Blistex medicated lip balm
July 10, 2007 | Health | OTC Products

Summer is here, and being outdoors is a must for me. Chapped lips are very amateur, unattractive, painful, and simply unwarranted when considering the number and variety of products currently on the market for its prevention. Keeping your lips moist seems like an easy enough task for anyone to achieve, this really should be a year round activity and actually a must in cold winter temperatures too ( I however reside in Houston, and thus a cold winter is simply nonexistent). The first product I picked was the Blistex lip balm (medicated). The taste, texture, and ease of use were all decent.


I left the container in the car while at the beach and when I returned, the wax in the container had melted and leaked out of its container, making a mess in my cup holder (where I had placed it). Poor design and perhaps wax that melts too easy(?) were definite soars in the rating of this product, which makes it absolutely useless for people who live in hot climates (me in the summer), perhaps had I rated this product while on a ski trip, It would have done better, but that wasn't the case, and the product didnt have a warning stating that it should only be used under colder temperatures.

OPPO DV-981HD - DVD Player
July 6, 2007 | Audio / Video | Components

Having recently set up my home entertainment system, Ive had to accumulate a few components that Ive had to wait and use before rating. The OPPO DV-981HD is a DVD player that I would have never found, had I simply visited a retail store, simply because its an online available item only. While the future of higher definition DVD players is being fought to death by blu-ray and HD-DVD, I decided to get something rather cheap (in comparison) while getting the optimal performance, as I patiently wait in the sidelines for one of the two formats to die off, so I could buy the winner.

A 1080p Up-Converting Universal DVD Player is the answer for now, it comes at a fraction of the cost of the previously mentioned giant formats and it even comes with an HDMI cable itself. Having good reviews from net.com simply helped my decision to purchase this DVD player. For the money spent, the quality and look of this DVD player are well worth it.

Hookaholic - Hookah
June 15, 2007 | Entertainment

Im not much of a smoker, actually let me rephrase that, I don't smoke at all. However, at certain parties that I used to attend back in the day, I was introduced to the hookah. Basically you smoke flavored tobacco (which smells oh so good) through a water vase/reservoir. Its something that has been around certain parts of western Middle East for centuries. It looks absolutely awesome (well, the one that I got sure does) and can be used as a center piece or on a coffee table, and when the right company is around, I light it up and have my guests smoke what they have come to love. It gets compliments from everyone, from current and past smokers via appreciation for its fine design and from people who have no idea what it is, simply because it looks exotic. I got mine from Hookaholic, and after I was done telling the owner how happy I was with my hookah, you can now use my name 'rambo' as a promotion code, and get yourself an additional 10% off :)

What The Bleep Do We Know?
May 10, 2007 | Movies

Do you have that friend who you think is smart and is curious as hell about how everything works? Well if by everything its the human body then this is the perfect DVD to give as a gift (Price: $14) . I love science, which is why I practice what I do, however this movie takes me a step beyond simple biology and chemistry. It brings in quantum physics and relates it to the human body and cells on the atomic level. A movie that I found fascinating while watching, yet more importantly, it left me thinking about a lot of things differently long after I was done watching it. I love thought stimulation and this movie did exactly that, for me. Again, like most things I enjoy watching, a background in the sciences will certainly add to the enjoyment, while a lack of it can end up stimulating something that has been dormant, a sense of curiosity that wont go away.

Comments (1)

Spectrum flax seed oil with lignans
April 9, 2007 | Health

Do you take vitamins daily? You should. Do you take flax seed oil daily? You should seriously consider it, and here is why. It has long been know that Omega-3 fatty acids are simply put, good for you, for a variety of reasons. Fish use to be the richest source of this, yet with a smell that killed and a taste that killed you again, there is great news, flax seed is officially natures richest source of alpha linolenic acid which is an omega-3 essential fatty acid. These fatty acids are converted to EPA and DHA which are the very same ones that are found in fish producing the amazing benefits that have been scientifically proven, like heart health, reduced inflammation and improved cellular integrity. Flaxseed is also the most concentrated source of SDG lignans that have antioxidant properties (which we all know is what can keep you young and healthy longer) along with a balancing effect on hormonal levels throughout the body.
Fatty Acids are a must and absolutely essential for healthy living thus taking this supplement is simply a no brainer. The next question would be which product to buy. The Spectrum brand is simply the best one out there from all the ones that I looked into. It is shipped refrigerated and is sold that way too, its from fresh seeds that have been sliced and the best tasting one by far from the ones I tried/tried. You can take it with any drink (since the after taste leaves much to be desired), I personally take a tablespoon in the morning and a tablespoon at bedtime along with my protein shake.

