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2 | Died at 7 months | Got this wine refrigerator (in black, not silver) in Dec to replace a Danby that died after about a year. Loved the size since it fits easily in tight spaces. Unfortunately it stopped cooling. We noticed the wines didn't seem to be getting very cold, so we took them all out and let it cool down empty. That seemed to work but after putting all the bottles back, (and they were all cold since we put them in the refrigerator) they just got warm again. All the lights and fan still work, just doesn't stay cold. Called the Haier number, they said there is no repair for not cooling and they would send a new one. You have to send them the serial tags, receipt, 8-in of the power cord and check for $14.99 for "partial" shipping charges. They will send one FEDEX. We've decided to go ahead and try one more time since we really liked it when it worked, but if that one dies too we won't waste another $14.99. I'm hoping they have improved in the last six months, but not necessarily counting on it. | 996 | [
"Got this wine refrigerator (in black, not silver) in Dec to replace a Danby that died after about a year.",
"Loved the size since it fits easily in tight spaces.",
"Unfortunately it stopped cooling.",
"We noticed the wines didn't seem to be getting very cold, so we took them all out and let it cool down empty.",
"That seemed to work but after putting all the bottles back, (and they were all cold since we put them in the refrigerator) they just got warm again.",
"All the lights and fan still work, just doesn't stay cold.",
"Called the Haier number, they said there is no repair for not cooling and they would send a new one.",
"You have to send them the serial tags, receipt, 8-in of the power cord and check for $14.99 for \"partial\" shipping charges.",
"They will send one FEDEX.",
"We've decided to go ahead and try one more time since we really liked it when it worked, but if that one dies too we won't waste another $14.99.",
"I'm hoping they have improved in the last six months, but not necessarily counting on it."
] |
2 | Animal cruelty? | The images are splendid, of course, and you cannot help but marvel at BBC's technical achievement. Yet, somehow, as you travel through continents and environments, you soon start to expect a rather unpleasant pattern. At the beginning of each story, you find yourself wondering: 'OK, which animal are we going to kill this time, and in what clever way?' No, I'm not one of those animal-protecting nuts, I'm not a vegetarian, I'm not one to turn the blind eye to the killing that eating requires. But when you start dreading the next chapter because so many of them are painful to look at, you just have to wonder why you're watching this DVD. Honestly, weren't there other feats and achievements to focus on? The few stories that don't involve animal killing are so much more fascinating (fixing the mud mosque, crossing the Mekong on a rope, building amazing tree houses, tracking water under the desert, facing a frozen river to get to school...). That should have been the focus of the series. | 996 | [
"The images are splendid, of course, and you cannot help but marvel at BBC's technical achievement.",
"Yet, somehow, as you travel through continents and environments, you soon start to expect a rather unpleasant pattern.",
"At the beginning of each story, you find yourself wondering: 'OK, which animal are we going to kill this time, and in what clever way?",
"' No, I'm not one of those animal-protecting nuts, I'm not a vegetarian, I'm not one to turn the blind eye to the killing that eating requires.",
"But when you start dreading the next chapter because so many of them are painful to look at, you just have to wonder why you're watching this DVD.",
"Honestly, weren't there other feats and achievements to focus on?",
"The few stories that don't involve animal killing are so much more fascinating (fixing the mud mosque, crossing the Mekong on a rope, building amazing tree houses, tracking water under the desert, facing a frozen river to get to school...).",
"That should have been the focus of the series."
] |
2 | Had Potential... | This book started out strong and seemed to be exactly what I was looking for. I've been hoping for a book that focuses on the home, and ways to not only bring magic in, but also tips and ideas for decorating in a more magical way. The first few chapters seem to do exactly that - with detailed descriptions of what a witch's home could be, basic blessings, tips on finding the center of your home, etc. I was really excited! Unfortunately, soon after, the author committed the cardinal sin of many Wiccan titles: trying to do too much. She seemed to lose her focus, and the book becomes a mishmash of different ideas - protection, elemental work, feng shui, color magic, herbal magic, etc. Because she tries to cram so much in, she manages only to skim the surface of any of these areas - which means she gives information that has been given 1000 times elsewhere. I'm not new to magick, so I don't need the "color magick 101" course. I was hoping for more depth here, but it just wasn't there... | 996 | [
"This book started out strong and seemed to be exactly what I was looking for.",
"I've been hoping for a book that focuses on the home, and ways to not only bring magic in, but also tips and ideas for decorating in a more magical way.",
"The first few chapters seem to do exactly that - with detailed descriptions of what a witch's home could be, basic blessings, tips on finding the center of your home, etc.",
"I was really excited!",
"Unfortunately, soon after, the author committed the cardinal sin of many Wiccan titles: trying to do too much.",
"She seemed to lose her focus, and the book becomes a mishmash of different ideas - protection, elemental work, feng shui, color magic, herbal magic, etc.",
"Because she tries to cram so much in, she manages only to skim the surface of any of these areas - which means she gives information that has been given 1000 times elsewhere.",
"I'm not new to magick, so I don't need the \"color magick 101\" course.",
"I was hoping for more depth here, but it just wasn't there..."
] |
2 | Very disappointed | I'm a big MM fan and even had the pleasure of sitting front row a couple of years ago when they toured with MWS. It was a fantastic show. I'd been waiting for a live dvd and when I saw this one available, I wasted no time ordering it. Big, big disappointment. Lifeless. It seemed like the band was simply doing a 'sound check' and wanting to get through their songlist. They were very methodical. There was no passion in the singing, no emotion, no spirituality. The studio versions are overflowing with emotion and passion. But not this live dvd.And every few songs the concert is edited out and a bit of other footage is edited in for a couple of minutes. Then back to the concert. Totally took the momentum of the concert out. I hope the next one is better. It wouldn't take much to be better than this one. Will I still purchase MM cd's? You bet. Will I still pay to see them perform live? Without a doubt. I'm just disappointed that they couldn't deliver something with a little bit of soul. | 996 | [
"I'm a big MM fan and even had the pleasure of sitting front row a couple of years ago when they toured with MWS.",
"It was a fantastic show.",
"I'd been waiting for a live dvd and when I saw this one available, I wasted no time ordering it.",
"Big, big disappointment.",
"Lifeless.",
"It seemed like the band was simply doing a 'sound check' and wanting to get through their songlist.",
"They were very methodical.",
"There was no passion in the singing, no emotion, no spirituality.",
"The studio versions are overflowing with emotion and passion.",
"But not this live dvd.And every few songs the concert is edited out and a bit of other footage is edited in for a couple of minutes.",
"Then back to the concert.",
"Totally took the momentum of the concert out.",
"I hope the next one is better.",
"It wouldn't take much to be better than this one.",
"Will I still purchase MM cd's?",
"You bet.",
"Will I still pay to see them perform live?",
"Without a doubt.",
"I'm just disappointed that they couldn't deliver something with a little bit of soul."
] |
2 | First impressions | The very first time I hooked up my Canon SD850 digital camera to import into iPhoto 8 what happens? Crash. Reimport. Crash again. Nothing but crashes.iPhoto then says there are photos that won't import and would I like to reimport. Saying yes results in a crash. Restarting then gives the same "would you like to reimport" message but with double the number of photos. Repeat and it will crash and ask to reimport 4 times the number of photos. At this point I stopped trying, but I assume iPhoto would continue doubling the number of photos to import until I ran out of disk space.I appears Apple did no real world testing with this product before release. This upgrade has almost been as bad as the transition from iLife 4 to 6 (the difference being that upgrade completely destroyed all my libraries and keywords. I had to manually reimport thousands of photos by hand).Apple does many things well. Apple also continues to have serious quality control issues that are still not being addressed. | 996 | [
"The very first time I hooked up my Canon SD850 digital camera to import into iPhoto 8 what happens?",
"Crash.",
"Reimport.",
"Crash again.",
"Nothing but crashes.iPhoto then says there are photos that won't import and would I like to reimport.",
"Saying yes results in a crash.",
"Restarting then gives the same \"would you like to reimport\" message but with double the number of photos.",
"Repeat and it will crash and ask to reimport 4 times the number of photos.",
"At this point I stopped trying, but I assume iPhoto would continue doubling the number of photos to import until I ran out of disk space.I appears Apple did no real world testing with this product before release.",
"This upgrade has almost been as bad as the transition from iLife 4 to 6 (the difference being that upgrade completely destroyed all my libraries and keywords.",
"I had to manually reimport thousands of photos by hand).Apple does many things well.",
"Apple also continues to have serious quality control issues that are still not being addressed."
] |
2 | Not too impressed | The DVD arrived in a timely manner, which was great because I was so excited to get it.While my son napped, I viewed the DVD to get an idea of what to expect. It is explained to be a cardio workout, which is great, that's pretty much all it is. At first, I was somewhat impressed with the first workout/song, but then quickly realized the rest of the workouts were just slightly different versions of each other. It's basically dancing while holding your baby. If you know how to dance, and know how to hold your baby, then you don't need this DVD. The host gives instructions on how to do the steps before each workout, but doesn't mention if and how the steps help to isolate certain areas, improve strength, nothing. I felt like I was watching a kids' dancing instructor. In addition, the music was dull. A couple of the songs were OK (somewhat entertaining), but I couldn't imagine dancing to most of it, at least not in front of anyone. Sorry to say, I'm returning this DVD as soon as I can. | 996 | [
"The DVD arrived in a timely manner, which was great because I was so excited to get it.While my son napped, I viewed the DVD to get an idea of what to expect.",
"It is explained to be a cardio workout, which is great, that's pretty much all it is.",
"At first, I was somewhat impressed with the first workout/song, but then quickly realized the rest of the workouts were just slightly different versions of each other.",
"It's basically dancing while holding your baby.",
"If you know how to dance, and know how to hold your baby, then you don't need this DVD.",
"The host gives instructions on how to do the steps before each workout, but doesn't mention if and how the steps help to isolate certain areas, improve strength, nothing.",
"I felt like I was watching a kids' dancing instructor.",
"In addition, the music was dull.",
"A couple of the songs were OK (somewhat entertaining), but I couldn't imagine dancing to most of it, at least not in front of anyone.",
"Sorry to say, I'm returning this DVD as soon as I can."
] |
2 | Poor design | This shredder consists of a shredder unit which sits on top of a plastic bin. The shredded paper tends to fall in a heaped pile, meaning that when the shredder is approximately half full, shredded paper touches the rotating cutters, and wind back into the mechanism. If you empty the bin after shredding 20 sheets or so, it seems to work more reliably. This is a fuss.To empty the shredder, the top is lifted from the bin. It usually deposits pieces of paper on the floor.The shredder will strain to shred six sheets, and if the sheets happen to fold while feeding, it will jam. One or two sheets will normally shred OK.The shredder has several levels of safety features - turning it on requires flipping two switches on top, and the bin must be in place underneath - if you lift the shredder while it's on, it will stop. However, because the shredder jams so frequently, you may find that you will have to pull chunks of paper from between the rotating cutters, which doesn't seem a safe design. | 996 | [
"This shredder consists of a shredder unit which sits on top of a plastic bin.",
"The shredded paper tends to fall in a heaped pile, meaning that when the shredder is approximately half full, shredded paper touches the rotating cutters, and wind back into the mechanism.",
"If you empty the bin after shredding 20 sheets or so, it seems to work more reliably.",
"This is a fuss.To empty the shredder, the top is lifted from the bin.",
"It usually deposits pieces of paper on the floor.The shredder will strain to shred six sheets, and if the sheets happen to fold while feeding, it will jam.",
"One or two sheets will normally shred OK.The shredder has several levels of safety features - turning it on requires flipping two switches on top, and the bin must be in place underneath - if you lift the shredder while it's on, it will stop.",
"However, because the shredder jams so frequently, you may find that you will have to pull chunks of paper from between the rotating cutters, which doesn't seem a safe design."
] |
2 | I didn't love it. | This story of Grace O'Rourke and Rathe Bragg was my second-least favorite book of the very talented Brenda Joyce. The absolute worst was Runaway Bride, which I didn't bother to finish after just a few chapters.This book was very unsatisfying and highly predictable. While Rathe was somewhat interesting, Grace was very stereotypical and cliche, in my opinion. Most of Joyce's fans look to her to really make the pages sizzle with passionate heat, and sadly, this book fell short and it fell HARD. None of the love scenes were endearing or worthwhile. Is this the same author that wrote The Fires of Paradise?On a more positive note, Joyce's use of the deep south during the horrible aftermath of slavery was a very promising backdrop for an excellent story. The plot did not stand up to the setting, and the "romance" between the main characters was dry and inspired very little emotion from the reader. If you love stories set in the deep south, you may be able to find some enjoyment out of it. | 996 | [
"This story of Grace O'Rourke and Rathe Bragg was my second-least favorite book of the very talented Brenda Joyce.",
"The absolute worst was Runaway Bride, which I didn't bother to finish after just a few chapters.This book was very unsatisfying and highly predictable.",
"While Rathe was somewhat interesting, Grace was very stereotypical and cliche, in my opinion.",
"Most of Joyce's fans look to her to really make the pages sizzle with passionate heat, and sadly, this book fell short and it fell HARD.",
"None of the love scenes were endearing or worthwhile.",
"Is this the same author that wrote The Fires of Paradise?",
"On a more positive note, Joyce's use of the deep south during the horrible aftermath of slavery was a very promising backdrop for an excellent story.",
"The plot did not stand up to the setting, and the \"romance\" between the main characters was dry and inspired very little emotion from the reader.",
"If you love stories set in the deep south, you may be able to find some enjoyment out of it."
] |
2 | Of limited use | There is a small number of good uses for this pad, primarily for something that absolutely has to be supported on your shoulder, for a limited period, and which you won't want to shift around. As noted by others, its soft rubber catches on hair and clothing and it is awkward to shift around: in order to slide it forward or back, it has to be off the shoulder; getting onto either shoulder requires setting the pad in place and only then letting it take up the load--which means that shoulder-to-shoulder transfers require some dexterity. Also, contrary to the manufacturer's specs, it doesn't really accommodate a 2" strap unless that strap is fairly light and flexible; it does not, for instance, work with the 2" strap of my Timbuk2 computer bag or larger messenger bag. And it is also problematic with narrow, thin straps, which don't really stay in place all that well. I tend to leave it in my shoulder-carried "suiter" bag for those times when my gate is really far from the airport exit. | 996 | [
"There is a small number of good uses for this pad, primarily for something that absolutely has to be supported on your shoulder, for a limited period, and which you won't want to shift around.",
"As noted by others, its soft rubber catches on hair and clothing and it is awkward to shift around: in order to slide it forward or back, it has to be off the shoulder; getting onto either shoulder requires setting the pad in place and only then letting it take up the load--which means that shoulder-to-shoulder transfers require some dexterity.",
"Also, contrary to the manufacturer's specs, it doesn't really accommodate a 2\" strap unless that strap is fairly light and flexible; it does not, for instance, work with the 2\" strap of my Timbuk2 computer bag or larger messenger bag.",
"And it is also problematic with narrow, thin straps, which don't really stay in place all that well.",
"I tend to leave it in my shoulder-carried \"suiter\" bag for those times when my gate is really far from the airport exit."
