Reviews by Friends of PatMills

Bryan-Carey says "Don't Break the Ice: Simple, Quick Family Game" about Milton Bradley Don't Break the Ice Game

Bryan-Carey — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:55:14 GMT

Most every child likes to play games and many great memories are formed when families take time to play games with their children- even if the game is short and simple. One game that fits this definition is Don't Break the Ice, a simple, quick game from Milton Bradley.

Game Commentary:

Don't Break the Ice is a game consisting of multiple pieces that have to be assembled each time the game is played. There are a total of thirty- eight pieces: 32 small "cubes" of ice; one large cube that is equal in size to four of the smaller cubes; one red- colored person wearing skates; and two interlocking sides that form the base in which the pieces of ice are placed; and two mallets. The base has to be snapped together and the pieces of ice squeezed inside the base (while inverted) in order to prepare for play. The last step is to place the plastic skating figure on top of the large block, pressing the skater into place. Players than tap the blocks of ice, one at a time, while trying to avoid having...

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Bryan-Carey says "Ravensburger Princess Puzzle will keep Your Princesses Occupied " about Ravensburger Princess Jigsaw Puzzle 24pc

Bryan-Carey — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:40:04 GMT

Putting puzzles together is a great exercise for youngsters, for it improves fine motor skills and gives children a sense of achievement. Some puzzles have far too many pieces for the youngest children, but this problem is eliminated with the Ravensburger Princess Jigsaw Puzzle, a large, twenty- four piece puzzle that kids can put together with ease.

Puzzle Commentary:

The Ravensburger Princess Jigsaw Puzzle is a large puzzle with large pieces. The pieces are interlocking and feature the same standard shape common to a traditional puzzle. Each piece of this puzzle measures about four by six inches, is made out of thick, heavy cardboard stock, and is unlikely to get broken. The pieces are specially coated, with a so- called Easy Clean Surface that can be wiped clean with a damp cloth without damaging the pieces of the puzzle.

Jigsaw puzzles are a great learning tool for children and they offer a nice departure from the usual type of toy. The problem with most puzzles, from the perspective...

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elvisdo says "Motrin Ibuprofen Definitely Helps Against Fevers and Aches" about Motrin Ib Ibuprofen Pain Reliever Tablets, 300 Coated Tablets

elvisdo — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:36:05 GMT

I'm surprised with the amount of medication in our household. We have vitamins, supplements, pain relievers, fever reducers, cough suppressants, allergy medication, antacids, laxatives, and any other thing you can think of that would be necessary. I could open up a pharmacy.However, there is one label we always have in stock: Motrin Ibuprofen Pain Reliever Tablets.

I'm not one who enjoys putting pills into my body and have been very cautious in what does go in. But I'm not in my 20s anymore despite what I think. My body has changed and my immune system has followed suit as well. Still, I am leery of what I take. Thankfully, Motrin isn't a question for me anymore.

Motrin Ibuprofen Pain Reliever Tablets contain 200 mg of Ibuprofen in each tablet. So what exactly does Ibuprofen do for a person? It is used to relieve the pain, tenderness, inflammation (swelling), and stiffness caused by arthritis and gout. It is also used to reduce fever and to relieve headaches, muscle aches, menstrual pain,...

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elvisdo says "The Wizard Shazam is the Reason the Marvel Family Exists" about Justice League Unlimited Shazam Family 4-Pack: The Wizard

elvisdo — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:56:39 GMT

Captain Marvel's magically-based powers come from the wizard Shazam (yes, the wizard's name is actually Shazam). When Billy Batson says the wizard's name, he is transformed into the superhero Captain Marvel. So when Mattel announced that it was making a "Shazam" Family four-pack for the Justice League Unlimited toy line, the surprise figure in the set was the wizard himself.

The Wizard (as he is named in this set) has been using his powers to fight evil for centuries. He chose a successor in the Egyptian dynastic era in Teth-Adam. When Adam spoke the wizard's name "SHAZAM", he was granted tremendous superpowers to fight for the cause of good. But Mighty Adam became corrupted by his power and was eventually stripped of it by Shazam. The wizard waited many years before choosing a new champion in young Billy Batson. Just like Adam, when Billy evokes the wizard's name, he is transformed into Captain Marvel, the World's Mightiest Mortal.

