http://www.viewpoints.com/aboutme/ejbst25 Sun, 08 Jun 2008 12:36:42 GMT Reviews by ejbst25 http://www.viewpoints.com/Cafe-Tiramisu-Raleigh-NC-review-af7b2 My wife and I recently asked a friend and fellow parent for their top 3 restaurant picks in the area and they came up with two that we had already been to and one we hadn't heard of. Cafe Tiramisu was the one we had not heard of. The worst thing about Cafe Tiramisu is that my wife and I have lived near it for 6 years and didn't know about it. This small restaurant in one of the many shopping plazas in North Raleigh was wonderful. Through the entrance you would not know you were in a shopping plaza in North Raleigh but could have instead transcended through any restaurant in places like Manhattan Beach, CA. The atmosphere was perfect for a romantic dinner, with a small amount of seating spread out far enough that you weren't in your neighbor's face. It was surprising how quiet and comfortable we were considering how small the area was. — The food at Cafe Tiramisu was divine. We started with the Stacker, a mix of Fried Eggplant, Tomato, and Mozzarella. It was a wonderful... Sun, 08 Jun 2008 12:36:42 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Cafe-Tiramisu-Raleigh-NC-review-af7b2 ejbst25 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Express-Jet-review-f1dc1 After reading a recent review on American Airlines, I asked myself is there any airline which would rate 5 stars from my experience. Some trips I have had on Swiss Air would be close, but the flight was pretty expensive. The only airline that I was particularly impressed with the cost, service, amenities, and flight every time has been Express Jet. — I am an frequent occasional business traveler but not with such frequency that I have lots of status. Every so often I get status on American Airlines or Delta which means I flew 25k miles on their airline in a year. I have been on many of the US and foreign airlines and none have quite impressed me as much as Express Jet. — Now, I have to admit that while I have never had a problem with Express Jet I have also not flown the frequently enough to know if they have problems. But, its the only airline service which never has disappointed me for the price I pay. — Where to start? First, they are a discount... Sat, 31 May 2008 13:09:53 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Express-Jet-review-f1dc1 ejbst25 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Primo-Grills-Smokers-Cowboy-Charcoal-PR608-review-a2e25 When it comes to charcoal grilling, there is something odd about those little briquets. The odd thing is that you don't see those in normal life. It was my fear of the man-made and the desire for more flavor that led me to trying these hardwood charcoals. Some spark a lot, others burn up quickly, but this brand does none of that. — This is about the only charcoal I use anymore. I use it for chicken, burgers, hot dogs, steaks, pork, fish, pretty much everything. The flavor is unbelievable, the smell is like a campfire, and the value is also tremendous. Other friend who are charcoal grillers often comment on how long this hardwood charcoal lasts as their briquets don't last that long. This stuff is the best and other than it being slightly more expensive than the briquets and doesn't come in "easy to use" chemical coatings to start the fire more easily, I can't imagine why anyone would use the briquets. —... Wed, 28 May 2008 20:21:24 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Primo-Grills-Smokers-Cowboy-Charcoal-PR608-review-a2e25 ejbst25 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Weber-One-Touch-Silver-18-5-Charcoal-Grill-review-70a88 Its a simple design i used for years at home. When I moved out of my house, I decided I would get a gas grill thinking that the convenience mattered all the more in my "busy" life. But no matter which gas grill I used, the food never came out right. Times were tough to judge, hot spots tough to see, and the flavor was never there. I was frustrated and finally my father in law, an avid charcoal griller, suggested I go back to charcoal. I made the plunge back three years ago. — In the end, going back to charcoal was the best cooking decision I made. The Weber and its perfect heating design is exactly what I needed. I am thrilled with how my food gets cooked, the flavor and the fun grilling is again. Still, there are some downside hence the four stars... — This model is smaller than the other Weber so it uses less charcoal but is still suitable for a 5-6 person family. Any more than that and you have to cook things like burgers in batches. Also, putting veggies... Wed, 28 May 2008 20:14:32 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Weber-One-Touch-Silver-18-5-Charcoal-Grill-review-70a88 ejbst25 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Indiana-Jones-and-the-Kingdom-of-the-Crystal-Skull-review-265c4 First, I will do my best to keep this review spoiler free. — I grew up an Indiana Jones fan and again watched the first three before I saw this movie. As a kid Indiana Jones encouraged fearlessness in suburbia and led to me attempting stupid things from diving under a garage door closing at the last second to jumping off a second story roof. These things led to some broken bones but overall I always felt that what was done in the first three movies was barely realistic. Each stunt could be done but required a correct alignment of the stars. — I really enjoyed this movie and in the spirit of the old movies, there was some unknown power at work behind the quest. My primary issue with this movie began