Reviews by Friends of busycharles

john12 says "Computer memory is an Essential part of the computer" about Hp Laptop computer

john12 — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 04:16:02 GMT

Computer memory is an essential part of the computer because it allows it to store vital information that you will need. Whether the information is in the form of pictures, data or sounds, a computer with a lot of memory's can store it for you. There are basic types of computer memory and you will need to know a little bit about each to ensure your computer is running effectively.

Random access memory or RAM is the same-thing as your computer memory. RAM is the main memory center, so essential, it is the most important. Your RAM is used almost every second you're on your computer each day. The reason RAM is so crucial is that it is used to store your files and programs and it effects many other computer aspects as well.

DDR computer memory can be brought to increase the amount of memory you have, but first you will want to learn a little more about your computer. Understanding how it works will help you work better with your computer.

The more RAM computer memory your computer has, the...

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TheBard says "Love The Rise, the Price,and the Taste" about Krusteaz Honey Cornbread & Muffin Mix

TheBard — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 01:48:11 GMT

Nothing goes better with BBQ ribs and baked beans than freshly baked cornbread coated in rich, creamy butter. I sometimes make my own from scratch, sometimes whip up some Jiffy, but I recently discovered the 15oz. box of Krusteaz Honey Cornbread & Muffin Mix made with real honey.

My Viewpoint

The flavor of Krusteaz Honey Cornbread is not surprisingly, tasty. The honey flavor (honey powder is listed as an ingredient) is mild and not overpowering. The cornbread's texture is moist, not dry like cheaper brands, and almost cake-like. Of course I added my own ingredients to the mix: a teaspoon of nutmeg, and a hint of allspice.

Krusteaz Honey Cornbread is a simple cornbread mix making it easy to prepare. To make the basic recipe, add to the mix is 2/3 cups of milk, 1/3 cup of vegetable oil, and 1 Lg. egg. On the side and back of the box are two more recipes to spice up the cornbread and turn the mix into a full meal; Bacon & Cheddar Mini Corn Loaves anyone?

I highly recommend...

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dmlichnerowicz says "Keeps track for you while you're waiting for your BFP!" about Countdown to Pregnancy

dmlichnerowicz — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:24:03 GMT

My husband and I are trying to start a family, and I have been using Countdown to Pregnancy for about the last year. A free website, Countdown to Pregnancy offers a variety of resources that can be accessed by anyone who visits the site. By setting up a free membership, you can get your own personal profile page and track each cycle and symptoms. More on the tracking in a moment...some of the main items on the site include:

Pregnancy test statistics
Most common symptoms
Success stories
General information about fertility aids and pregnancy symptoms
Ovulation and Due Date calculators

The section I have utilized the most is the Symptom Tracker. For each cycle, you track any symptoms you experience on a daily basis that are out of the norm. The site gives a list of over 65 symptoms that are commonly experienced during pregnancy...some you might not even think of! Who would have thought a stuffy nose was common during early pregnancy? The great thing about tracking is that even...

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dmlichnerowicz says "Deep, rich, and luxurious scent for the holidays" about Bath and Body Works Midnight Pomegranate Triple Moisture Body Cream

dmlichnerowicz — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:26:11 GMT

At the top of my Bath and Body Works favorites list is Bath and Body Works Midnight Pomegranate Triple Moisturing Body Cream. This highly scented, rich and creamy body cream provides long-lasting moisture, especially for dry winter skin. The key fragrance notes include red pomegranate, anise, patchouli, blackberry, and cassis...spice, berries, and earthy tones blend into a luxurious and sensual fragrance that is perfect for the winter season!

I love the body cream...it's much thicker than body lotion and comes out of the tube as thick as toothpaste. I have severely dry skin in the winter, so this lotion keeps me from itching and flaking from the time I put it on after my morning shower until the next time I bathe. The price is extremely reasonable. One tube typically lasts me through most of the season, although I do alternate with other lotions if I'll be wearing perfume during the day.

The only drawback to this product is that once you get down to the last of the cream, it's...