I am actually both surprised and pleased that the Wizard...

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elvisdo says "Mary Batson is a Marvel to Behold for the Shazam Family" about Justice League Unlimited Shazam Family 4-Pack: Mary Batson

elvisdo — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 13:18:15 GMT

When it was announced that Mattel was continuing the Justice League Unlimited toy series, fans were elated. The excitement was even more pronounced with the arrival of the "Shazam" Family four-pack set. Having Captain Marvel and Black Adam rendered in the style of the DC Animated Universe was long overdue but the inclusion of Captain Marvel's sister was a treat.

Mary Marvel (or Mary Batson as she is named in this set) is Captain Marvel's twin sister. Like her brother, she has been granted the power of Shazam whenever she speaks the wizard's name and is transformed into a superpowered heroine. With powers like her brother, she fights against crime and evil.

Her costume sports the same colours as Captain Marvel with the familiar red and yellow styling. Of course, being as she is a girl, she wears a skirt instead of long tights. Her cape is also much smaller but it is n proportion to her body. In fact, what impresses me the most is the size of the figure. She is not as tall as Wonder Woman...

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Bryan-Carey says "Brut Keeps You Dry, but Stretches the Truth" about Brut Antiperspirant Deodorant

Bryan-Carey — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:49:01 GMT

Deodorant is a universal need and it’s a product that takes on several different forms. Some people prefer gels. Other people prefer stick. There are even some who would like to turn back the hands of time to the day when spray was popular. My personal preference is gel, but I will sample other forms when the opportunity is right. One stick deodorant I tried recently is Brut Anti- Perspirant Deodorant, a deodorant with the familiar brut scent.

Deodorant Commentary:

Brut Anti- Perspirant Deodorant is a white colored, stick- style deodorant with a scent that offers the smell of brut- just like the aftershave, only a little milder. The product offers both odor protection and wetness protection and it utilizes its special ingredient Trimax, which helps keep you dry and odor- free. The formula is powerful enough to keep you free from odor and wetness for a full twenty- four hours.

Like I said above, my deodorant preference is gel, but much like any consumer good, I am always game to...

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Bryan-Carey says "Take New Chapter Every Man's One Daily for Your Good Health" about New Chapter Every Man's One Daily

Bryan-Carey — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:15:24 GMT

Health is an important concern to many and the health business is a growing, thriving industry with products and services that span far and wide. Achieving proper nutrition is the first, preventative measure on the path toward good health and one product that helps men achieve this goal is New Chapter Organics Every Man's One Daily, a multi- vitamin product.

Dietary Supplement Commentary:

New Chapter Organics Every Man's One Daily is a dietary supplement that helps men maintain good health and improve immunity. These tablets are large in size (about seven- eights of an inch long), are organically composed, and offer a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, and other important nutrients.

I have enjoyed very good health since I was born and based on my track record with illness, I obviously have a very strong immune system. I don't really need to take multi- vitamins or other supplements. However, based on the number of health threats detailed on the nightly news, one can never be too safe...

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Bryan-Carey says "Organix with Shea Butter Cleans, Moisturizes, and Smells Great " about Organix Smoothing Shea Butter Shampoo

Bryan-Carey — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:26:23 GMT

Shampoos range from the ordinary to the unusual and there are more options in hair cleaning today than at any point in recent memory. One company known for its assortment of interesting shampoo products is Organix and one of its many hair care products is Organix Smoothing Shea Butter Shampoo, a moisturizing and healing shampoo.

Shampoo Commentary:

Organix Smoothing Shea Butter Shampoo is a thick, clear shampoo that is manufactured with shea butter, yogurt proteins, and avocado oils. This product offers a pleasant scent that combines shea butter with certain level of sweetness. The product is sulfate- free and, like all Organix products, it is not tested on animals. This product offers a great scent, cleanses the hair and scalp very well, rinses out surprisingly fast, and leaves your hair soft and manageable.

Shampoo products are much more exotic than they used to be and Organix products certainly fit this description. Organix Smoothing Shea Butter Shampoo is one of several that include...