Gillette Fusion
March 29, 2007 | Hygiene | OTC Products

Alright fellas, so when the four blade razors were introduced a while back you were wondering how ridiculous and worthless a 5 blade version would be and if it would ever be made, after all, how many blades can they fit on a razor? The new Fusion from Gillette does just that, its a 5 blade razor. Id never have considered buying one since I stopped upgrading at 3... however, when I received one to try in the mail, I did so without any hesitation just to prove to myself that they are all the same. I must say that its the smoothest shave Ive EVER had. Its so smooth that i actually enjoy shaving now. I use Benzashave as a shaving cream and so a super sharp and smooth razor definitely helps when you just use a small amount of a lubricant medicated cream. The new Fusion is rated as a (5+1) since it has an utterly useless razor on the back of the head, which proved to be an absolute waste.The Fusion and my Benzashave go together like peas and carrots and my face couldn't be happier for it. The refills on your razors for the fusion can take a toll on your wallet so watch out!

POM 100% Pomegranate juice
March 9, 2007 | Drinks | Fruit/Vegetables | Health

Pomegranates, by far are one of my favorite fruits. Its health benefits consist of reducing several heart risk factors, including LDL oxidation, macrophage oxidative status, and foam cell formation, all of which are steps in atherosclerosis and heart disease. A single pomegranate gives you 40% of your daily required Vitamin C, while being rich in content with folic acid and other potent anti oxidants (which help prevent free radicals which are in turn responsible for organ and cell oxidation/ destruction). The endless benefits of this fruit simply add to my love for it, and when a 100% juice variety was made available, I simply couldn't be happier. As a veteran pomegranate lover, I must say that the POM brand has the best taste that resembles that of the original fruit, unlike a few other brands that I have tried in the past. Note: The bottle doesn't come with the cape, however, its very fitting when considering how good this stuff is for you, it can save your life (sorta)...

Comments (2)

House, M.D. - Season One
March 2, 2007 | Entertainment | TV

I never liked Grey's Anatomy, it was too 'soap-ish' for me and hardly any medical or technical issues to entice my curiosity. House M.D. on the other hand does just that. It glorifies the profession some what, however it zeros in on the diagnostics of the disease while playing some of the characters into that scenario. Its great for those of us who don't want to be patronized by medical shows just because we see scrubs on the actors, this show is just what the doctor recommends for those of us who actually know medicine or even those curious individuals who are open to learning more about the science and practice of diagnosing. Its not extremely technical, and so the average viewer can enjoy the series just as much as those medically trained individuals, however it does seem to go the extra mile for those who watch medical series for precisely that, medical issues. Its one of my favorite shows, and now that Ive finished watching season one, I'm on to season two which is also out! Needless to say, this would make an awesome gift for some.

Comments (1)

Back to Nature - Granola Cereal
February 5, 2007 | Health | Snacks

I need a generous serving of protein every morning, thats simply because I work out every morning before heading to work and starting my day. This cereal that I mix in with high protein milk is my 2nd breakfast of the day (first is oat meal that have before heading to the gym).Its a good source of fiber with a lot of protein. Think of it as a granola bar on steroids, with the added benefit of being able to have it at any time of the day, along with my favorite food (milk) and it is simply my favorite mini meal or snack. The bag has 7 servings which I consume in 3, its not as big as a cereal box, and it sure does cost more, yet consider the amount of protein in this thing and it becomes well worth the price, not that you should ever consider saving money on food that is actually good for you when compared to an alternative thats bad :)

Valentine-1 radar detector
November 21, 2006 | Gadgets

Leaving late on purpose simply so you can have an excuse to speed is considered stupid or crazy by many, but for me, its normal and how I am. I have a need, no make that a love for speed, and what kills speed? cops. Tickets and court dates are speed killers, while fast cars and crazy behavioral patterns help it. That brings us to the very best that money can buy, Valentine 1 Its simply the best radar detector that Ive ever had, and Ive had a huge arsenal of them in the past. It tells you which direction the laser is pointing at you, how many they are and what type of wavelength is used, basically its the best friend you can have against that donut eating, mood killing, hating police officer who is out there to slow me down, while trying to make your drive a sfaer one. If driving fast is a disease, then I have a terminal plague, and the best thing out there for people like me is the Valentine one, it doesnt cure my plague, it simply prolongs my life.

