Reviews by joyjoy

joyjoy says "This was an expensive mistake." about Asus ASUS VH196T

joyjoy — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 23:15:23 GMT

The Good

This monitor has a beautiful picture while the wide screen allows the entire page to be displayed. I've used it with both the DVI and VGA cables (included) and the picture was superb. It is basically plug and play, connect the cables and you are ready. Although the monitor doesn't swivel, it does adjust up or down.

The Bad

The buttons are very difficult to see and use. With the exception of the ON button, which is orange, the buttons are black on black. Even worse is that they are located at the bottom right and have to be pressed with the thumb, I can only imagine how much harder it would be for someone who was left handed. I cannot say about the OSD because I have never used it, the manual is three pages long, does not address the menu, and I am not able to figure how it works. Since I am not a techie let me add that in reviews I have read people who have technical abilities have complained of the difficulties.

The Ugly

The main problem with this monitor was the lack of tech...

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joyjoy says "Backups made easy." about iOmega eGo Portable Hard Drive

joyjoy — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 21:27:20 GMT

iOmega's eGo Portable Hard Drive is a small drive that can be used with laptop or desktop computers. It connects using firewire or USB (cables included) and needs no external power source. Formatted for OS X, and compatible with Time Machine, users just plug it in and go. All other users (Mac or pc) simply drag and drop important files onto the disk icon. Instructions are given for reformatting for Vista and XP/2000, users of other systems visit www.iomega.com for instructions and software requirements. Purchase also includes a license for a free 2GB of MozyHome online backup.

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joyjoy says "Is it worth it? YES!" about HD Radio

joyjoy — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 19:35:25 GMT

The HD in HD Radio does not mean 'high definition', you cannot use a conversion device on an analog radio to receive hd broadcasts. It is simply the brand name iBiquity has given it's am/fm digital technology. Using digital allows stations to broadcast extra programming that can only be accessed using an hd radio. There is a wide variety of formats to choose from with more on the way as the technology advances. Being free it beats satellite radio hands down!

One big question is "Do I need an antenna?" Probably. If you can get an analog signal but not a digital signal, or the digital drops out, you will need an antenna/stronger antenna. Being able to pick-up an analog signal without an antenna does not automatically mean you can get a digital signal without an antenna.

To learn which HD stations are available in your are visit www.hdradio.com. If your town is not listed, or you live in a rural area, look in the city where you get your current analog stations.

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joyjoy says "Better than the debut." about Well Read and Dead

joyjoy — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 21:17:13 GMT

After reading Catherine O' Connell's debut novel Well Bred and Dead I was looking forward to her next book Well Read and Dead. I am happy to say it did not disappoint. Due to superior character development this book stands above the first. Well researched, well written and often laugh-out-loud funny the plot will keep you guessing right up to the end. When Whitney Armstrong disappears Pauline travels to Asia in her search for her friend. Details both large and small, are an integral and important part of the story. Read this book for fun or to learn why "East is east and west is west and never the twain shall meet."

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joyjoy says "Love Leopard, hate the dock." about Leopard Docks

joyjoy — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 01:06:31 GMT

I recently upgraded to OS X 10.5 and love it but for one thing, I never could tell when a window was open without careful scrutiny of the dock. Then I read about Leopard Docks. With this free software you can change your dock to any one that is available. First download the LeopardDocs App and place it in your applications folder. Download as many of the available docks as you wish and place them in the utilities folder. When you want to change the dock simply choose the one you want and click "change my dock" as many times as desired. The one I use allows me to see at a glance if a window is open so I won't leave my browser open all night. Again! If you enjoy creating apps it is easy to upload a new dock for others to enjoy and all are welcome. Again, if you want to try a new dock, check back often to see what is new....

