Reviews by Friends of mauigirlinwa

TheBard says "You'll Never Need Another Mathematic/Scientific Calculator" about Texas Instruments - TI83

TheBard — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 21:04:36 GMT

Bottom-Line: The Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator is probably the last calculator you will purchase in your academic career, it is just that powerful.

Texas Instruments released the first TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator, and upgrade of the TI-82, in 1996, and it has gone to be one of the most widely used graphing calculators for students across a broad range of educational levels. In addition to the functions found on normal scientific calculators the TI-83 Plus includes graphing, polar/parametric/sequence graphing modes, statistics, trigonometric, calculus (the Plus) and algebraic functions. Texas Instruments released the TI-83 Plus in 1999 as a replacement for the normally aspired TI-83. The TI-83 Plus also ships with flash memory, which would enable the devices’ OS to be updated as needed.

Powered by (4) AAA-sized batteries (plus 1 CR-1616 or CR 1620 lithium battery for backup), the TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator is large unit ideal for advanced mathematics students...

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TheBard says "Most Costly Than Others, But It Brings The Goods" about Kaspersky Kaspersky Internet Security 2010

TheBard — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:31:25 GMT

Bottom-Line: Overall, Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 is more than adequate for both power users and those users who take a more set-it-and-forget it approach to their computer’s security.

Even if the antivirus program cannot clean the infected file, most can at least isolate it and keep from doing harm the rest of the computer system. One of the antivirus programs I trust is Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 a program I recently downloaded and installed on a laptop running Windows 7 Enterprise Edition.

Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 supports Windows 7 (32/64-Bit), Windows Vista (32/64-bit), and Windows XP Home Edition (SP2).

The 411

Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 ships with all the usual suite of protections found in most of its competitors with the exception of a data backup utility. That means you’ll antivirus protection for files, web browsing, e-mail, applications and various processes.

And of course Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 include auto-protect and e-mail...

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Bryan-Carey says "Excedrin Extra Strength Offers a Good Level of Relief" about Excedrin Extra Strength

Bryan-Carey — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:16:28 GMT

I don’t suffer from headaches very much, but when I do, I will usually reach for one of an assortment of over the counter pain relievers to stop the pain. I usually pick Aleve or one of a few others, but another product that generally works well is Excedrin Extra Strength, an inexpensive pain reliever.

Pain Reliever Commentary:

Excedrin Extra Strength are used to relieve multiple types of pain. When it comes to pain, I generally experience nothing but headache pain but Excedrin Extra Strength is good for body aches, arthritis, muscle aches, menstrual cramps, toothaches, and more. Whatever type of pain you have, Excedrin Extra Strength is ready to get to the core of the problem and lessen the discomfort.

Excedrin Extra Strength contains aspirin, acetaminophen, and caffeine in its list of active ingredients. The dosage of caffeine is good because it prevents drowsiness and some people even claim they feel more wide awake than usual when they take this product. The caffeine dosage...

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Bryan-Carey says "Prilosec OTC Provides Long Term Stomach Acid Relief" about Prilosec OTC

Bryan-Carey — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:05:22 GMT

Excess stomach acid can cause great discomfort. Heartburn is one common problem associated with out of control stomach acid, but GERD/acid reflux is even worse because it can lead to lesions in the throat and other health issues. To stop heartburn and associated problems, I sometimes reach for Prilosec OTC, a remedy for stomach pain.

Drug Commentary:

Prilosec OTC helps relieve stomach acid problems by blocking the production of stomach acid. This makes it a little different from other antacids, which usually work to neutralize the stomach acid already present. Prilosec OTC accomplishes its mission through the active ingredient Omeprazole Magnesium. This ingredient is released on a delayed basis, and this means that Prilosec OTC can help relieve problems associated with stomach acid for a full day.

I have the occasional bout with excess stomach acid, usually the result of overeating or consuming foods and beverages that are either spicy or high in acid. I have an assortment of antacid...

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TheBard says "Vampires Come in From The Cold" about Dead Until Dark

TheBard — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 17:53:29 GMT

Bottom-Line: Dead Until Dark brings to life in a new way one of the oldest myths in human existence, one that refuses to die an honored death.

Dead Until Dark revolves around the life of a small town waitress, Sookie Stackhouse, who makes her home in Bon Temps, Louisiana. The book and series is a first-person account of Sookie's life as a barmaid, who also happens to be a telepath, after she starts dating a local Vampire named Bill Compton.

