http://www.viewpoints.com/aboutme/joleson7 Thu, 13 Dec 2007 06:21:13 GMT Reviews by joleson7 http://www.viewpoints.com/Dell-Dimension-E521-desktop-computer-review-00f81 This was the first time for my husband and I to make a large purchase via the internet.  I have not been disappointed at all with our Dell computer.  The basic package included the tower, keyboard, mouse, very basic software, CD-Rom etc.  We upgraded quite a few things: got a 17 inch flatscreen, an extra CD drive, speakers, additional RAM, and the newest Microsoft Office version including Publisher.  It did up the price several hundred dollars; but I can honestly say after pricing this same type of computer at various local stores, we easily saved $500+ by ordering Dell.  It is very easy to "build" online and customize to what you want, and we received it in record time. Vista hasn't been a problem for us, but it did take some time figuring out  how to get around with it.  And I have 100% loved the Microsoft Office Suite.  All in all, a wonderful investment and worth every penny. —... Thu, 13 Dec 2007 06:21:13 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Dell-Dimension-E521-desktop-computer-review-00f81 joleson7 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/MyPoints--25775-review-0c1f0 Seriously now, who doesn't love MyPoints?  You sign up, you click through emails, you get points.  Like to shop online?  Well, hit MyPoints first to see if the store is accessabile through them, cuz then you get additional points, or sometimes free shipping as well.  Even if you never buy anything online, you can still get points by the emails, and although it'll take longer, eventually you get enough to redeem for gift certificates.  I tend to get gift certificates that enable me to buy more books (what can I say, I'm a book addict) but this year I saved all my points until November, then redeemed them for gift certificates to buy or give away as christmas gifts.  Love this... Thu, 13 Dec 2007 05:56:51 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/MyPoints--25775-review-0c1f0 joleson7 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Jeannette-Walls-The-Glass-Castle%3A-A-Memoir-review-6fa71 I borrowed this book from a friend and had a hard time wanting to read it--thinking it would be sad and depressing.  However, once I stopped staring at the cover for weeks, I could not put it down until I had read the book cover to cover.  What an amazing and inspirational story.  Imagine living a life where you are constantly on the move, with homelessness lurking at every corner.  This family experiences that, and yet, the daughter makes it seem like such a normal, well maybe not normal, but commonplace way to live.  Although she has problems at different times in her life with how she is living, she still has the ability to see her father as a kind and loving man who is doing the best he can.  I absolutely loved this book, and sad and touching it can be, it was more inspirational to me--makes me want to rise above my own lame tests in life and be a person who can persevere. ... Wed, 12 Dec 2007 18:36:29 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Jeannette-Walls-The-Glass-Castle%3A-A-Memoir-review-6fa71 joleson7 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Avent-Baby-Bottles-review-c6864 Even though these bottles are a little more expensive than store brands, I have found them to work much better.  Other people have mentioned that they leak, however, I have never had that problem.  My oldest had reflux when he was a newborn and these were the only bottles he could have that helped the problem rather than gave him more gas.  They have also been easy for all four of my children to adjust to as newborns and I absolutely love them.  I recommend them to everyone who... Wed, 12 Dec 2007 18:24:11 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Avent-Baby-Bottles-review-c6864 joleson7 5