joyjoy says "Use this where there is no room for a clothesline." about Homz Laundry Expandable Drying Rack

joyjoy — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 19:51:28 GMT

I have some items I prefer not to put in the dryer but the back yard in my townhouse is too small for a clothesline. But I found the perfect solution in this Expandable Drying Rack. Made of metal, and being lightweight, it can be used indoors or outdoors. On nice days I can set it up on my patio, other days it can be used inside. Folding flat for storage it takes up very little room when not in use.
It is easy to set up, the leg extentions slide into the frame and are locked into place with a button; open the rack and lock the hinges into place. On top is a mesh shelf for drying items that cannot be hung or clothing can be hung from the rack using clothes pins.
Overall this is any excellent alternative for anyone with limited space and a good alternative when clotheslines are impractical or impossible. I purchased this item from MilesKimball.com although it may also available offline....

joyjoy says "What can I say? I like it!" about Sharp Carousel

joyjoy — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 22:48:52 GMT

Model number 230K (black)

Several years ago I had a small microwave with one power level and no carousel. When I decided to donate my current, family size microwave and buy a small replacement I was in for a big surprise. The Sharp Carousel is only .8 cubic feet in size and 800 watts but, as the name implies, has a carousel and multiple power levels although I have never used any setting but HIGH as it is perfect for reheating beverages, melting cheese, etc. It is very easy to use, plug it in, follow the simple instructions for setting the clock, and it's ready to go. It has some features others might dislike but I find them either unimportant or an advantage. For instance:

The clock does not light up. This does not matter to me as I never use it to tell time, I prefer my oven clock.
The light does not come on except when the microwave is in use. On my old microwave sometimes it would have been more convenient to leave the door open but the light came on when the door was open.
At the bottom......

joyjoy says "Easy way to order through a representative" about Avon E-Rep

joyjoy — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 18:05:52 GMT

An Avon E-Rep is an Avon representative who pays a fee to Avon each campaign for the use of a personal web page. Shopping through an e-rep is simple, go to Avon.com, click Find a representative, choose a rep and order through her/his page. Whether you have your order shipped by Avon or delivered by the representative, the e-rep gets a commission. There are two ways to order:

Ship Direct: Avon ships the order by UPS. By going through an e-rep's page the shipping charge is halved, the order can be shipped to any address, use PayPal for payment, you can order through a rep who moves out of your area.

Representative Delivery: Free delivery by your rep. There is no shipping charge, you only pay a processing fee (currently $.75), most reps take checks, personal interaction.

While both methods have advantages and disadvantages you decide which is right for you. If you are an Avon customer, or are looking for a representative, give e-rep a try.

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joyjoy says "P.I.- Private Investigator or Psychic Intuitive?" about Abby Cooper, Psychic Eye

joyjoy — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 18:21:27 GMT

When one of Abby Cooper's clients is murdered she is drawn into the police investigation.

I had $30.00 in gift certificates from Amazon.com and wanted a fourth book under $7.00, didn't expect much from this book.. I'm glad to say I was wrong. Abby Cooper, Psychic Eye is well plotted and well written. There is an element of romance as there is an immediate attraction between Abby and Dutch Rivers (they meet through a dating service, she doesn't know he's a cop and he doesn't know she's psychic) but it is not the usual I love you/I hate you but rather Detective Rivers trying to come to grips with something he never believed in and doesn't understand. Victoria Laurie is herself a professional psychic who has worked with the police and has made her characters, including the police, believable and well-rounded. This is the first in the series but will not be the last I read. When I next shop for books I will make a point of searching for Victoria Laurie's Psychic Eye books....

joyjoy says "Now this is what I call tea." about Barry's Tea Gold Blend

joyjoy — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 22:02:35 GMT

After I wrote a review on a weak beverage that purported to be Irish tea I was given some suggestions about other teas to try. One was Barry's tea. The site where I buy my tea sells Barry's Tea Gold Blend so that was the one I decided to try. It turned out to be a wise decision. The tea is full-bodied, smooth, strong with just a hint of smokiness. It brews quickly so if you prefer a weaker beverage remove it after one to two minutes. The rectangular bags separate easily, because they are not packaged in individual foil pouches they will need to be stored in an air tight container. There are no strings or tabs, teabag squeezers are recommended (see my review) to prevent burnt fingers.

