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Sunday, July 10, 2022

Review of a Mini Sound Bar for TV with an HDMI ARC Connection

Sound Bar with HDMI Arc Connection

So, we bought a new smart tv for our bedroom.

We put the old one in our make-shift hippie bedroom in the unfinished basement.

The Smart TV we purchased was not that expensive, and I think we discovered why; the sound wasn't perfect.

We like the TV and the Smart Remote, so we decided to keep it and improve the sound with a Sound Bar.

Let Me Save You Some Time Before You Buy a Sound Bar for a TV

1. HDMI(Arc) Connection - ARC Stands for "Audio Return Channel"

The first Sound Bar we purchased had to be returned.

It didn't have an HDMI(Arc) connection.

You can still hook up the Sound Bar and get it working with an "Optical" connection, or standard audio connectors, but to get your volume control to work on your other remotes, you must connect the Sound Bar using the HDMI(Arc) connection. After googling my brains out, I found that out!

Most TVs have an HDMI(Arc) connection, but double-check that your TV has one!

Our TV's HDMI(Arc) connection is located in the first HDMI port, or as most of us know from our TV screens, HDMI 1.

2. This Sound Bar Did Not Include an HDMI Cable

No matter the Sound Bar you decide to purchase, check to see if it includes an HDMI cable.

Most Sound Bars come with an Optical connection cable, standard audio connectors, and sometimes USB connectors. However, the Sound Bars I purchased did not have a USB cable.

3. Which Connection is Best

Based on what I've read, the best connection for a Sound Bar to a TV is the HDMI(Arc) connection.

The Optical connection is good too, but like I mentioned above, you can't get your other remotes to control the sound from your Sound Bar unless you use the HDMI(Arc).

4. Can You Use a Standard HDMI Cable, Being that it's going into an HDMI(Arc) port?

Yes. Just use a standard HDMI cable. Here is the type of HDMI cable we purchased; it works fine.

5. Do You Have to Change Settings in Your TV Menu to Hook Up a Sound Bar?

Yes, you do.

Our TV is a new current Smart TV, so it was easy to figure out. There's an option to switch the Audio Output in your TV menu to Arc or Optical.

Follow the instructions for your TV.

On our TV, we had to select another option called "PCM" in the output audio section.

Another option in the Settings section on our TV made the Sound Bar sync to our other remotes so that when we power down the tv, the Sound Bar switches off as well.

6. Another Tip to Get Your Sound Bar to Work

At first, I couldn't get the darn thing to work!

Sheesh, I knew I had it hooked up correctly.

I discovered that the Sound Bar remote control has input options; Arc, Opt (for Optical), and Aux for standard audio cables.

I forgot to change the input on the Sound Bar's remote to Arc.

Duh!

7. Does the Sound Bar Come with a Remote?

Yes, it does.

There are other sound options on the remote; 3D, Surround Sound, Music, etc.

We simply selected one and operated the sound from our other remotes.

But yes, you can use the Sound Bar remote to adjust the volume and the type of sound you want.

The Sound Bar unit has controls on the side should you misplace the remote.

Mini Sound Bar with HDMI(Arc) Connection

Here's the Mini Sound Bar with an HDMI(Arc) connection we selected from Amazon.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Saturday, July 9, 2022

Nothing to Lose by J.A. Jance - Book Review

Bestselling author J.A. Jance has written four different series in the Mystery genre. Her Joanna Brady Mysteries and the Ali Reynolds Novels have both been previously reviewed here on ReviewThisReviews!

The third series is the J.P. Beaumont Novels. My review today is of the newest Beaumont suspense novel titled Nothing to Lose.

Synopsis

Years ago, J.P. Beaumont was a homicide detective with the Seattle PD. His partner, Sue Danielson, was murdered by her ex-husband when he came after her in her home. Terrified, Sue's teenage son frantically called Beaumont for help. Beau urged Jared to grab his younger brother and leave the house. As a result, Beau's plea and Jared's quick action saved the two boys from their father's murderous rage.