about 75 minutes into it as things went from barely realistic to entirely unrealistic. Indiana and three others survive multiple water falls, something that I would categorize as wholly unrealistic, right after another unrealistic jungle action scene. This left my... Fri, 23 May 2008 12:30:14 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Indiana-Jones-and-the-Kingdom-of-the-Crystal-Skull-review-265c4 ejbst25 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Cars-and-Trucks-and-Things-That-Go--152327-review-7b6a2 When I was a child, my favorite book was Richard Scarry's Cars and Trucks and Things That Go. It is a book that combines many great things. The book shows great imagination with cars like Pickle Cars and a Bananamobile. It also adds a dimension of fun that you would see in something like an "I Spy" book as each scene in the story contains Goldbug, a character hiding on each page that sometimes you can only see his eyes. — My 18 month old daughter has loved the "I Spy" type books for some time, looking at pictures on one page and finding them on the next. One day last week I needed to occupy her for some extra time and so I pulled out this Richard Scarry book I had as a child. In a week it has become her favorite book. She now finds Goldbug and yells "baba!" everytime she sees gold bug. — This book can be used multiple ways, to use as an "I Spy" or "Where's Waldo" like book or to read. This is a book that my entire family has in their library for their children... Sun, 18 May 2008 23:54:48 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Cars-and-Trucks-and-Things-That-Go--152327-review-7b6a2 ejbst25 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Popes-farm-Knightdale-NC-review-05fc5 We had a great time strawberry picking this weekend.  In North Carolina, there are several places that you can go strawberry picking.  In the Raleigh-Durham area, you can find many places to go.  Here is a list if you are looking: — http://www.newsobserver.com/105/story/432708.html — — In the end, Pope's farm was a good experience but did not exactly meet my expectations.  You drive up, park, walk into the farmer's garage, grab a bucket and go pick strawberries.  When you are done, they weigh the strawberries and you pay for how many you picked.  I guess since this was my first time trying this, I was hoping for more direction.  However, we had people with us who knew this process at this farm. — — This seemed like a good value for the entertainment.  We spent about 30 minutes picking strawberries and filled a bucket (standard mop bucket) which cost less than $14.  We are now busy eating strawberries which... Mon, 12 May 2008 02:43:37 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Popes-farm-Knightdale-NC-review-05fc5 ejbst25 3 http://www.viewpoints.com/Aquarium-Bath-Tub-review-1a162 We love this tub! When our first daughter was really little, she laid in a hammock above the tub so that she was not submerged in the water.  We could rinse her by pouring water over her.  If she went ot the bathroom, the tub caught the pee and we could take the hammock out and wash it.  As she grew up, the hammock was lowered into the water she can sit in the water comfortably with a pillow supporting her head.  It transitioned one more time before we moved her into the big tub when she was about 6-7 months old.  She grew out of this right into the bath tub. — — This bath tub is slightly more expensive than others.  But, when we were first time parents we loved this since bath time was hard for us.  Putting our child in the hammock and not worrying about trying to hold her up so much while we cleaned her was great.  — — With our second daughter, we put her in this tub when bathing her at less than two weeks old. ... Mon, 12 May 2008 02:23:55 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Aquarium-Bath-Tub-review-1a162 ejbst25 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/First-Years-Booster-Seat--129214-review-39d13 I bought this First Years booster in 2002 for use with my niece before I was married and I am pretty sure that the one being reviewed here is the descendant of the one I have.  I originally bought this for use in our house when my sister visited and brought my niece.  It was a good deal price-wise but also we thought we would be able to use it for her different stages long while based off reviews at the time since it could be used with young ones with a tray and older ones as a booster.  Little did we know, we would still be using it with our own daughter 5 years later, making it even a better value. — — We have three high chairs, a big Peg Perego Prima Pappa, a Fisher Price portable booster, and this First Years booster seat.  This First Years booster is the only one that is comfortable for our child AND allows them to sit up at the table.  The Prima Pappa is more comfortable but doesn't easily pull up to tables.  The Fisher Price one has a... Sat, 10 May 2008 12:19:36 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/First-Years-Booster-Seat--129214-review-39d13 ejbst25 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Fisher-Price-Healthy-Care-Booster-Seat-review-e4e32 We love this car seat and keep it in our car all the time.  Its small and easy to move around and we have found we needed it several times.  Yesterday, in fact, we found ourselves going out to lunch with one group of friends and dinner with another group of friends.  At both lunch and dinner, the restaurants we were at were out of high chairs.  