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dmlichnerowicz says "Delish...and I don't normally like vanilla!" about Bath and Body Works Warm Vanilla Sugar Body Lotion

dmlichnerowicz — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:58:39 GMT

I normally don't like the scent of vanilla unless it's in food. Unfortunately, my staff members didn't know this and purchased a Bath and Body Works gift set for me...Warm Vanilla Sugar. My first thought was that it was going to nauseate me and I'd have to fake a smile while thanking them then return it later. Boy, was I wrong!

Bath and Body Works Warm Vanilla Sugar Body Lotion is a creamy, smooth, cozy-smelling lotion that soaks right into my skin. While it smells like vanilla, it's a very deep aroma, not the shallow sweet vanilla that is in many other products. I feel just like I've stepped into a cashmere sweater in my grandma's kitchen when I use this lotion!

Like their other lotions, this one is relatively inexpensive...usually around $10.50. There is a whole line of the same scent, from bath gel to conditioner to antibacterial hand gel. While I only have the lotion, so I'm not layering the products, every time I use it, I get compliments and questions about what I have...

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dmlichnerowicz says "Brilliant tool to cut down on all the junk in my kitchen drawers" about Pampered Chef Adjustable Measuring Spoons

dmlichnerowicz — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:35:10 GMT

I hate measuring spoon sets. If they are detachable from their ring, I can never find them and they go MIA in my drawer. If they're on a permanent ring, using just one gets them all dirty! Someone with a brilliant mind at Pampered Chef created a nifty little gadget that removes both those irritations from my life!

The Pampered Chef Adjustable Measuring Spoons come as a set of two: the smallest spoon measures from 1/8 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon, and the larger spoon measures from 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon. Each spoon has an adjustable slider with a comfortable thumb grip that move up and down on the spoon to give you just the right amount for each ingredient. The spoon is shaped to fit right into spice jars, so there's no more ridiculous shaking of spices into spoons that are too small! The sliders can be removed for easy cleaning and pop off and on with ease. The spoons and sliders are dishwasher safe. You can purchase these spoons for $8.00 for the set, and it comes with a...

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dmlichnerowicz says "The only Pampered Chef product my husband wanted!" about Pampered Chef BBQ Grill Basket

dmlichnerowicz — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:14:34 GMT

Before my Pampered Chef party, I asked my husband if he wanted any products. He took a cursory look through the catalog, and the only item he identified was the Pampered Chef BBQ Grill Basket...of course. While I didn't think we would get much use out of it, I agreed and added it to the order.

When my order arrived, I was really pleased with this 11" x 8 1/2" x 2" stainless steel mesh basket. It is light-weight but sturdy and doesn't flex at all. Having paid over $25, I was pleased, since I was afraid it would be very chintzy and not hold up well. We immediately used it, and made several different dishes, from potato wedges to veggies to shrimp, all made on the grill without the fuss of tin foil or skewers! Because of the size and low weight of the metal it's made from, the Pampered Chef BBQ Grill Basket easily fits on the warmer rack on the grill without my being worried that it will fall. We've eaten a lot healthier foods by using the grill basket, and I have to admit,...

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dmlichnerowicz says "Makes my snacks easier" about Pampered Chef The Corer

dmlichnerowicz — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:57:59 GMT

Since I try to be healthy, one of my favorite snacks is sliced apples with peanut butter. I added the Pampered Chef The Corer to my party order about a year ago and have eaten more apples in the last year than in my entire life before that!

The Pampered Chef website gives the following description of the product: "Instantly remove cores and seeds from apples or cucumbers. A stainless cutting edge easily pierces apple peels. The ejector cleanly removes cores. Includes safety lock. Dishwasher-safe." The Corer sells for $10.50 and has a 2-year guarantee.

What I like about it: It took me a few tries to really get the hang of the easiest way to use The Corer, but after trial and error, it's a really simple tool to use. The design is great! The ejector works well and once it's been cleaned, a simple twist at the bottom locks the ejector into place to cover the sharp end.

What I don't like about it: The only problem I have run into is that if you don't have The Corer perfectly...