Twenty years later, Jared reappears in Beau's life seeking help again. His younger brother, Chris, is missing. Beau, who is now a retired cop working as a private investigator, and still haunted by the events of that tragic night, doesn't hesitate to take the case.

Beaumont follows a lead to the wilds of wintertime Alaska where he finds a tangled web of family secrets and where a killer with nothing to lose is waiting to kill again.

Summary

The entire J.P. Beaumont Mystery series by J.A. Jance is excellent, as are all her books. I am a huge fan of her writings. The Beaumont series is a continuing one, but each story in the series can stand alone as well. Therefore, you do not need to begin with Book #1 to enjoy the story in Nothing to Lose. But, that said, I do highly recommend reading the entire series in order to follow the adventures of Beau from the first book to this latest one.

Book review of Nothing to Lose by J.A. (Judith Ann) Jance

by Wednesday Elf

This book (Number 23 of 23 in the J.P. Beaumont series) is an Amazon Editor's pick for Best Mystery, Thriller & Suspense:

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Friday, July 8, 2022

Telephone & Address Books Are Not Outdated

I recently heard an adult say they did not know their spouses cell phone number because it was saved on their cell phone. They had never bothered to memorize it and had no clue where or how to find it without their cell phone. I found that very interesting.

In many cases, children can no longer tell you their home phone number (if they have one) or their parent's cell phone number. I find that frightening.

I remember a time when I could rattle off my home phone number, my closest friends phone numbers, family member's phone numbers, work phone numbers, and even the local theater's phone number. I can't do that now, but I do have my husband's cell phone number memorized, as well as our children's number. Frankly, the rest are saved on my cell phone. However, I am still a firm believer in keeping my physical address book up to date.

In the past, when I carried a purse, my address/telephone book was always part of my handbag contents and I carried it with me everywhere. Since I no longer carry a purse, I do rely on my cell phone for friend's numbers if I am away from home, but my physical address book is still safe and available at home.

Times have certainly changed. The phone company no longer prints phone books for us. Therefore, keeping a personal telephone & address book should not be outdated.

Let's face it! If you lose your cell phone, or if the phone simply dies, you literally lose the ability to call anyone even if you can borrow a phone.

Telephone & Address Books

Having a specific place for phone numbers & addresses is extremely helpful. Just the other day, I watched my own husband frantically search scraps of paper and notes for a friends phone number. He did find it, but it would have been so much easier for him if he had it written in an address & phone book.

For me, having a telephone & address book is a necessity. Most likely, I would be bald if I frequently had to search for a specific slip of paper.

If you don't already have a telephone & address book, perhaps you should consider purchasing one and writing important numbers in it. After all, you don't want to lose contact information along with a cell phone.

Iconikal Address and Telephone Book, Black, 8 x 5 inchesCheck Price Address Book with Alphabetical Tabs - Telephone & Address Book with Address Contacts, Special Date, Phone, Birthday & Internet Login Password for Home and Office, 4.3Check Price Small Address Book Large Print - Address and Phone Book with Alphabet Tabs - Contact Book Spiral Bound Hardcover - Cute Address Book Design - OrganizerCheck Price Large Print Jar Address Book by Susan Winget - Large Print Address Book, 56 Pages, Big 7 inch by 8-1/2 inch, Spiral-Bound, Easy Reading Legible Print FormsCheck Price

Thursday, July 7, 2022

Thunder Dog Book Review

8:46 a.m. Michael Hingson, along with his faithful guide dog, Roselle, had been experiencing a normal morning at work. And then, suddenly and violently, their building was rocked by a massive explosion. Everything began to sway and tilt at a severe angle. Debris rained down on them. What was happening?

No one knew yet that American Airlines Flight 11 had just slammed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center at 500 miles per hour. With 10,000 gallons of fuel on board, everything was soon engulfed by flames, smoke, shattering glass, and dangerous fuel mist. Michael, blind since infancy, knew something was very wrong, but he took comfort in the fact that Roselle was completely calm.

