Book Reviews and Money Saving Tips

This is another play set using the Matchbox size cars.   It works fine with the included car.   I currently do not have any Hotwheel or other competing cars in the Matchbox size to test with the set.  I will have more availability in a month or so and if I find any incompatibility I will come back and add to this post.   I am aware that due to the configuration some vehicles won't work but I think compatibility is important in these toys. The set is reasonably sturdy.   As in any toy, the exuberance of the child will have a major bearing on durability.   I think the addition of some of the other sets to increase the complexity and play value would be a good idea.   Overall this seems like a fun toy. $20.00 at Amazon From the vendor: It's a big beast in the big city! The giant croc has swallowed a vehicle, and only you can save it! Rumble over the rocky bridge, climb the "stone" ...

The Naples Daily News ran an article recently that offered some tips to curb email hacking.   Having spent 25 years in the computer business I didn't hear anything new but it never hurts to be redundant.   NEVER open an attachment from someone you don't know.  If you are expecting an attachment from a friend that is normally safe but.... keep in mind if it looks squirrely even from a friend, don't open it.   Email or call your friend to determine if  they have sent you an attachment. ALWAYS use a good quality anti-virus software.   There are plenty of commercially available programs but there are also good free programs.   AVG, Trend Micro and Avast come to mind.   The Steve Gibson website, www.grc.com has a link to his Shields Up program.  This is a free probing (stop snickering) of your computer for security faults.   Gibson has been around for ever and this is a well known, free tool....

I guess I find it hard to love rubber bands. This came today and it is just as advertised, a ball of colored rubber bands. I checked the elasticity of the bands and that is fine. I bounced the ball which really isn't part of its product description but it seemed reasonable. It bounces funny due to the variances in circumference. At the priceof $3.88 at Amazon, it is not out of line compared to a plain old box of rubber bands and this is at least a desk conversation piece. If reviewing a product, it may have been received free of charge. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

I 'm prone to space toys.  This toy appears to be durable.  I will revise that opinion if need be when I have done a true test with a four year old.  It has the requisite flashing light and voices.   The space man has two spots that he can control different features.  Imagination will be crucial to maximize the play time with this toy.  I may be living in the past but it seems like pricing could be about 20% less for the value I perceived.   It should provide some fun times but I would surmise the 3-8 year old age spread should be decreased to perhaps 3-5 year old.  The repetitive phrases may drive the parent bonkers though.  ·                           Turn space figure on lower activation disk to open and release space shuttle ·          ...

This clipper cuts just fine.  I think with kids the main selling feature would be how quiet it is.  I have seen toddlers freak out over the noise of the beauty salon clippers.  The height adjustment seems a bit flimsy.   The cordless aspect is another good feature.  It is priced in the same arena as corder clippers, SRP is $35.00. ·                           Ultra quiet to help the child feel at ease ·                           Skin-friendly contour-following comb for speed and comfort ·                           Two adjustable combs offer 15 length settings from 1/8" to 1...

Some people have an affinity for surf boards others for antique cars,  I like and generally can afford flashlights.   I like the brightness of the current collection of LED flashlights.   This little fellow fits in the palm of your hand but yet provides a nice bright light.   One sets it off in its own category is that it turns into a micro lantern.     Note the micro part as it truly is small but the lantern feature does give it more flexibility than the other flashlights in this size category.  The only down side is the use of the CR2 button batteries.  They are easily available online but you may have to hunt to find them locally.   Otherwise this is a good value at the $5.95 price tag at Amazon.   If reviewing a product, it may have been received free of charge. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

I start with I like the appliance.   It does a very nice job and has good water pressure.   I like the three year warranty because I seem to be tough on Waterpiks.   I quote my wife on the pik storage, "that's dumb!"   There are two little holes that are accessible by lifting the lid to get to them and tiny fingers are definitely better at getting them out.   Inserting and removing the piks works smoothly.   The timer alert to tell you how long you are doing what you are doing seems silly.  I fill the unit with water and use it until the water is gone.   The LED setting light is cool but of limited utility, my guess it was used so the Pik would look cool.  The On/Off button on the handle works just fine but when you turn off the WaterPik while water is running, the water stops but the noise of the Pik rises to the level of a 55 Chevy with a heavy engine knock.  I almost dropped the handle as the loudness of the blocked...

Ok, maybe it is age related but I'm reasonably technical.   I found the pictograph Welcome to Planet Otterbox quick start guide grossly inadequate.    I would recommend actual photos as opposed to drawings and close ups as to where to push, pull or stick your knife blade to get the darn thing open.    If it offers as much protection as it takes to get the thing on your phone it will be super.    I was able to get it open and as I mentioned, my trusty pocket knife was invaluable getting the darn thing open.   Once it was open it was easy to get my phone into it.    It does seem that it is well constructed but it is very bulky with the belt clip.   It isn't too bad without the belt clip.   I'm not overly fond of belt or   pocket clips.   With all of the publicity of nut jobs grabbing peoples phones, I feel better having it in my jeans pocket.   I have trouble getting it out so a thief would have to a very at...