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Bryan-Carey says "AFLAC Insurance: Supplemental Insurance for Peace of Mind" about Aflac

Bryan-Carey — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:12:39 GMT

Insurance is a necessary evil. Most insurance products offer nothing in return for your money except for peace of mind and many of these products do not offer enough protection when a crisis strikes. For those who could benefit from a little added peace of mind, the insurance industry brings us AFLAC Insurance, a company with dozens of different insurance policies for greater financial security.

Insurance Commentary:

I have held several different roles in accounting, finance, and management during my working career and AFLAC Insurance is a company I have grown to know quite well. I have served as the administrator of my company's AFLAC insurance plan in past job positions and I have dealt directly with AFLAC representatives. In general, my experience has been positive, but the overall picture with AFLAC Insurance does reveal a few blemishes, which is typical of many insurance companies.

Looking at the positive news first, AFLAC Insurance is a good place to turn when you want insurance...

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Bryan-Carey says "Dwell Magazine Offers Modern Home Design with a Twist " about Dwell - At Home in the Modern World

Bryan-Carey — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:59:38 GMT

Plenty of publications exist that focus on the home and they concentrate on many different areas, such as home design, home repair, vacation homes, and more. One home publication that focuses on home remodeling and related topics is Dwell Magazine, a publication for those who want modernity with a twist.

Magazine Commentary:

Dwell Magazine contains about 130 pages in each issue, with the usual assortment of departments found in most magazines, along with about five or six featured articles. Each issue focuses on a specific theme, which is spelled out on the cover, directly beneath the magazine's name. The magazine is published ten times per year and carries a base subscription price of about $20 per year.

I receive a large number of magazines each month and Dwell Magazine ranks among several that focus on the home. Subtitled "A Home in the Modern World", Dwell Magazine takes the idea of "modern" to a slightly different level than other, similar publications such as Metropolitan Home....

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elvisdo says "Black Adam is Ready to Create Problems for the Marvel Family" about Justice League Unlimited Shazam Family 4-Pack: Black Adam

elvisdo — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 05:43:59 GMT

It seems to be a given that every hero has an evil opposite and I don't mean greatest archenemy. I'm referring to that evil version of the hero who has similar powers and appearance: Superman has Bizarro, Green Lantern has Sinestro, Flash has Reverse-Flash, and Spider-Man has Venom. Captain Marvel (erroneously referred to as "Shazam!") has his evil version as well. It's only fitting that if a Captain Marvel action figure is going to be made for the Justice League Unlimited toy line, then his evil counterpart Black Adam would follow suit.

Black Adam was the first to be granted the powers of Shazam back in the Egyptian dynastic era. When he speaks the Wizard's name, he is granted the powers of these Egyptian deities:

S is for the stamina of Shu;
H is for the swiftness of Heru;
A is for the strength of Amon;
Z is for the wisdom of Zehuti;
A is for the power of Aton;
M is for the courage of Mehen.

As Mighty-Adam, he became Egypt's champion until he became corrupted and decided to use his power to...

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Bryan-Carey says "Equate Multi- Purpose Offers an Inexpensive Solution " about Equate Multi-Purpose Solution for contacts

Bryan-Carey — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:07:07 GMT

Contact lenses require special care. Not only do they need to be stored in a special solution each night, they also need to be kept clean to avoid protein buildup and the resulting discomfort. One product that stores lenses and keeps them comfortable is Equate Multi- Purpose Solution, a product sold at Wal- Mart.

Contact Lens Solution Commentary:

Equate Multi- Purpose Solution is a solution designed to care for contact lenses with a single product. Equate Multi- Purpose Solution cleans, rinses, disinfects, and stores contact lenses in a few simple steps. The manufacturer recommends rinsing each side of your contact lenses for five seconds, then storing the contacts in the solution for at least four hours. This product is no- rub, and its active ingredients clean lenses while they are stored. It is designed for use on contacts that are replaced every thirty days or less.

I have been wearing contact lenses for more than twenty years and during that time, I have experimented with many different...