] |
2 | Injured hand | I let my daughter use this mixer with the whisk attachment to beat some egg whites and one of the wires broke off during mixing and jabbed her in the hand. I never used the whisk for anything but whipping cream and egg whites, but apparently it wasn't sturdy enough for that. When I called customer service, the person was very nice and said they'd send me another mixer, but when it arrived, it was a different brand, one that I had decided I didn't like the look and feel of when I was shopping originally. It also had only one set of beaters instead of the various attachments of the Oster mixer, the box was smashed, and the whole thing smelled of burnt motor. At this point I think I want my money back so I can try a mixer from a whole different company.Before it broke, it worked pretty well, but the retractable cord only retracted a couple times before it stopped doing so, and all the speeds were very fast. I had to use an extra large bowl to keep ingredients from spraying everywhere. | 996 | [
"I let my daughter use this mixer with the whisk attachment to beat some egg whites and one of the wires broke off during mixing and jabbed her in the hand.",
"I never used the whisk for anything but whipping cream and egg whites, but apparently it wasn't sturdy enough for that.",
"When I called customer service, the person was very nice and said they'd send me another mixer, but when it arrived, it was a different brand, one that I had decided I didn't like the look and feel of when I was shopping originally.",
"It also had only one set of beaters instead of the various attachments of the Oster mixer, the box was smashed, and the whole thing smelled of burnt motor.",
"At this point I think I want my money back so I can try a mixer from a whole different company.Before it broke, it worked pretty well, but the retractable cord only retracted a couple times before it stopped doing so, and all the speeds were very fast.",
"I had to use an extra large bowl to keep ingredients from spraying everywhere."
] |
2 | frustrating | I bought this book to do forecasting for work. The authors' names looked familiar, but I thought maybe an obscure article or footnote was the reason. Then, after going through this book, I realized the reason - Wichern is the same guy who wrote the utterly confusing, frustrating, and represensible Multivariate textbook myself and fellow graduate students were subjected to (and promptly ignored in favor of better books on the subject).This book is a perfect example of why textbooks suck - professors get tenure by publishing and other professors do the evaluation. Learning or effectiveness never comes into the equation. So, as a book for impressing other professors, this book is a huge success. But as a book for actually learning how to do forecasting, it is an utter failure.With the advent of the internet, there is better information about this subject on-line (like Wikipedia), written for people who do real work. I gave it two stars only because it is a moderately useful reference. | 996 | [
"I bought this book to do forecasting for work.",
"The authors' names looked familiar, but I thought maybe an obscure article or footnote was the reason.",
"Then, after going through this book, I realized the reason - Wichern is the same guy who wrote the utterly confusing, frustrating, and represensible Multivariate textbook myself and fellow graduate students were subjected to (and promptly ignored in favor of better books on the subject).This book is a perfect example of why textbooks suck - professors get tenure by publishing and other professors do the evaluation.",
"Learning or effectiveness never comes into the equation.",
"So, as a book for impressing other professors, this book is a huge success.",
"But as a book for actually learning how to do forecasting, it is an utter failure.With the advent of the internet, there is better information about this subject on-line (like Wikipedia), written for people who do real work.",
"I gave it two stars only because it is a moderately useful reference."
] |
2 | save us | While better than her last 2 books--more rooted in objectivity, perception--here too Graham is so mannered that she cariacatures herself relentlessly; she is, at this stage in her labored career, pure cartoon. One is reminded of Gardner's Faults of the Soul, & cannot help wonder if these poems are the ultimate Frankenstein wrought by the factory poetry system of the MFA: a poetry of preciousness, of hyper-articulated stylistic/typographical *ticks* employed in the hopes of masking a shortfall of intellectual courage & spiritual discovery. If looking to have the top of your head taken off, turn to Hillman or Carson, Brock-Broido or Bidart. The most radical thing Graham could do at this point in her life's arc would be to embrace a decade or so of silence, to not publish every self-reflexive utterance. The other worthy task, one senses,would be to abandon all the stylistic bric-a-brac & hiccuping in favor of language itself, to *dare* to be direct, centered in image, lyric in intent. | 996 | [
"While better than her last 2 books--more rooted in objectivity, perception--here too Graham is so mannered that she cariacatures herself relentlessly; she is, at this stage in her labored career, pure cartoon.",
"One is reminded of Gardner's Faults of the Soul, & cannot help wonder if these poems are the ultimate Frankenstein wrought by the factory poetry system of the MFA: a poetry of preciousness, of hyper-articulated stylistic/typographical *ticks* employed in the hopes of masking a shortfall of intellectual courage & spiritual discovery.",
"If looking to have the top of your head taken off, turn to Hillman or Carson, Brock-Broido or Bidart.",
"The most radical thing Graham could do at this point in her life's arc would be to embrace a decade or so of silence, to not publish every self-reflexive utterance.",
"The other worthy task, one senses,would be to abandon all the stylistic bric-a-brac & hiccuping in favor of language itself, to *dare* to be direct, centered in image, lyric in intent."
] |
2 | Disappointing | I was eagerly anticipating being able to play some of my favorite arcade games from the early 1980s. Unfortunately, the reality of playing them on a Gameboy is sorely disappointing.The trackball-based games, Centipede and Missile Command, are the biggest letdowns. Using the Gameboy's directional control to emulate a trackball just doesn't work. Centipede works adequately at first, but the inability to make swift moves quickly becomes a handicap. Missile Command is just unplayable. In the arcade version I would typically get a five-figure score; on the Gameboy I'm lucky to make it past the first level.Battlezone is okay, but the small screen makes targeting much too difficult. I never played Super Breakout in the arcades, but as with Missile Command, the awkward controls make it nearly impossible. Asteroids and Tempest are probably the most successful of the bunch, but that isn't saying much.The Atari trivia game is just bizarre. Do people really know the names of Atari's designers? | 996 | [
"I was eagerly anticipating being able to play some of my favorite arcade games from the early 1980s.",
"Unfortunately, the reality of playing them on a Gameboy is sorely disappointing.The trackball-based games, Centipede and Missile Command, are the biggest letdowns.",
"Using the Gameboy's directional control to emulate a trackball just doesn't work.",
"Centipede works adequately at first, but the inability to make swift moves quickly becomes a handicap.",
"Missile Command is just unplayable.",
"In the arcade version I would typically get a five-figure score; on the Gameboy I'm lucky to make it past the first level.Battlezone is okay, but the small screen makes targeting much too difficult.",
"I never played Super Breakout in the arcades, but as with Missile Command, the awkward controls make it nearly impossible.",
"Asteroids and Tempest are probably the most successful of the bunch, but that isn't saying much.The Atari trivia game is just bizarre.",
"Do people really know the names of Atari's designers?"
] |
2 | Didn't Last | I purchased this coffee maker less than a year and a half ago. It is receiving low marks for its short service life. Apart from its principle function, this maker was chosen because it had a programmable brew timer and the color complements our kitchen decor. It has a number of other features which are handy and worked well enough before the thing gave up the ghost. As for coffee; I'm no connoisseur and I just want some joe in the morning which it had thus far prepared adequately and reliably. And it should as these things are simple devices and have been around for decades. Our example, however, quit working this morning. All of the electronics fired up on schedule but the heating elements in both the percolator and the warming plate failed rendering the unit useless. It had a one year warranty which has expired. Our previous maker lasted for over ten years and we replaced it as we could not find a replacement for a broken carafe. Any coffee maker should last longer than this one. | 996 | [
"I purchased this coffee maker less than a year and a half ago.",
"It is receiving low marks for its short service life.",
"Apart from its principle function, this maker was chosen because it had a programmable brew timer and the color complements our kitchen decor.",
"It has a number of other features which are handy and worked well enough before the thing gave up the ghost.",
"As for coffee; I'm no connoisseur and I just want some joe in the morning which it had thus far prepared adequately and reliably.",
"And it should as these things are simple devices and have been around for decades.",
"Our example, however, quit working this morning.",
"All of the electronics fired up on schedule but the heating elements in both the percolator and the warming plate failed rendering the unit useless.",
"It had a one year warranty which has expired.",
"Our previous maker lasted for over ten years and we replaced it as we could not find a replacement for a broken carafe.",
"Any coffee maker should last longer than this one."
] |
2 | Detail Man | While I am always impressed with Junger's use of detail to set a scene, I was not impressed with the narrative plot driving the story. I picked up this book for an assignment on crafting a visual place through words. For a journalist using a spare and expository writing style, he incorporates unusually clear and precise details, setting the scene clearly for readers. However, his narrative wandered over, around and through itself so that readers were left with the feeling he had gotten lost in his own research. He used historical details to ground the story in time and relate it to larger world events. The events were recounted through paragraphs and sometimes pages of narration, when a passing reference would have sufficed for his intended audience. These seemingly random divergions caused the book to feel as if it was stuffed with fluff to reach the required page allotment. Though the book was sufficient for the intended assignment, it is disappointing when taken in its entirety. | 996 | [
"While I am always impressed with Junger's use of detail to set a scene, I was not impressed with the narrative plot driving the story.",
"I picked up this book for an assignment on crafting a visual place through words.",
"For a journalist using a spare and expository writing style, he incorporates unusually clear and precise details, setting the scene clearly for readers.",
"However, his narrative wandered over, around and through itself so that readers were left with the feeling he had gotten lost in his own research.",
"He used historical details to ground the story in time and relate it to larger world events.",
"The events were recounted through paragraphs and sometimes pages of narration, when a passing reference would have sufficed for his intended audience.",
"These seemingly random divergions caused the book to feel as if it was stuffed with fluff to reach the required page allotment.",
"Though the book was sufficient for the intended assignment, it is disappointing when taken in its entirety."
] |
2 | Not a winner | Bought this toaster largely on the Consumer Reports/reviews here and sure wish I hadn't. Two reasons: one, the slots are very short, only about 5 1/4 inches. I bake all the bread for our family using 5 inch wide pans, and because I get good volume, I have to trim off the side edges to get a slice into the slot. This is a pain. I suppose I could rewrite all my recipes for smaller pans, or buy my bread at the supermarket, but why should I? Second problem: at the darkest setting the toast comes out slightly tanned, not brown. I could run it through the toaster again, but again, why should I? I shouldn't have to change my whole life to suit my toaster. My old toaster, a Hamilton Beach, had nice 6 inch slots and produced lovely toast (from my same homemade bread) at a medium setting. It lasted more than two years, too, which is about a year longer than any other toaster I've bought in the last 20 years. I'm buying another Hamilton Beach and marking the Proctor-Silex "opened by mistake," | 996 | [
"Bought this toaster largely on the Consumer Reports/reviews here and sure wish I hadn't.",
"Two reasons: one, the slots are very short, only about 5 1/4 inches.",
"I bake all the bread for our family using 5 inch wide pans, and because I get good volume, I have to trim off the side edges to get a slice into the slot.",
"This is a pain.",
"I suppose I could rewrite all my recipes for smaller pans, or buy my bread at the supermarket, but why should I?",
"Second problem: at the darkest setting the toast comes out slightly tanned, not brown.",
"I could run it through the toaster again, but again, why should I?",
"I shouldn't have to change my whole life to suit my toaster.",
"My old toaster, a Hamilton Beach, had nice 6 inch slots and produced lovely toast (from my same homemade bread) at a medium setting.",
"It lasted more than two years, too, which is about a year longer than any other toaster I've bought in the last 20 years.",
"I'm buying another Hamilton Beach and marking the Proctor-Silex \"opened by mistake,\""
] |
2 | Disappointing | A novelist with writer's block (Auster) writing a novel about a novelist with writer's block (Orr) struggling to write a story about a man who walks away from his life (Nick). If you think this is a clever premise, you won't once you've read Oracle Nights. Auster hooks the reader with a compelling start, but that only heightens the disappointment once you realize that you're on a rollercoaster to nowhere.Auster is now on auto-pilot; there's nothing in this novel that he hasn't done more effectively in other works. Marco Fogg walks away from his life in Moon Palace, as Nick does in this book. Ed Victory's compulsive and seemingly senseless cataloguing of phone books mirrors Flower and Stone's wall in Music of Chance. Stories within stories and New York vistas feature prominently as always. This novel reads like assorted threads of Auster-isms randomly assembled, some of which are pulled together in a flat, unsatisfying conclusion and some of which are left dangling. Not recommended. | 996 | [
"A novelist with writer's block (Auster) writing a novel about a novelist with writer's block (Orr) struggling to write a story about a man who walks away from his life (Nick).",
"If you think this is a clever premise, you won't once you've read Oracle Nights.",
"Auster hooks the reader with a compelling start, but that only heightens the disappointment once you realize that you're on a rollercoaster to nowhere.Auster is now on auto-pilot; there's nothing in this novel that he hasn't done more effectively in other works.",
"Marco Fogg walks away from his life in Moon Palace, as Nick does in this book.",
"Ed Victory's compulsive and seemingly senseless cataloguing of phone books mirrors Flower and Stone's wall in Music of Chance.",
"Stories within stories and New York vistas feature prominently as always.",
"This novel reads like assorted threads of Auster-isms randomly assembled, some of which are pulled together in a flat, unsatisfying conclusion and some of which are left dangling.",
"Not recommended."
] |
2 | Awful. Just awful | Well this is a nice little movie about a couple of people in a big house when the father's away and the son is crazy (I thought he was retarded but according to the product description he's schizophrenic) and the mother is subjected to the son's attempt at help. For some reason the father doesn't ascertain that the nurse is going to be there at the beginning to make sure that everything is set, so the whole thing goes very bad very quickly.The son is trying to help the mother or thinks he is. The mother is pleading for a real nurse. At the half hour mark the camera gets sped up and schizophrenia is a bad music video.Somewhere along the way everyone suffers and life is pointless.This movie felt like some guy with a very big house always wanted to be in the movies. So he rented it out and let the actors do what they wanted and got his kooky friend to direct and write. The actors are good (which is why I'm giving it two stars instead of one) but they are working with ghastly material. | 996 | [
"Well this is a nice little movie about a couple of people in a big house when the father's away and the son is crazy (I thought he was retarded but according to the product description he's schizophrenic) and the mother is subjected to the son's attempt at help.",
"For some reason the father doesn't ascertain that the nurse is going to be there at the beginning to make sure that everything is set, so the whole thing goes very bad very quickly.The son is trying to help the mother or thinks he is.",
"The mother is pleading for a real nurse.",
"At the half hour mark the camera gets sped up and schizophrenia is a bad music video.Somewhere along the way everyone suffers and life is pointless.This movie felt like some guy with a very big house always wanted to be in the movies.",
"So he rented it out and let the actors do what they wanted and got his kooky friend to direct and write.",
"The actors are good (which is why I'm giving it two stars instead of one) but they are working with ghastly material."