This seat works great in lieu of a high chair as it will fasten to a seat, allow the child to reach the table, and you can buckle them in so you don't have to worry about them sliding off in a booster. — — One of the best features of this booster is the removable covered tray.  Sometimes we use the tray, other times we don't.  When we do use the tray, we know we can cover it and keep it clean while it may be a month before it is used again. — — I have heard friends complain that their 18 month old - 2 yr old is too big for it.  Anymore, our 18 month old can't use the tray but the... Sat, 10 May 2008 11:58:41 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Fisher-Price-Healthy-Care-Booster-Seat-review-e4e32 ejbst25 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/BOB-Trailer-Revolution-Duallie-Mesa-Orange-Twin-Seat-Jogger-Stroller-review-537e5 My wife is a walker, in fact it is her primary social daily social interaction as she typically walks every weekday. — — First, the BOB Revolution Duallie is so comfortable my little 18 month old girl constantly wants to ride in it. Thats very important to us since she has to spend over an hour in it daily. For walkers like my wife with two kids, the stroller also moves and turns so easily with its pivoting front wheel. — — The BOB is great and we would reccomend it to anyone. As you can see I have a significant list of Pros and we like it very much. However, we do feel like this cost a lot for what we got. On the BOB strollers, they come with nothing but the seat, handle, wheel, brakes, and a basket. Everything else like snack trays, cup holders, etc you have to buy. After buying all that stuff, you can add $100 easily to your already expensive stroller. — — The Car seat attachment specifically seems necessary as its the only way to get... Fri, 09 May 2008 12:05:27 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/BOB-Trailer-Revolution-Duallie-Mesa-Orange-Twin-Seat-Jogger-Stroller-review-537e5 ejbst25 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Peg-Perego-Primo-Viaggio-SIP-Car-Seat-review-99a54 I have never been so unimpressed with a car seat as I was with this car seat.  This is our fourth car seat as we now own 2 convertible car seats and 2 infant car seats for our 18 month old and newborn.  Having two car seats allows me to directly compare one car seat with another.  This car seat makes us love our Chicco KeyFit so much more.  In the pictures, the Peg Perego is red/black and the Chicco is brown/orange and is there for comparison sake. — — First impressions were that this car seat had nice fabric and looked comfortable.  Installing the car seat base was easy.  The base has a system with a ball that needs to end up in the green zone instead of the red zone when you have it tightened down.  I didn't have to adjust it up or down for my car, so I don't know how difficult turning that knob was. — — Our problems with this arose when we first put our daughter in it.  Our daughter was 7 lbs 12.5 ounces on Monday (6... Fri, 09 May 2008 11:41:17 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Peg-Perego-Primo-Viaggio-SIP-Car-Seat-review-99a54 ejbst25 3 http://www.viewpoints.com/Snuzzler-Complete-Head-and-Body-Support-for-Any-Seat-Microfleece-and-Poly-Cotton-Blend-review-dc802 With our newborn and a 18 month old, we bought a Maclaren Twin Techno which claims to support children as newborns. However, the headrest and support gear for a newborn was just too large for our little 7.5 lb girl. The snuzzler came highly reccomended from friends to give that added comfort and protection for your kid on the go, so we tried it out and it works great. — — First, its so soft that you will want one yourself for your seat. Many of our friends who have used it says it only works for the first 3-6 months of your newborns life. After that, they suggest you can use some pieces but not all of the Snuzzler. — — The Snuzzler is easy to install. However, many local experts such as the nurses at our hospital, the person at the hospital who installs/checks car seats, and the local firemen all say that installing such a device is not safe for the children since the car seat manufacturer does not account for it in their crash tests. The maker of... Wed, 07 May 2008 13:55:34 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Snuzzler-Complete-Head-and-Body-Support-for-Any-Seat-Microfleece-and-Poly-Cotton-Blend-review-dc802 ejbst25 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Safe-Lift-Tm-Crib-Wedge-Deluxe-review-843c1 While this crib wedge is sold in the same area many sleep positioners are sold in your traditional baby store like Babies R Us, this is different from the other positioners as it stays hidden under the crib sheet.  This crib wedge gently lifts your baby or toddler's head as they sleep to help their breathing whether they are congested or spitting up.  While many parents have their kids sleep in swings and car seats, this wedge can provide an inclined sleeping position in the crib allowing for the same advantages.  If you are trying to transition your kids into a crib from an inclined sleeping position, this is a great value.   We have a newborn and 18 month old and now have two as we use the incline with our newborn when she is congested.  When she is congested, she is able to breathe more easily with her head in an inclined position. — — For easier install, we have put this under the mattress to incline the mattress now that we are not... Wed, 07 May 2008 13:36:32 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Safe-Lift-Tm-Crib-Wedge-Deluxe-review-843c1 ejbst25 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Sweet-Loralee-Wake-Forest-NC-review-6b091 Sweet Loralee's has wonderful, delicious, tasty, yummy, all around great tasting cakes, pastries, and other things.  