Reviews by Friends of njchicaa

bkovacs says "'Gran Torino' is a great ride" about Gran Torino

bkovacs — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:49:42 GMT

I think most reviewers get one point wrong about Walt Kowalski, Clint Eastwood's character in Gran Torino. Everyone remarks that Walt is a racist, and he certainly uses strong language that we associate with racial intolerance. However, Walt is more of a "timist" than anything -- his beef is not with the race of the people around him, but the time in which he is living. Walt would prefer to turn back the clock to a time when everything made sense and his beloved 1972 Ford Gran Torino ruled the streets with gas-gulping muscle.

Walt lives in Detroit, in a neighborhood that has just about completely gone ethnic. Gran Torino opens with Walt at his wife's funeral, while the extended Hmung family next door celebrates the birth of a child. Walt fights the changes of time with a string of obscenities and slurs that are actually... well, funny. When Thao (Bee Vang), the timid Hmung teen next door, tries to steal the Gran Torino as part of a gang initiation, Walt stops him with his Korean War...

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Fardreamer says "Leia and her Ewok rescuer round out the Princess Leia Collection" about Hasbro Star Wars - The Princess Leia Collection: Princess Leia and Wicket

Fardreamer — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:41:33 GMT

One of the best things about George Lucas as the creator of "modern mythology" is that when he set out to create the Star Wars and Indiana Jones series, he astutely avoided the "damsel in distress" archetype prevalent in action and fantasy films of the 1970s and 1980s.

Clearly, in Star Wars, he did not dispense with female-characters-in-peril altogether; Carrie Fisher's Princess Leia Organa does get captured by Lord Darth Vader's forces twice in the Classic Trilogy, but Lucas wisely envisioned her as a strong character who often takes charge of the situation. (In a clever twist, it's Leia who has to "rescue" Han and Luke after they bungle the breakout from the first Death Star's detention block.)

And because Lucas intended the Star Wars saga to have universal appeal, it's not surprising that many of the movies' most ardent fans have always been girls and women.

When the Princess Leia and... sets were rolled out in 1997, Hasbro still used the Kenner label on its Star Wars collectibles because...

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PattyTherre says "I look like I have rabies when I use this. TOO much foam for me!" about Aquafresh Iso-Active Toothpaste

PattyTherre — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:37:27 GMT

Quick View: I received a full sized container of Aquafresh Iso-Active Toothpaste in the Fresh Impact flavor from a program called "She Speaks". It was not sent for me to review, just to use. They send lots of free stuff. I thought I would like this new toothpaste but I don't. It's messy and the dispenser is tough to use. Plus it's pricey and I don't see any difference in the whiteness of my teeth from when I use Sensodyne PRONAMEL Anti-Cavity Fluoride Toothpaste or Sensodyne Extra Whitening Toothpaste and they help my sensitive teeth as well as cleaning and whitening my teeth.

My Take on Aquafresh Iso-Active Toothpaste

This toothpaste comes in an plastic standing tube with a big plastic push down top. The top is tough to manipulate and, when the paste comes out, it's hard to meter how much comes out of the tube. Sometimes a little releases, sometimes a lot. Also, I can't see through the packaging to see how much toothpaste I have left and that bugs me. The dispenser also gets foamy and...

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PattyTherre says "Not enough hydration, weird tint, and wears off too fast!" about Blistex Lip Tone

PattyTherre — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 04:34:54 GMT

Quick View: i have a load of lip balms but always pick up more. I have dry, often times chapped lips so I need a good balm that heals as well as protects. I don't feel Blistex Lip Tone heals at all and it is so thin that it only lasts minutes on my lips. And the tint? Weird!

My Take on Blistex Lip Tone

This balm comes in a Chapstick-like tube and has a brownish tint to it. I think it is supposed to be lip color but my lips are very pink so the tint makes them look brownish. I don't like or need tint in my balms and didn't realize I was buying a tinted balm when I bought this one.