] |
2 | Krakauer Lite | I have to agree with others reviewers that Kocuour's ego is a huge obstacle in reading this book. I'm reminded of people who in conversation do nothing but bad-mouth others to compensate for their lack of confidence. Everyone else is weak, unrefined, stupid, or otherwise worth mocking. I'm stuck with the passage where she gets mocks a fellow climber who has brought a book to read about jet airplanes. That's the depth she goes to in her pettiness.The story itself is interesting and should be compelling, but getting past the author's tone soured the reading experience for me.I have many mountaineering books. Ones I'd heartily recommend are Joe Tasker and Peter Boardman's "The Boardman Tasker Omnibus", Jim Whittaker's "A Life on the Edge" and Peter Potterfield's "In the Zone". These authors not only write well, but can convey the challenges and trials of mountaineering without narcissism. These books all sit proudly in my bookcase. Kocuour's book is in a cardboard box in my basement. | 995 | [
"I have to agree with others reviewers that Kocuour's ego is a huge obstacle in reading this book.",
"I'm reminded of people who in conversation do nothing but bad-mouth others to compensate for their lack of confidence.",
"Everyone else is weak, unrefined, stupid, or otherwise worth mocking.",
"I'm stuck with the passage where she gets mocks a fellow climber who has brought a book to read about jet airplanes.",
"That's the depth she goes to in her pettiness.The story itself is interesting and should be compelling, but getting past the author's tone soured the reading experience for me.I have many mountaineering books.",
"Ones I'd heartily recommend are Joe Tasker and Peter Boardman's \"The Boardman Tasker Omnibus\", Jim Whittaker's \"A Life on the Edge\" and Peter Potterfield's \"In the Zone\".",
"These authors not only write well, but can convey the challenges and trials of mountaineering without narcissism.",
"These books all sit proudly in my bookcase.",
"Kocuour's book is in a cardboard box in my basement."
] |
2 | Gotham City Gloom | This book does not live up to the reviews others are giving it. Of course anything tied to Gotham City will feature Batman, but, in this case, only in cameo shots (perhaps the writers were too embarassed to feature him more). This is supposed to be a "behind the scenes" kind of effort wherein the "real" heroes of Gotham City are its dedicated police officers. I cannot honestly see any point in serving up these stories. They are really very poorly written for coming from Ed Brubaker and Greg Rucka; actually pretty hackneyed which would give credence to one reviewer's saying it recalled the good old days - the language seems right out of an incredibly bad Mickey Spillane pulp novel. The whole Mr. Freeze arc starts off good, but fizzles out very badly. Maybe this was better at some point as the editing seems very choppy. The art was good, but the story should be the driving force and it lacks any real suspense or drama. Look elsewhere for better (way better) stories by these writers. | 995 | [
"This book does not live up to the reviews others are giving it.",
"Of course anything tied to Gotham City will feature Batman, but, in this case, only in cameo shots (perhaps the writers were too embarassed to feature him more).",
"This is supposed to be a \"behind the scenes\" kind of effort wherein the \"real\" heroes of Gotham City are its dedicated police officers.",
"I cannot honestly see any point in serving up these stories.",
"They are really very poorly written for coming from Ed Brubaker and Greg Rucka; actually pretty hackneyed which would give credence to one reviewer's saying it recalled the good old days - the language seems right out of an incredibly bad Mickey Spillane pulp novel.",
"The whole Mr.",
"Freeze arc starts off good, but fizzles out very badly.",
"Maybe this was better at some point as the editing seems very choppy.",
"The art was good, but the story should be the driving force and it lacks any real suspense or drama.",
"Look elsewhere for better (way better) stories by these writers."
] |
2 | Just not funny. | I came across this book amidst many recommendations on how laugh-out-loud funny it is, and have always been bowled over whenever I've reasd a Pulitzer Prize winner. I really wanted it to be funny, and I could see these ridiculous scenarios building up to their humorous climax in anticipation, but they quite simply weren't funny. I get what the author was going for - this absurd, delusional, quixotic train-wreck of a slob in Ignatius. It was a clever book at points (especially Ignatius' writings). I did laugh to myself a couple times, but most of the time, the humor missed the mark for me, and when something tries to be funny and fails over and over it just gets tired.I kept waiting for this to get funny all the way until the end of the book, it just didn't happen. Not a bad book per se, but given the accolades it's received, and the fact that it's a Pulitzer Prize winner, I'm very dissappointed. This is the first time I've ever read a Pulitzer winner and not been really impressed. | 995 | [
"I came across this book amidst many recommendations on how laugh-out-loud funny it is, and have always been bowled over whenever I've reasd a Pulitzer Prize winner.",
"I really wanted it to be funny, and I could see these ridiculous scenarios building up to their humorous climax in anticipation, but they quite simply weren't funny.",
"I get what the author was going for - this absurd, delusional, quixotic train-wreck of a slob in Ignatius.",
"It was a clever book at points (especially Ignatius' writings).",
"I did laugh to myself a couple times, but most of the time, the humor missed the mark for me, and when something tries to be funny and fails over and over it just gets tired.I kept waiting for this to get funny all the way until the end of the book, it just didn't happen.",
"Not a bad book per se, but given the accolades it's received, and the fact that it's a Pulitzer Prize winner, I'm very dissappointed.",
"This is the first time I've ever read a Pulitzer winner and not been really impressed."
] |
2 | Trite and... | BORING. I was convinced to watch a sweet romantic comedy with my wife, but even she was disappointed by this slow-moving wreckage of a movie. The basic plot facts are that an author named Alex (Luke Wilson) has 30 days to write a novel or his loan sharks will kill him. The said loan sharks have also added some difficulty to his task by burning his computer (insert your "frying the hard drive" joke here) over the stove burner.So...in comes cute and perky Emma (Kate Hudson) as a stenographer to take notes for Luke since he apparently doesn't know how to write with a pencil. The story ends up reflecting Alex's real life, as he falls for Emma but still has feelings for a more glamorous woman.In short, the story moves so slowly I wanted to stick a cattle prod into the TV, and there were so many formulaic and predictable twists, my eyes are still rolled into the back of my head.Unless you are a big fan of either of the main characters, I advise you to keep your distance from this movie. | 995 | [
"BORING.",
"I was convinced to watch a sweet romantic comedy with my wife, but even she was disappointed by this slow-moving wreckage of a movie.",
"The basic plot facts are that an author named Alex (Luke Wilson) has 30 days to write a novel or his loan sharks will kill him.",
"The said loan sharks have also added some difficulty to his task by burning his computer (insert your \"frying the hard drive\" joke here) over the stove burner.So...in comes cute and perky Emma (Kate Hudson) as a stenographer to take notes for Luke since he apparently doesn't know how to write with a pencil.",
"The story ends up reflecting Alex's real life, as he falls for Emma but still has feelings for a more glamorous woman.In short, the story moves so slowly I wanted to stick a cattle prod into the TV, and there were so many formulaic and predictable twists, my eyes are still rolled into the back of my head.Unless you are a big fan of either of the main characters, I advise you to keep your distance from this movie."
] |
2 | Over the top | As much as I enjoy watching Martha's tv shows and we even turned one of our small bedrooms into a "craft room", this magazine is just too much for me. Besides being very expensive, she has filled her magazine with flashy ads for expensive things that are not even offered anywhere near where I live and has reduced the quantity of actual crafts and recipes. How many of us have the "vintage green stoneware, embroidered linens and fresh-cut flowers that she uses daily? She does however, do a very good job citing where some of the specialty items she uses may be found. I have subscribed and unsubscribed to her more than once, because I would flip through the pages and find very little useful information. I think she is now so incredibly wealthy and isolated from normal people, that she has lost touch with what REAL people's lives are like. Now, when I REALLY want to read one of these magazines, I just read it at the library and this keeps the magazines from collecting dust at my house. | 995 | [
"As much as I enjoy watching Martha's tv shows and we even turned one of our small bedrooms into a \"craft room\", this magazine is just too much for me.",
"Besides being very expensive, she has filled her magazine with flashy ads for expensive things that are not even offered anywhere near where I live and has reduced the quantity of actual crafts and recipes.",
"How many of us have the \"vintage green stoneware, embroidered linens and fresh-cut flowers that she uses daily?",
"She does however, do a very good job citing where some of the specialty items she uses may be found.",
"I have subscribed and unsubscribed to her more than once, because I would flip through the pages and find very little useful information.",
"I think she is now so incredibly wealthy and isolated from normal people, that she has lost touch with what REAL people's lives are like.",
"Now, when I REALLY want to read one of these magazines, I just read it at the library and this keeps the magazines from collecting dust at my house."
] |
2 | Awful Pulp | You know one should be used to the Great Man takes on the system book by now. They are so numerous that they shouldn't even annoy anymore. Yet this book takes it to the extreme. The Lieutenant is the great one, the grand poobah, the rebel leader hero. Everyone else is either a loyal follower or an evil petty bureaucrat. Sadly Hubbard spends many pages reinforcing these thin characterizations.Yes this book was written when he was young and it wasn't meant to endure. Maybe it can be read as a hokey 1940 pulp and a testament to the paranoia of perpetual war. It almost belongs more to the Vietnam era than WWII since all the generals and upper level military guys are selfish fools ready to sacrifice a million lives for their own glory (there's even the American Imperialists at the end) but I doubt the unadulterated praise for the Lieutenant would fly any better in Vietnam War America.Either way it's a dull book full of cliches that would have been long out of print without Scientology. | 995 | [
"You know one should be used to the Great Man takes on the system book by now.",
"They are so numerous that they shouldn't even annoy anymore.",
"Yet this book takes it to the extreme.",
"The Lieutenant is the great one, the grand poobah, the rebel leader hero.",
"Everyone else is either a loyal follower or an evil petty bureaucrat.",
"Sadly Hubbard spends many pages reinforcing these thin characterizations.Yes this book was written when he was young and it wasn't meant to endure.",
"Maybe it can be read as a hokey 1940 pulp and a testament to the paranoia of perpetual war.",
"It almost belongs more to the Vietnam era than WWII since all the generals and upper level military guys are selfish fools ready to sacrifice a million lives for their own glory (there's even the American Imperialists at the end) but I doubt the unadulterated praise for the Lieutenant would fly any better in Vietnam War America.Either way it's a dull book full of cliches that would have been long out of print without Scientology."
] |
2 | So disappointing! | I was really happy to find out about this book. Our child is off to college and recipes for two sounded perfect.There are very, very few recipes for two. There is a chapter on party recipes, a chapter on holiday recipes (with the kids back at home) a chapter on passing down those family favorites, and even one for dinners on nights the kids visit.The chapter on skillet dinners for two contains as many recipes for 4 as it does 2. I also question the authors idea of a portion size. While she mentions 4 oz of protein, her recipes are much larger: Peppered Jack Daniel's Steak which claims to serve two calls for 4 rib eye steaks. The fish recipes for two call for anything from 1 1/2 to 2 lbs of fish.The menu suggestions for dinners for two contain all those serves 6-10 people recipes. No mention of decreasing the recipes or hints to make large batches smaller or freezing in portions. While the recipes look tasty, the book is not what it was advertised to be.All in all a disappointment. | 995 | [
"I was really happy to find out about this book.",
"Our child is off to college and recipes for two sounded perfect.There are very, very few recipes for two.",
"There is a chapter on party recipes, a chapter on holiday recipes (with the kids back at home) a chapter on passing down those family favorites, and even one for dinners on nights the kids visit.The chapter on skillet dinners for two contains as many recipes for 4 as it does 2.",
"I also question the authors idea of a portion size.",
"While she mentions 4 oz of protein, her recipes are much larger: Peppered Jack Daniel's Steak which claims to serve two calls for 4 rib eye steaks.",
"The fish recipes for two call for anything from 1 1/2 to 2 lbs of fish.The menu suggestions for dinners for two contain all those serves 6-10 people recipes.",
"No mention of decreasing the recipes or hints to make large batches smaller or freezing in portions.",
"While the recipes look tasty, the book is not what it was advertised to be.All in all a disappointment."
] |
2 | short and sweet | I found this movie to be better then inferno by far. 1,2,3 and even 4 are sill watched regularly by me. Hellraiser 6 tumbled along.... To the point were we started getting very frustrated with the way the movie danced around not alowing you to grab it and hold it. Without a doubt this plot was a tare off Jacobs ladder, a rip off The Others, with a back drop of a Xfiles maratathon. And of course a pinch of hellraiser (Because there was a total of 40 seconds of cinobites and a few mins of pinhead). No gore. No real blood baths. Just when the walls started coming down and classic hellraiser feelings started to flow though my body the movie was over. I was just really upset at how UNoriginal this movie was. maybe if Jacobs Ladder and The Others were never made would H6 be a movie worth bringing up. But those 2 movies exsist, and H6 totaly carbon copies them. Very disopointed. Please stop making hellraiser, its starting to feel like tales from the crypt with Pinhead special apperances. | 995 | [
"I found this movie to be better then inferno by far.",
"1,2,3 and even 4 are sill watched regularly by me.",
"Hellraiser 6 tumbled along.... To the point were we started getting very frustrated with the way the movie danced around not alowing you to grab it and hold it.",
"Without a doubt this plot was a tare off Jacobs ladder, a rip off The Others, with a back drop of a Xfiles maratathon.",
"And of course a pinch of hellraiser (Because there was a total of 40 seconds of cinobites and a few mins of pinhead).",
"No gore.",
"No real blood baths.",
"Just when the walls started coming down and classic hellraiser feelings started to flow though my body the movie was over.",
"I was just really upset at how UNoriginal this movie was.",
"maybe if Jacobs Ladder and The Others were never made would H6 be a movie worth bringing up.",
"But those 2 movies exsist, and H6 totaly carbon copies them.",
"Very disopointed.",
"Please stop making hellraiser, its starting to feel like tales from the crypt with Pinhead special apperances."
