I am a huge fan of most Target brand products. The first one I tried was Target No Rub Multipurpose Solution. I have used Aosept (yep, the three steps with the little canister and all), Opti-Free, ReNu, Aquify, and probably a few others. For the most part, I don't notice a difference between any of the no rub solutions. Opti-Free and ReNu seemed to keep my lenses moisturized for more days t...

The Klipsch iGroove HG All-in-One iPod Shelf System is a sturdy, fairly compact stereo. It was very simple to set up. It works with almost all iPods and has little adapters for the smaller models of iPods. The speakers are clear and produce fantastic sound. Occasionally with some music, it's deep base is a little too much. That can be fixed by changing the setting on your iPod if you tend t...

After reading Swallows of Kabul and then Lucky back-to-back, I needed something a little less heavy to read. I decided I would try Magical Thinking on for size. The USA Today is quoted right on the cover using the terms "compelling" and "screamingly funny."The first page defines Magical Thinking as "A schizotypal personality disorder attributing to one's own actions...

Written by Yasmina Khadra (actually Algerian army officer Mohammed Moulessehoul), Swallows of Kabul is a work of art. It's been quite a while since I've read a novel with such beautiful prose and sensory-fulfilling imagery. Khadra's words have a lyrical quality that sweeps you through the story. I should insert some kudos here to the translator, John Cullen.The novel takes place und...

Ant Farm is (on the cover) described by Jon Stewart as "Hilarious." I would say that term applies to some parts of it. Over all though, I'd call it "Amusing." Simon Rich (according to the back cover is a former Harvard Lampoon president) wrote this comical collection of short stories. Actually, I'm not sure if these are considered short stories. I consider them more ...

never heard of Colby Buzzell's blog "My War" back in 2004 when he started blogging from Mosul. He was there with the 23rd Infantry Regiment, 3/2 from Ft. Lewis. I did however receive a phone call from my boyfriend from Mosul in 2004. It wasn't the longest call ever and he wasn't my boyfriend at the time. We said the things you say to someone you care about, but haven'...

A couple of months ago I saw an interview with Ishmael Beah on the Daily Show. I am not usually a non-fiction reader, but I was so moved by Beah's interview that I immediately went upstairs and ordered the book. I have finally gotten to reading it. I started reading it yesterday and devoured all 230 pages by 8pm tonight. The book begins like this:"There were all kinds of stories told ...

This was my very first mp3 player purchase. It is very easy to use except that the little "dial" on the front took a bit of getting used to for someone who had never owned an iPod before. I love having an Mp3 player especially having bought a Klipsch iGroove HG All-in-One iPod Shelf System. The earbuds that come with iPods are uncomfortable and the sound quality is n...

My boyfriend bought this phone for himself right after coming home from Iraq. In the 15 months he was gone, cell phones had really made a lot of progress. I have yet to own a smart phone, but this one will likely be my first. Aside from my personal hangups about Windows, which may keep me holding out for a phone with a Unix based OS.The Q9m is not a flashy phone. It does not have a touch screen...

I have wanted a Rebel for quite a while now. My boyfriend bought me one for Christmas. I was in my glory. I still have not made use of all its capabilities (like wireless uploading), but I am crazy about this camera. Let me start by saying that ever if you're a tech geek, if you are not big on photography, this camera is not for you. It does not shoot video. It only displays shots after you...