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elvisdo says ""SHAZAM!" Finally Arrives in the Justice League Unlimited Series" about Justice League Unlimited Shazam Family 4-Pack: "SHAZAM!"

elvisdo — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:58:58 GMT

I have a soft spot for Captain Marvel. Now while Superman will still be number one in my book, the Big Red Cheese isn't that far behind in popularity. Actually at one point when he has first created back in the 1940s, Captain Marvel became even more popular than Superman. Why? Because the notion that a young child could become a adult superhero in an instant just fueled the imagination. It was the proverbial genie in a bottle syndrome as young Billy Batson received a magical wish (in this case a magical word) and transformed himself into the World's Mightiest Mortal. Now, the good captain has finally made his Justice League Unlimited toy appearance thanks to MattyCollector.com in the "Shazam" Family 4-Pack, all part of a new "Fan Collection" series along with Mary Batson, Black Adam and the Wizard.

Young Billy Batson was orphaned and homeless when he met the old Wizard in the subway. By speaking the Wizard's name "SHAZAM," Billy was transformed into Captain Marvel, the World's Mightiest...

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elvisdo says "Unique Wonder Woman Unleashes Her Fury in DC HeroClix: Unleashed" about DC HeroClix: Unleashed Unique Wonder Woman (#093)

elvisdo — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 03:05:08 GMT

When people think of female superheroes, the first one that comes to everyone's mind is Wonder Woman. Without a doubt, her longevity has lasted for almost 70 years thanks to her incredible popularity. However, she still hasn't reached that respect and status as both Superman and Wonder Woman, even though she is considered to be part of that "Holy Trinity" for DC Comics. WizKids really gives the Amazing Amazon her due as Unique Wonder Woman shows what she is made of in the DC HeroClix: Unleashed game set.

BIOGRAPHY
When Superman disappeared from public view in Kingdom Come, many of the superheroes from his generation started to follow suit. Wonder Woman went back to Themyscira, the island of the Amazons also known as "Paradise Island." Throughout the ten years that Superman has sent himself into exile, Wonder Woman has been to only person to still be in contact with him and constantly trying to make him change his mind about his place in the world. It finally takes a catastrophic event to...

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elvisdo says "DC: HeroClix Unleashed Unleashes the Most Powerful Superman" about DC HeroClix: Unleashed Unique Superman (#095)

elvisdo — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:21:27 GMT

Every DC HeroClix set features Batman and Superman. It's just a matter of wondering which version of these characters will come into game play. WizKids gave the gaming world its Superman but no one ever expected DC HeroClix: Unleashed to feature Unique Superman from the fabled Kingdom Come storyline by Mark Waid and Alex Ross.

BIOGRAPHY
The Joker is killed by new hero Magog and is surprisingly acquitted of this cold-blooded murder. Disgusted by this action and the public's reaction to this new brand of justice, Superman withdraws from the world at large never to be seen in public again. Ten years have passed and the world is in worse shape than ever. Without the moral compass of Superman and his generation of heroes, the line between heroes and villains is blurred. But it takes a catastrophe of immense proportions for the Man of Steel to return and set things right once again.

SPEED (12-12-12-10-10-10-9-9-9-9-9)
Without a doubt, this Superman is going to fight until the bitter end as he maximizes...

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Bryan-Carey says "Advil Cold and Sinus Caplets: Sinus Congestion Relief at Last " about Advil Cold and Sinus Caplets

Bryan-Carey — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:31:52 GMT

I have been plagued by sinus problems for as long as I can remember and even though my condition isn't serious or really anything to worry about, it can still get very annoying since it can interfere with other things. It can dull the senses of smell and taste and cause a distraction that continues throughout the day if left untreated. One product that helps eliminate sinus and other related problems is Advil Cold and Sinus Caplets, an over the counter medicine with many benefits.

Cold Medicine Commentary:

Advil Cold and Sinus Caplets are small caplets that are easy to take with the aid of a small glass of water. Each caplet contains the active ingredient pseudoephedrine HCI, with a full 30 mg of this ingredient per tablet. There is also a 200 mg dose of ibuprofen for pain relief. The caplets help to eliminate sinus pressure and congestion, headaches, and minor body pains.

