Product Review: Sheffield 1282 Gadget Folding Lock Back Utility Knife

 

I initially used this to cut out my old carpet to make it easier to remove as I was doing the demo on my townhouse before a renovation. Now, I mostly use it to break down boxes from various deliveries. It works great for both of those tasks, is sturdy, and it is nice to have it able to fold up to make it safer to store. I definitely recommend it.

Product Review: Mighty Gadget Brand 3/16" Air Bubble Cushioning Roll

 

It is a pretty standard bubble wrap, with smaller bubbles. The roll has perforations so you can separate it into smaller or larger sheets, as necessary. The only drawback is that the perforations can be a bit hard to see, especially if you do not have great eyesight. Otherwise, it is very good for a small amount of bubble wrap to keep fragile items safe when you are packing them up.

Product Review: Ironclad General Utility Work Gloves

 

I used these to demo part of my townhome for a remodel, including tearing down drywall/sheetrock and pulling up carpet. They were very comfortable, with no tears or punctures, even when handling tack strips and the like. I still use them when doing something around the house and want to protect my hands. I definitely recommend them.

Product Review: Premium Foam Packing Sheets (50 Count)

 

These are foam packing sheets that work much better than using newspaper to keep glass dishes and small fragile items protected when you are packing them up. They have pouches so you can place a bowl or plate inside, then stack them inside a box, so you basically have two layers of foam protecting your dishes. I definitely recommend them.

Book Review: Dune: The Butlerian Jihad (Dune #1)

 

The Butlerian Jihad is a prequel novel to the classic sci-fi novel, Dune, written by Frank Herbert in the 1960s. This book, published in 2002 was written by Frank Herbert's son, Brian, and is co-authored by Kevin J. Anderson. It is the first novel if you read the books in chronological order, and it tells the story of events that were referred to in the original Dune Trilogy of novels.

This book (and the other two books in the trilogy) is set thousands of years before the events in the Dune novel (and movies). At the time, machines had enslaved humans on Earth and many planets that would eventually make up the guild. The machines were a combination of artificially intelligent thinking machines and cyborgs who used to be human but were able to preserve their brains in canisters that they could transfer from one mechanical body to the next. This book details the start of the war between humans and machines that was referenced in Dune and also details the beginnings of the relationship between House Harkonnen and House Atreides.

The hardcover version of the book is a little over 600 pages. That consists of about 612 pages of the actual story and then a character glossary that is about another 20 pages that gives a short explanation of the characters in the book. The story is very good but can be a bit hard to follow at times. The story jumps around from planet to planet, and shifts from the point of view of one character to another. Since there are a ton of characters in the book until you can keep straight who everyone is, it can get confusing. As you get deeper into the book, the story really focuses on just a handful of characters and the story is easier to digest. I have not read the original Dune trilogy yet (as of this writing) as I am reading the books in chronological order. So, I cannot say how this book compares to those written by Frank Herbert, but, it is a very well-written story that blends action, suspense, and drama. If you are a fan of the Dune movies or even just Sci-Fi books, movies, or TV series, this is worth the time to read.

Workout Update: 645 and XB Stretch Hybrid - Day 60

For day 60 I did the lower body flexibility routine in XB, and the 645 workout was the first upper body strength workout of Phase 3. 

The 645 workout goes at a faster pace, and like the other workouts this week, mixes new moves in with moves that have been in prior workouts (or variations on them). There are some exercises that use body weight only and one at the end in which you basically use the heaviest weight you have available that you can hold for 25 seconds on each side. Again, the focus of the exercises is not on the "show" muscles like the biceps, but on the functional muscles of the shoulders and back. You do get some bicep and tricep work, but that is usually because they are being worked along with the other areas the workout is focusing on.

Workout Update: 645 and XB Stretch Hybrid - Day 59

Day 59 was the flexibility day. In XB I did the lower back routine, and of course, in 645 it was the flexibility and mobility workout.

The 645 workout had quite a few new stretches mixed in with some that have been in prior workouts. The focus is again on hip, shoulder, and hamstring flexibility. It is not hard, but it definitely builds on the prior versions of the workout and is more challenging than in prior weeks. 

Book Review: Beckett Baseball Card Price Guide 2019

 

I have a baseball card collection that I started in the late 1980s and kept adding to until about the late 1990s/early 2000s. I have not valued the collection in years, so I got this to get an idea of what my collection is worth. It does have all the card sets, including the special edition sets. The only drawback is, to get all the sets into one book, the print is very, very, small. If you are to the point where you have to wear reading glasses or progressive lenses, the print in this will be hard to see without a magnifier of some kind. That said, this is a perfect way to price your card collection if you do not want to pay for a subscription to Beckett's online material.