In Dead Until Dark, Bill and the rest of the Vampire community have come out of the proverbial closet so-to-speak and into the light around the world seeking to become part of the human world. Though they can only come out at night, Vampires have made their presence felt throughout society and dating the "undead" has becomes almost fashionable. And drinking their blood can bestow super-human abilities, or drive the consumer mad.

My Viewpoint

Catherine Harris has woven together a pretty compelling story in Dead Until Dark. Sookie Stackhouse...

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TheBard says "An All Too Familiar Human Story" about Precious

TheBard — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 13:34:30 GMT

Life is hard. Life is short. Life is painful. Life is rich. Life is....Precious. Few movies have garnered as much attention, derision, and critical acclaim as the just released Precious the depressing (could be anyone) story of a 15-year-old African American girl growing up in Harlem during the latter part on the 1980's.

Story Line

Directed by Lee Daniels (Shadowboxer), and adapted from the novel Push by Sapphire, Precious centers around the life of Clarice "Precious" Joans portrayed by new-comer Gabourey Sidibe. Clarice is dark, obese, illiterate, unloved, unwanted, and pregnant with a second child sired by her father. She gave birth to her first child (also sired by her father) at age twelve and refers to the child, who has Down's syndrome and lives with her Grandmother, as Mogul.

Clarice lives with her verbally, physically, and sexually abusive mother, Mary, portrayed by Mo'Nique. Mary doesn't work and instead collects welfare checks and food stamps for Precious and her...

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TheBard says "Quick, Easy, and Good for Me, or so they say!" about Quaker Simple Harvest Instant Oatmeal Maple Brown Sugar with Pecans

TheBard — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:25:12 GMT

During the week I leave the house fairly early, so most mornings I don’t eat breakfast until I get to work. And then I want something filling, but quick, and oh it has to taste good and be good for me. A tall order indeed and Quaker Simple Harvest Instant Oatmeal – Maple Brown Sugar with Pecan certainly fit the bill.

Sold in 11.8oz boxes with eight 42g packages per box, Quaker Simple Harvest Instant Oatmeal – Maple Brown Sugar with Pecan is cost-effective winner. Checking in at $2.99 box, (at my local Super Target) one box can last a week (two packages per day)more than pays for itself.

Quaker, worry not it looks as though you have a hit on your collective corporate hands; the Simple Harvest/maple brown sugar with pecans instant multigrain hot oatmeal is a hit with me. According to Quaker Simple Harvest Instant Oatmeal – Maple Brown Sugar with Pecan "is a great tasting breakfast option you can feel good about. Made from only natural ingredients like whole oats, whole wheat...

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Bryan-Carey says "Fisher Price Sing and Strum Guitar: Good, but Less than Perfect" about Fisher-Price Sing 'n Strum Guitar

Bryan-Carey — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 03:38:12 GMT

My girls love to play music. They love toy instruments and they enjoy creating their own unique songs and lyrics. Their enjoyment of music has led to my purchasing of several different toy instruments and one of them is the Fisher Price Backyardigans Sing ‘n Strum Guitar, a toy guitar without the strings.

Toy Commentary:

The Fisher Price Backyardigans Sing ‘n Strum Guitar is a child- size guitar that measures about seventeen inches in length, ten inches in width at its widest point, and two inches in thickness. The front side of the guitar features Backyardigan cartoon characters, with two characters occupying the area around the "strings" and three other characters in the area that forms the neck of the guitar. The guitar is powered by three AAA batteries.

This toy guitar offers a few different sound effects and one tune. The sound effects are activated one of three ways: By pressing one of the three characters on the neck of the guitar, by pressing the blue tab underneath the...

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TheBard says "Small, lightweight, expandable; I'm In!" about Dell E-Port Plus Replicator

TheBard — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:26:32 GMT

Bottom-Line: All-n-all, I am very pleased with the E-Port Plus Replicator.

As I stated in my review of the Dell Latitude E6500 Notebook computer, it has been almost five years since I started my new job as a Senior IT Engineer running the messaging infrastructure (Microsoft Exchange 2007/BlackBerry Enterprise Server) installation for a mid-sized Mid-West financial company. And when I started the job I was issued a Dell Latitude D600 light weight notebook computer.

A good desktop replacement notebook computer deserves a good "unrestrained" port replicator to go along with it; we choose Dell's new E-Port Plus Replicator in slate black thank you.

The 411

The new E-Port Plus Replicator is optimized for dual digital monitors (two DVI ports (HDMI supported via adapter)), (1) VGA port, six USB and (1) eSATA, Serial, and parallel ports as well as (2) PS/2 ports. The E-Port Plus Replicator ships with a 130 watt power adapter.