Penta bottled water
November 9, 2006 | Drinks | Health

Do you drink bottled water? thats a no brainer, you should. So whats the difference between a regular bottle water versus the Penta water? a lot. 11 hours of purification via 13 separate processes, you can be assured that this product wont be available via bulb like fixture that you can attach to your water faucet, you simply have to buy it. Penta water is actually a new matter, its patented as such anyways, its different from regular water, since it has a higher boiling point, less viscosity and a higher surface tension, bottled in the best known plastic bottle (material) known. Its simply great stuff, and with a high price tag, its only available at select stores. You can read more about this product at the official Penta water site. With a taste that feels more refreshing (probably placebo, after reading all the benefits) than regular water, if what is claimed is true (it would be hard to feel the difference over such a short periods of time), its definately worth it. I always say that there is no cost too high when it comes to health and the well being of ones self and thus, this product is a must for me.

Turtles Can Fly
October 5, 2006 | Movies

Turtles Can FlyBeing the first movie, available at Amazon for $26, out of post invasion Iraq with the main focus rested on the Kurds, Ghobadi had his hands full making this movie. So what do I think of it? Knowing the history of the region was quite helpful, and knowing how sad life can be for those who dwell there is definately not a good combination for a fun movie. The movie is sad by any standard, eye opening to the ignorant and simply a great piece for those who know little of what life can be like for the Kurds. The movie had an effect on me, had I been much older, and in the same situation as i am now, I would have simply broken down, traveled to Iraq and adopted a Kurdish orphan. Its a great movie for those of us who know what goes on in that region and yet not so great for those of us who live in a bubble.

Listerine Vanilla Mouthwash
September 28, 2006 | Health | OTC Products

listerineBeing a long time mouthwash user right after flossing and brushing, I was rather relieved to know that a new vanilla (my favourite flavor) flavored Listerine was available on the market. Rushing to the store, buying one and rishing back home was a great joy, knowing that the burning sensation that I always experienced with this product may be coming to an end. I was further excited when I saw the label, in big letters 'Less Intense', that was just amazing! Less intense along with my favourite flavor? its like Baskin Robbins had just teamed up with Pfizer to create an amazing product! So how was it? Im not sure how they measure the intensity on this thing, but I definately didnt notice a change, and had I never seen the Vanilla flower on the bottle I would have never guessed that I had switched! Pure marketing.

Asics GEL-KAYANO® XI
September 27, 2006 | Apparel | Footwear

Kayano
Being a runner, and having done it for as long as I can remember, I know the importance of good running shoes, specially if you experience ankle pain or shin splints when you run (I dont get either). Rule of thumb dictates that shoes shouldnt be worn past 300 miles and thats why I change mine often. My current  ones are the Kayano XI, which is an amazing shoe in terms of cushioning, and support. They feel absolutely great, be it a 3 or 6 mile run (the only two distances that I run at any one time). They arent the lightest ones on the market, however if you have weaker joints that may give in and inhibit your optimal cardio workout, then this is definately a good shoe. Again, Its a little heavier than previous shoes Ive had, and the weight is probably due to the excessive support and padding, however if its about support versus joint pain, Id much rather carry the extra weight. The shoe can be had for in the US $120.00 range. This may be an overkill in terms of support for those of us who dont have weak joints.

Nokia 8801
September 16, 2006 | Cellphones | Gadgets

After breaking my Treo 650, I decided that I was done with the brick look and that it was time I got myself a phone that resembled more of my personality / image that I wanted to portray... that in turn lead me to the Nokia 8801. Its very simple in functionality, yet the sliding and clicking is absolutely unique (it slides from the top/screen). Ive gotten a few 'WOW's and 'what phone is that?' from others, and thats quite pleasing along with the fact that very very few people actually have this phone. Its hefty price (MSRP is around $800.00, although anything in the $500.00-$600.00 is a steal) along with the fact that it has to be bought unlocked takes away from the practicality of owning this phone, yet to be unique and to stand out this phone simply is worlds apart from your regular store variety thats supported by the local networks. The phone is a quad band and thus works with all frequencies. Like all other things in life, it costs to be set apart and this phone is no exception to that rule, I for one absolutely love it.nokia8801.jpg