Product Review: HOMMP Medium Trash Bags, 7 Gallon, 120 Counts/ 6 Rolls

 

If you have one or more small garbage cans (such as are generally used in bathrooms or bedrooms) these are very good. It would be better if they were available in white or clear and were a little bit smaller. It seems that "small" garbage bags range from so small they are basically useless for most small cans, or so large that you end up wasting some room in them and can only economically use it in a medium-sized can. These definitely fall into the latter category. But, they hold up well and you get a lot per roll (and 4 rolls to a package) so they will last a while.

Product Review: PackageZoom Moving Boxes Medium 18 x 14 x 12 Inches 20 Pack

 

While these are medium-sized boxes, they are a bit smaller than the medium boxes at Home Depot or UPS (if you are going off that size). They are a perfect size to hold books, as they do not allow you to put so many in that the box ends up weighing 75 lbs and is too heavy to comfortably lift and move around. You will need to use strapping tape to put them together, but once they are together they are sturdy, and a decent value for a pack of 20.

Product Review: Homz 34-Gallon Durabilt Plastic Stackable Storage Organization Container Bin

 

I got these for storing things in my garage to get ready for a renovation and wanted sturdy bins that are moisture and pest-proof. These are large bins with lids that lock much better than some of the less expensive bins out there. They are a bit overpriced on Amazon compared to a 55-gallon version of the bin that sells at Home Depot for $25. But, you can keep them in a garage without worrying about mice or water getting into them and damaging the contents. 

Product Review: AMMEX Clear Vinyl Medical Gloves

 

I originally got these for my mom to protect her hands when she was going through chemo. One of the side effects of her infusions was that her fingernails would split away from the nail bed and get infected. So, she would wear these when she was doing something that required her hands to be protected. 

I also use them when cleaning the bathroom or when I take the dog out so I do not risk touching dog poop with my bare hands when tieing off the poop bags. They are available as a subscribe-and-save item on Amazon so you can automatically reorder at whatever intervals work for you. 

Product Review: Bags on Board Patterned Dog Waste Bags (140 bags)

 

These are durable, and a good value for the money. You can get them as a subscribe-and-save item on Amazon and have them sent on whatever frequency suits you. Definitely recommend. I switched to these when the other brand I was using was no longer being offered via subscribe and save, and I have no complaints about them.

Product Review: IUKUS PC Microphone with Mic Stand

 

I use this for audio/video conferencing on my home computer when I work at home. The people on the other end seem to be able to hear me well and I have not had any issues with feedback or had anyone comment about my audio cutting in and out. It is really handy that it comes with a small tripod and can sit on a desk, and has a long enough cord that you can easily move it out of the way when not using it, and move it closer when you are. It is a great deal when using it in that context. I do not use it for gaming, so I am not sure how well it does or does not work for doing that.

Product Review: PHILIPS Computer Monitors 328E9QJAB 32" Curved Frameless Monitor

 

I have a job that routinely requires me to have multiple documents and applications open at one time (e.g., Word, Acrobat, Outlook, and a web browser at the very least), and because of the Covid-19 pandemic, my office instituted a mandatory work-from-home policy. Therefore, I got a couple of these to connect to my laptop via a docking station. They are relatively easy to set up. The only thing I found a bit tricky is that the power button is on the back of the monitor, just on the other side of the Phillips logo in the middle of the bottom of the monitor.

If you connect via an HDMI cable the picture is very crisp, and you can easily display multiple documents/applications at one time. I just have the monitors at eye level and do not have any problem seeing any portion of the screens. I am not sure how it would be affected if the monitor is moved above or below eye level. It does have a speaker that emits okay sound, and you can connect an external speaker via a jack in the back of the monitor to get better sound out of it. Overall, If you are looking for a relatively large, widescreen monitor that is inexpensive, I definitely recommend this one.

Product Review: Amazon Basics USB 3.0 Universal Laptop Dual Monitor Docking Station

 

This is pretty much a plug-and-play device, with the caveat that you need to install the drivers before you connect it to your computer. I am not sure what happens if you do not, but the instructions make clear to do that first, and if you do, it is very easy to get up and running.