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dmlichnerowicz says "So many advantages...where to begin?" about Pampered Chef Large Grooved Cutting Board

dmlichnerowicz — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:21:47 GMT

I try to keep my life fairly simple, and there are SOOO many kitchen products out there that my kitchen has become a hodge-podge of gadgets! One product that has eliminated a few of my extras has been the Pampered Chef Large Grooved Cutting Board. Since getting this one versatile staple. I have been able to get rid of several old small cutting boards and have avoided messes and extra clean-up time.

The Pampered Chef Large Grooved Cutting Board measures 18"x12" and is made of white nylon that is dishwasher safe. Around the upper and lower edges, there is a grey rubber material that prevents the cutting board from sliding on countertops. On the flat side, it has measurements in metric and standard so you can gauge the size when rolling out pastries and doughs that need to be specific sizes. On the flip side of the board, there is a deep groove all the way around the board that holds up to 3/4 cup of liquid, so you don't end up with a mess when cutting things like watermelon or...

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TheBard says "These Are Seriously Delicious" about Pillsbury Grands Flaky Supreme Cinnamon Rolls

TheBard — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:58:54 GMT

It's the weekend and in the Bard's household that usually means some sort of decadent high calorie, high fat desert pastry for Saturday morning breakfast! Sometimes I pick up something fresh from the local supermarket, or sometimes I pop something into the oven. Today, that something was a fresh batch of Pillsbury Grand's Flaky Supreme Cinnamon Rolls, made with "Cinnabon" cinnamon and cream cheese icing.

My Viewpoint

I am pleased with my choice for this weekend's breakfast pasty; these cinnamon buns are seriously flaky and delicious! I prepared the cinnamon buns per package instructions; sixteen minutes in the oven at 350 degrees and they were ready to emerge; browned, hot, moist, and yummy.

The package contains a small container of cream cheese icing, which is just enough to cover the (5) cinnamon buns.

I highly recommend Pillsbury Grands Flaky Supreme Cinnamon Rolls; for about $3.79 a can (in the dairy section) they are a bargain compared to the $3.99 I would have...

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dmlichnerowicz says ""Natural" and "hydrating?" A little misleading, Melaleuca! " about Nicole Miller Replenish Hydrating Fruit Masque

dmlichnerowicz — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:09:23 GMT

Because winter is fast approaching, I purchased Nicole Miller Replenish Hydrating Masque to treat my dry and sensitive skin to a weekly infusion of moisture. Nicole Miller, a well-known designer, has paired up with Melaleuca, a pharmaceutical company that produces and sells natural and non-detrimental products, from cleaning solutions to beauty products to vitamins. According to their website, Nicole Miller products "are designed to work with your natural features, using the latest formulas and natural ingredients, to reveal, instead of conceal, who you really are."

The Nicole Miller Replenish Hydrating Masque is a light pink lotion-like masque that is dispensed from a white plastic tube. It smells and looks like strawberry yogurt! Delicious! It contains blueberry, strawberry, and cranberry, and you can actually even see little particles of seeds in the masque itself. Direction say to apply the masque generously to your skin, wait 5-10 minutes, then rinse with water. The...

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MikeMaroon says "Finding Hope in The Worst Kind of Personal Tragedy." about Steven Curtis Chapman - Beauty Will Rise

MikeMaroon — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:21:39 GMT

May 21, 2008 was to be a special day at the Chapman home in Franklin, TN. Steven Curtis and Mary Beth were about to celebrate both their daughter's engagement and the high school graduation of their eldest son. Then, something horrible happened. As one of their sons pulled into the driveway he didn't see his little 5-year old sister Maria. His vehicle struck and killed her, leaving Christian music's most successful singer/songwriter to cope with unspeakable pain, the loss of one child and to father another through heart-numbing guilt. I myself have a 5-year-old little girl and the thought of such a thing is something I cannot bear.

Beauty Will Rise is Mr Chapman's love letter to his lost little girl and a raw look at him working through his pain. With sparse arraignments and acoustic guitar, he publicly wrestles with pain only a father who has lost a child can experience.

He said that, after he lost Maria, he honestly...