Though surrounded by chaos, and screaming, panicked people, Roselle did not act afraid. Michael knew they needed to head to the staircase and make their way out. It would be no simple thing, as they were on the 78th floor of Tower One. Safety was 1,463 steps away. There was only one thing to do: Give Roselle her command. Forward.

It would ultimately take an hour to get to Ground Zero and out the door to what they hoped would be their escape. As they took step after step after step, burn victims passed them in a hurry to get the medical help they needed. Firemen, and other emergency personnel, though rushing up the stairs to help other victims, paused to see if Michael and Roselle needed assistance.

Shortly after exiting the first twin tower, the second tower, just 100 yards from them, began to collapse. Michael and Roselle ran for their lives, choking desperately for air, as an atom bomb-like cloud of dust surrounded them. The nightmare seemed never-ending. It would be hours before survivors could even begin to make their way to loved ones.

Lives were forever changed on 9/11. Because this day will always be one of our nation's most memorable, and important days, Michael Hingson and Roselle's story, as told in Thunder Dog, is one that needs to be heard. Not only is there healing in telling our stories, but their story is much more than an account of making the descent out of the World Trade Center.

The real story is the ascent story: How Hingson and Roselle rose to be there in the first place. How does a blind man and a yellow lab end up living successfully in a world that is not always set up to support a thriving life? What are the lessons we can learn from them? Michael shares with us the vital messages of trust, of faith, of the importance of working together. These themes are especially timely as our nation continues to be in crisis.

Thunder Dog helped me gain a greater perspective and understanding of what it means to be disabled. In some ways, we are all disabled. It was incredibly enlightening for me to learn more about how differently abled individuals navigate through the challenges, and opportunities, presented every single day. I was astounded by Michael Hingson's adaptability (especially his use of echolocation) and full of admiration for how his family supported Michael's growth and actualization into his current fullness of being.

And, of course, I so respect those who pour themselves into the nurturing and training of guide dogs. What an amazing journey that is. Roselle, rightfully, has earned numerous awards and accolades for her exceptional service to humanity. Well done, Roselle. Good girl!

I will end with one of Michael's quotes that spoke to me: Don't let your sight get in the way of your vision. May we all take that to heart as we learn to see with the kind of wisdom that makes a true difference for others. We are all in this together.

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Wednesday, July 6, 2022

The Best Keto-Friendly Chocolate Hazelnut Spreads With No Added Sugars

The original Nutella is a luscious, thick, milk chocolate hazelnut spread manufactured by Ferrero. It has been beloved by chocolate and hazelnut lovers worldwide since it was introduced in 1964. Unfortunately, it's also packed with refined cane sugar and carbohydrates! That means it's unsuitable for anyone who is trying to avoid added sugars, following a keto diet or embracing a healthy, low carb lifestyle.

After trying many different keto-friendly chocolate hazelnut spreads over the past three years, I can highly recommend my three favorites as excellent Nutella alternatives for chocolate lovers who are watching their carbs, trying to cut back on sugar or just trying to eat healthier without feeling deprived.

Today, I'll be comparing and reviewing these top three product picks, which also fit a variety of other dietary restrictions and special diets, such as gluten-free and soy-free:

Low Carb Keto-Friendly Chocolate Hazelnut Spreads No Added Sugar

These luscious keto-friendly chocolate hazelnut spreads are so good, you'll never miss the sugar!

Before I embarked on a keto diet in 2019 and decided to make the switch to a low carb lifestyle long term, I was a huge fan of the original Nutella chocolate hazelnut spread from Ferrero for many years. Unfortunately, Nutella has 22g of carbohydrates and 21g of net carbs, of which 19g are added sugars (cane sugar), according to the Nutella nutrition information on the manufacturer's website.