Palm Treo 650
September 2, 2006 | Cellphones | Gadgets

treo650Breaking my previous cell phone (story of all my cell phones) this past April,  I decided to go with a company recommended and sold phone from Cingular. Not being very web savvy with phones in the past, I decided to change that and get the Treo 650. A full set keyboard, a large touch screen(2.6 inches), and somewhat compact considering the features, got me sold on this phone. Now, 4 months into using it and finally breaking it (ok, dropping it) this past weekend, I think the features I found somewhat prohibiting at first have become absolutely annoying. The phone is a mini-brick, not very cool if you have to hold it to your ear, even a bluetooth did little to help the image with a mini brick on your belt. So for who is this phone best designed? Its absolutely great if you spend more time surfing and text messaging than you do actual talking… definitely not for me. The Palm Treo 650 is available at Cingular for $199.00 after discounts and rebates.

E46 M3 BMW
August 31, 2006 | Coupe | Vehicles

BMW M3
The 3rd Generation of a long history of amazing sports cars, my E46 M3 BMW ($60k range) is one of the most amazing of them all. Besides getting looks and stares that makes me feel like I've actually achieved something by simply driving this vehicle, the car offers much in terms of luxury and sports-car feel, all in a very attractive looking package. A sporty luxury based car sounds like oxymoron to many, simply because of conflicting features that include suspension, torque and the sporty feel, which are all things that luxury cars go the other direction in, when compared to their sportier counterparts. Its very fast, sexy, and definitely a lot more unique and rare when compared to the number of regular 3-series on the road. The M emblem makes you part of a cult, a cool, suave, and sophisticated driver who is more than just a BMW owner.

Crest Whitestrips Supreme
August 26, 2006 | Health | OTC Products

Having used the non-Supreme version of this product in the past, I really wanted to experience the 'supreme' feel and that led me to purchase a box of this kit, Crest Whitestrips Supreme. I need not mention how important having pearly whites are to a smile, which itself speaks volumes about you in first appearances, so I never hesitate in trying new things. The kit is for 21 days (84 strips), and now that I’m half way through, I can truly admit that it is definitely stronger than the regular brand. My teeth are a little on the sensitive side and so I experience a little pain towards the end of my recommended 30 minute treatment, something I didn’t experience with the regular strength (6.5% versus 14% hydrogen peroxide/ the active ingredient in all of these products). If you experience any discomfort with the regular strength, then this kit is definitely not for you. Very few stores carry this item, so either ask your dentist for a kit or order online, the price should run in the US $40-50 range.

Il Divo - Ancora
August 19, 2006 | Entertainment | Music

Il Divo If you’re into opera music, with a mild pop twist then you will love this CD. The CD is slow in nature along with a song featuring Celine Dion, which is great for relaxing. Most of the songs will sound familiar to many, since they are common hits yet with a Spanish redo. The artists are very diverse and offer a great mix of baritone opera mixed with a mild pop combination, that I have come to enjoy very much. The group was introduced to me via a girl that I met one night, and so, to be fair, here’s a Thank You to Marisa who did more for me in one night than most girls have, through many dates. The CD can be sampled and had for $13.99 at Best Buy

Benzashave
August 19, 2006 | Health | Prescription Drugs

Benzashave (Benzoyl Peroxide 5% or 10%)is a shaving cream that’s only available through your doctor (in the US anyways). Suffering from sensitive skin that resulted in redness along with the appearance of mild acne myself, I decided to give this product a shot, and its wonderful. It basically replaces your current shaving cream and a small amount lubricates the entire face, enough to give you a smooth shave. Benzashave has an antibacterial effect, along with mild drying that allows oils to be washed away; its unrecognized uses include the treatment of in-grown hairs and regular breakouts. Being the impatient and result oriented guy that I am, I opted for the 10% formulation, bypassing the weaker, less potent 5%.

Comments (3)

About Us

Providing insight to products everyone will probably face a decision on as to whether to buy it or not. Let us help, follow our select panel of reviewers on their own take of a product and how they felt about it.
Home
The Staff
Rating Scale
Contact Us
Subscribe to this site

Search


Recent Posts

Categories


Archives

Streamocracy
Blogarama - The Blog Directory

Top Entertainment Blogs
blog search directory
Blog Directory & Search engine
Find Blogs in the Blog Directory
Cutting through the Blog Smog
Fresh Fodder
Jewelry Gold
Joey Gadget
NoFace for Film
Random Good Stuff
TBF Project:Blog
The Impulsive Buy
The Message Whore
The Budget Diva
FreshTrend: Shopping Blog




Copyright @ 2006 We Called It. All rights reserved.