I have sampled many different over the counter drugs to treat sinus problems and Advil Cold and Sinus Caplets...

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elvisdo says "Kingdom Come Arrives in DC HeroClix: Unleashed Booster Packs" about DC HeroClix: Unleashed Booster Packs

elvisdo — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 05:44:38 GMT

DC Comics has a lot characters in its library and WizKids knows this. While developing its HeroClix game, WizKids knew it couldn't include every single character in its lineup. Certain favourites were left out but it helped fuel the anticipation that the next HeroClix set will include them. Then, of course, there are the pleasant surprises that come with the territory. DC HeroClix: Unleashed is the second expansion set (third set in the overall collection) that WizKids hoped to really entice the fans, and they did so in a huge way.

Batgirl (the most recognizable Barbara Gordon version), Supergirl (Kara Zor-El from the planet Krypton and Superman's cousin), more JLA members (Rocket Red, Hawkgirl, Big Barda, and Maxima), and the ultimate Green Lantern Hal Jordan are some of the long-awaited, fan favourite characters that many have been anticipating

Then there was the inclusion of four new powers--Earthbound, Quake, Combat Reflexes, and Exploit Weakness--and two new team abilities--Suicide...

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Bryan-Carey says "Mucinex Full Force Nasal Spray Blasts Your Sinuses Open" about Mucinex Full Force Nasal Spray

Bryan-Carey — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:03:30 GMT

I have very few health issues but one problem I have had for as long as I could breathe is a sinus and allergy condition. It is more of an annoyance than anything, but it can still get interfere with an otherwise perfect day. To help cope with my bouts of sinus problems, I turn to the over the counter drug market and one product I have used with excellent results is Mucinex Full Force Nasal Spray, a long- lasting drug that helps break up mucus.

Drug Commentary:

Mucinex Full Force Nasal Spray is a product used directly on irritated sinuses. Like other sinus sprays, it is sold in a small plastic bottle containing a very small amount of liquid (about 22 mm or 0.75 oz). Rather than a squeeze bottle, this one utilizes a pump to deliver the spray. Two or three pumps in each nostril is all it takes to send the mucus- dissolving liquid into the nasal passages. The product provides temporary relief from nasal congestion due to colds, hay fever, and upper respiratory allergies. It helps shrink...

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Bryan-Carey says "Trip Advisor: Good Supplement for Your Travel Planning" about TripAdvisor

Bryan-Carey — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 18:16:11 GMT

If you like to travel as much as I do, then you are likely the type who utilizes the internet for news and official information about your destination, activities, and the like. You probably also consult the internet before you make a selection for your place of lodging and one site to which many seasoned travelers are fully aware is Trip Advisor, a web service that specializes in reviews of different places of lodging.

Web Service Commentary:

Trip Advisor is, like its name suggests, a web service dedicated to the traveler who could use some advice on finding places to stay and things to do. This web site offers member reviews on places of lodging, restaurants, and more. There is also a trip ideas section that asks a few questions and helps you select a place to travel, as well as access to free travel guides for thousands of destinations.

Trip Advisor is most notable for its massive database of places of lodging and this is one of the main reasons I visit this site as frequently...

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elvisdo says "Beware The Power of the DC HeroClix: Green Lantern Corps Set" about DC HeroClix: Green Lantern Corps Collector's Set

elvisdo — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 12:54:27 GMT

The worlds of gaming and comic books aren't much different from each other but having never found a successful marriage until WizKids developed HeroClix back in 2002. It began with Marvel HeroClix: Infinity Challenge featuring miniature versions of popular and obscure Marvel Comics characters for game playing. All the statistics, powers and abilities needed for gameplay were founded on the character's dial so no extra charts were needed. Each figure is about 2-inches high and sculpted nicely to represent these characters. DC HeroClix: Hypertime followed later that year depicting favourite characters.

The objective is to construct teams using these characters depending on the point value of the game (ie: 100 point games, 200 point games, 300 point games, and so on). Each character has a designated point value so when constructing a team, you cannot go over the maximum total for team construction (whatever point value is agreed upon by the players).

Over the years, many sets and new ways...

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