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MRSverret says "One of the best pizzas that has came out of my oven!" about California Pizza Kitchen Four Cheese Pizza - For One

MRSverret — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:17:08 GMT

I always buy quick and easy frozen meals to eat for those times when time is not something on my side. I am usually picky about the brands that I buy. For a while I have noticed California Pizza Kitchen pizzas but never bought one. Then I saw the California Kitchen Pizza Four Cheese pizza for one. I am a cheese lover so this was right up my alley.

The Four Cheese pizza is loaded with cheese, cheese and more cheese! A blend of Mozzarella cheeses, Fontina cheese, Smoked Gouda cheese and tomato sauce top a thicker crust pizza. The pizza is around 7 or 8 inches in diameter which is a good portion for me.

To cook the pizza just pop it into the microwave for 2-4 minutes or cook it in the oven for 16-19 minutes. I always use the oven instead of the microwave. Personally I like my pizza with a thick soft dough. So instead of following the directions that tell you to stick the pizza directly on the oven rack, I used aluminum foil. I just placed the pizza on the foil then folded it up to cover the...

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MRSverret says "Don NOT buy this sippy cup!" about Sesame Street Insulated Sippy Cups Baby Bottle

MRSverret — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:45:51 GMT

While I was at Walgreen's yesterday I decided to pick up a couple sippy cups for my youngest son. They didn't have many cups available, including the Playtex ones I use the most.

I picked up a 2-pack of Sesame Street insulated sippy cups for $7, which is a great price. There were a couple designs to choose from. The ones I picked up were blue and red with a picture of baby Cookie Monster and baby Elmo. They are cute cups. Each cup holds around 9 oz of beverage. The cups have a double-wall to keep drinks colder, longer. And yes, these cups are BPA free.

After I washed the cups out I decided to test them out. My son can be picky when it comes to his cups but initially he seemed to like this one. That is until he started crying, I didn't know what was wrong. I checked him and the cup out and everything seemed to be fine. Well, I gave it back to him, same thing. I finally decided to try the cup for myself. To my surprise nothing was even coming out. I checked the valve and wiggled it around...

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MikeMaroon says "Play On, Carrie, Play On." about Play On [11/3] * by Carrie Underwood

MikeMaroon — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:26:01 GMT

It is my belief Carrie Underwood is the best singer to graduate from American Idol. She has an almost perfect voice and the range of Celine Dion. Loves ya Kelly. Respects ya Adam. But Carrie, she da man, er, woman. She really showcases those gorgeous pipes of hers on Play On, her third and definitely most pop-leaning album yet. Shania, watch your back.

And Ms Underwood went to the studio determined to hit a massive homerun this time. She very nearly succeeds. Bringing in the the ringers, like producers Mike Elizondo and Max Martin along with writers Brett James, Tom Shapiro, and Paul Overstreet, Carrie presents us with an eclectic group of songs that sometimes feels like pandering but mostly feels like a nice variety.

Kicking things off with her already huge radio hit, Cowboy Casanova, Elizondo imparts a juiced-up dance hall flavor that sounds like an attempt to bring back line-dancing. With Underwood's booming vocals, this "warning" song is sure to have urban cowboys...

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dmlichnerowicz says "Gentle detoxifying masque for my sensitive skin" about Nicole Miller Refine Purifying Mud Masque

dmlichnerowicz — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:03:26 GMT

Melaleuca, a pharmaceutical company that markets natural and non-toxic products, partnered with designer Nicole Miller to create a line of cosmetics and face care products. The Nicole Miller Refine Purifying Mud Masque is a pore-cleansing masque made with all non-caustic, non-toxic, and many natural ingredients to remove impurities, eliminate excess oil, and treat skin kindly with vitamins and minerals. Each 2.6 tube comes in a white cardboard box. The tube has a twist-off cap and is sealed to keep the product from being contaminated before it reaches you. Melaleuca preferred customers can get this masque for $14.50, and non-preferred customers will pay $24.50 (plus S&H). Because Melaleuca only markets their product online, the Nicole Miller line must be purchased through a Melauca membership.