My office instituted a work-from-home policy during the COVID-19 pandemic, and I needed to connect multiple monitors to my laptop in order to efficiently work from home. This has one HDMI port, one port that allows you to connect a monitor with a VGA connection, and then has several USB ports so you can connect a flash drive, an external hard drive, or whatever other USB devices you would like. It also allows you to connect speakers and a microphone if you so desire. The only thing I would have liked it to have is two HDMI ports so you can connect two monitors via HDMI. Aside from that, I am very satisfied with it.

Product Review: ELMA Winter Leather Gloves for Men

 

These are a nice, inexpensive, pair of leather gloves. My only complaint is that, even though the finger length is perfect for me, they are a bit tight, although less so after wearing them a few times. The inner lining is very soft, and warm. It is not warm enough for an upper midwestern winter when the high temperatures can be in the teens (at best) and sometimes even below zero degrees Fahrenheit. But, they are perfect for the fall and spring. The fingertips work well on a smartphone screen, at least to unlock it, but are not the greatest for the smaller touchscreen details. But, I am rarely using my phone outside (aside from occasionally taking a call when I am going for a walk), so that is not really an issue for me.

Product Review: Apple Watch Series 4

 

I bought mine refurbished from Amazon. Despite being refurbished it looks brand new and may have well have been factory-sealed. If you have an iPhone, it is extremely easy to set up. You just pair it with your phone and it connects to your account and basically sets everything up automatically. You have the option of having it download a bunch of apps at one time, or you can pick and choose apps to download after the watch is set up. I have used it mostly for workout and sleep tracking, but there are a lot of other apps specifically for the watch available. I have not come across any issues with it having been refurbished, and getting it that way is much more cost-efficient than getting it brand new. 

After a couple of years, the face plate popped off. It actually still worked, and I could use a rubber band to keep the plate in place, but I did not want to do that long-term, and I was leery of using superglue on it.  Because it was out of warranty, Apple wanted $600 for the honor of sending it in to get fixed. So, needless to say, it was a lot more cost-effective to purchase a new one. I do not think the face plate popped off because it was refurbished. I just think that is a thing that happened with the older model. So far, I have had no issues with my new watch.

Product Review: SNSIR Screen Protector 44mm for Apple watch Series 6 (44 mm)

 

These are great for keeping the screen on the Apple Watch covered. There is no loss of the touchscreen interactivity and it is very easy to install. If you download a QR reader you can scan it with your phone and be linked to YouTube and see a video on how to put it on. It is really no different than installing a screen protector on a phone or tablet. If you can do that you can easily put this on. The only thing I would say is that a two-pack is kind of overkill unless you have more than one person in your household with an Apple watch. It would be nice to have the option of purchasing just one at a bit of a lower price. But, these can lose adhesion after a time, so having a second one readily available is not the worst thing in the world. That said, I am definitely satisfied with the purchase.

Workout Update: 645 and XB Stretch Hybrid - Day 58

For Day 58 I did the lower body stretch routine in XB, and then it was the first total body power workout of Phase 3 in 645.

Again, the 645 workout was more intense and went by faster (in terms of transitioning from move to move) than in the first two phases. Also, Amoila mixed in different moves that were not seen in the prior weeks. There was also more cardio incorporated into the workout. 

The XB workout was fine. I am getting better with mobility in my right hamstring, but my left is still extremely tight and I have to bend my knee quite a bit. I am still not anywhere near being able to do even a half-split yet on either side, but I am absolutely making progress.  

Product Review: OUT Dog Poop Bags

 

You get a lot of bags for approximately the same amount you would spend to get far less than you would get buying bags in a brick-and-mortar store. It is great to have them available as a subscribe and save item on Amazon so you can have them sent at a frequency that works for you. If you have just one dog, chances are you will only need a re-supply every 2-3 months. They are very sturdy and large enough to easily tie off. I definitely recommend them.

Product Review: Roku Express

 

This is an inexpensive option for cord-cutters (kind of an oxymoron since it still has cords) i.e., those who are looking to ditch cable or satellite TV. It is basically a box that attaches to your TV via an HDMI cable, and then allows you to download various apps, some free, some paid (e.g., Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Sling TV, YouTube TV, etc.) through which you can watch TV or movies.

The setup is easy. You just plug the Roku box into one of the HDMI ports on your TV, then connect it via a USB cable to a power source, which can be either through a USB port in the TV or connect the USB end of the cable into a power adapter that plugs into a regular wall outlet. Then you just follow the on-screen prompts to set it up, which will include connecting to your home's wireless network, telling it what you like to watch so it can suggest apps to download, and either setting up or logging into your Roku account (if you have an account set up). So, as long as you are not completely technophobic, you can get it set up in a few minutes.