If you would like to know more about Barry's tea and its business practices visit www.barrystea.ie.

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joyjoy says "The first in a projected trilogy" about Ogigins, Part 1: Thor's Hammer

joyjoy — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 23:52:22 GMT

Many millions of years in the past, the eugenics program of the planet Tara divides it's people into two groups, Standards and Substandards. The Substandards are then further divided into tiers with the lowest being interned on Gaea, a miserable planet with a sub-tropical climate and a wide variety of flora and fauna, including giant reptiles. The continuous mining of the planet Thor by the humans of Tara leads to open warfare with the Ancient Enemy. While both of these are described thoroughly they are not important so much in themselves as in how they affect the characters, shaping their thoughts and actions. All through this book I was unable to avoid comparisons to the Nazis and to life on the plantations. Although I am not a big fan of science fiction I was so intrigued by this book I am looking forward to Part 2. If you are a fan of science fiction who appreciated the cerebral qualities of the Martian Chronicles, or are not a fan but enjoy well-written stories with an emphasis on......

joyjoy says "I burned a CD!" about Verbatim CD-RW 2x-4x

joyjoy — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:55:27 GMT

When I wanted to make a copy of my Disk Warrior CD I began doing research on what to use. I finally decided on the Verbatim CD-Rw 2x-4x and I believe I made the right decision. Each disc will hold 80 minutes or 700 mb of data. They come in slim jewel cases and the inserts are lined on the back to allow listing of the contents. This means no more need for labels or markers! While the burn speed is slow you should remember that slower speeds mean less likelihood of burning a drink coaster and more likelihood of having a useable CD. Or DVD. :)
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joyjoy says "Easy to use." about Epson All- in-One Printer Scanner

joyjoy — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:59:21 GMT

Epson Stylus CX 7400

note: The CX 7400 supports Windows 2000, XP, XP Professional x64 Edition, Vista,and Mac OS X 10.2.8, 10.3.9 and above. It does not have a parallel port, USB cable not included.

Like all Epson printers setup of the CX 7400 was simple. The instructions were well written and easy to understand, the ink slots are color coded so there is no guess work what goes where. My only problem was the USB port is recessed and I needed a flashlight, so be sure and have a flashlight or a well-lit room.You'll want to get the serial number from the back before you began as you will need it during the registration process. Follow the instructions for connecting the printer, insert the CD when instructed and follow the prompts. Even registration is made as painless as possible. After filling in the form (easy) you are given the option of registering online, by mail or by fax. The directions for printing, copying and scanning could be understood by a two year old (maybe not quite that young......

joyjoy says "Better than Oreos." about Late July - Vanilla Bean with Green Tea sandwich cookies

joyjoy — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 17:24:57 GMT

Late July Vanilla Bean with Green Tea sandwich cookies are an excellent balance of chocolate and vanilla.These are too sweet for my tastes but I am not a big sweets eater, most people would love these. These cookies are certified organic and the taste shows the difference. They are kosher and vegan, meaning no animal products of any kind, and contain no peanut or corn products. Packaged in a plastic tray and sealed in foil, I put them in a plastic bag to keep them fresh. Of course they might not last long enough to need this! The website, LateJuly.com, has a list of online stores where these can be found but they can probably be bought from most health food stores. Nothing artificial, these cookies have no artificial color or flavor and no preservatives.

Made in a plant that processes foods containing milk, eggs, peanuts and tree nuts.
Contains wheat and soy....

joyjoy says "Know what you are eating." about Color in food

joyjoy — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 23:03:12 GMT

If you are like me, allergic to artificial color, or just prefer to avoid unnecessary ingredients, you may feel you have to avoid prepared foods as most contain added color. But there are two types of color, chemical dyes and vegetable dyes. Knowing which you are eating can be helpful.

