Sunday, April 15, 2018

Bissell Power Lifter Deep Cleaner review

Bissell Carpet cleaners have always had a lot of strengths, along with a few weak areas. The Power Lifter Deep Cleaner model improves on some of the old design while still suffering some of the same shortcomings of its predecessors.

The biggest and most welcome innovation in this model is the split tank design. This means that the clean water and dirty water are in separate sides of the same tank so that there is only one tank to remove and replace.

Previous models had a separate fill and empty tank, each with their own flaws. The clean tank fit snug against the back of the unit and had to be pulled straight up to remove. This process was almost impossible at times due to the poor design. The dirty water tank had a bad habit of overflowing with shampoo bubbles spitting them onto the floor you just cleaned.

Even with these problems, Bissell has historically made some of the best carpet cleaners in terms of effectiveness. The Power Lifter Deep Cleaner does Cary on this tradition while also fixing some of the problems with older models. On the downside, the design seems to have a smaller capacity for cleaning mixture or perhaps uses the mixture faster so it cleans a fairly small area before having to stop and refill.

Pros

Effective cleaner

Improved design

Easy to use

Cons

Only able to clean a small area at a time

A bit pricey for a spot cleaner

Overall this is a decent product. It has some problems, but Bissell's lack of competition in the game means this is probably the best you will find in this price range.



Sunday, April 8, 2018

V3 Original Weight Management Formula Review

What is V3 Original Weight Management Formula?

This product is a weight loss supplement from a somewhat sketchy company called Vfinity. The company is geared toward marketing and sales more than product quality and health. That's where the first red flags come into play. Vfinity seems like an advertising agency that sells nutrition products rather than a nutrition company. Nevertheless, V3 is a product that claims to help users decrease fat and suppress apatite to aid in keeping the pounds off.

V3 Ingredients

Ingrediants include: B-phenylethylamine (a natural compound acting as a stimulant for the central nervous system) [1], 2-amino-4-methylpentane (Stimulant similar to DMAA) [2], Chromium, methyltheophylline (more stimulant), hordenine HCL, caffeine anhydrous (158mg), octopamine and cha de bugre.

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Does V3 Original Weight Management Formula Work?

The science behind this product says "kind of." the thing is stimulants and thermogenics do have documented history of success in weight loss. Several of the other ingredients in this product lack scientific research to back their effectiveness. It seems that this could have a positive effect on weight loss, but likely less than what the company indicates.

Fat Burner Thermogenic Weight Loss Supplement - 120 Natural Veggie Pills $49.99

How to Use V3 Original Weight Management Formula

From the Company Website: "Take two (2) capsules daily early morning or early afternoon, or two hours after a meal, with (8) ounces of water. For additional energy, an additional two (2) capsules may be taken. Do not exceed four (4) capsules per day. Avoid taking after 4:00 PM to ensure proper sleep. [3]

V3 Original Weight Management Formula Product Warnings

This product is not intended for children, pregnant women or those who could become pregnant. It is important to check this product for interactions with other medications or possible complications with existing health issues.

KETO DRIVE Fat Burn - Patented Beta-Hydroxybutyrates (Calcium, Sodium, Magnesium) - Orange Mango $58.97

Is V3 Original Weight Management Formula Safe?

2-amino-4-methylpentane, hordenine HCL and B-phenylethylamine all have stimulant properties which could cause health issues for some people. Chromium presents potential health risks for diabetics, and many of the ingredients have not been sufficiently studied and evaluated for effectiveness and safety. This product is not necessarily unsafe, but there are some areas of concern and it would be wise to consult a health care professional before taking this or any other similar product.

