Reviews by gaelkm

gaelkm says "Acer Aspire One - fantastic!" about Acer Aspire One

gaelkm — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 04:08:21 GMT

Acer Aspire One AOA150-1435 (LU.S040B.214) Netbook.

I feel extremely fortunate to have found one of these great little computers at Costco recently. This computer is perfect for commuters or students because the size is so portable and yet, it is capable of most of the standard computer functions we have come to use in our daily lives.

It weighs just under three pounds (more like 2.2 pounds actually)! It looks and feels solid, not cheap or flimsy at all. My Acer One is a sleek, shiny onyx black color. The keyboard is very close to regular size (in fact it is 89% the size of a regular keyboard), so my fingers don't feel cramped. It comes with a long life battery, that is easily clamped onto the back of the computer. The Acer Aspire One Computer Netbook costs $300, it's a price that is much more affordable. For example, I take it along now when I stop in at my favorite local coffee hangout. It works great in places that provide wi-fi connections. Taking it on a plane was so easy too;...

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gaelkm says "loving our memory foam mattress topper" about Memory Foam Memory Foam 2.5 in mattress topper

gaelkm — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:16:27 GMT

Memory Foam...ahhh, those are like words of magic.

Overstock.com advertised this "memory foam" and showed a photo of a hand which has just been lifted off the memory foam leaving a "memory" print.

I received my order in about 10 days, which was fine. It arrived in a fairly large and long box. When I opened it up, the memory foam was rolled and wrapped in plastic. I read the brief instructions before carefully unrolling it. Last thing I wanted to do was tear it. The directions recommended unrolling it and letting it "air out" from 24 to 72 hours in order to regain its full shape. I placed it on top of my mattress in the morning so it could "relax" for the day.

That evening I was really looking forward to my first night sleeping on my new Memory Foam pad. I carefully centered it on top of the mattress and after put some fresh sheets on the bed. It is a fairly cumbersome object to maneuver, which is why I didn't want to tear it while moving it. When I was finished, I tried it out. One word:...

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gaelkm says "Eucerin Dry Skin Calming Cream" about Eucerin Dry Skin Calming Cream

gaelkm — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:08:21 GMT

I was standing in line at the local Drug Store Pharmacy one day recently and was glancing around at the products on the store shelves. I noticed something that was new to me: it was Eucerin Dry Skin Therapy Calming Crème on the shelf. I had never heard of this product. I do enjoy several other Eucerin products, but a CALMING CREME? What is this? Having had eczema my entire life, I am always on the look out for anything to relieve the constant itching and flaking associated with eczema.

This product is excellent. It comes in a fairly large tube with a flip cap and you squeeze it out. It is rather thick, but glides on easily and doesn't leave a greasy or heavy feeling at all. It is also not sticky. I noticed that it felt as if my skin absorbed it quickly, which is a good indication. To me, it means that it is working for me, not just sitting on the surface of my skin. I didn't have to use too much either. A little goes a long way. And yes, it is just CALMING. I like the name too. Eucerin...

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gaelkm says "I love MagiX Face Perfector from Avon!" about Avon MagiX Face Perfector

gaelkm — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 23:59:18 GMT

I was recently introduced to this product called Avon MagiX Face Perfector. I had never heard of it but was impressed with this lightweight gel-powder. Avon made it to "keep shine away for up to 10 hours while it visibly smoothes the look of pores and fine lines". I have to admit, it does seem to create a lovely translucent finish to my skin while leaving it feeling soft. When I occasionally check the mirror during the day, I can see that my face still looks (and feels) fresh and with no shine.

The squeezable, plastic container is a small tube with black pointed cap. Simply twist the cap off and squeeze a small amount of Avon MagiX Face Perfector onto your fingertip. It doesn't take very much of the gel-powder to make a difference in how your skin looks and feels. The gel-powder is a soft white color, bordering on clear, and it is not too thick and not too thin. The consistency is perfect for the job it does. It adds no color at all, but somehow evens out your complexion.

After applying...

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gaelkm says "You can't go wrong with Olay" about Oil of Olay olay complete

gaelkm — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 23:52:26 GMT

OLAY COMPLETE is a new product to me. I had used Oil of Olay for years and somehow got away from using it when I started discovering other products. I recently saw OLAY COMPLETE while browsing at the drugstore.

Curiosity got the better of me and I picked it up.

"...Hmmm, I thought; I had always liked Oil of Olay quite well back when I had used it 10 years ago. Maybe I should give this new OLAY COMPLETE a try."