It is not difficult to recognize chemical dyes in an ingredient list as they are designated in only three ways: artificial color, FD&C(color name) #(color number), and titanium dioxide. Despite the different names these are all the same substance. Titanium dioxide and FD&C color are also the designations used in cosmetic products,

Vegetable dyes are listed in a variety of ways, some of which are listed here although this is probably not a complete list.

annatto : a seaweed that comes in a variety of colors (If you are allergic to seafood you can still eat annatto without worrying.)

turmeric: a yellow root

caramel color: makes soft drinks brown

beta carotene: makes carrots orange (and will make you orange if you......

joyjoy says "A visit to pre-independence Ireland." about In Dublin's Fair City

joyjoy — Sun, 18 May 2008 22:52:45 GMT

At the turn of the twentieth century Molly Murphy is something of an anomaly as a private investigator, even if she does restict herself to non-violent cases. (Well, that's her intention.)

When theatrical impressario Tommy Burke asks Molly Murphy to travel to Ireland to find his baby sister it seems a simple, if probably fruitless, task. As soon as she boards the ship Molly is met with a strange request; pretend to be a famous actress for the voyage so said actress can avoid her fans. When the actress's maid is killed, and then the woman disappears, things take a frightening turn. But no where near as frightening as events become when Molly begins looking for Tommy's sister and is drawn into the movement for Irish home rule....

joyjoy says "Save a cat at www.spots and stripes.net." about Spots and Stripes

joyjoy — Fri, 09 May 2008 00:47:45 GMT

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joyjoy says "Good site for shareware games." about Green Apple Games

joyjoy — Mon, 05 May 2008 19:47:47 GMT

Green Apple Games scours the internet for shareware games that can be played offline or online. With new games being added every day, these games are guaranteed to be free of adware, spyware, and viruses. Free playing time varies by game and is determined by the developer. Because Green Apple Games is merely the distribution site, rather than the owner/developer, there is no account needed, nothing to join and no extra expenses. Payment is channeled directly to the developer, all that is required is your payment information. Payment can be made online by credit card or PayPal, or offline by credit card or check. When you go to pay for your game designate your payment method. If you choose fax or check you will be directed to make a print out of your order and be given information as to where to fax/mail the order....

joyjoy says "The solution to all mother-in-law problems." about How To Murder Your Mother-In-Law

joyjoy — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 01:46:35 GMT

Ellie Haskell believes meddling women should be shot at dawn, especially her. Against the advice of her husband Ben, Ellie decides to throw an anniversary party for her in-laws. The result is disaster; after a knock down drag out fight Elijah storms out and Magdalene decides to move in permanently. Ellie and some other unhappy daughters-in-law meet, and to let off steam, discuss ways to kill their mothers-in-law. But when one woman is hospitalized and another killed, both injured in the fashion discussed, Ellie becomes frightened that Magdalene will be next.
Dorothy Cannell's books are wickedly funny takes on domestic life and recommended to anyone who enjoys a good laugh....

joyjoy says "Popcorn! Peanuts! Goulash!" about SnackAisle

joyjoy — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 19:22:05 GMT

Sorry, no goulash. And if you are looking for junk food try the snack aisle in the grocery store. If you want snacks that are good for you, this is the place. SnackAisle has a wide variety of nuts, cookies, chips, etc., and more kinds of salsa than I knew there were. If you prefer organic snacks you'll find them here. Special needs such as Kosher? They have it. There are also snacks for people on low fat or low carb diets. (No more having to find Atkins.) The site has complete ingredient and nutritional listing for each product and a glossary of terms used in foods. Shipping is by UPS and is fast and reasonable. I placed my order Tuesday night, Wednesday morning when I opened my email there was a message from SnackAisle telling me my order had been shipped and giving me the tracking number.

FYI: The title is a line from the tv show MASH.
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