V3 Original Side Effects

2-amino-4-methylpentane found in V3 Original Weight Management Formula is a potentially dangerous substance which can cause blood vessels to constrict and can cause an increase in heart rate. This ingredient works like a stimulant and caries with it the potential side effects of stimulant use. This product could cause increased blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, tremors and anxiety. It is also worth noting that 2-amino-4-methylpentane is very similar to the substance DMAA which is banned by the FDA. B-phenylethylamine is also a stimulant and as such could cause mild side effects. Chromium is mostly safe but has a potential effect on blood sugar levels and could be problematic for people with diabetic or other blood sugar issues. hordenine HCL is a stimulant with potential fat burning properties but the chemical compound can also create a false positive for opiates on a drug test.

V3 Lawsuits

There are currently (at the time of writing) no lawsuits against the makers of V3 Original for any harm done by the product.


Where to by V3 Supplements

This product seems to be only available from the company's official site for a hefty $70 per 30 day supply.

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Overall: Should You Buy?

In reality this seems to be pretty far from being the worst product out there for weight loss. Diet products are often over priced, ineffective and unsafe. This particular item seems to have a little more care put into its production to limit some of the worse side effects seen in similar products. It also has a little less filler nonsense than some supplements in the game. There are, however, still some potential risks with this product and some ingredients that lack scientific study. In the end, V3 just doesn't offer enough to justify the big price tag. We recommend giving this one a pass.




Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phenethylamine
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1271-methylpentane.aspx?activeingredientid=1271&activeingredientname=methylpentane
http://vfinity.com/shop-all-products-2/v3-weight-management-formula/


Monday, March 26, 2018

Walking Dead Season 8 Episode 13 Review

The Walking Dead has been on uneven footing for quite some time. One big problem is that the producers don't seem to be able to decide whether they want to bring the group back together and return to the original appeal of the show, or if they want to "Shake things up" and go in a bold new direction. The result has been disappointment from viewers ranging from boredom feeling as though the series has become stale to mourning what the show once was and hating the changes.



Episode 13 was clearly an attempt to win back those who have complained about the show being to slow with not enough action. It was reminiscent of Carol's Rambo-esqe Wolf killing episode a few seasons back. This episode seemed to be all about action. Much of the episode was like watching a war movie, which of course was the point. This episode was designed to really sell the war between Rick and the Saviors. As the battle raged on, we were shown the huge body count and the severity of this battle. The problem here was that the idea did not play out as well due to some directorial choices which left viewers to scratch their head. On several occasions groups on one side or the other would fire fully automatic weapons into a crowd of their enemies. It appeared, however, that those firing had attended the stormtrooper academy and could not actually hit very many people right in front of them with a machine gun. For the action scenes to really work, you had to turn your brain off a little bit.

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What really stood out more than the action was the subtle but important character development. Carol started to open up just in time for tragedy to strike yet again. Morgan is trying to keep it together, and Henry is becoming the sociopath that everyone expected Carl to be after the prison. Amid all the violence and chaos, there was actual emotion in the storytelling which made it feel more important. Furthermore, The part comic readers had been awaiting played out excellently on the small screen. When the Saviors launched their secret weapon, it turned into an unnerving and gory tribute to zombie films of the past. Overall, this episode showed us that The Walking Dead could still make us feel, and make us jump. This is The series at the best it has been for quite some time, not close to reviling its own hay day, but a far step up from its lowest points. Let's hope The show keeps moving in the right direction.



Thursday, March 22, 2018

1UP Bodyweight Ultimate Hanging Resistance Sling Trainer Review



Body weight training is one of the best ways to increase strength, build muscle, burn fat and strengthen your core. Push ups, pull ups, planks all use body weight resistance. Suspension body weight trainers offer more versatility in your workouts. With a variety of workout options, suspension training devices are one of the best options for a home gym that will provide all around workouts to meet your fitness goals.

How do BodyWeight Sling Trainers Work"

These devices basically consist of straps that can be connected to an X-Mount on a wall or ceiling or over a closed door. At the other end, the straps feature handle bars or foot loops, often interchangeable, to allow an assortment of exercises like chest flys, suspension pushups, etc.


Benefits of Bodyweight sling trainers?