There is absolutely no activation fee to set up the box. You have the option to set up Roku premium content (like HBO, Showtime, etc.) but you do not have to activate any of those. There are a bunch of free apps, including the Roku channel which have TV shows and movies, and usually play commercials throughout the shows, but those are generally past seasons of shows. If you want to watch current shows you either have to pay for a service like Sling TV or the like or get an HD antenna to connect to your TV to watch shows over-the-air.

Overall, this is a very good deal. Just to note, it will not play content in native 4k, so if you have a 4k TV you may want to upgrade to one of the more expensive boxes that will allow you to get the best resolution. But, if you have a regular HD TV that outputs 1080p, this is a great option. And, the remote is about 1000 times better and easier to use than the Amazon Fire remotes. So, if you are deciding between a Roku and one of the Amazon Fire devices, that may be something you want to consider. Roku does have an Amazon Prime app, so you can play all the Prime video content if you are a Prime member.

Product Review: iRobot Braava Authentic Replacement Parts - Braava jet 200 Series Wet Mopping Pads

 

These are the wet pads for the Braava 200 series of robot mops from iRobot. Meaning, when one of these pads is on the mop it will spray more water on the floor and make more passe of the room. Basically, it is the pad that will make the robot do the deepest cleaning job. There is a bit of a scented solution of some kind on the bottom of the pad that gives off a scent as the robot mops up the water. I am not sure if it contributes anything more than just scent or it if actually helps clean the floor.

The mop knows which type of pad is attached based on the perforations in the "card" (for those old enough to remember the punch cards that were used for computer programming years ago, it is like that) that slips into the base of the mop to attach the pad. Depending on how large a room you are mopping you may have to use more than one pad and one cleaning cycle to get the entire room clean. You do want to make sure that if there are any bigger lint balls or more than just a minimal amount of dust or dirt on the floor that you use a vacuum and/or one of the dry pads (which is like a Swiffer sheet), otherwise this will just push them around. These are best used if your floor just needs relatively light cleaning (for example, if you clean them once or twice a week on a regular basis) or in relatively low-traffic areas that have a hard surface floor.

Product Review: Whitmor Set of 2-10 x 10 x 10 inches-Turquoise Collapsible Cubes

 

I got these to keep my pantry organized. They are great for packets (things like taco seasoning, dry mixes, etc.), bagged items like chips, or other things that you want to keep together but do not really sit well on a shelf or in a cupboard. They are reasonably sized so they do not take up a ton of space (as long as your shelves are at least 10" deep) and are simple to set up (just unfold them and put the support across the bottom). I definitely recommend them as an inexpensive storage solution for a pantry or a closet.

Product Review: Bonsaii Cross-Cut Paper Shredder

 

I have a lower-end shredder that can handle doing one or two things at a time, for short periods of time (like credit card applications that come nearly every day in the mail), but also had a back-log of paperwork that I did not need any longer, but would take days in that shredder, and would undoubtedly cause it to get stuck and clogged. I was able to get through about half of it in less than an hour using this.

I like that it has a self-contained bin that holds a good amount of shredded paper. It does come with one bag that you can to line the bin, but I found it is easier just to empty the bin into a bag when it is full. This is because if the bin is not pushed in place all the way, it will not shred. The power light will just blink when you turn it on, but it will not do anything until the bin is pushed all the way in, and when you put a bag inside it, it tends to cause the bin not to sit correctly. Plus, I found that as it got more full, the clippings would push the back of the bag down so you would get some in the bag and some between the bag and the bin, and it would cause a big mess trying to get the bag out.

The instructions say that you can feed up to 18 sheets at a time into the shredder, but It did get stuck with a thicker envelope (which I do not think was as thick as 18 sheets of paper) causing me to put it in reverse (which worked just fine) to get it out. So, now I stick to about 3-4 sheets at a time and it has not got stuck since then. I also put a couple of old credit cards through it, and it handled them just fine. One nice feature is that it cross-cuts the paper and does not just spit out long strips which can sometimes stick together and leave information visible to anyone with the patience enough to go through it. So, it is nearly impossible to get anything useful from the shredded remains. And, it is a much more cost-efficient option than bringing a bunch of paper to a company that shreds in bulk. It is a good idea to get some of the shredder lubricating sheets as I have found those help keep this in good working order. I definitely recommend this.