My sister was with me at the elegant boutique known as Walmart, and we discussed the advantages and disadvantages (what disadvantages?) of buying this beauty product. I read the box, along with the claims of younger-looking skin and before I knew it, the decision was made. After just a matter of minutes, in talking with my sister and reading the box, I tossed it into my shopping cart.

Well, when I got home later that evening, I have to admit, I couldn't wait to try it. My skin is very , sensitive, dry and combined with some small patchy eczema areas on my face, I have to be very...

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gaelkm says "Make your friends nervous with the De-FIB-ulator" about unknown Defibulator

gaelkm — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:52:43 GMT

This is a strange little "toy" that was given to me. Not sure why, but I think my friend mumbled something about using it when talking to her husband. I'm sure she was joking. I think it was something she had finished with and she just wanted to give it to me.

Is there someone in your life who lies to you? Have you ever wished you had a lie detector to check if someone was really telling you the truth? Well, now you can.

This hand-held lie detector measure voice stress to separate fact from a lie (or a FIB)!

As the apparent lies are told, the "demon" (Pinocchio-style) icon on the LCD screen grows a Pinocchio-style nose and even grows horns like a devil.

There are 9 levels of voice probability. The way a lie shows up is with the horns and nose, as stated above. They are broken down as follows:

Level 1: high probability of truth (very calm voice)
Level 2: Outsmart
Level 3: Excitement
Lever 4: Subject is not sure
Level 5: High Excited
Level 6: Avoidance
Level 7: Extreme Excitement...

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gaelkm says "Palm Pre -- overall, very nice." about Palm - Pre Cell Phone

gaelkm — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 03:02:46 GMT

It's hard for me to believe I actually have a Palm Pre now. I usually have a cell phone that is a "generation" behind the times. But I have one and it is a wonderful little phone that does so much.

The Palm Pre phone is compact (it's smaller than the I-Phone) and comes with a thick felt pouch and charging plug. This cell phone has a touch screen and gesture area. There is a speaker on the back of the phone and a smaller one on the front. The headset jack is on the top.

Charging: I charged my Palm Pre for two hours last night until it was fully charged. By early afternoon today (the next day) it was already down to 40% remaining charge. I called Sprint and told them of this and they said that the phone is constantly searching for a tower here in California and therefore the charge goes down more quickly than otherwise.

Simply tap an icon to open an application. There are three screens of applications and these are accessed by an easy sweeping gesture of your fingertip. It is really nice to...

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gaelkm says "convenient for business travel" about Courtyard by Marriott Sacramento Airport - Sacramento, CA

gaelkm — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 21:15:51 GMT

We stayed recently at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel at the Sacramento, (California) Airport.

We enjoyed the white fluffy mattress cover (duvet) and small green coverlet at the end of the bed.

(No robes were provided, but that was okay with me. I'm just mentioning it.)

The room came equipped with an iron/ironing board, hair dryer, and fluffy towels in the bathroom, which all were nice.

The entrance to the room was normal -- not too wide, but not too narrow. Entrance was easy to get into with our luggage.

I liked the green-pattern flecked carpeting -- and was happy it was very clean.

A clock was located on the nightstand next to the bed.

The flat screen TV was new and we got HBO also.

Pretty furniture included a dark wood dresser with three drawers and a desk with mirror above it.

The hotel has three floors.

We found it to be priced reasonably, costing about $85 on a weeknight.

A nice breakfast room was located near the lobby, including all the normal breakfast fare and a television...

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gaelkm says "Ford FUSION -- excellent!" about Ford Fusion V6 - 2009

gaelkm — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 22:00:07 GMT

When I traveled to Ohio this past summer, I needed to rent a car. I had no idea what I was going to get, other than I had requested an economy model". After my arrival at the airport and doing all of the necessary paperwork, I was given the keys to a FORD FUSION. I admit I had never heard of a Ford Fusion before that day.

I was pleasantly surprised by this Ford Fusion. Admittedly, I have been a satisfied Toyota owner for almost 20 years. As I accelerated onto the freeway, the pickup on this car was wonderful. The interior of the car was stylish and well-designed too. Everything was within reach and well thought-out. I never had to search for buttons. The seats were very comfy as well.

I got a silver gray Ford Fusion and was pleased with that also. Even my cousin commented on my nice rental car. The exterior design has good looks. The trunk was very roomy and I had no trouble at all fitting my luggage and other travel items inside.

Also impressed by the turning radius. I had to make...