] |
2 | Sucky Script! | I am not a fan of DiCaprio, but I have to admit he was good in this movie; Matt Damon was great as well, Jack Nicholson, Alec Baldwin, and Mark Wahlberg not so much.I agree with the comment that there are some disturbing anti-black nuances at the start of the movie.The script has so many holes that I do not know where to start.The ending of the movie is pointless and begs a question; did Scorsese see this movie before he unleashed against the world?Can someone please tell me why Dignam (Mark Wahlberg) kill Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon) in the end? It can't be vengeance since he is apparently a mole. What happened to the yellow envelope given by Billy Costigan (DiCaprio) to the psychologist? How did the third mole know that Billy Costigan was the mole inside the mob and why didn't he tell Costello?I agree that Scorsese made a couple of good movies, but it's been downhill since then.I gave it two stars because I think that someone else may give it a single star and we can added it up. | 995 | [
"I am not a fan of DiCaprio, but I have to admit he was good in this movie; Matt Damon was great as well, Jack Nicholson, Alec Baldwin, and Mark Wahlberg not so much.I agree with the comment that there are some disturbing anti-black nuances at the start of the movie.The script has so many holes that I do not know where to start.The ending of the movie is pointless and begs a question; did Scorsese see this movie before he unleashed against the world?",
"Can someone please tell me why Dignam (Mark Wahlberg) kill Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon) in the end?",
"It can't be vengeance since he is apparently a mole.",
"What happened to the yellow envelope given by Billy Costigan (DiCaprio) to the psychologist?",
"How did the third mole know that Billy Costigan was the mole inside the mob and why didn't he tell Costello?",
"I agree that Scorsese made a couple of good movies, but it's been downhill since then.I gave it two stars because I think that someone else may give it a single star and we can added it up."
] |
2 | Disappointed Buble | As much as I like Michael Buble I have to admit that this CD is a stinker (no wonder he had to go on tour to sell it). The magic of Michael is not there it's like the CD was produced to make money, fast. I found it dull, I bought Totally Buble at the same time as this one and find Totally Buble far superior to this one. Lyle Lovett does a better version of Mack the Knife (which is more of a transliteration of the original German than we are used to hearing thanks to Bobby D.)than this CD. Frank Sinatra does a better version of I've Got You Under My Skin than the duplicaiton of the Nelson Riddle/Frank Sinatra arrangement version on this CD. A Foggy Day to me is the CD's only saving grace. The CD is gathering dust in my collection. Michael you can and have done better, your other CD's are full of the verve and warmth of your voice, this one is cold and emotionless. I wish you would have thought this one out a little longer. In the words of Gerturde Stein, "There is no there, there". | 995 | [
"As much as I like Michael Buble I have to admit that this CD is a stinker (no wonder he had to go on tour to sell it).",
"The magic of Michael is not there it's like the CD was produced to make money, fast.",
"I found it dull, I bought Totally Buble at the same time as this one and find Totally Buble far superior to this one.",
"Lyle Lovett does a better version of Mack the Knife (which is more of a transliteration of the original German than we are used to hearing thanks to Bobby D.)than this CD.",
"Frank Sinatra does a better version of I've Got You Under My Skin than the duplicaiton of the Nelson Riddle/Frank Sinatra arrangement version on this CD.",
"A Foggy Day to me is the CD's only saving grace.",
"The CD is gathering dust in my collection.",
"Michael you can and have done better, your other CD's are full of the verve and warmth of your voice, this one is cold and emotionless.",
"I wish you would have thought this one out a little longer.",
"In the words of Gerturde Stein, \"There is no there, there\"."
] |
2 | Disappointed | My wife and I were excited about this machine after we read the reviews. But the icecream texture is too rough for our taste, we have tried sorbet and icream recepies and it is never smooth...you can feel the little ice crystals. It is very fast though, under 30 minutes you'll have your icecream, but if you just mix your fruit with frozen milk or cream and have a very good blender, you'll get very similar results...I would not have bought it if I had tried it first. Maybe the blade is too slow, or it freezes too fast, whatever it is, is not great texture icecream, that's for sure. Not gelato, that's is for sure!!!After a few more weeks of use, we have tried some good recepies and you get somewhat better results, so I guess the recepie has a lot to do with it, but do not expect that you blend milk, sugar, fruit and put it in this thing and presto...if you want good icecream you'll have to cook it right before you put it on...maybe it was just my ignorance on how icecream is made... | 995 | [
"My wife and I were excited about this machine after we read the reviews.",
"But the icecream texture is too rough for our taste, we have tried sorbet and icream recepies and it is never smooth...you can feel the little ice crystals.",
"It is very fast though, under 30 minutes you'll have your icecream, but if you just mix your fruit with frozen milk or cream and have a very good blender, you'll get very similar results...I would not have bought it if I had tried it first.",
"Maybe the blade is too slow, or it freezes too fast, whatever it is, is not great texture icecream, that's for sure.",
"Not gelato, that's is for sure!!!",
"After a few more weeks of use, we have tried some good recepies and you get somewhat better results, so I guess the recepie has a lot to do with it, but do not expect that you blend milk, sugar, fruit and put it in this thing and presto...if you want good icecream you'll have to cook it right before you put it on...maybe it was just my ignorance on how icecream is made..."
] |
2 | conversion story | Billed as a conversion story to Christianity, I found that the last three chapters dealt with that subject. The other 18 were about the ever-inticing walk into the "dark side". The book has very detailed information about the "dark side", the accuracy of which can only be known by the initiates. In faith discussions it is useful to know something of the other belief systems, but it is equally or perhaps more important to know and understand the position you claim to represent. I would have appreciated more details on how his conversion to Christianity has changed his life.Another negative in my opinion is a bit of Catholic bashing, which is common to other Chick Publications I have seen (such as Death Cookie). Though the author reveals that along his life he has been one of the hypocrites (for example simultaneously moving through the Wicca ranks and the Old Catholic Church) that turn others away from Christ, which means that it isn't the insitution's fault but the sinners within. | 995 | [
"Billed as a conversion story to Christianity, I found that the last three chapters dealt with that subject.",
"The other 18 were about the ever-inticing walk into the \"dark side\".",
"The book has very detailed information about the \"dark side\", the accuracy of which can only be known by the initiates.",
"In faith discussions it is useful to know something of the other belief systems, but it is equally or perhaps more important to know and understand the position you claim to represent.",
"I would have appreciated more details on how his conversion to Christianity has changed his life.Another negative in my opinion is a bit of Catholic bashing, which is common to other Chick Publications I have seen (such as Death Cookie).",
"Though the author reveals that along his life he has been one of the hypocrites (for example simultaneously moving through the Wicca ranks and the Old Catholic Church) that turn others away from Christ, which means that it isn't the insitution's fault but the sinners within."
] |
2 | Alarm call! | I even have a limited edition digipak of this album, but I am really unhappy with it. After "Post" (one of the most important albums of the '90s), my expectations probably were too high, but I think "Homogenic" is one of Bjork's worst efforts. This arty project collapses in a heap of extravaganzas, pretentions, and lax song ideas. Despite the participation of Mark Bell (he once was a member of a groundbreaking British techno duo called LFO, releasing two innovative albums, "Frequencies" and "Advance"), it's unbelievable how plastic und ugly the techno beats sound. The orchestral arrangements are sometimes very whiny, and besides, this album completely lacks the sonic diversity of "Post". It's just one big mush of uninspired techno beats, affected vocals, and lame neoclassical tendencies. Even the remix collection "Telegram" was better. There's only one really good song here: "Joga", and its accompanying video clip is fantastic. Apart from this song, "Homogenic" is a waste of time. | 995 | [
"I even have a limited edition digipak of this album, but I am really unhappy with it.",
"After \"Post\" (one of the most important albums of the '90s), my expectations probably were too high, but I think \"Homogenic\" is one of Bjork's worst efforts.",
"This arty project collapses in a heap of extravaganzas, pretentions, and lax song ideas.",
"Despite the participation of Mark Bell (he once was a member of a groundbreaking British techno duo called LFO, releasing two innovative albums, \"Frequencies\" and \"Advance\"), it's unbelievable how plastic und ugly the techno beats sound.",
"The orchestral arrangements are sometimes very whiny, and besides, this album completely lacks the sonic diversity of \"Post\".",
"It's just one big mush of uninspired techno beats, affected vocals, and lame neoclassical tendencies.",
"Even the remix collection \"Telegram\" was better.",
"There's only one really good song here: \"Joga\", and its accompanying video clip is fantastic.",
"Apart from this song, \"Homogenic\" is a waste of time."
] |
2 | The good the bad | The Good; This product does exactly what it claims. It kills tons of mosquitoes. If you get it going soon enough in the season, you may be able to make a dent in the mosquito population. At least thats the theory.The bad; This product only works for a season then it requires maintainance. Its well built but poorly engineered. To that end, I can not recommend this product. You must go up a model at least because this model has only 1 diagnostic code which essentially means 'something is wrong.' The higher models have multiple codes to tell you exactly what part is acting up. You WILL be fixing this thing so your going to need the diagnostics.On the bright side, the thing does not actually break. It just needs deep cleaining of all of its parts. So at the beginning of each season you have to completely disassemble it and clean each and every mechanical part. If you think you can either do that, or are willing to pay for it to be done, then go ahead and purchase... the next model up. | 995 | [
"The Good; This product does exactly what it claims.",
"It kills tons of mosquitoes.",
"If you get it going soon enough in the season, you may be able to make a dent in the mosquito population.",
"At least thats the theory.The bad; This product only works for a season then it requires maintainance.",
"Its well built but poorly engineered.",
"To that end, I can not recommend this product.",
"You must go up a model at least because this model has only 1 diagnostic code which essentially means 'something is wrong.' The higher models have multiple codes to tell you exactly what part is acting up.",
"You WILL be fixing this thing so your going to need the diagnostics.On the bright side, the thing does not actually break.",
"It just needs deep cleaining of all of its parts.",
"So at the beginning of each season you have to completely disassemble it and clean each and every mechanical part.",
"If you think you can either do that, or are willing to pay for it to be done, then go ahead and purchase... the next model up."
] |
2 | Discouraging | Like the previous two installments, "The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest" is flat, unimaginative and pedestrian- three things the novels never came close to being. It's discouraging to see that the Swedish film adaptations of such unique novels would translate so bluntly to the screen. While all the major plot points are there, this third and final part of the trilogy refuses to have the sizzle that the novel had. Granted, there is an enormous amount of exposition and while it was fascinating in the novel, the film consists of bunch of people sitting around and talking. There was plenty of opportunity to improve on the story and making it just as riveting as the novel (and this can be said for "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" and "The Girl Who Played with Fire") but unfortunately it never happens. The filmmakers were too concerned with such a literal adaptation of Stieg Larsson's words that they forgot all the possibilities the medium of film had to offer this incredible story. | 995 | [
"Like the previous two installments, \"The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest\" is flat, unimaginative and pedestrian- three things the novels never came close to being.",
"It's discouraging to see that the Swedish film adaptations of such unique novels would translate so bluntly to the screen.",
"While all the major plot points are there, this third and final part of the trilogy refuses to have the sizzle that the novel had.",
"Granted, there is an enormous amount of exposition and while it was fascinating in the novel, the film consists of bunch of people sitting around and talking.",
"There was plenty of opportunity to improve on the story and making it just as riveting as the novel (and this can be said for \"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo\" and \"The Girl Who Played with Fire\") but unfortunately it never happens.",
"The filmmakers were too concerned with such a literal adaptation of Stieg Larsson's words that they forgot all the possibilities the medium of film had to offer this incredible story."
] |
2 | Weak Prey | Okay, this was by far the weakest of the Prey series. Where shall I begin...It seems that Davenport is getting soft. Maybe that's how Sandford wants to portray Davenport, but that maybe a stretch. For me what makes a "Prey" book good is the cat and mouse game the killer and Daaavenport play. (See Eyes of Prey and Mind Prey) But with Easy Prey, it wasn't there. It was Davenport looking for the killer. Whick leads me to another point. Who the killer was....kind of weak. It's an interesting concept, but rather weak. I also didn't like the idea that Daavenport was going with 3 women. I can't say much more without ruining a plot line, so I'll just end this point. Which leads me to my last point. I *hated* the end! I can't tell you fine readers how much it bothered me. If you want my suggestion, don't waste your money on the hardcover. Maybe, and I mean maybe, get inin paper back. In a few months or so, look in used bookstores, and pick it up for a few bucks, or borrow it from a friend. | 995 | [
"Okay, this was by far the weakest of the Prey series.",
"Where shall I begin...It seems that Davenport is getting soft.",
"Maybe that's how Sandford wants to portray Davenport, but that maybe a stretch.",
"For me what makes a \"Prey\" book good is the cat and mouse game the killer and Daaavenport play.",
"(See Eyes of Prey and Mind Prey) But with Easy Prey, it wasn't there.",
"It was Davenport looking for the killer.",
"Whick leads me to another point.",
"Who the killer was....kind of weak.",
"It's an interesting concept, but rather weak.",
"I also didn't like the idea that Daavenport was going with 3 women.",
"I can't say much more without ruining a plot line, so I'll just end this point.",
"Which leads me to my last point.",
"I *hated* the end!",
"I can't tell you fine readers how much it bothered me.",
"If you want my suggestion, don't waste your money on the hardcover.",
"Maybe, and I mean maybe, get inin paper back.",
"In a few months or so, look in used bookstores, and pick it up for a few bucks, or borrow it from a friend."
] |
2 | A bit bland | The Pretty Things was one of the many British bands floating around in the mid sixties making a name for themselves as part of the the zeitgeist. This, the band's third album, is supposedly marred by an outside producer's unwarranted additions of strings and brass to many (but not all) of the tracks. Personally I don't mind those touches so much; they add sonic interest to the album, though I admit sometimes they work better than other times. But my real problem with this album is its overall songwriting blandness. None of these songs are memorable, and certainly not forty years later. There is some good drumming here, and some solid vocal performances, but hardly any melodies to speak of; the band seems to get by on their solid, energetic performances. Had they been given some catchy songs, and/or tried a few more sonic experiments, they might have been worth remembering more. Even the Rolling Stones had some great melodies and hooks in those days, and this album pines for a few. | 995 | [
"The Pretty Things was one of the many British bands floating around in the mid sixties making a name for themselves as part of the the zeitgeist.",
"This, the band's third album, is supposedly marred by an outside producer's unwarranted additions of strings and brass to many (but not all) of the tracks.",
"Personally I don't mind those touches so much; they add sonic interest to the album, though I admit sometimes they work better than other times.",
"But my real problem with this album is its overall songwriting blandness.",
"None of these songs are memorable, and certainly not forty years later.",
"There is some good drumming here, and some solid vocal performances, but hardly any melodies to speak of; the band seems to get by on their solid, energetic performances.",
"Had they been given some catchy songs, and/or tried a few more sonic experiments, they might have been worth remembering more.",
"Even the Rolling Stones had some great melodies and hooks in those days, and this album pines for a few."