Moving past the color issues, this balm does have SPF 15 in it and the only active ingredients in are sunscreens. It's a nice plus as our lips can and do burn in the sun - summer or winter.

The balm is very thin and somewhat sweet. It smooths on fine but, if I don't look in a mirror when applying, I get that weird tint on the skin around my lips and I look like a kid who has playing in her mother's makeup kit.

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lilsquibb says "Softsoap Hand Soap in a Body Wash Bottle" about Softsoap Nutri Serums Body Wash Moisture-Retaining Omega 3 & 6

lilsquibb — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:10:31 GMT

I'm not usually a body wash person, but when I was able to get some samples of the new Softsoap Nutri Serum Body Wash from Bzz Agent, I was more than interested in signing up. At the least if I didn't like it I could give it away to my friend who loves body washes. In my campaign package I received the two versions of the Nutri Serum (the Moisture Retaining and the Restoring w/ Vitamin E). As of yet I've only had an opportunity to try the Moisture Retaining version.

What is this Nutri Serum?

According to the product description the Softsoap Nutri Serum Body Wash is "The first body wash made with softening serum pearls to give you soft and healthy-looking skin." The Moisture Retaining version is in the pink bottle and is made with Omega 3 & 6. The body wash comes in an easy to grip bottle and the sample size came with a flip top. The pictures of the full size bottles look like it has a similar top.

The New becomes the Old

As a clear body wash, (with the floating pink pearls)...

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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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RudiXeno says "Ryobi 3/8ths inch Corded Drill: Enough for most homeowners" about Ryobi Variable Peed 3/8ths inch Drill

RudiXeno — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:49:54 GMT

Unless you do none of your own work at home, one of the most valuable tools you can own is a power drill.

A trip to either The Home Depot or Lowe's might convince you that unless you have the latest, greatest lithium powered portable drill you are seriously challenged. I say no.

Now if you're among those of us who seem always to have a next project on the board you probably can benefit from the latest cordless drill. But for the overwhelming majority of homeowners and apartment dwellers, your needs can be more easily addressed with a simple, inexpensive corded drill.

Ryobi 3/8ths inch Corded Drill

The Ryobi 3/8ths inch Corded Drillis a basic yet totally serviceable alternative to the cordless drill for most homeowners. For most projects around the home, other than drill bits, you might need an extension cord. It has a key-less chuck so you won't even have to search for a missing chuck key.

Ask Yourself

How often are you really going to need to use this tool. If not on a frequent...

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Fardreamer says "A Princess Leia two pack which features Han Solo? Nice!" about Hasbro Star Wars - The Princess Leia Collection: Princess Leia and Han Solo

Fardreamer — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:27:03 GMT

Star Wars has always had a multi-cultural, multi-generational and cross-gender appeal which is partly based on the universality of its roots as a "modern myth" for our times, and partly because Lucas was smart enough to take archetypes such as the hero on a quest, the mysterious wise man, the rogue with the heart of gold and, of course, the damsel in distress and tweaked them for the sensibilities of the late 1970s.

Thus it's safe to say that even though guys have always been in the majority within the Star Wars collecting community, lots of girls and women of all ages like the Kenner/Hasbro Star Wars action figures and other toys, too.

Hasbro's erstwhile competitor, Kenner Toys of Columbus, Ohio knew that many girls were fans of Princess Leia Organa, the cosmopolitan, politically-well connected Senator from Alderaan who was as fast with a quick quip ("Would someone get this walking carpet out of my way?") as well as with a blaster pistol. Thus, in the early days of the Kenner/Star Wars...

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Fardreamer says "Luke and Leia make nice additions to Princess Leia Collection" about Hasbro Star Wars - The Princess Leia Collection: Princess Leia and Luke Skywalker

Fardreamer — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:00:54 GMT

Although most of Kenner/Hasbro's Star Wars action figures are marketed almost exclusively for guys (either kids or guys who were kids when Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope premiered in May of 1977), the marketing division figured out that the films also appeal to girls, so why not release a few collectibles that, while still having "guy approval," might please them as well.