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gaelkm says "Venus Envy: an imaginative, clever book" about Venus Envy

gaelkm — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 17:52:45 GMT

This is an interesting book. I picked it up at a library sale when the title and cover picture caught my eye. The cover shows an "Adonis" - like statue of a young woman with sunglasses and hair blowing in the breeze. I did like this book and fun story. The writing style is enjoyable and entertaining. Once I picked it up and began to read it, I got caught up in the natural style the author captures in the writing. Shannon McKelden writes in such an easy-going style that it is "effortless" reading.

Our heroine is Rachel Greer who is fed up with love. She has been looking for her Prince Charming for years and has always come up short. She decides to forget about men and focus on her work and doing good deeds.

Luke Stanton is the new man who has entered into her life.

The gods, Venus and her father, Zeus try to take control of Rachel's life by introducing her to Luke. Rachel is suspicious of the great guy who is also a firefighter. Venus is making amends to her father, Zeus and has to do...

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gaelkm says "We hit the Mother Lode panning for gold in Columbia, California" about Columbia, California

gaelkm — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 22:44:11 GMT

We wanted to try to go with a "Western Theme" for our family vacation. From Manteca, in California's Central Valley, we took Route 120 east to Sonora, a quaint town and then 4 miles further to our destination: the historic town of Columbia!

Columbia was only one of hundreds of settlements that sprang up during the exciting years when the cry of "GOLD!" brought people from all over the world to seek their fortunes in California.

This area is known as the "Mother Lode" which is one mile-wide and 120 miles long. It is a network of gold bearing quarters. We learned that even at 19th century prices, this area yielded $87 million in gold!

Many of the towns and settlements that grew during this time have long since been destroyed by fire, or the natural elements.

That is what makes Columbia different. It was never completely deserted. Through the years it has kept much the same appearance as when miners roamed it's streets. So Columbia was protected and today thrives as Columbia State Historic...

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gaelkm says ""Shattered" will keep you on the edge of your seat!" about Shattered

gaelkm — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 18:49:41 GMT

This is the story of "Neil Randall" (Gerard Butler), who seems to be an "average joe" and his pretty wife, Abby (Maria Bello). The Randall's have a little daughter, Sophie. Neil is a successful businessman, on his way up the ladder. He seems to possess a way of getting the job done more quickly than his co-workers do, and is rewarded by the upper management. Neil is an all around good guy and a loving father and husband. By all appearances, this family has it all together.

Neil and Abby leave their daughter with a babysitter as they go out for an evening. As they drive away, the two chat happily. Suddenly a man who has been hiding in the back seat, pops up and starts making demands of the terrified Abby and Neil.

The "villain" in this movie, the man who has been hiding in the back seat, is nameless for most of the movie, but you will recognize him as actor, Pierce Brosnan. I liked seeing Pierce playing the role of the "bad guy" for a change. He is still looking still very handsome. He is...

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gaelkm says "Canon Powershot SD750 - terrific digital camera!" about Canon - PowerShot SD750 Digital Camera

gaelkm — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 22:23:01 GMT

This is a sleek-looking little camera that my parents bought late last year. This is the first digital camera they ever bought and the one they chose is the Canon PowerShot SD750. It is really compact and easy to hold or slip into a pocket. It feels solid and well made and has a dark gray metal body. Included is a wrist strap and a thick, soft case to protect it.

This camera features a nice 7.1 megapixels, which produces lovely, clear photographs when used with standard settings not above ISO 400. It also features a 3x optical zoom which is fine for the our needs. It also features a 3072 x 2304 max resolution, which is definitely quite enough. The battery is a Rechargeable Lithium Battery NB-4L. The ISO speed goes up to 1600.

This camera also has a speaker and a microphone, an AF assist beam and a red eye reduction lamp. (The red-eye reduction feature is terrific.) There is a flash feature, which covers 1.6-11 ft, and the lens is a 5.8mm to 17.4mm optical zoom lens, which is 35mm...

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gaelkm says "Quiet Kenmore Dishwasher" about Kenmore MDB5600A Jetclean Dishwasher

gaelkm — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 23:19:19 GMT

Our old dishwasher finally gave out after almost 11 years of service. So I went down to Sears and chose a nice new Kenmore Dishwasher. It is a MAYTAG QUIET SERIES 100 (MDB-5600A).

The running time is longer than my old dishwasher, but you are given choices of running time that correspond to how dirty the dishes are. I believe when I noticed the time, it was still washing around 30 minutes later. After I read the manual, I learned about the different times for washing:

1. Heavy wash (long cycle for heavy food soils) 131 minutes with 2 washes and 3 rinses. (A very long and thorough wash.)

2. Normal wash (for medium food soils) 97-118 minutes 1-2 washes and 1-2 rinses depending on water temperature.

3. Light wash is a short cycle of 82 minutes with 2 washes and one rinse.

4. Rinse only - a handy feature option for rinsing dishes until they are ready to be washed when there is a full load (9 minutes, and one rinse).