] |
2 | Essential? | The value of this book depends on your interests and knowledge in opera. I agree with the previous reviewer on the books' strenghts so let me just emphasize the reasons why I din't like it: 1 - The authors defend their choices by stating that they do not know how to define the 100 best operas so they just pick the 100 essential ones. That seems silly to me. One could have objectively decided what are the 100 most performed or recorded operas and recomend their best recordings. That, I think, would have been a useful introductory text. 2 - Quite aside from the actual choices of operas the chosen recordings are, at times, quite idiosyncratic, just like in the original, full size, rough guide to the opera book. They seem to compensate the choices of modern operas for the "essential" repertoire by picking many old recordings for several of them. For these reasons I can not think of any group of people (begginers/experts/occasional collectors etc..) to whom I would recommend this book. | 995 | [
"The value of this book depends on your interests and knowledge in opera.",
"I agree with the previous reviewer on the books' strenghts so let me just emphasize the reasons why I din't like it: 1 - The authors defend their choices by stating that they do not know how to define the 100 best operas so they just pick the 100 essential ones.",
"That seems silly to me.",
"One could have objectively decided what are the 100 most performed or recorded operas and recomend their best recordings.",
"That, I think, would have been a useful introductory text.",
"2 - Quite aside from the actual choices of operas the chosen recordings are, at times, quite idiosyncratic, just like in the original, full size, rough guide to the opera book.",
"They seem to compensate the choices of modern operas for the \"essential\" repertoire by picking many old recordings for several of them.",
"For these reasons I can not think of any group of people (begginers/experts/occasional collectors etc..) to whom I would recommend this book."
] |
2 | totally unhinged | ezra pound said that in art there's always a fixed element and that expression comes by deviation from it. there's something to this: no one would sit listening to a metronome for an hour (no deviation), but a drummer who cuts the pulse keeps our interest. likewise no one would sit listening to white noise for an hour (nothing fixed). now i'll be honest: i don't hear much in the way of expression on 'out to lunch' because i don't hear much in the way of structure. if you love dolphy's work with coltrane, the five spot stuff, 'far cry' and 'illinois concert' (like i do), you might really get excited (like i did) by all the talk about "dolphy's masterpiece", his "most advanced" effort and all that. well be warned: it's straight up free jazz, though "free" in this case (like in others) mostly means totally unhinged.of course alot of people consider this disc a high-water mark of free jazz - i have no way of saying it is or isn't, just that i for one listened close and never got much. | 995 | [
"ezra pound said that in art there's always a fixed element and that expression comes by deviation from it.",
"there's something to this: no one would sit listening to a metronome for an hour (no deviation), but a drummer who cuts the pulse keeps our interest.",
"likewise no one would sit listening to white noise for an hour (nothing fixed).",
"now i'll be honest: i don't hear much in the way of expression on 'out to lunch' because i don't hear much in the way of structure.",
"if you love dolphy's work with coltrane, the five spot stuff, 'far cry' and 'illinois concert' (like i do), you might really get excited (like i did) by all the talk about \"dolphy's masterpiece\", his \"most advanced\" effort and all that.",
"well be warned: it's straight up free jazz, though \"free\" in this case (like in others) mostly means totally unhinged.of course alot of people consider this disc a high-water mark of free jazz - i have no way of saying it is or isn't, just that i for one listened close and never got much."
] |
2 | "Casual Thinking" | Man Ray is a band with an identity crisis. They sound like they would have rocked harder and more precisely, had Grunge never existed. But, it did, so they had to "dumb down" their sound and make it "rough around the edges" so it would be more accessible to the general public. This lack of trueness to one's self is evident in many bands of the post-Nirvana '90s. Candlebox is a prime example. They would have sounded like Skid Row, were they honest and courageous and had simply done what came naturally. Unwittingly, these bands paved the way for acts that were genuinely polished, yet "rough around the edges" such as Our Lady Peace or Matchbox Twenty. So do we ridicule them for their lack of integrity, or thank them for inadvertently spawning a popular genre? Either way, I didn't really enjoy this record. Thanks mainly to the vocalist and his "lyrics". The lead guitarist has excellent tone, though, and there are some solid, inspired moments, though not enough to genuinely impress me. | 995 | [
"Man Ray is a band with an identity crisis.",
"They sound like they would have rocked harder and more precisely, had Grunge never existed.",
"But, it did, so they had to \"dumb down\" their sound and make it \"rough around the edges\" so it would be more accessible to the general public.",
"This lack of trueness to one's self is evident in many bands of the post-Nirvana '90s.",
"Candlebox is a prime example.",
"They would have sounded like Skid Row, were they honest and courageous and had simply done what came naturally.",
"Unwittingly, these bands paved the way for acts that were genuinely polished, yet \"rough around the edges\" such as Our Lady Peace or Matchbox Twenty.",
"So do we ridicule them for their lack of integrity, or thank them for inadvertently spawning a popular genre?",
"Either way, I didn't really enjoy this record.",
"Thanks mainly to the vocalist and his \"lyrics\".",
"The lead guitarist has excellent tone, though, and there are some solid, inspired moments, though not enough to genuinely impress me."
] |
2 | Simplistic | The other reviewers here that reference their 13 year olds enjoying this book are absolutely right. This book is for 13 year olds. As a 25 year old trying to wrap his mind around programming, it leaves much to be desired.If all you want is a gloss-over for someone who has no intention to continue in the field of programming, but just wants a non-programmers understanding of programming, this book is for you. If you want something you can take with you on a journey into real programming, you will have to really dig deep to distill the few morsels of theory offered here. In fact I had to reread most paragraphs dozens of times in order to find the underlying concept he was trying to teach; to find something that would still be useful to me after finishing the book.Bottomline: A waste of time if you are out of high school and attempting to truly learn something about programming. Take a few minutes to skim thru the pictures at your local bookstore, then go buy a real programming book. | 995 | [
"The other reviewers here that reference their 13 year olds enjoying this book are absolutely right.",
"This book is for 13 year olds.",
"As a 25 year old trying to wrap his mind around programming, it leaves much to be desired.If all you want is a gloss-over for someone who has no intention to continue in the field of programming, but just wants a non-programmers understanding of programming, this book is for you.",
"If you want something you can take with you on a journey into real programming, you will have to really dig deep to distill the few morsels of theory offered here.",
"In fact I had to reread most paragraphs dozens of times in order to find the underlying concept he was trying to teach; to find something that would still be useful to me after finishing the book.Bottomline: A waste of time if you are out of high school and attempting to truly learn something about programming.",
"Take a few minutes to skim thru the pictures at your local bookstore, then go buy a real programming book."
] |
2 | Once again... | ...a movie so terrible "Santa Claus himself would vomit with rage." No, that's not completely true, maybe harsh even. Episode 2 was again a marvel for film special effects, but sometimes even those felt overplayed. OK, I admit, the first time I saw it (as appalled as I was by the fake emotions and horrible directing from Lucas) the last 20 or so minutes kept me excited and wanting more, but Lucas just really has to pass the torch... which he isn't doing. As much of a chance as Episode III has of being a great movie, I thought that Episode II had just as much a chance over 1. Sure, it was better, but not by much. Really people, look inside yourself and ask whether you can really say that you felt as good coming out of this movie as you did when you came out of A New Hope and beyond. If you can, then happy disillusionment to you. All in all, I for one am glad I can take solace in the fact that everything that went wrong in the Star Wars universe can be blamed souly on Jar-Jar Binks. | 995 | [
"...a movie so terrible \"Santa Claus himself would vomit with rage.\" No, that's not completely true, maybe harsh even.",
"Episode 2 was again a marvel for film special effects, but sometimes even those felt overplayed.",
"OK, I admit, the first time I saw it (as appalled as I was by the fake emotions and horrible directing from Lucas) the last 20 or so minutes kept me excited and wanting more, but Lucas just really has to pass the torch... which he isn't doing.",
"As much of a chance as Episode III has of being a great movie, I thought that Episode II had just as much a chance over 1.",
"Sure, it was better, but not by much.",
"Really people, look inside yourself and ask whether you can really say that you felt as good coming out of this movie as you did when you came out of A New Hope and beyond.",
"If you can, then happy disillusionment to you.",
"All in all, I for one am glad I can take solace in the fact that everything that went wrong in the Star Wars universe can be blamed souly on Jar-Jar Binks."
] |
2 | Very Disappointing | Because the writing is literate, I would have rated this book a "3" but for my high expectations when I began reading it. I've reviewed Lindsey Davis' FALCO mysteries before, and always rated them highly--something they deserved--for local color, human interest, scholarship, wit, and unusually good writing.This one goes nowhere. It's plodding, devoid of Falco's usual mental and physical exertions. There's little if any character development except that Helena's brother Aelianus seems to be maturing and mellowing. Falco is acted upon, rather than being his usual competent and courageous self, someone who controls the denouement of the plot. He makes an inordinate number of errors and bad judgments. His actions turn to dust, and at the end nothing really has changed except that a sour widow has unnecessarily died.The humor in all the others is missing here; instead there's a deep cynicism. I'm sure Davis will hit her stride again, but this is the least important novel in the series. | 995 | [
"Because the writing is literate, I would have rated this book a \"3\" but for my high expectations when I began reading it.",
"I've reviewed Lindsey Davis' FALCO mysteries before, and always rated them highly--something they deserved--for local color, human interest, scholarship, wit, and unusually good writing.This one goes nowhere.",
"It's plodding, devoid of Falco's usual mental and physical exertions.",
"There's little if any character development except that Helena's brother Aelianus seems to be maturing and mellowing.",
"Falco is acted upon, rather than being his usual competent and courageous self, someone who controls the denouement of the plot.",
"He makes an inordinate number of errors and bad judgments.",
"His actions turn to dust, and at the end nothing really has changed except that a sour widow has unnecessarily died.The humor in all the others is missing here; instead there's a deep cynicism.",
"I'm sure Davis will hit her stride again, but this is the least important novel in the series."
] |
2 | Not really helpful | It's easy to be impressed by all the gorgeous outfits they've put together, but I found this book short on helpful advice on how to do this oneself. I was hoping for more basic suggestions for what shapes and styles look good together.And some of their advice about "must-have" basics just isn't universally applicable. Half of their "6 figure-flattering classics no closet should be without" are not great. As a curvy woman with tendency towards pear-shape, I have yet to find straight-leg pants than don't make my legs look like tree trunks; I do much better with bootcut. A straight-cut turtleneck? Completely hides my waist and makes me look boxy. And flesh-colored pump? Yuck: double yuck. How about you show us *one single example* of an outfit in this entire book with flesh-colored pumps, and then I'll agree that this is an important basic.So after buying and reading this book, I feel like I wasted my money. I didn't learn anything I didn't already know from reading fashion magazines | 995 | [
"It's easy to be impressed by all the gorgeous outfits they've put together, but I found this book short on helpful advice on how to do this oneself.",
"I was hoping for more basic suggestions for what shapes and styles look good together.And some of their advice about \"must-have\" basics just isn't universally applicable.",
"Half of their \"6 figure-flattering classics no closet should be without\" are not great.",
"As a curvy woman with tendency towards pear-shape, I have yet to find straight-leg pants than don't make my legs look like tree trunks; I do much better with bootcut.",
"A straight-cut turtleneck?",
"Completely hides my waist and makes me look boxy.",
"And flesh-colored pump?",
"Yuck: double yuck.",
"How about you show us *one single example* of an outfit in this entire book with flesh-colored pumps, and then I'll agree that this is an important basic.So after buying and reading this book, I feel like I wasted my money.",
"I didn't learn anything I didn't already know from reading fashion magazines"
] |
2 | not Bova's best | I really enjoyed Mars, as well as other books by Ben Bova. Unfortunately, Saturn is no Mars - despite its name it's not even in the same solar system.Saturn is bogged down by way too many characters. Secondary - rather tertiary - characters abound, showing up once or perhaps twice in the 400 pages. It also suffers from a lack of a clear protagonist. Eberly is the primary person, but he is certainly not someone the reader sympathises with. His fellow conspirators are worse - cardboard stereotypes. Holly is an interesting young/old woman (ambiguous age due to cryogenics) but her emotions yo-yo from one male to another, and it is hard to care in the end who she ends up with.Potentially climatic scenes such as the posse call are left flat, as the persuasion that Eberly so effortlessly used for hundreds and thousands of people inexplicably leaves him in a room of fifty.Very disappointing. I would suggest reading Mars a second time and pretending it has rings rather than reading Saturn. | 995 | [
"I really enjoyed Mars, as well as other books by Ben Bova.",
"Unfortunately, Saturn is no Mars - despite its name it's not even in the same solar system.Saturn is bogged down by way too many characters.",
"Secondary - rather tertiary - characters abound, showing up once or perhaps twice in the 400 pages.",
"It also suffers from a lack of a clear protagonist.",
"Eberly is the primary person, but he is certainly not someone the reader sympathises with.",
"His fellow conspirators are worse - cardboard stereotypes.",
"Holly is an interesting young/old woman (ambiguous age due to cryogenics) but her emotions yo-yo from one male to another, and it is hard to care in the end who she ends up with.Potentially climatic scenes such as the posse call are left flat, as the persuasion that Eberly so effortlessly used for hundreds and thousands of people inexplicably leaves him in a room of fifty.Very disappointing.",
"I would suggest reading Mars a second time and pretending it has rings rather than reading Saturn."
] |
2 | unreliable | i got this record player for christmas, when i opened it i didnt notice the paper that said you have to click it to the right to start it and i spent quite a while trying to figure it out, i think they definitely should have put a switch to start and stop it instead of having having to pull it all the way to the right. after figuring out how to start it, the first problem arose, the part that lifts up the stylus for 45's was getting in the way of the record, and like 90% of all records, it was slightly bent, so when i played a record it would bump into the part sticking out, i ended up cutting it off because i couldnt play half the albums i had. now today, i was listening to a song and suddenly it stops half way through, whatever mechanism that makes it stop at the end of records got moved up so the thing stops spinning half way through the record... i dont know how easily fixable this is, but for the $100 i paid, crosley should make a better quality product for that kind of money | 995 | [
"i got this record player for christmas, when i opened it i didnt notice the paper that said you have to click it to the right to start it and i spent quite a while trying to figure it out, i think they definitely should have put a switch to start and stop it instead of having having to pull it all the way to the right.",
"after figuring out how to start it, the first problem arose, the part that lifts up the stylus for 45's was getting in the way of the record, and like 90% of all records, it was slightly bent, so when i played a record it would bump into the part sticking out, i ended up cutting it off because i couldnt play half the albums i had.",
"now today, i was listening to a song and suddenly it stops half way through, whatever mechanism that makes it stop at the end of records got moved up so the thing stops spinning half way through the record... i dont know how easily fixable this is, but for the $100 i paid, crosley should make a better quality product for that kind of money"
] |
2 | Doesn't Cut It | I was looking for a good inexpensive replacement for my old knife set (inexpensive Tramonitna knife set, 10 years old). The Ginsu's got good ratings, so I thought I would give them a try.I cannot vouch for the Ginshu's. They seemed to be solidly made but I found my old knives cut much better than the brand new Ginsu's. So the new set is not worth it even though they were inexpensive. Not sure how they got the high ratings.On another note, I also found an interesting design problem with the wood block. This probably applies to a number of different knife sets, that might be of concern when you are shopping. The problem is that the slant of the block is not very great. This produced an interesting problem in that it was awkward to pull out a knife from the block when the block was under the kitchen cabinets. The cabinets got in the way blocking removing the knife. So I learned to appreciate a good block angle which this set did not have. My old wood block does not have this problem. | 995 | [
"I was looking for a good inexpensive replacement for my old knife set (inexpensive Tramonitna knife set, 10 years old).",
"The Ginsu's got good ratings, so I thought I would give them a try.I cannot vouch for the Ginshu's.",
"They seemed to be solidly made but I found my old knives cut much better than the brand new Ginsu's.",
"So the new set is not worth it even though they were inexpensive.",
"Not sure how they got the high ratings.On another note, I also found an interesting design problem with the wood block.",
"This probably applies to a number of different knife sets, that might be of concern when you are shopping.",
"The problem is that the slant of the block is not very great.",
"This produced an interesting problem in that it was awkward to pull out a knife from the block when the block was under the kitchen cabinets.",
"The cabinets got in the way blocking removing the knife.",
"So I learned to appreciate a good block angle which this set did not have.",
"My old wood block does not have this problem."