The result of this reasoning (or Jedi marketing meditation) was The Princess Leia Collection, a quartet of two-figure sets pairing off the formidable Rebel leader and Luke Skywalker's twin sister with other characters from the Classic Trilogy.

Princess Leia and Luke Skywalker

The beautiful Princess Leia, Senator and Cell Leader for the Rebel Alliance, rewards the young Luke Skywalker for his heroic role in the destruction of the Imperial Death Star.

Princess Leia and Luke Skywalker features both of the Skywalker twins as they appear at the end of Episode IV: A New Hope during the award ceremony in the Massassi temple...

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Fardreamer says "Fans of both genders will enjoy this Leia and R2-D2 duo!" about Hasbro Star Wars - The Princess Leia Collection: Princess Leia and R2-D2

Fardreamer — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:30:20 GMT

One of the reasons George Lucas' Star Wars saga has been so entrenched in our popular culture is the wide appeal its story and characters has across a wide spectrum of humanity.

Though most non-fans think only young boys and socially-challenged adult men "geek out" over the multi-media Empire built upon the six live-action Episodes, three Cartoon Network animated series, an animated feature, several live-action TV projects and a Death Star's worth of books, graphic novels, computer and role-playing games, it ain't necessarily so.

Indeed, Star Wars has always had a multi-cultural, multi-generational and cross-gender appeal which is partly based on the universality of its roots as a "modern myth" for our times, and partly because Lucas was smart enough to take archetypes such as the hero on a quest, the mysterious wise man, the rogue with the heart of gold and, of course, the damsel in distress and tweaked them for the sensibilities of the late 1970s.

Thus it's safe to say that even...

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PattyTherre says "A great value but I wish the primer wasn't so chalky colored." about e.l.f. Studio Lip Primer & Plumper

PattyTherre — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:58:31 GMT

Quick View: e.l.f.'s studio line is a little pricier than their dollar cosmetics but by only a couple of bucks. This dual use product is just $3.00 and works fairly well. I don't love the nude color of the lip primer though. It is a bit chalky looking.

My Take on e.l.f. Studio Lip Primer & Plumper

This little stick costs $3.00. One one side is a natural/nude lip primer that you apply before using lip color to help make the color cling and last and to fill in little lip lines. On the other side is the nearly clear plumper than can be worn over the primer, alone, or over lip colors.

The plumper has cinnamon in it which boosts circulation, giving lips a temporary look of fullness and a flush of color. I like the cinnamon scent and taste and don't mind the slight burning sensation I get when I use the plumper. It's very common for plumpers and this one isn't nearly as bad as many other plumpers.

I often will use the primer, apply the plumper and then color or do it the other way around and...

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LisaCarey says "Lining and filling makes lips plumper and lipstick last longer " about Mary Kay Lip Liner (All Colors)

LisaCarey — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:37:54 GMT

I keep it simple when it comes to caring for my skin and using makeup. I admit that while I am willing to pay more for skin care products like cleanser and moisturizer I usually skimp of make up products. After all, all I wear on a regular basis is foundation, lipstick and mascara. and in the summer I don't even do all that. I have full cupid bow lips anyway, so usually don't even bother with lip liner but my friendly neighbor (and Mary Kay consultant) reminded me that I would have to buy long wearing lipstick that can dry my lips out if I would add a lip liner to my make up routine. Here's three Mary Kay Lip Liner's to try so let me know what you think.

Mary Kay Lip Liner is available in almost 12 colors and you can easily find one of them to match your lip color from almost natural to deep dark colors. It is $10.00 a liner which to me is a bit pricey, but with careful application could last you a really long time.

Mary Kay Lip Liner is easy to use. You simply twist the "tube"...