These types of trainers are great because they are versatile, lightweight, easy to set up and take up little space. They are like a home gym that you can take anywhere. They are low cost and do not require a lot of extra parts and additional purchases. Bodyweight training is among the best types of exercise for overall fitness and health and sling trainers make it easy to perform an array of these exercises in your own home or on the go.

Is the 1UP Bodyweight Ultimate Hanging Resistance Sling Trainer Worth Buying?

This particular trainer is good but not necesarily great. At the time of writing, this product is listed on Amazon for $49.95 which is not bad, but it feels a bit like you should get more for your 50 bucks. The design is good. It seems strong and functional. The hand grips are wide and comfortable. It does what it is supposed to do. It comes with a carry bag, a downloadable workout guide, and a one-year warranty.

The biggest issue is that this item is more limited than other similar devices. It does not have the attachments and adjustability that similar items have, so you can do less with it. If you are primarily looking to do upper body work (pushups, flys) this is a great tool to increase strength, but if you want more flexibility in your workout, you can find better--although it will likely cost you more. Also, taking a look at the handfull of Amazon reviews, it seems some of the glowing reviews are kind of suspect. If a company employs fake reviewers, it calls the product quality itself into question. Overall this is a good product if you are not expecting too much.

Alternatives

If the 1UP Bodyweight Ultimate Hanging Resistance Sling Trainer isn't the one for you but you want to try out body weight training, their are a lot of alternatives out there.

The TRX Training - Suspension Trainer Basic Kit costs significantly more than the 1up but gives you a lot more options, a full workout plan, and a better value for those who take their training seriously.

The Bodyweight Fitness Resistance Trainer kit from Intent Sports is actually cheaper than the 1up and features a 12 week workout plan and a design for "full body exercise" instead of just upper body.

The Ultimate Body Press Bodyweight Resistance Trainer is about the same price as the 1up, but offers more customization for your workout and ultimately a better value.


Other reviews you might like:

Power Press Push UP Review


Bowflex Uppercut Review



Friday, March 16, 2018

JIA LE Muscle Toner Abdominal Toning Belt Review





Many of us are looking to get flat and toned abs but it is not easy. Many products offer innovative alternatives to traditional ab workouts. Some work better than others. One of these products is the JAI Muscle Toner Abdominal Toning Belt. Not all ab devices are equal and some work better than others. How does the JIA Muscle Toner stack up? Let's review.

First let's cover what this product is.

This is a device for passive abdominal toning--meaning it does the work for you. The best results you can get will come from hard work, crunches, cardio, planks and all the other things we don't want to do. Obviously the idea of strapping something on that tones your abs while you watch TV is very appealing. This of course is what makes these products a big seller. The question is whether you can get the results you want without putting in the work.

Electronic Abdominal Muscles Stimulator Vibration Pad & Belt System

How does it work?

This is an EMS device which means Electrical muscle stimulation. Basically it attaches to your abs with gel pads and it sends a pulse to stimulate your muscles simulating a workout without the workout. The product claims to provide the equivalent of 60 minutes of sit-ups in 20 minutes of use. If the claim is true then this is absolutely a great purchase. If you can wear the ab toner for 20 minutes while, doing your normal daily activities instead of setting aside an hour to exercise you are saving time and getting results.

Thermogenic Fat Burner

How Well Does it Work?

This depends on what you are hoping to get out of it. The thing about this ab toner is it will work great to tone but it is not the best fat burner. It tones your abs by stimulating them, but does little for burning fat. Furthermore, for a person with a significant amount of belly fat the device will not be as effective. If your goal is to lose a lot of belly fat, then a solid cardio program is your best option. But if yo are looking to tone up a little for the summer or you plan to use the toner along with a good workout program, this will give you good results.