] |
2 | disappointing.... | I actually bought this book based on the recommendations on Amazon and I was really disappointed when I finally got to read it. This is Ms. Moning's book and I think she should have spent more time editing it. Although her plot was certainly intruiging, I found her story to be choppy and incoherent at times. Like for example, Adrienne's life in the future was spotty at best, and I wish Ms. Moning spent more time developing Adrienne's background.This book is also not nearly as humorous as her other books. The author certainly tries to be amusing in her dialogue, but it just seems forced rather than clever and lighthearted like in her other books.But don't let this book turn you off from the wonder of Karen Marie Moning's writing. Her other 4 books are absolutely superb, all in the top 20 of my favorite books ever. I especially loved Kiss of the Highlander and its sequel the Drak Higlander is a close second. I highly recommend buying her other books; they're really worth your money. | 995 | [
"I actually bought this book based on the recommendations on Amazon and I was really disappointed when I finally got to read it.",
"This is Ms.",
"Moning's book and I think she should have spent more time editing it.",
"Although her plot was certainly intruiging, I found her story to be choppy and incoherent at times.",
"Like for example, Adrienne's life in the future was spotty at best, and I wish Ms.",
"Moning spent more time developing Adrienne's background.This book is also not nearly as humorous as her other books.",
"The author certainly tries to be amusing in her dialogue, but it just seems forced rather than clever and lighthearted like in her other books.But don't let this book turn you off from the wonder of Karen Marie Moning's writing.",
"Her other 4 books are absolutely superb, all in the top 20 of my favorite books ever.",
"I especially loved Kiss of the Highlander and its sequel the Drak Higlander is a close second.",
"I highly recommend buying her other books; they're really worth your money."
] |
2 | disappointing | while there are several good songs to be found on this record, it is, for the most part, boring. the songs sound like they were all written by different people; it is lacking cohesiveness.i agree with the other fans that its great that they are voicing some political opinions, but this isn't the first time. the decline was excellently crafted and the songwriting was superb. it was twice as political as this. the half-dozen or so political songs here just take their respective issues and hit you over the head with them, crudely and unimaginatively.i am very surprised that so few reviewers have called this nofx's "first" foray into politics; they must not have heard the decline.it is quite ironic that there is a song called medio-core, which is about how all the mainstream music sounds boring and the same. the irony is soon killed though, when mike sings that the song itself is boring and unimaginative.my advice-don't buy it yet. borrow and listen to it a few times, and then decide. | 995 | [
"while there are several good songs to be found on this record, it is, for the most part, boring.",
"the songs sound like they were all written by different people; it is lacking cohesiveness.i agree with the other fans that its great that they are voicing some political opinions, but this isn't the first time.",
"the decline was excellently crafted and the songwriting was superb.",
"it was twice as political as this.",
"the half-dozen or so political songs here just take their respective issues and hit you over the head with them, crudely and unimaginatively.i am very surprised that so few reviewers have called this nofx's \"first\" foray into politics; they must not have heard the decline.it is quite ironic that there is a song called medio-core, which is about how all the mainstream music sounds boring and the same.",
"the irony is soon killed though, when mike sings that the song itself is boring and unimaginative.my advice-don't buy it yet.",
"borrow and listen to it a few times, and then decide."
] |
2 | Disappointed | The Light in the Piazza was so acclaimed as a musical in the great tradition of the composer's grand-father (Richard Rodgers) that I bought the cast album to familiarize myself with the music before seeing the show. (I have tickets for Sept. 24th.) In the golden age of American musical theater, a hit show spawned instant hit songs which were already very familiar to theatregoers when they entered the theater. I was sorry to find out that there is nothing in The Light in the Piazza that can become a hit tune. The lyrics don't even rhyme. This may turn out to be an effective show in the theater, but the plot and the actors will have to prop up the weak music. The cast album to me is a bust. It demonstrates that the score for this show cannot stand on its own. I'll go back to my cast albums of South Pacific, My Fair Lady, West Side Story, Gypsy, etc. These albums reveal the shows as works of genius. The Light in the Piazza is not a work of genius and the cast album demonstrates this. | 995 | [
"The Light in the Piazza was so acclaimed as a musical in the great tradition of the composer's grand-father (Richard Rodgers) that I bought the cast album to familiarize myself with the music before seeing the show.",
"(I have tickets for Sept.",
"24th.) In the golden age of American musical theater, a hit show spawned instant hit songs which were already very familiar to theatregoers when they entered the theater.",
"I was sorry to find out that there is nothing in The Light in the Piazza that can become a hit tune.",
"The lyrics don't even rhyme.",
"This may turn out to be an effective show in the theater, but the plot and the actors will have to prop up the weak music.",
"The cast album to me is a bust.",
"It demonstrates that the score for this show cannot stand on its own.",
"I'll go back to my cast albums of South Pacific, My Fair Lady, West Side Story, Gypsy, etc.",
"These albums reveal the shows as works of genius.",
"The Light in the Piazza is not a work of genius and the cast album demonstrates this."
] |
2 | Werewolf Woman | A sheltered rape victim begins dreaming that she is transforming into a wolf by nightfall. It isn't long before dead bodies start turning up all around her, but is she truly becoming a bloodthirsty beast, or is it all in her head? Rino di Silvestro takes a brilliant concept and drags it through the 1970's Eurotrash gutter. The plot consistently falls secondary to the heightened sexuality at every point throughout the film. There are moments where the twist on the lycanthropic theme does shine through, however. The wolf resembles all of the primal urges that Daniela has been trying to repress, which manifest themselves as violence and rage when she becomes aroused. Unfortunately, WEREWOLF WOMAN is poorly acting and overly dramatic, and what is worse is that every attempt at eroticism is spoiled by Annik Borel's old, sagging body and complete lack of sex appeal. Outside of a few gory moments and plenty of nudity, there is very little to watch for here.-Carl ManesI Like Horror Movies | 995 | [
"A sheltered rape victim begins dreaming that she is transforming into a wolf by nightfall.",
"It isn't long before dead bodies start turning up all around her, but is she truly becoming a bloodthirsty beast, or is it all in her head?",
"Rino di Silvestro takes a brilliant concept and drags it through the 1970's Eurotrash gutter.",
"The plot consistently falls secondary to the heightened sexuality at every point throughout the film.",
"There are moments where the twist on the lycanthropic theme does shine through, however.",
"The wolf resembles all of the primal urges that Daniela has been trying to repress, which manifest themselves as violence and rage when she becomes aroused.",
"Unfortunately, WEREWOLF WOMAN is poorly acting and overly dramatic, and what is worse is that every attempt at eroticism is spoiled by Annik Borel's old, sagging body and complete lack of sex appeal.",
"Outside of a few gory moments and plenty of nudity, there is very little to watch for here.-Carl ManesI Like Horror Movies"
] |
2 | Time is old news | Time used to be relevant. With the advent of a 24-hour news cycle and from competition from more competent mags, Time decided to revamp a month ago or so. There is a new format, new fonts, new features. But what is left is the same tired political agenda, and its readers are the same tired political hacks.I subscribed to a specail $[...] six issue trial. After the first edition, a biased global warming send up, I cancelled it. The stories, letters to the editor and 'opinion pieces' all have a political slant. Some of the letters chosen for publication were downright hateful and disrespectful.Gone is hard news; hello political magazine.I find nothing wrong with political mags. There is a place in this world for tomes like "The Nation", "The Weekly Standard" and "Reason". But don't try to mascarade "Time" as hard news anymore.That aside, I do not even like the new format. The layout is cumbersome, the font is hard to read and hard on the eyes. There are also too many advertisements. | 995 | [
"Time used to be relevant.",
"With the advent of a 24-hour news cycle and from competition from more competent mags, Time decided to revamp a month ago or so.",
"There is a new format, new fonts, new features.",
"But what is left is the same tired political agenda, and its readers are the same tired political hacks.I subscribed to a specail $[...] six issue trial.",
"After the first edition, a biased global warming send up, I cancelled it.",
"The stories, letters to the editor and 'opinion pieces' all have a political slant.",
"Some of the letters chosen for publication were downright hateful and disrespectful.Gone is hard news; hello political magazine.I find nothing wrong with political mags.",
"There is a place in this world for tomes like \"The Nation\", \"The Weekly Standard\" and \"Reason\".",
"But don't try to mascarade \"Time\" as hard news anymore.That aside, I do not even like the new format.",
"The layout is cumbersome, the font is hard to read and hard on the eyes.",
"There are also too many advertisements."
] |
2 | Thin Cheap Plastic | I used the diaper genie for my newborn and by the time she approached her first birthday the thin plastic hinges on the diaper genie lid were broken and cracked off and the sharp thin plastic pieces under the lid (used to cut the genie plastic when the pail is full) also cracked off. The diaper genie does not completely take the stink away once your little one starts to eat solid foods (This includes the "toddler" diaper genie refills too). Also, I found the diaper genie refills to be expensive over the long run and most grocery stores carry a low inventory or are often out. Myth: There exists a diaper system where the stink will be completely hidden. Moms, Dads, don't let the expensive "diaper systems" fool you. Save yourself some money. Buy a regular diaper pail (I got one for $16) that uses cheap scented trash bags and change the diaper pail every night before your little one goes to sleep. You'll both be happy you did so and you can use the money you saved to do something fun. | 995 | [
"I used the diaper genie for my newborn and by the time she approached her first birthday the thin plastic hinges on the diaper genie lid were broken and cracked off and the sharp thin plastic pieces under the lid (used to cut the genie plastic when the pail is full) also cracked off.",
"The diaper genie does not completely take the stink away once your little one starts to eat solid foods (This includes the \"toddler\" diaper genie refills too).",
"Also, I found the diaper genie refills to be expensive over the long run and most grocery stores carry a low inventory or are often out.",
"Myth: There exists a diaper system where the stink will be completely hidden.",
"Moms, Dads, don't let the expensive \"diaper systems\" fool you.",
"Save yourself some money.",
"Buy a regular diaper pail (I got one for $16) that uses cheap scented trash bags and change the diaper pail every night before your little one goes to sleep.",
"You'll both be happy you did so and you can use the money you saved to do something fun."
] |
2 | Still needs work | The HomeDock is nice looking, but there are fundamental flaws that make it unacceptable for most entertainment systems. These are:- Unresponsive remote. The remote works of you aim it just right. But if you're off by a few degrees or don't push the buttons just so, then nothing happens.- Menu missing the navigation capability of the iPod. If you want to do anything more than jump to the next song/picture, you have do this directly with the iPod.- Menu not visible on the screen. Given that you can't do much with the remote, this isn't such a big deal. But this would be a necessary ingredient to what is really needed to include the iPod in an entertainment system.I'm still looking for a piece of equipment that solves the problem that the HomeDock is suppose to solve. It seems pretty obvious: a docking station that allows users to use the iPod audio and video features remotely as if controlling the iPod directly. I have not found such a thing yet; hopefully someone is working on it.. | 995 | [
"The HomeDock is nice looking, but there are fundamental flaws that make it unacceptable for most entertainment systems.",
"These are:- Unresponsive remote.",
"The remote works of you aim it just right.",
"But if you're off by a few degrees or don't push the buttons just so, then nothing happens.- Menu missing the navigation capability of the iPod.",
"If you want to do anything more than jump to the next song/picture, you have do this directly with the iPod.- Menu not visible on the screen.",
"Given that you can't do much with the remote, this isn't such a big deal.",
"But this would be a necessary ingredient to what is really needed to include the iPod in an entertainment system.I'm still looking for a piece of equipment that solves the problem that the HomeDock is suppose to solve.",
"It seems pretty obvious: a docking station that allows users to use the iPod audio and video features remotely as if controlling the iPod directly.",
"I have not found such a thing yet; hopefully someone is working on it.."
] |
2 | Let's see......... | This is how I've estimated the order to be. I really have my doubts if the Mighty Maiden will be on this dvd. That truely is a shame though because the crowd really seemed to blossom during Maiden's set in Camden.UK Ozzfest (Donnington,UK)Black SabbathVelvet RevolverAnthraxUS Ozzfest (Camden,NJ)Rob ZombieMudvayneShadowsfall& some 2nd stage bandsI was at the Camden show front and center in the pit and didn't notice any cameras during Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, BLS and In Flames. Majority of second stage bands got some footage in and so did Muds and SF. If my thoughts are correct this will not be a history dvd. Just contain footage from this year and backstage perspective. Overall I don't expect much, it'll be a nice souvenir, thats all. Sharon knows people will buy it just for the name and that fact that somewhere down the line everyones been to an Ozzfest. If there are any disappointed Maiden fans I recommend their 'Death on the Road' dvd which will out the same date as this one. | 995 | [
"This is how I've estimated the order to be.",
"I really have my doubts if the Mighty Maiden will be on this dvd.",
"That truely is a shame though because the crowd really seemed to blossom during Maiden's set in Camden.UK Ozzfest (Donnington,UK)Black SabbathVelvet RevolverAnthraxUS Ozzfest (Camden,NJ)Rob ZombieMudvayneShadowsfall& some 2nd stage bandsI was at the Camden show front and center in the pit and didn't notice any cameras during Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, BLS and In Flames.",
"Majority of second stage bands got some footage in and so did Muds and SF.",
"If my thoughts are correct this will not be a history dvd.",
"Just contain footage from this year and backstage perspective.",
"Overall I don't expect much, it'll be a nice souvenir, thats all.",
"Sharon knows people will buy it just for the name and that fact that somewhere down the line everyones been to an Ozzfest.",
"If there are any disappointed Maiden fans I recommend their 'Death on the Road' dvd which will out the same date as this one."