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LisaCarey says "Glowing skin all day and all night " about Lancome AQUA FUSION CREAM Continuous Infusing Moisturizer 1.7 oz

LisaCarey — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:15:47 GMT

I really do try to find greener products to use in both my home and for my health. Unfortunately sometimes when i try a new product it's not very good for me and that was the case with something I borrowed from a friend since I had no moisturizer. It stung when I put it on, and continued to sting and get worse throughout the day. Stopping at the Lancome counter to do my gift with purchase the sales lady cleaned my skin and recommended Lancome's AQUA FUSION CREAM for my skin. I had tried a sample before and liked it but needed to finish my other products before making any other purchases. However this was an emergency, red angry looking splotches had made their way to my face.

First she cleaned my skin and then added a sample of Aqua Fusion Cream Continuous Infusing Moisturizer. My skin actually said, "Ahhh" in relief. I had actually already purchased this but they were nice enough to fix my red skin before I left the counter. Within about 30 minutes my skin was looking much better...

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LisaCarey says "I wanted my little monkeys to like the barrel, but they didn't " about Milton Bradley Barrel of Monkeys

LisaCarey — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:59:12 GMT

My children love finger playing out the song "Five little monkeys jumping on the bed." I thought that my little monkeys would also love playing with Milton Bradley Barrel of Monkeys. I was wrong.

Angela LaFon's review reminded me of all the fun my little brother used to have with the Milton Bradley Barrel of Monkeys, and I remember my son playing with them much like she describes in her review. But my two girls were just not interested in the barrel, the monkeys, the linking, or the swinging.

Milton Bradley Barrel of Monkeys are cute and I agree with other reviewers that a bigger barrel and more variety in colors is needed. Who knows maybe then my girls would play with it. But when offered this toy, my girls shrugged their shoulders, walked away and went on to play another game, any other game. My three year old while having excellent hand eye coordination finds linking them together frustrating and just wants to dump it out and place on on another. The 4 yr old isn't even...

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LisaCarey says "I won! You broke the ice! My daughter giggles and exclaims" about Milton Bradley Don't Break the Ice Game

LisaCarey — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:44:19 GMT

Rainy day at the beach and on vacation it's time to get a little creative to keep the kids entertained but since it's day two I don't want to break the bank quite yet. Roaming the aisles at the grocery store the toy section the game Milton Bradley Don't Break the Ice Game is on sale for $5.00! I remember this game from when I was a kid. My brother loved this game! My husband loved this game when he was a kid! Sold!

Milton Bradley Don't Break the Ice Game comes home and the game is quickly set up. We don't even need batteries! Within minutes, my daughter giggles and squeals, "I won! You broke the ice daddy!" After about 5 quick games she decided to take a break and hit the Barbie Princess coloring book we also bought (1.00) and I am relieved that my daughter loves this game, since she also says, "Can we play again later?"

Milton Bradley Don't Break the Ice Game is easy to set up, easy to play. The kids enjoy it and even mom and dad can have some fun. It doesn't take...

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LisaCarey says "No bells no whistles just brew " about Mr. Coffee Mr. Coffee 12 Cup Coffeemaker CG13

LisaCarey — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:23:17 GMT

The Mr. Coffee 12 Cup Coffeemaker CG13 is about as basic as it gets. I admit, I am not much of a coffee drinker and when I do drink coffee I usually like the flavored ones, heavy on the cream and sugar (ok milk and sugar substitute now). Anyway, recently I needed the extra morning jolt of caffeine that coffee can bring and pulled out this coffee maker. I only wanted to make about 5 cups or so, thinking that my husband would want to drink some too since I was actually making it.

Using the Mr. Coffee 12 Cup Coffeemaker CG13 is easy and I do like that there is only one lid I need to flip to fill both the coffee and water filters. The coffee was ok, once I turned it into something that most coffee drinkers would scoff at. It was easy to clean out the pot afterwards and there was no spilling over during brewing. There is a side measure to double check the water amount and an extension cord with storage room in the back when not in use.

But what I didn't like about the Mr. Coffee...

