodore Rooselvelt Area is a little hidden gem. Associated with Fort Caroline National Memorial, which has an intriguing tour of Timucuan Shell Mounds which you can visit via a seperate entrance, the Roosevelt area is 600 acres of forest which were privately owned by hermit Willie Brown until his death, when he assured that his forest-home would remain untouched.

It now serves as a great (and light) hiking opportunity for nature-lovers. It is not uncommon to pass two or three people on the trails, but if you are quite lucky (or go early enough) you should keep right to come across my favorite spot--the platform overseeing a salt marsh. Herons are a common site here, as are other birds popping in and out of the grassy water. As you near the salt marsh you will see discarded shells from the Timucuan Indians. Here, the noise of the city areas of Jacksonville and of everyday life are long forgotten.

The Alligator Pond is also a small, lovely and magical...

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aprilefisher says "Incredible voice, great songs!" about Eye To The Telescope by KT Tunstall

aprilefisher — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 15:46:14 GMT

About the CD

When I first purchased Eye to the Telescope I had my iPod set to repeat on "Heal Over"--an incredibly bittersweet song about recovering from pain and loneliness in life.

Once I was able to get past this song, I was pleased to discover that KT Tunstall's entire CD was actually great--"Miniature Disasters," "Silent Sea," and "Universe and U" are particular favorites of mine. Beyond exceptional lyrics, the first is catchy rock-like, the second is best described by its title, and the third is a sort-of physical launch into the metaphysical qualities of true love.

Quote from the CD

It's hard to pick just one--KT is truly a singer/songwriter! Let's go with:

"With your child's eyes
You are more than you seem
You see into space
I see in your face
The places you've been
The things you have learned
They sit with you so beautifully"

--Universe and U

Quote about Tunstall

"She's a one-woman band, literally." --NPR, Weekend Edition

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aprilefisher says "Elephants--right outside your bedroom window!" about Mole National Park

aprilefisher — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 15:24:50 GMT

Mole National Park is astounding. A tiny village supports the park efforts, and the animals respect no boundaries here! While visiting the village, we also saw baboons, monkeys, and elephants, walking around with the villagers! The 33-bed lodge is just a 5 minute walk and overlooks a frequently used elephant-bath. The lodge has very nice facilities for a National park. The rooms were big and airy, the bathroom worked, and the meals at night at the tiny outdoor restaurant location were oh-so-tasty! (What more could you ask for?)

Guided tours (which we took) are available. In fact, it is not permitted to go down into the park without an armed guide, because the animals are wild, after all! This location is peaceful and pristine and a great destination for anyone who wants a little bit of adventure!

Mole is located in the Northern region of Ghana, which is off the beaten path, but worth exploring. The climate is drier in the North, and less people speak English, but its beauty...

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aprilefisher says "Moisturized skin--at last!" about Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream

aprilefisher — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 22:11:04 GMT

My mother has intensely dry skin; my father has intensely dry skin. What does this mean for me? Yup, you guessed it: cursed with dry, dry, dry skin!

About his product

Cetaphil's moisturizing cream is a no-bells and no-whistles moisturizer. But, unlike many lotions and creams, it actually works! It is thick and luxurious, and scent-free. I apply it once a day in warmer climate, and twice a day in the winter-time. This may sound like a lot to some (twice a day) but those of you who, like me, have the luck of dry-skin in the genes, know that to apply twice a day and not have to worry the rest of the time is truly a blessing!

Tip

If you have seriously dry skin, do yourself a favor and buy this product. Do yourself another favor and throw away any lotions you have, and stop buying lotions just because they are scented--instead, buy yourself some cetaphil cream and spend a little extra to get a nice perfume. Lotions and creams (usually lotions) which are scented will only have...

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aprilefisher says "A Necessary Evil" about Orbitz

aprilefisher — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 14:34:05 GMT

I would recommend Orbitz travel services, but with precautions:

Orbitz travel service (you can replace "Orbitz" with "Travelocity" or "Cheap Tickets"--they are all the same!) was once a great place to find a bargain. Sometimes it is still effective, but buyer-beware: their tickets are not always cheaper! You will still need to search the air-carrier websites themselves if you want to make sure you are getting the best deal. However, using orbitz first will give you a good idea of which air-carriers provide service from the airports you have chosen to fly out of and in to.

Another down side: it is impossible to fix a purchase-mistake, cancel a ticket, etc. with Orbitz because they not only have strict purchasing policies, but they are not the air-carrier and so do not have access to as many ways to compensate you for difficulties which may arise. They are definitely not customer-service oriented.

Orbitz also cannot give group discount rates the way a travel agent can.

One perk: Orbitz...

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