Perfect Fitness Ab Carver Pro Roller for Core Workouts

pros

Easy to use

Effective Toning

Time saver

Cons

Not the best fat burner

requires purchase of replacement pads

Some report issues with the gel pads sticking

Is the EMS Toning belt for you? I hope this review helped answer that question for you. Check out some other reviews you may be interested in:

Abdominator Review: Revolutionary Core Workout or Over-hyped Ab-Wheel


RAD Arm Blaster Review


Power Press Push Up Review

Iso 7X Review

Sunday, March 11, 2018

Bytech Phone Charger Review




I'm going to cut to the chase on this Bytech Phone Charger Review. Don't buy it. Picked this car charger up at Five Below and not only is it of poor quality but it is actually hazardous. You might not expect too much from a $5 charger but this one lasted less than an hour.


In the above picture it looks like the mini USB connector is bent right? well this is what it looked like when we pulled it out of the phone. It had not been damaged; it was sitting comfortably on the passenger seat charging. Nobody bent the connector. The micro USB was very hot to the touch and soon began to smoke. The reason the connector looks like that is that it actually melted through part of the rubber around it. This Cell Phone charger actually tried to catch fire within an hour of purchasing it. Do not buy.




Other Reviews You might be interested in:

1UP Bodyweight Trainer Review



Friday, February 9, 2018

GloFX Color Therapy glasses review and sample pictures



Updated 03-27-18 to include Red and Indigo. See Photos at the bottom.

GloFX Color Therapy glasses are available in a Range of colors and designed to impact different aspects of mood. Color therapy has been around for decades and there are several companies offering products that utilize this strategy. Many people may have become aware of color therapy glasses from Facebook ads for Rainbow Optx glasses. Rainbow Optx glasses are a bit pricey though leading many to look for cheaper options. GloFX glasses are about half the price of Rainbow Optx and offer a similar product. I ordered a pair of the orange glasses as I could use a mood boost and wanted to see how well they work.

Colour Healing Manual: The Complete Colour Therapy Programme $24.95

I did not have high expectations for the quality of these $15 glasses that I got for $10 on sale but I did have high hopes. The first thing that struck me when I opened the package was the thickness and strength of the plastic in the construction. I expected a cheap low quality product but the design is actually very high quality and durable.

The next test of course for these GloFX glasses was the view with them on. I love glasses that brighten the world rather than darken it. If you suffer from depression as, I do, then dark sunglasses are counterproductive to your mood. I hoped that these glasses would make the world a bright and beautiful place, but I feared that they would just make it orange. I was actually shocked at how bright the view was from under my GloFX glasses. They seem to increase contrast. Darks are darker and brights are brighter. A gloomy day with sunlight filtered through grey clouds becomes a bright shining day. GloFX is the perfect name for these glasses because they actually make bright environments and objects look like they are glowing. Overall These Orange GloFX Color Therapy Glasses are pretty great. I included some pictures below trying to capture what life looks like through the lenses. They do not do them justice but they may give some idea of what you can expect.

Color Medicine: The Secrets of Color Vibrational Healing $11.95

UPDATE: After writing this review, I picked up two more pairs, Red and Indigo.

Both of these colors are great as well. The red glasses make everything look like some alien landscape while the indigo glasses create a surreal appearance that truly makes you feel like you are stepping out of your reality into something magical. All the colors around you are drastically changed and often enhanced. When you first put the Red GloFX glasses on everything looks like a dark red, but after your eyes adjust, the view mellows into a deep orange. The indigo glasses are the real star, however, because they shift the color spectrum in amazing ways. Some light looks blue, other light looks purple, Yellow becomes hot pink and the world becomes some kind of surreal dreamscape. It is most likely clear to you that I like all three of the GloFX glasses I have tried and that Indigo is my favorite. I highly recommend them. I hope to acquire more variations in the future and will definitely update my review and provide more sample pictures. In the meantime, check out the pics below. Thanks for reading.

My dog Molly Though Orange GloFX glasses.


Note that the above pictures show a kind of sepia tone (which I like to use for Photography) but the view when you wear the glasses is much brighter.The effects, both for photography and daily wear are really cool and if you are interested in color therapy then I recomend GloFX glasses.