It is in the Factory Shops in Wake Forest.  To be honest, I know they have lunches but I have never had them.  But the places desserts make me drool just thinking about them.   The presentation of the cakes would allow them to be used in the most formal and fancy places.  — — They offer the following prices for their cakes (up to date prices available here:  http://sweetloralee.com/cakes/index.htm ) — 6" (serves 4+) - $22 — 8" (serves 8+) - $32 — 10" (serves 12+) - $42 — 1/4 Sheet (serves 20-25) - $65 — 1/2 Sheet (serves 40-50) - $125 — Full Sheet (serves 80-100) - $250 — — To my wife and I, we consider these prices a bit high if you buy cakes often, which we don't.  Since we don't purchase cakes but for special occaisions, and given how scrumptious they are, we... Fri, 14 Mar 2008 15:03:16 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Sweet-Loralee-Wake-Forest-NC-review-6b091 ejbst25 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Little-Tikes-Easy-Store-Jr-Play-Slide-review-e2142 We got this slide for $30 from Toys R Us (on sale) recently and our 16.5 month old daughter loves it. She loves to climb up and slide down, over and over again. There are some advantages and disadvantages to this particular model: — — Advantages: —... Sun, 09 Mar 2008 01:52:51 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Little-Tikes-Easy-Store-Jr-Play-Slide-review-e2142 ejbst25 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Simplicity-for-Children-Ellis-4-in-1-Sleep-system-8674-Crib-review-fa393 The Simplicity Ellis Crib is a bargain at $250 (Target) for a 4-in-1 crib. You can sometimes find it on sale at Target for $230. Its stylish in a classic sleigh bed sort of fashion, The crib has adjustable heights with a lowered side which can be dangerous for those kids who like to crawl out. The system turns into a Toddler bed with safety bedrails included and a day bed afterward. It also can be a full size headboard, but requires additional rails to be purchased. — — 4-in-1 cribs are difficult to find at a good price, and this one seems durable and well put together. We bought it as the second crib to move our 14 month old toddler into before she becomes a big sister. The wood on the crib seemed to be good quality for the price. It took us about one hour to assemble...which was a long time compared to our other crib. The crib was solid hardwood and metal with little plastic composition. The space between the rails meet the normal maximum size requirements for... Sat, 08 Mar 2008 21:29:01 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Simplicity-for-Children-Ellis-4-in-1-Sleep-system-8674-Crib-review-fa393 ejbst25 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Roomba-iRobot-Discovery-Vacuum-review-7f502 The Roomba Discovery was our choice for something to keep upstairs to run quickly instead of lugging our heavy Dyson up and down the stairs consistently.  Our expectations were that it would do a good job but not as good as our Dyson.  In the end, the roomba has not met our expectations, even though they are low.  — —... Sat, 08 Mar 2008 18:29:15 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Roomba-iRobot-Discovery-Vacuum-review-7f502 ejbst25 2 http://www.viewpoints.com/Dyson-DC14-Animal-Vacuum-review-fb575 After having a Kenmore canister vacuum for a long time, my wife and I branched out to get a nice vaccuum cleaner to try to keep up with our shedding dog.  After doing some research, it was between the Dyson and a cheaper competitor, I beleive the Hoover.  When i read the Dyson website and heard about how a Hoover VP said he should have bought Dyson to shut them down, I decided to spend more on the Dyson.  We bought this Dyson in the Fall of 2005. — — In the 2.5 years we have had this Dyson, it has never failed to impress me.  Our house has less dust, we go through air filters less frequently. my sister who has bad dust allergies does better in our house, and our dog's fur shows up less frequently.  There are other great advantages, like on our hardwoods we don't have to chase hairballs around with our vaccuum because it sucks them in and that the suction without the rollers works well on our nicer rugs which can't have the rollers running on... Sat, 08 Mar 2008 18:08:40 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Dyson-DC14-Animal-Vacuum-review-fb575 ejbst25 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Braun-Tassimo-Espresso-Machine-and-Coffee-Maker-review-8e8f3 First of all, I am not a coffee drinker.  My wife is also not a regular coffee drinker.  You might say its crazy to have this expensive coffee maker in that case, but that is why I am writing this review. — — I bought this coffee maker for my wife Christmas of 2005 which means we have now had it for just over 2 full years.  In that time, my wife has been pregnant twice, meaning that what hot beverages she drinks has changed a lot.  We use the machine for coffee, Cappucinos, hot chocolate, and teas both when we have guests over and when its just her and I.  We love how easy it is to fire up a cup and even how easy it is to keep clean. — — The device is simple, you put in a small disc which has a bar code on top.  The disc contains everything the drink needs including a filter.  The machine reads the bar code to find out how long to brew the coffee or tea and how hot to make it.  You push one button, and it does it. ... Sat, 08 Mar 2008 17:57:20 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Braun-Tassimo-Espresso-Machine-and-Coffee-Maker-review-8e8f3 ejbst25 5