My favorite low carb Nutella alternatives with no added sugars are Livlō Zellō Keto-Friendly Chocolate Hazelnut Spread (2g net carbs), ChocZero Cocoa Hazelnut Keto Spread (1g net carbs) and ChocZero Dark Cocoa Hazelnut Keto Spread (1g net carbs). All three of these spreads are delicious, high-quality products. Which one(s) you choose will come down to personal preferences, price and dietary requirements.

For example, Livlō Zellō has the most pronounced hazelnut flavor and a somewhat sweeter taste than the ChocZero spreads. It has a thinner consistency and can be refrigerated to firm it up, if desired. It's also more expensive per ounce. Another difference is that you can purchase Livlō Zellō in a choice of jars or a 10-pack of convenient, portable, single-serving packets that you can pop in your purse, backpack, bag or lunch box to take on the go.

The ChocZero Cocoa Hazelnut Spreads (both regular and dark cocoa) have a more chocolate/cocoa-forward flavor and are a bit less sweet than the Livlō Zellō, especially the dark cocoa hazelnut spread. Both these ChocZero spreads have a thicker consistency that's more similar to Nutella, and refrigeration is not recommended. They are also significantly less expensive per ounce.

Although all three spreads contain no added sugars, the Livlō Zellō contains 1g of sugar, so it isn't considered "sugar-free" based on USDA nutrition information product labeling requirements. The ChocZero Dark Cocoa Hazelnut Keto Spread and the Livlō Zellō are both vegan and dairy free, whereas the regular ChocZero Cocoa Hazelnut Keto Spread contains milk.

Side-by-Side Comparison of Livlō Zellō and ChocZero Keto-Friendly Chocolate Hazelnut Spreads With No Added Sugars

Flavor, Size and Price

	Livlō Zellō Keto-Friendly Chocolate Hazelnut Spread	ChocZero Cocoa Hazelnut Keto Spread	ChocZero Dark Cocoa Hazelnut Keto Spread
Flavor, Sweetness & Consistency	Milk chocolate hazelnut flavor, hazelnut flavor is stronger than in the two ChocZero spreads, the sweetest of the three, thinner consistency (can refrigerate to thicken, if desired)	Milk chocolate hazelnut, nice balance of cocoa and hazelnut, medium sweetness, medium-thick consistency	Dark chocolate hazelnut, leans more toward cocoa than hazelnut, a bit deeper and less sweet than the other two spreads, thickest consistency
Size	10-ounce jar OR 10 single-serving packets	12-ounce jar	12-ounce jar
Amazon price (at publication date)	$12.55 OR $15.90	$8.49	$8.49
Amazon price per ounce (at publication date)	$1.26 OR $1.41	$0.71	$0.71
Free Amazon Prime delivery	Yes	Yes	Yes

Nutrition Facts

	Livlō Zellō Keto-Friendly Chocolate Hazelnut Spread	ChocZero Cocoa Hazelnut Keto Spread	ChocZero Dark Cocoa Hazelnut Keto Spread
Serving size	2 Tbsp	2 Tbsp	2 Tbsp
Calories	170	160	190
Total Fat	16g	10g	16g
Sat. Fat	2g	4g	6g
Trans Fat	0g	0g	0g
Cholesterol	0mg	<5mg	0mg
Sodium	70mg	35mg	0mg
Total Carbohydrate	8g	17g	17g
Dietary Fiber	3g	16g	16g
Total Sugars	1g	1g	0g
Added Sugars	0g	0g	0g
Sugar Alcohol (Erythritol)	3g	N/A	N/A
Protein	4g	2g	1g
Net Carbs (Total carbs-dietary fiber-sugar alcohols=net carbs)	2g net carbs	1g net carbs	1g net carbs