] |
2 | I hated it | I'm sorry, but I hated it. After all the fascination of The Vampire Chronicles I found The Witching Hour to be a horrible disappointment. It's not that the book was wholly bad. The descriptions of New Orleans were darkly beautiful and fascinating. The descent into the Mayfair Witch family was chilling. The problem was the ending. At the end of the novel I could be no less than disgusted. I was left dissatisfied and quite frankly almost angry with the characters in the book. While the prose in the novel is as seductive as The Vampire Chronicles there is just something in Witching Hour that left this reader dissatisfied and slightly nauseated by the book. Then I made the mistake of thinking the book Lasher could make up for the horrible ending of Witching Hour -- it didn't. If anything, the sequel to Witching Hour made the characters even more unpalatable. For myself, Rice veered off course near the end of this novel and that mistake was enough to ruin an otherwise interesting book. | 995 | [
"I'm sorry, but I hated it.",
"After all the fascination of The Vampire Chronicles I found The Witching Hour to be a horrible disappointment.",
"It's not that the book was wholly bad.",
"The descriptions of New Orleans were darkly beautiful and fascinating.",
"The descent into the Mayfair Witch family was chilling.",
"The problem was the ending.",
"At the end of the novel I could be no less than disgusted.",
"I was left dissatisfied and quite frankly almost angry with the characters in the book.",
"While the prose in the novel is as seductive as The Vampire Chronicles there is just something in Witching Hour that left this reader dissatisfied and slightly nauseated by the book.",
"Then I made the mistake of thinking the book Lasher could make up for the horrible ending of Witching Hour -- it didn't.",
"If anything, the sequel to Witching Hour made the characters even more unpalatable.",
"For myself, Rice veered off course near the end of this novel and that mistake was enough to ruin an otherwise interesting book."
] |
2 | Simply Blah | This is not among the worst of the many novels featuring Edgar Allan Poe as a character, but that hardly makes it good. Unlike many novelists who write about Poe, Moore obviously made some effort to research his life. Unfortunately, many of the sources she used are now considered outdated or otherwise discredited, ultimately giving her story the same lack of believability found in most Poe novels. Most of this book is, let's say, "accurate but fake."Unfortunately, "Fever" works even less well as a novel than it does as biography. Moore's attempts to make Poe sympathetic have him come off instead as simply pathetic. The writing and characterizations are universally dull. And I'm really, really tired of novelists endlessly depicting Virginia Poe as the eternally infantile, bland "child-wife"--an outmoded depiction no reputable Poe scholar endorses anymore.Someday, someone will write a historically accurate, well-written biographical novel about Poe. That hasn't happened yet, though. | 995 | [
"This is not among the worst of the many novels featuring Edgar Allan Poe as a character, but that hardly makes it good.",
"Unlike many novelists who write about Poe, Moore obviously made some effort to research his life.",
"Unfortunately, many of the sources she used are now considered outdated or otherwise discredited, ultimately giving her story the same lack of believability found in most Poe novels.",
"Most of this book is, let's say, \"accurate but fake.\"Unfortunately, \"Fever\" works even less well as a novel than it does as biography.",
"Moore's attempts to make Poe sympathetic have him come off instead as simply pathetic.",
"The writing and characterizations are universally dull.",
"And I'm really, really tired of novelists endlessly depicting Virginia Poe as the eternally infantile, bland \"child-wife\"--an outmoded depiction no reputable Poe scholar endorses anymore.Someday, someone will write a historically accurate, well-written biographical novel about Poe.",
"That hasn't happened yet, though."
] |
2 | Tough going. | I bought this book because I'd read Barbara Ehrenreich's "Nickel and Dimed". I found N 'n D very good, so wanted to expand my horizons to other experiences - Barbara Ehrenreich had tried low-paid jobs, in many fields, and 'Toyland' promised something similar.Hard work for us readers!I thought I'd be learning about the working conditions in American toy stores but instead learned all about genderized toys, emphasized feminity and cultural legitimation.The prose is a parody of socio-speak and what I took to be present obsessions in gender studies; everything has to be examined from the point of view of gender. The African-American perspective on interaction rules is examined, many times. Previous studies and articles are quoted extensively. All of this is done repeatedly.The points made may be good, but the prose soon drains the reader's away. I finished the book, but would have happily settled for half the length, and a version culled of its socio-speak.Stick to Barbara Ehrenreich. | 995 | [
"I bought this book because I'd read Barbara Ehrenreich's \"Nickel and Dimed\".",
"I found N 'n D very good, so wanted to expand my horizons to other experiences - Barbara Ehrenreich had tried low-paid jobs, in many fields, and 'Toyland' promised something similar.Hard work for us readers!",
"I thought I'd be learning about the working conditions in American toy stores but instead learned all about genderized toys, emphasized feminity and cultural legitimation.The prose is a parody of socio-speak and what I took to be present obsessions in gender studies; everything has to be examined from the point of view of gender.",
"The African-American perspective on interaction rules is examined, many times.",
"Previous studies and articles are quoted extensively.",
"All of this is done repeatedly.The points made may be good, but the prose soon drains the reader's away.",
"I finished the book, but would have happily settled for half the length, and a version culled of its socio-speak.Stick to Barbara Ehrenreich."
] |
2 | Good for Beginners | An interesting try for a basic opening system for White.Soltis recommends playing the Colle versus most replies.He suggests the Stonewall Attack against ...e6 systems and the Torre Attack against Indian Systems, like the Gruenfeld and Kings Indian. So far so good. Several authors have trotted out the Colle in this role. I have a few things I don't like about this book, however.The material is loosely presented and I found at least one move order problem. Soltis recommends 1.d4 d5 2.e3 Nf6 3.Bd3 heading for either the Colle or Stonewall Attack. He recommends 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf6 g6 3.Bg5 the Torre Attack. But what if, in the first variation, Black plays 3...g6(!)? As one of the previous reviewers stated the bishop can't get to g5. Now what?? In addition, to get the Colle and Stonewall Attack to fit, he uses the older Kolty Colle with the pawn to c3 not the superior (my opinion) Colle system with the Qbishop developed at b2.Not worth the price in my opinion, much better books out there... | 995 | [
"An interesting try for a basic opening system for White.Soltis recommends playing the Colle versus most replies.He suggests the Stonewall Attack against ...e6 systems and the Torre Attack against Indian Systems, like the Gruenfeld and Kings Indian.",
"So far so good.",
"Several authors have trotted out the Colle in this role.",
"I have a few things I don't like about this book, however.The material is loosely presented and I found at least one move order problem.",
"Soltis recommends 1.d4 d5 2.e3 Nf6 3.Bd3 heading for either the Colle or Stonewall Attack.",
"He recommends 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf6 g6 3.Bg5 the Torre Attack.",
"But what if, in the first variation, Black plays 3...g6(!",
")?",
"As one of the previous reviewers stated the bishop can't get to g5.",
"Now what??",
"In addition, to get the Colle and Stonewall Attack to fit, he uses the older Kolty Colle with the pawn to c3 not the superior (my opinion) Colle system with the Qbishop developed at b2.Not worth the price in my opinion, much better books out there..."
] |
2 | Not impressed | Well, I purchased the Dyson Root 6, and I must say, I am very unhappy with it. The 6 minute battery life coupled with the awkward heaviness of the item makes it extremely annoying to use. If the Root 6 had the capability to plug into a wall, I wouldn't be writing this negative review. I'd probably be okay with how heavy and difficult it is to handle, but it seems ridiculous to me that I spent $150 on a product that works for 6 minutes at a time. Not to mention it doesn't even lift pet hair off of fabric. My el cheapo Bissell does that with no problem.I gave it 2 stars instead of 1 because it does actually work, it's just not practical. Furthermore, it would be nice if the box said that it only stays charged for 6 minutes. I wouldn't have purchased it if I had known beforehand. Serves me right for not doing research, but at the same time, when you see a name like "Dyson" you expect it to be a good product, worth the extra money.Sadly, this was a waste. I'm returning it to Best Buy. | 995 | [
"Well, I purchased the Dyson Root 6, and I must say, I am very unhappy with it.",
"The 6 minute battery life coupled with the awkward heaviness of the item makes it extremely annoying to use.",
"If the Root 6 had the capability to plug into a wall, I wouldn't be writing this negative review.",
"I'd probably be okay with how heavy and difficult it is to handle, but it seems ridiculous to me that I spent $150 on a product that works for 6 minutes at a time.",
"Not to mention it doesn't even lift pet hair off of fabric.",
"My el cheapo Bissell does that with no problem.I gave it 2 stars instead of 1 because it does actually work, it's just not practical.",
"Furthermore, it would be nice if the box said that it only stays charged for 6 minutes.",
"I wouldn't have purchased it if I had known beforehand.",
"Serves me right for not doing research, but at the same time, when you see a name like \"Dyson\" you expect it to be a good product, worth the extra money.Sadly, this was a waste.",
"I'm returning it to Best Buy."
] |
2 | Thumbs Down | First off, this headset is uncomfortable. As far as I know, there is no way to adjust it so it fits one's head better, and after twenty or so minutes, it starts to hurt one's head. I had to move it to different places on my head often so it wouldn't hurt. Plus, the earphones don't wrap around the ears, they just kind of push up against them, which isn't too comfortable.The sound quality is decent. The surround sound one can only hear if the volume is up, which is fine for me...I always turn the volume up loud. But, unless one is like me, don't bother getting these for the surround sound.The worst thing about these, in my opinion, is the remote for the surround/volume. After only a couple weeks, the sound only worked in one ear, and I had to fiddle with where the cords plug into the remote.The microphone, according to people I play with online, is good quality. Everyone could hear me find. It is nice that the mic is also flexible, so one can move it wherever.Don't get this headset. | 995 | [
"First off, this headset is uncomfortable.",
"As far as I know, there is no way to adjust it so it fits one's head better, and after twenty or so minutes, it starts to hurt one's head.",
"I had to move it to different places on my head often so it wouldn't hurt.",
"Plus, the earphones don't wrap around the ears, they just kind of push up against them, which isn't too comfortable.The sound quality is decent.",
"The surround sound one can only hear if the volume is up, which is fine for me...I always turn the volume up loud.",
"But, unless one is like me, don't bother getting these for the surround sound.The worst thing about these, in my opinion, is the remote for the surround/volume.",
"After only a couple weeks, the sound only worked in one ear, and I had to fiddle with where the cords plug into the remote.The microphone, according to people I play with online, is good quality.",
"Everyone could hear me find.",
"It is nice that the mic is also flexible, so one can move it wherever.Don't get this headset."
] |
2 | TOO FIDGETY | Where have songs like "Eleven" gone? Where is that lyrical ingenuity? Where are those lyrics that made "Ghost man on third" (the best EMO song ever written, in my opinion) ? I'm disappointed with this band. Like a fellow reviewer said, the sound is just plain terrible. There is no coherence, atleast not to an ex-fan of this band right here. I'm even more surprised to see that a lot of people have given this cd FIVE stars.When "my blue heaven" starts, I felt I'd hear something real. "Divine Intervention" doesn't deserve to be skipped. I don't know if I should blame TBS or their inspiration or the particular genre they intend to belong to. "I'll Let You Live" , like most tracks on LOUDER NOW, gives me a short attention span.My downloaded copy included a tune called Brooklyn - which is a great song ,really. Try getting it. Excellent vocals, guitar tuning and flow.Overall conclusion on the eleven tracks mentioned herein is " Louder Now is for the tonedeaf. Get the new Incubus cd NOW." | 995 | [
"Where have songs like \"Eleven\" gone?",
"Where is that lyrical ingenuity?",
"Where are those lyrics that made \"Ghost man on third\" (the best EMO song ever written, in my opinion)?",
"I'm disappointed with this band.",
"Like a fellow reviewer said, the sound is just plain terrible.",
"There is no coherence, atleast not to an ex-fan of this band right here.",
"I'm even more surprised to see that a lot of people have given this cd FIVE stars.When \"my blue heaven\" starts, I felt I'd hear something real.",
"\"Divine Intervention\" doesn't deserve to be skipped.",
"I don't know if I should blame TBS or their inspiration or the particular genre they intend to belong to.",
"\"I'll Let You Live\" , like most tracks on LOUDER NOW, gives me a short attention span.My downloaded copy included a tune called Brooklyn - which is a great song ,really.",
"Try getting it.",
"Excellent vocals, guitar tuning and flow.Overall conclusion on the eleven tracks mentioned herein is \" Louder Now is for the tonedeaf.",
"Get the new Incubus cd NOW.\""
] |
2 | Great.. AT FIRST | I bought this product a few months back as i saw it advertised and thought what a great idea, i have a big vacuum and it is awkward to use and really loud so i don't like using it on my vinyl floors (kitchen and bathroom), so i thought the swiffer vac looked really handy. When i first bought it i put it together and charged it and tried it out, it worked great, sucked up spilt cat litter in the bathroom and little dry food mess in the kitchen etc, it was great. Then a couple months on i noticed it start to lose suction, then it would only work when it was fully charged (like the instant i took it off charge and only for like 10 mins and then it would lose suction again) and now a couple months later it will hardly suck anything up, and i'm talking like some bits of dry rice etc, it wont suck it up, and some things it does suck up just fall back out again. I am very disappointed in it as it seemed like such a great product, i have emailed swiffer about it but am not expecting much. | 995 | [
"I bought this product a few months back as i saw it advertised and thought what a great idea, i have a big vacuum and it is awkward to use and really loud so i don't like using it on my vinyl floors (kitchen and bathroom), so i thought the swiffer vac looked really handy.",
"When i first bought it i put it together and charged it and tried it out, it worked great, sucked up spilt cat litter in the bathroom and little dry food mess in the kitchen etc, it was great.",
"Then a couple months on i noticed it start to lose suction, then it would only work when it was fully charged (like the instant i took it off charge and only for like 10 mins and then it would lose suction again) and now a couple months later it will hardly suck anything up, and i'm talking like some bits of dry rice etc, it wont suck it up, and some things it does suck up just fall back out again.",
"I am very disappointed in it as it seemed like such a great product, i have emailed swiffer about it but am not expecting much."
