Welcome

Welcome to my ever-evolving blog. It started out as a blog on Beachbody workouts and products, mainly when I was a Beachbody coach. I no longer coach, not because I don't believe in Beachbody's programs (I subscribe to Beachbody on Demand and use their workouts every day), I am just not a salesperson and hated that aspect of it. I am more than willing to answer questions about my experiences with their products and the various workouts, and I feel freer to do so without the appearance of giving a biased review of something.

I have also started adding reviews for various things I have purchased like movies, books, CDs, and other products. This was brought about by a fight with Amazon in which all of my reviews were removed over a completely bullshit allegation that I posted a review that violated their terms of service. After going back and forth with the morons in the community-reviews department (even after they admitted that my posts did not violate their guidelines) they restored my account (which took them six months to do), but I have been posting my reviews on my blog to have them preserved in case something like that happens again. And here, I will post uncensored reviews so I will swear from time to time and post reviews that may be longer than Amazon's character limit. Everything I post here on any topic or product is my personal opinion, and I take no compensation for any product reviews I post. I am a member of Amazon's vine program and because I get those products for free, I keep those reviews on Amazon only, but everything I have purchased with my own money, whether from Amazon or some other store/website/outlet, I will post here.  

I also plan to do some longer blog posts on various topics, such as how to learn physics, how to get through calculus, and longer reviews of workout programs as I do them. Basically, whatever strikes me as interesting at the time.  As you can see if you navigate around the blog, I had many years in between postings. During that time I was going back to school to get an engineering degree, and learning material that I avoided my first time through college was a different experience and one that gave me a lot of insight into how to do well in those classes, which I will try to impart here for those who are looking to get a science or engineering degree. 

Thursday, October 19, 2023

Product Review: Cisco-Linksys WPC54G Wireless-G Notebook Adapter

 


It is a plug-and-play wireless adapter for older notebooks that don’t have built-in wireless cards. It is not something that people will likely need these days given that all notebooks have wireless network cards or adapters, but if you have an older notebook with a port to plug in a card, this is super easy to install, and works well.

Product Review: HexClad 12 Inch Hybrid Nonstick Wok

 


I purchased the 7-piece Hexclad set that has this, the frying pans, and lids a few months ago. The pans themselves are very sturdy and do not feel lightweight and cheap. The handles stay extremely cool when you are cooking which is great. I know that there are a lot of negative reviews, but I love them so far. 

I would say that I use this piece the most, followed by the 12-inch fry pan. If you follow the instructions and season the pan before the first use, it is very easy to clean after cooking. Some things I have cooked are definitely more non-stick than others (e.g., browning hamburger and then making taco seasoned meat did not stick at all and came clean with just the sprayer from the faucet, while scrambled eggs have always left some residue), but no matter what I have made, everything has been very easy to clean with minimal effort.

 The instructions also say things like eggs will do better if you use cooking spray or butter, which I have definitely found to be the case, but even if I do not use either I can get the egg residue and cheese cleaned off with just a sponge and a minimal amount of scrubbing. So, whether you will be satisfied with this really depends on what your version of non-stick is. If you are expecting everything to slide around on it like a sheet of ice, they will definitely disappoint you. But, if you want a pan that is very easy to clean after you cook and does not have a coating that starts peeling off after a couple of uses (and can be toxic), assuming you follow the directions about seasoning it, cooking on low to medium heat, and waiting for the pan to cool before you wash it, then I think you will be very satisfied.

Product Review: CyvenSmart Lightning Cable iPhone Charger Cable 6 Foot

 


I got the 6ft cable to use in my basement living room area. The power outlet is to the side of my couch, and the factory cable was not long enough to do anything except plug the phone charger in and have my phone sit on the arm of the couch. With this one, I can actually use my phone while it is plugged in. And, the cable is very durable, especially around the head of the cable which plugs into the phone, which always tends to get worn out and can break when bent. It is absolutely a good purchase.

Supplement Review: ProMera Sports CON-CRET Creatine HCl Capsules 750 mg

 


This contains creatine monohydrate, which has been a go-to (natural) supplement for anyone doing strength training for years now. You take 1-2 capsules for every 100 pounds of body weight depending on whether it is a training day or an off day (or if you are doing cardio as opposed to intense weight training). Given that regular creatine powder does not mix well with anything unless you add it to a smoothie or protein shake, and combining it with water or juice just leaves a lot of grit, this is a much easier way to take it. And, you do not get a ton of sugar like some supplements that creatines gets mixed with. I definitely recommend it.

Product Review: Lasko 5568 34-Inch Oscillating Ceramic Tower Heater

 


This is a ceramic heater that is perfect if you have a room that needs extra heat in the winter without having to run the furnace constantly. I have used it in my living room and in my finished basement. It does better in the basement because it is a more enclosed space and has lower ceilings, but it did keep the living room warm enough when I used it there. Plus, I have a gas fireplace in the living room, and that keeps the room warmer than this does. Also, in a more open space, you definitely have to be closer to it because it will not heat the entire room as effectively. Overall, I am satisfied with it and still use it from time to time.