The Dell E-Port Plus Replicator can be used with the following...

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Bryan-Carey says "Mr. Coffee CG12 Coffee Maker is a Little too Simple for Me" about Mr. Coffee CG-12

Bryan-Carey — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 03:33:02 GMT

Coffee is a beverage that has grown on me over the years and with my growing acceptance has been accompanied by a growing demand on the device I use to produce my morning beverage. One coffee maker that accomplishes very little but also costs very little is the Mr. Coffee CG12 Coffee Maker, a drip coffee maker from one of the best- known names in the business.

Coffee Maker Commentary:

The Mr. Coffee CG12 Coffee Maker is an inexpensive coffee maker that is mostly plastic in construction and that brews from two to twelve cups. The water reservoir is located behind this coffee maker and it includes cup markings on two sides, for easier measuring. A plastic flip- top covers the water reservoir and the filter basket. There is a simple, on/off switch in the front of this coffee maker, but there is nothing else: No clock, timer, pause feature, or anything else.

Mr. Coffee CG12 Drip Coffee Maker is a no frills device for brewing coffee and suffice it to say that most people who choose this...

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TheBard says "My Lightweight & Powerful; Portable Desktop Computer" about Dell Latitude E6500 Laptop

TheBard — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:02:24 GMT

Bottom-Line: Hands down, the Dell Latitude E6500 is a performance winner.

Now that Windows 7 is finally on the street, it is time for another technology refresh in my company; this time the entire department traded up to the Dell Latitude E6500 Notebook computer. Dell constructed the business-class notebook of a magnesium alloy, rugged paint finish and tough metal hinges, which makes the Latitude E6500 more durable than older Dell portable offerings.

My slate black (it can also be had in red and blue) Latitude E6500 doesn't feel any heavier than the notebook it replaces, which makes carrying the portable desktop replacement everyday easy on the shoulders and back. But the Latitude E6500 is far more capable than the Latitude D820 checking in with 4GB of Ram, an Intel Core 2 Duo Processor and 15.4" Premium WXGA LED display.

The Laptop

The Latitude E6500 comes very close to being a full fledged, full feathered desktop replacement; the unit houses your choice of Intel Core 2...

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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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TheBard says "Love The Rise, the Price,and the Taste" about Krusteaz Honey Cornbread & Muffin Mix

TheBard — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 01:48:11 GMT

Nothing goes better with BBQ ribs and baked beans than freshly baked cornbread coated in rich, creamy butter. I sometimes make my own from scratch, sometimes whip up some Jiffy, but I recently discovered the 15oz. box of Krusteaz Honey Cornbread & Muffin Mix made with real honey.

My Viewpoint

The flavor of Krusteaz Honey Cornbread is not surprisingly, tasty. The honey flavor (honey powder is listed as an ingredient) is mild and not overpowering. The cornbread's texture is moist, not dry like cheaper brands, and almost cake-like. Of course I added my own ingredients to the mix: a teaspoon of nutmeg, and a hint of allspice.

Krusteaz Honey Cornbread is a simple cornbread mix making it easy to prepare. To make the basic recipe, add to the mix is 2/3 cups of milk, 1/3 cup of vegetable oil, and 1 Lg. egg. On the side and back of the box are two more recipes to spice up the cornbread and turn the mix into a full meal; Bacon & Cheddar Mini Corn Loaves anyone?

I highly recommend...

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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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TheBard says "These Are Seriously Delicious" about Pillsbury Grands Flaky Supreme Cinnamon Rolls

TheBard — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:58:54 GMT

It's the weekend and in the Bard's household that usually means some sort of decadent high calorie, high fat desert pastry for Saturday morning breakfast! Sometimes I pick up something fresh from the local supermarket, or sometimes I pop something into the oven. Today, that something was a fresh batch of Pillsbury Grand's Flaky Supreme Cinnamon Rolls, made with "Cinnabon" cinnamon and cream cheese icing.

My Viewpoint

I am pleased with my choice for this weekend's breakfast pasty; these cinnamon buns are seriously flaky and delicious! I prepared the cinnamon buns per package instructions; sixteen minutes in the oven at 350 degrees and they were ready to emerge; browned, hot, moist, and yummy.

The package contains a small container of cream cheese icing, which is just enough to cover the (5) cinnamon buns.

I highly recommend Pillsbury Grands Flaky Supreme Cinnamon Rolls; for about $3.79 a can (in the dairy section) they are a bargain compared to the $3.99 I would have...

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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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