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elvisdo says "Motrin Ibuprofen Definitely Helps Against Fevers and Aches" about Motrin Ib Ibuprofen Pain Reliever Tablets, 300 Coated Tablets

elvisdo — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:36:05 GMT

I'm surprised with the amount of medication in our household. We have vitamins, supplements, pain relievers, fever reducers, cough suppressants, allergy medication, antacids, laxatives, and any other thing you can think of that would be necessary. I could open up a pharmacy.However, there is one label we always have in stock: Motrin Ibuprofen Pain Reliever Tablets.

I'm not one who enjoys putting pills into my body and have been very cautious in what does go in. But I'm not in my 20s anymore despite what I think. My body has changed and my immune system has followed suit as well. Still, I am leery of what I take. Thankfully, Motrin isn't a question for me anymore.

Motrin Ibuprofen Pain Reliever Tablets contain 200 mg of Ibuprofen in each tablet. So what exactly does Ibuprofen do for a person? It is used to relieve the pain, tenderness, inflammation (swelling), and stiffness caused by arthritis and gout. It is also used to reduce fever and to relieve headaches, muscle aches, menstrual pain,...

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Fardreamer says "Bowden sheds light on Battle of Mogadishu in this masterpiece" about Black Hawk Down: A Story of Modern War

Fardreamer — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:20:48 GMT

"It is only those who have neither fired a shot nor heard the shrieks and groans of the wounded who cry aloud for blood, more vengeance, more desolation. War is hell." - William Tecumseh Sherman

For all my interest in all things related to the military and especially military history, I have never lost sight of two very important concepts.

One, of course, is the obvious reality that war is never something to be undertaken lightly, It doesn't matter, in the long run, whether we choose to go to war or it is forced upon us, but the whole endeavor is, by its very nature, messy, cruel and unpredictable.

The other concept I try to always remember is that we Americans, as a society, seem to have a tendency to not understand the military, its culture and its very important role in our Republic. Right now, only those who serve (or have served) in the active duty and reserve units of the various armed services and their families know just what wearing the American uniform entails, especially...

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PattyTherre says "Helps protect sensitive teeth and precious tooth enamel." about Sensodyne PRONAMEL Anti-Cavity Fluoride Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth

PattyTherre — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 05:58:33 GMT

Quick View: I have a few teeth that are super sensitive. I like Sensodyne Extra Whitening Toothpaste very much but I also worry about brushing away the enamel on my teeth which, at 45, is a concern. I switch my use of toothpastes fairly often but I do like Sensodyne PRONAMEL Anti-Cavity Fluoride Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth. It helps keep my teeth stain free, reduces my sensitivity and protect my tooth enamel.

My Take on Sensodyne PRONAMEL Anti-Cavity Fluoride Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth

This toothpaste comes in a few fresh flavors and all are great for freshening my breath. A four ounce tube is around $5.00 so this is pricier than usual toothpastes but, if you have sensitive teeth, you know it is worth the extra cost.

The toothpaste is not abrasive so it doesn't cause tooth enamel loss which is really important as we age. It has ingredients to gently reduce tooth sensitivity and it truly works. My dentist says it is only brand made that actually works for sensitive teeth and I believe...

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LisaCarey says "Snoop around before you hit forward and send " about Snopes

LisaCarey — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:42:47 GMT

I have been using Snopes every since I can remember getting emails. A few short months after I started using the internet and email daily of course I was hit up with email "chain" letters, scams, hoaxes and sob stories by everyone from a Nigerian who had a million dollars they wanted to give me to free gift cards from Applebees for forwarding this message. A friend suggested using this site, and now, not only am I older and wiser when it comes to recognizing the email equivalent of junk mail, but I am also armed with one of the best scam detectors out there.

Snopes.com is fast and easy to use. You simply type in the subject line or a few keywords of content from your message (or even a story that someone has told you) and find out if it is fact or fiction. You can also find out details about how this so called story started and when. I admit now I work for a consumer protection website, and one of the first things I do before writing about a bogus email message is start my fact...

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