Ingredients

Livlō Zellō Keto-Friendly Chocolate Hazelnut Spread	ChocZero Cocoa Hazelnut Keto Spread	ChocZero Dark Cocoa Hazelnut Keto Spread
Hazelnuts, Almonds, Erythritol, Cocoa Powder (processed with alkali), Dark Chocolate Chips (unsweetened chocolate, erythritol, cocoa butter, stevia extract, sunflower lecithin), Sunflower Oil, Sunflower Lecithin, Natural Flavors, Sea Salt, Monk Fruit Extract	Fiber Mix (non-GMO resistant dextrin, allulose, fructooligosaccharide), Vegetable Oils and Fats (sustainable palm fruit oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter), Roasted Hazelnuts, Skim Milk Powder, Cocoa Powder, Sunflower Lecithin, Monk Fruit Extract, Natural Vanilla Flavor	Fiber Mix (non-GMO resistant dextrin, fructooligosaccharide), Vegetable Oils and Fats (sustainable palm fruit oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter), Roasted Hazelnut, Cocoa Powder, Sunflower Lecithin, Monk Fruit Extract, Natural Vanilla Flavor

Dietary Restrictions / Special Diets

One of the great things about these three chocolate hazelnut spreads with no added sugars is that they can accommodate a variety of dietary restrictions for people on special diets.

	Livlō Zellō Keto-Friendly Chocolate Hazelnut Spread	ChocZero Cocoa Hazelnut Keto Spread	ChocZero Dark Cocoa Hazelnut Keto Spread
Keto-Friendly	✔	✔	✔
Low Carb	✔	✔	✔
Gluten-Free	✔	✔	✔
Sugar-Free	𝗫	✔	✔
No Added Sugars	✔	✔	✔
No Sugar Alcohols	Contains erythritol	✔	✔
Uses Only Plant-Based Sweeteners	Erythritol, stevia extract and monk fruit extract	Monk fruit extract, prebiotic fiber and allulose * **	Monk fruit extract and prebiotic fiber *
Soy-Free	✔	✔	✔
Dairy-Free	✔	𝗫	✔
Vegan	✔	𝗫	✔
Food Allergy Awareness Info	Contains hazelnuts, almonds May contain a trace amount of peanuts and other tree nuts because of processing on shared equipment.	Contains coconut, hazelnut, milk. Produced in a facility that processes peanuts and tree nuts.	Contains coconut, hazelnut. Produced in a facility that processes milk and peanuts.
* Check out ChocZero’s answer to the FAQ, "Is ChocZero keto friendly?" to learn why monk fruit extract and prebiotic fiber can be considered healthy, keto-friendly sweeteners.
** Read the Healthline article “Is Allulose Keto-Friendly?” to understand why allulose can be an excellent sweetener for someone following a low carb or ketogenic diet when used in moderation.

Jars of Livlo Zello and ChocZero regular and dark cacao chocolate hazelnut spreads with swooshes of each

The ChocZero Dark Cocoa Hazelnut Keto Spread (left) is the thickest; the original ChocZero Cocoa Hazelnut Keto Spread (right) is slightly thinner; the Livlō Zellō Keto-Friendly Chocolate Hazelnut Spread (middle) is more fluid and spreads out more (unless you refrigerate it after stirring well).

Additional Considerations

Here are a few other considerations to help inform your product choices.

	Livlō Zellō Keto-Friendly Chocolate Hazelnut Spread	ChocZero Cocoa Hazelnut Keto Spread	ChocZero Dark Cocoa Hazelnut Keto Spread
Non-GMO	✔	✔	✔
Also Available in Single-Serving Packets	✔	𝗫	𝗫
Small business brand	✔	✔	✔
Recommended Storage	Can be stored at room temperature, May be refrigerated (after stirring well) for a firmer texture, if desired.	Store in a cool, dry place, preferably at 63-68 °F (17-20 °C). For best results, do not refrigerate or microwave.	Store in a cool, dry place, preferably at 63-68 °F (17-20 °C). For best results, do not refrigerate or microwave.

Note: In my experience, refrigerating the original or dark cocoa ChocZero Cocoa Hazelnut Keto Spread makes it quite stiff and hard to mix or spread. However, during the cold winter months, I often scoop out a tablespoon or two into a custard cup and microwave it for a few seconds to gently warm it slightly and thin it out, and then drizzle it over keto-friendly berries, ice cream or other low carb desserts.