5. Quick wash is the choice for lightly soiled dishes and does not include...

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gaelkm says "I love my Avalon! Great car." about Toyota Avalon - 2001

gaelkm — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 22:48:19 GMT

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gaelkm says "Approximately 20,000 students at UCSB. Beautiful campus." about University of California-Santa Barbara

gaelkm — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 22:47:29 GMT

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gaelkm says "The Other Boleyn Girl - Terrific book!" about The Other Boleyn Girl: A Novel

gaelkm — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 22:41:39 GMT

I've read "The Other Boleyn Girl" a couple of months ago. Author Philippa Gregory has obviously put a lot of time into researching the details of this book. This book is over 700 pages long and covers several years.

Ms. Gregory no doubt has taken some liberties with certain details of what may have actually happened during this time when King Henry VIII ruled England, no doubt about that. But she has done so in such a smooth way, that many of the details of this story "could" have been as she has said. Ms. Gregory did not change large events Rather she "improvised" on smaller events and made them all come together.

This is the story of Queen Anne Boleyn and her lesser known sister, Mary Boleyn.

What is interesting about this "story" is the relationship between the two sisters and their brother, George Boleyn, as well. The Boleyn family is seen, in this book as conniving, always with one goal in mind: that goal was to be as powerful and influential as King Henry VIII himself. King Henry...

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gaelkm says "The Foam Roller has really helped my back!" about Aeromat Foam Roller

gaelkm — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 22:17:36 GMT

I've been going to physical therapy after somehow tweaking my back lately. I'm not sure how I did it, but it was really sore to the point where I was icing it and taking pain relievers. It gradually improved, but took a few weeks. I went to my doctor who referred me to the physical therapist.

The physical therapist interviewed me to see what may have caused my lower back pain. My back was also sore in the upper shoulder blade area on my left side. He pretty much concluded that I am at the computer too much and not sitting up straight or properly. No surprise there! He gave me physical therapy and recommended some exercises too. He also had me try out a Foam Roller that they had at their facility. After trying it out, he told me I could purchase one myself.

I had never heard of these foam rollers, but I thought about it and decided it would be a good investment and possibly a preventative measure as well. If I purchased one of these foam rollers, it could very well be just what I need to...

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gaelkm says "Dirt Devil M0886 -- great gimmicky tool" about Dirt Devil M0886 Scorpion Handheld Vacuum

gaelkm — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 22:08:10 GMT

The 'gimmick' or handy feature of this Dirt Devil handheld vacuum cleaner is the "Quick Flip" crevice tool. I love this handy feature because I don't have to go and search for my attachments.

The Quick Flip crevice tool is attached permanently to the Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner body. All that you do is to push the button on top of the unit to release the crevice tool. It flips down automatically and aligns with the rest of the unit. There is nothing to hook or unhook into place, although a gentle push is needed to secure the nozzle. Just do that and you are ready to go. And, as the name suggests, it is a great crevice tool. I don't know how many crumbs and tiny bits of 'stuff' can actually get into corners, but for me, they always do. Especially in my car. The Dirt Devil Handheld Vacuum with Crevice Tool really gets down into those impossible-to-teach places (you know, the ones you cannot reach with your fingers) and sucks them up really well.

To store the crevice tool when you're done,...

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gaelkm says "I like the Palm Pre phone, but I don't love it." about Palm - Pre Cell Phone Cell Phone

gaelkm — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 21:59:20 GMT

It's hard for me to believe I actually have a Palm Pre now. I usually have a cell phone that is a "generation" behind the times. But I have one and it is a wonderful little phone that does so much.

The phone is compact (smaller than the I-Phone) and comes with a thick felt pouch. This cell phone has a large touch screen and gesture area. There is a speaker on the back of the phone and a smaller one on the front. the headset jack is on the top.

Charging: I charged my Palm Pre for two hours last night until it was fully charged. By noon today (the next day) it was already down to 48% remaining charge. I have to charge it up each day without fail. The car charger is super slow, so I've decided not to even try that anymore.

Simply tap an icon to open an application. There are three screens of applications and these are accessed by a sweeping gesture of your fingertip. It is really nice to be able to open and move among multiple applications at the same time. All you have to do is touch the center...

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