Reviews by fyrsabel

fyrsabel says "Nice concept" about Viewpoints

fyrsabel — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 10:25:32 GMT

I'm not sure why Viewpoints has caught my eye. Could it be the slick and flashy website design? Could it be the opportunity to easily and quickly write (usually scathing, but sometimes positive) reviews about pretty much ANYTHING? Could it be the MyPoints promotion which earns me big points for just writing 100-word essays (which has grade-school connotations, but I'm cool with that)? Could it be that I'm just becoming more cynical and looking for a place to vent this into the interwebs?
Yeah, it's probably the MyPoints, more than anything. But this is a good concept. I am always in favor of a tech-related item (website, computer product, software, etc) which behaves "meta", i.e., which tries to incorporate existing items instead of trying to just create a new and "different" item which just fractures the consumer base even more and makes it that much harder for us to realize humanity's true goal: to have one unified technological system which can run any software or hardware, just like......

fyrsabel says "Ideal airline for an unrealistically ideal world" about Southwest Airlines

fyrsabel — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 08:47:37 GMT

Southwest Airlines has always distinguished itself from other airlines by approaching the airline industry as a challenge; it tries to do things in innovative ways, and to develop "real" relationships with its employees and customers.
One thing which has always made SWA "distinctive", if not universally appreciated, is its "open seating" process: everybody gets assigned into one of 3 or more seating "groups" (labeled by letter A, B, C, etc), based on how early you check-in for your flight, starting 24 hours ahead of the flight time. Then all the people in each group form a (theoretically) single-file line, and (theoretically) file calmly onto the plane, taking any seat they want (which hasn't already been claimed by someone ahead of them in line). "Huzzah, equality for all!", right? Uh, no.
Because, you see, [warning: the following paragraph may contain sweeping generalizations, used for the purposes of making you laugh] -- Americans are NOT pleasant people to travel with. We don't give up......

fyrsabel says "Like a class reunion, but without the bland buffet." about Facebook

fyrsabel — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 13:26:08 GMT

Facebook and I have only just become acquainted, and I am getting SO much fun out of this website. I am shocked at how easy it is to use this website to re-connect with so many of my old college and graduate school friends. Since I, like any sensible person, always restrict my photos and postings to "friends only", I have little to no concern about something "embarassing" leaking into the interwebs and tarnishing my reputation.
It's true, if you start trying to use every application on Facebook and accepting every random person who tries to be-friend you online, you will soon be overwhelmed with random people and ridiculous updates. (The "parasitic" applications, which act like pyramid schemes and require you to "pass this application along in order to earn some cheesy prize" are my most-hated ones).
But, on the other hand, there are some TERRIFIC applications which mature users can really enjoy, and which help you stay closer with friends who otherwise wouldn't email or call you. I particularly......

fyrsabel says "Use with caution for a couple days only" about Afrin Sinus - 12 hour nasal spray

fyrsabel — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 13:13:18 GMT

As a physician, I see a lot of patients every day who suffer from sinus congestion (either from allergies, or acute or chronic sinus infections). Many people try over the counter nasal decongestants, such as this product. But while it is a TERRIFIC product to use for one to three days of congestion, it can cause more problems than it solves, if you use it for a prolonged period of time. It causes "rebound" runny-nose, which is basically when your nose has become so "accustomed" to having this spray inside it, that you begin to get a runny nose all the time unless you keep using the spray. Also, since it acts by causing the blood vessels in your nose and sinuses to temporarily "shrink" in size, this can eventually cause the lining of your nose to get very dry and irritated, which then leads to nosebleeds.

So the take-home message is, if you are going to use this product, don't use it for more than three or four days at a time. If you are still having congestion after that time, see your doctor,......

fyrsabel says "Great auto insurance rates for people with good driving records" about Wawanesa

fyrsabel — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 13:06:25 GMT

Finding Wawanesa auto insurance was a real money-saver for me! I was paying over $1,100/year in basic auto insurance with Allstate in Southern California... but Wawanesa provided me with HIGHER coverage limits for only $420/year! They really value good driving records a lot, so they're a great company for those of us who rarely get any traffic tickets.
Their website allows for on-line bill payment, and you can pay in lump sum or in installments for a low service fee (it was $4/payment last year).
Unfortunately, they only provide coverage in California, Oregon, and Canada, so I had to give them up now that I have moved to the midwest. But make sure you check them out if you are looking for car insurance in those locations! Their customer service is very friendly and helpful, too. Visit wawanesaus.com for more information.
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