What I like about it: The masque is not terribly thick, so it is very easy to spread gently on skin without pulling. It has a light herbal smell and is a pretty pale green color. ...

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MRSverret says "I know exactly what I'm getting in this cereal " about Bear Naked 100% Pure and Natural Cereal - Banana Nut

MRSverret — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:57:51 GMT

I was at a website for free samples recently and noticed that Bear Naked was offering free samples of a few products. I really like banana nut bread so decided to go with the Bear Naked 100% Pure and Natural Cereal - Banana Nut. There is also a Cranberry Raisin cereal too.

In 2002 Kelly Flatley began making the first Bear Naked products. Not long after, her high school friend, Brendan Synnott, joined in the business too. Bear Naked produces high quality natural food. What started as a business in Kelly's parents' home in Connecticut is now a booming company providing Bear Naked products to people across the country.

The day after I received my free sample, I ate it for breakfast. The banana nut cereal is made with whole grain flakes, banana chips, rolled oats, oat clusters, dried apples and walnuts. The website says the ingredients are, " all-natural, bearly processed and utterly naked ingredients...that you can pronounce!" And it's true, I can pronounce everything and I know exactly...

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dmlichnerowicz says "Tuscany takes me back to my happiest moments" about Estee Lauder Tuscany Per Donna

dmlichnerowicz — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 01:57:06 GMT

My signature perfume for the cooler months has been Estee Lauder's Tuscany Per Donna for at least ten years. This eau de parfum, available in 1.7 or 3.4 oz glass bottles, is described as "sensuous and luminous as the Italian countryside." Mediterranean herbs, lush blooming flowers, sandalwood and sweet vanilla combine for a sensual and soft combination. The small bottle retails for $49.50 and the larger version is available for $65.00.

What I like about it: This perfume blends perfectly with my skin and smells amazing during the autumn and winter seasons when I want to be reminded of warm weather, countrysides, and romantic trips to Italy! It lasts all day long, and I can even smell it on my clothes when I'm putting them into the washing machine. While it lasts a long time, it's not overpowering and doesn't smell too strong, even when someone is close to you. My husband loves this fragrance - and he is extremely particular. He dislikes floral fragrances, so this perfume with...

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dmlichnerowicz says "One of the yummiest snacks on the market!!!" about Laughing Cow Original Swiss Flavor Spreadable Cheese Wedges

dmlichnerowicz — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:23:42 GMT

I love to munch all day long...snacking makes me happy, but it's not so great when I step on the scale. After finding Laughing Cow Original Swiss Flavor Spreadable Cheese, my incessant snacking is now a lot easier on my hips!

Laughing Cow Original Swiss Flavor Spreadable Cheese comes in a round cardboard carton that contains eight individually wrapped wedges of spreadable cheese. Think of little triangles of cream cheese...that's the consistency of this snack. Each wedge contains 50 calories and 4 grams of fat. (A light version is also available, with only 35 calories and 2 grams of fat.) An individual serving (1 wedge) is usually enough for me to top about 6 Club crackers.

What I like about it: Since it's individually packaged, there's no risk of the cheese drying out, getting mouldy, or getting too moist. Each foil wrapper has a little tab, so you can easily pull the top portion off to get at the cheese with no mess. It has a great consistency and is very spreadable. ...

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Matt says "The Posse Foundation identifies and builds tomorrow's leaders " about The Posse Foundation

Matt — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:43:38 GMT

The Posse Foundation identifies public high school students with extraordinary academic and leadership potential who may be overlooked by traditional college selection processes. Posse's partner colleges and universities award Posse Scholars four-year, full-tuition leadership scholarships. These Scholars graduate at a rate of 90 percent and make a visible difference on campus and throughout their professional careers.

About a year ago I got involved with a not for profit organization called The Posse Foundation that is headquartered in New York but also has a Chicago Chapter. The Posse Foundation was inspired by the simple insight that scholarship students from inner city schools often have a hard time college because they do not have the same support system that other kids do. Posse seeks to address this issue through a unique process that identifies through nomination 2,000+ kids throughout a city (in this case Chicago) and then puts them through a variety of very interesting and...

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