] |
2 | big disappointment | I chose this book because it said on the cover "Highly recommended for fans of authors like Jodi Picoult..." Well Jodi is my favorite author, and I feel insulted by the comparison--like that statement was nothing better than false advertising. This book started with a very interesting premise, but was just too implausible from start to finish. I hesitate to mention which parts of the plot were too unrealistic to be believed, because that would definitely ruin the story for anyone who wants to give it a try, but most of this would never happen. It dragged on and on with nothing to hold the reader's interest. I would not recommend this book, but might consider giving this author one more try if another of her books looked interesting to me. Maybe. The writing wasn't terrible, it just lacked excitement and believability. Some of the reviews on the cover described the book as suspenseful, which it was not, and keeping the reader "on the edge of your beach chair." Sorry, I can't agree. | 995 | [
"I chose this book because it said on the cover \"Highly recommended for fans of authors like Jodi Picoult...\" Well Jodi is my favorite author, and I feel insulted by the comparison--like that statement was nothing better than false advertising.",
"This book started with a very interesting premise, but was just too implausible from start to finish.",
"I hesitate to mention which parts of the plot were too unrealistic to be believed, because that would definitely ruin the story for anyone who wants to give it a try, but most of this would never happen.",
"It dragged on and on with nothing to hold the reader's interest.",
"I would not recommend this book, but might consider giving this author one more try if another of her books looked interesting to me.",
"Maybe.",
"The writing wasn't terrible, it just lacked excitement and believability.",
"Some of the reviews on the cover described the book as suspenseful, which it was not, and keeping the reader \"on the edge of your beach chair.\" Sorry, I can't agree."
] |
2 | Not impressive. | Colin Farell has done some good acting before, however in this one he was particularly off key, as was just about everything. As to Mr. Farell, I am not entirely convinced he has sufficient scope of ability or demonstrative emotional range to become a leading legend as his previous demonstrative 'shines' have previously confined themselves to the dark, introverted typecast and support actor scenes such as when he basked fairly ingeniously under the floodlight of Cruise. As to the movie - This is a good example of a movie where all parts effectively conspire tragedy upon the sum - production (cookie-cutter), music (bland to match the plot I suppose), dialogue (ho-hum), character (cardboard), narrative (ineffectual bandaid), plot (petty) and acting (lukewarm is a compliment). Accolades to the tatoo artists, though I suspect the style doesn't reflect historical context and style, and it doesn't particuarly matter.Moral of the story- take the "Two Thumbs Up." with a BIG grain of salt. | 995 | [
"Colin Farell has done some good acting before, however in this one he was particularly off key, as was just about everything.",
"As to Mr.",
"Farell, I am not entirely convinced he has sufficient scope of ability or demonstrative emotional range to become a leading legend as his previous demonstrative 'shines' have previously confined themselves to the dark, introverted typecast and support actor scenes such as when he basked fairly ingeniously under the floodlight of Cruise.",
"As to the movie - This is a good example of a movie where all parts effectively conspire tragedy upon the sum - production (cookie-cutter), music (bland to match the plot I suppose), dialogue (ho-hum), character (cardboard), narrative (ineffectual bandaid), plot (petty) and acting (lukewarm is a compliment).",
"Accolades to the tatoo artists, though I suspect the style doesn't reflect historical context and style, and it doesn't particuarly matter.Moral of the story- take the \"Two Thumbs Up.\" with a BIG grain of salt."
] |
2 | Personal Notebook | This book is short on information, and long on the author's personal thoughts. It's not hateful, because she doesn't exploit, but it's boring and tiresome to hear her doing little more than flinging out her own jazzy rhetoric instead of providing facts and details about what's really going wrong with black classlesness. Apparently she had a good idea, seeking to report on why and how black inner city culture glorifies staying down, but the message is presented in a look-at-what-I-can-do style that is very disappointing. She's much too much giddy with her own Hoo Ha reflections, such as her chronically annoying "(I'm ghetto)," and "(I'm not ghetto)" closings to every paragraph where she demonstrates a personal preference - and there are far too may of them. If you want to learn all about Cora Daniels' thinking process, Ghettonation is the book for you. If you want to find out, as I did, some basic information on the offputting black underculture, wait for someone else to report it. | 995 | [
"This book is short on information, and long on the author's personal thoughts.",
"It's not hateful, because she doesn't exploit, but it's boring and tiresome to hear her doing little more than flinging out her own jazzy rhetoric instead of providing facts and details about what's really going wrong with black classlesness.",
"Apparently she had a good idea, seeking to report on why and how black inner city culture glorifies staying down, but the message is presented in a look-at-what-I-can-do style that is very disappointing.",
"She's much too much giddy with her own Hoo Ha reflections, such as her chronically annoying \"(I'm ghetto),\" and \"(I'm not ghetto)\" closings to every paragraph where she demonstrates a personal preference - and there are far too may of them.",
"If you want to learn all about Cora Daniels' thinking process, Ghettonation is the book for you.",
"If you want to find out, as I did, some basic information on the offputting black underculture, wait for someone else to report it."
] |
2 | It has its moments | When Spielberg isn't rewriting World War II, he seems to be trying to resurrect the insight, heart, and imagination he brought to his early, wonderful movies like ET. But when it's gone, it's gone. AI is watchable only for the remarkable Haley Joel Osment (who isn't seeing dead people in this movie, but he might as well have been) and the always splendid Jude Law. Hey, even the Teddy (as in mechanical teddy bear with functional intelligence) was good. The first half of the movie isn't terrible; the second half sinks like a stone. No amount of acting talent could rescue this turgid, overlong melodrama. Not even the return of those onion-headed, big-hearted stick people (from Close Encounters. Remember them?) could rescue this story. It's worth seeing for the special effects, and for Haley Joel and Jude Law. It has few other redeeming features. The Pinnochio theme gets worked to death; the adults are all dolts and so are most of the kids. Only the mechanical people have hearts. Duh. | 995 | [
"When Spielberg isn't rewriting World War II, he seems to be trying to resurrect the insight, heart, and imagination he brought to his early, wonderful movies like ET.",
"But when it's gone, it's gone.",
"AI is watchable only for the remarkable Haley Joel Osment (who isn't seeing dead people in this movie, but he might as well have been) and the always splendid Jude Law.",
"Hey, even the Teddy (as in mechanical teddy bear with functional intelligence) was good.",
"The first half of the movie isn't terrible; the second half sinks like a stone.",
"No amount of acting talent could rescue this turgid, overlong melodrama.",
"Not even the return of those onion-headed, big-hearted stick people (from Close Encounters.",
"Remember them?",
") could rescue this story.",
"It's worth seeing for the special effects, and for Haley Joel and Jude Law.",
"It has few other redeeming features.",
"The Pinnochio theme gets worked to death; the adults are all dolts and so are most of the kids.",
"Only the mechanical people have hearts.",
"Duh."
] |
2 | good, not great | Very good graphics and sound. The problem I had with this game was that there seemed to be a VERY specific route you were meant to take throughout the game, down to every move or maneuver you made. If you strayed from the path the programmers determened was the "correct" one, you would be killed. The end result is being killed over and over until you figure out...was I supposed to go left or right at this part?...should I shoot this guy or pass by him?...do I open the door to the right or the left? Every decision seems to have a "right" decision, and it is TEDIOUS trial-and-error figuring out what the programmers had in mind for each minute detailed decision you make. You get killed, you try again, over and over until you find the one "correct" path. Very little, if any, freedom to move around...this game is an exercise in tedious repetition... go through the same scenarios over, and over, and over...until you stumble across the one solution. Should entertain adolescents, at best. | 995 | [
"Very good graphics and sound.",
"The problem I had with this game was that there seemed to be a VERY specific route you were meant to take throughout the game, down to every move or maneuver you made.",
"If you strayed from the path the programmers determened was the \"correct\" one, you would be killed.",
"The end result is being killed over and over until you figure out...was I supposed to go left or right at this part?",
"...should I shoot this guy or pass by him?",
"...do I open the door to the right or the left?",
"Every decision seems to have a \"right\" decision, and it is TEDIOUS trial-and-error figuring out what the programmers had in mind for each minute detailed decision you make.",
"You get killed, you try again, over and over until you find the one \"correct\" path.",
"Very little, if any, freedom to move around...this game is an exercise in tedious repetition... go through the same scenarios over, and over, and over...until you stumble across the one solution.",
"Should entertain adolescents, at best."
] |
2 | Not a Restoration! | First of all, against another person's review about this DVD, Alpha did no restoration whatsoever. It is a copy of a DVD release from Grapevine Video and Alpha simply created their own generic title screen and superimposed their own logo in the corner of the screen. For those who have bought or watched this movie, I'd like to state that from the beginning. No restoration was done. Alpha hired someone to compose a music score, that's all. The film has been "altered" from the Grapevine Video release and doesn't even have the original title screen. Probably Alpha's way of branding the film so others cannot copy it. Secondly, it's NOT a horror movie. It's a drama that takes place in ancient Egypt. So if you are expecting a rare horror movie, forget it. Of course, Alpha alters almost all of the movies they release on DVD, superimposing logos in the corner, adding sound effects to the sound track of talking pictures, etc. You'd do better buying the Grapevine Video release on Amazon.com. | 995 | [
"First of all, against another person's review about this DVD, Alpha did no restoration whatsoever.",
"It is a copy of a DVD release from Grapevine Video and Alpha simply created their own generic title screen and superimposed their own logo in the corner of the screen.",
"For those who have bought or watched this movie, I'd like to state that from the beginning.",
"No restoration was done.",
"Alpha hired someone to compose a music score, that's all.",
"The film has been \"altered\" from the Grapevine Video release and doesn't even have the original title screen.",
"Probably Alpha's way of branding the film so others cannot copy it.",
"Secondly, it's NOT a horror movie.",
"It's a drama that takes place in ancient Egypt.",
"So if you are expecting a rare horror movie, forget it.",
"Of course, Alpha alters almost all of the movies they release on DVD, superimposing logos in the corner, adding sound effects to the sound track of talking pictures, etc.",
"You'd do better buying the Grapevine Video release on Amazon.com."
] |
2 | Major design flaw | I've had this phone for about 4 years.This is a great phone when it works, but it's got a major design flaw: the battery charge management. As batteries get older they don't last as long, I understand that; however, with proper charging, NiMH batteries should have a life much greater than what this phone allows. But that isn't the worst part. That honor goes to the low charge alert. You will not get an alert about a low battery until you place or answer a phone call, and then if you're lucky you've got fifteen seconds to swap handsets (you'd be up a creek if you don't have a second handset) before it shuts down.Then when you place the discharged handset back on the charging cradle it will beep every few minutes to let you know it's charging. What genius thought of that??? Reminds me of Homer Simpson's "Everything's Okay Alarm."For 90% of my phone calls, a corded unit would be just fine, but nobody seems to make a decent corded phone anymore except for multiline office units. Sigh. | 995 | [
"I've had this phone for about 4 years.This is a great phone when it works, but it's got a major design flaw: the battery charge management.",
"As batteries get older they don't last as long, I understand that; however, with proper charging, NiMH batteries should have a life much greater than what this phone allows.",
"But that isn't the worst part.",
"That honor goes to the low charge alert.",
"You will not get an alert about a low battery until you place or answer a phone call, and then if you're lucky you've got fifteen seconds to swap handsets (you'd be up a creek if you don't have a second handset) before it shuts down.Then when you place the discharged handset back on the charging cradle it will beep every few minutes to let you know it's charging.",
"What genius thought of that???",
"Reminds me of Homer Simpson's \"Everything's Okay Alarm.\"For 90% of my phone calls, a corded unit would be just fine, but nobody seems to make a decent corded phone anymore except for multiline office units.",
"Sigh."
] |
2 | Too S-l-o-w! | This release has been hailed in many quarters as "magnificent," "revelatory," and so forth, and I must say that when I listen to it, I certainly feel as though I am getting my six bucks' worth. As opulent and grand as everything sounds, however, I cannot quite help but think that this performance is just WAY TOO S--L--O--W!Tintner stretches the first movement out to 30:34, for crying out loud! When I put on my old Sinopoli disk (DG 431 684-2), it is like a breath of fresh air. Sinopoli takes the first movement in 21:08, but the music never sounds rushed. It sounds right.In my view then, the Tintner disk on Naxos might serve as an interesting alternative version that can be obtained quite cheaply, but it would not serve well as a first choice. I would recommend instead Inbal or Sinopoli, but the way the recording industry is heading these days, I'm not willing to guarantee that either of those disks is still in print. Oh well, there's always the library. Maybe there's a copy there. | 995 | [
"This release has been hailed in many quarters as \"magnificent,\" \"revelatory,\" and so forth, and I must say that when I listen to it, I certainly feel as though I am getting my six bucks' worth.",
"As opulent and grand as everything sounds, however, I cannot quite help but think that this performance is just WAY TOO S--L--O--W!",
"Tintner stretches the first movement out to 30:34, for crying out loud!",
"When I put on my old Sinopoli disk (DG 431 684-2), it is like a breath of fresh air.",
"Sinopoli takes the first movement in 21:08, but the music never sounds rushed.",
"It sounds right.In my view then, the Tintner disk on Naxos might serve as an interesting alternative version that can be obtained quite cheaply, but it would not serve well as a first choice.",
"I would recommend instead Inbal or Sinopoli, but the way the recording industry is heading these days, I'm not willing to guarantee that either of those disks is still in print.",
"Oh well, there's always the library.",
"Maybe there's a copy there."
] |
2 | Keep searching | In my opinion this book is really more about wine collecting then it is wine cellars. There is some decent info about building and keeping a wine cellar but the most of the pertinent information on that subject in this book could have ended on chapter 3 possibly 4 if you're interested in cataloging your wine. The bulk of this book is made up the author's personal antidotes that might give some insight into wine cellaring but can be difficult to trudge through while he uses terms like "grocery store wine", blasts the wine critic in the Wall Street Journal for recommending cheap wine (gasp!), or tells the story of how his dad first started cellaring wine using the closet in the maids room in the back of his house "leaving just enough space for the poor woman to hang a single with dress uniform on a single wire hanger". If you need a 152 page book that has 70 pages on the core components of building a wine cellar shouted down to you from a very high horse... this is the book for you. | 995 | [
"In my opinion this book is really more about wine collecting then it is wine cellars.",
"There is some decent info about building and keeping a wine cellar but the most of the pertinent information on that subject in this book could have ended on chapter 3 possibly 4 if you're interested in cataloging your wine.",
"The bulk of this book is made up the author's personal antidotes that might give some insight into wine cellaring but can be difficult to trudge through while he uses terms like \"grocery store wine\", blasts the wine critic in the Wall Street Journal for recommending cheap wine (gasp!",
"), or tells the story of how his dad first started cellaring wine using the closet in the maids room in the back of his house \"leaving just enough space for the poor woman to hang a single with dress uniform on a single wire hanger\".",
"If you need a 152 page book that has 70 pages on the core components of building a wine cellar shouted down to you from a very high horse... this is the book for you."
] |
2 | Errorlicious | This book is... alright. I wasn't expecting much more than a blank answer sheet for photocopying, a lot of practive tests, and some answer keys to score myself. I got a little more, but nothing really stuck out at me.The only irritating this were the errors. Errors, errors, errors. I remember there being at least one in most sections, often multiples. I'd look at a basic problem, find the answer, and then get it wrong... only to notice that the key was wrong (he marked the wrong answer, but had the right explanation), that the explanation was wrong (but that the key was correct), or that the answer and the question were completely unrelated (copy + paste error, perhaps?). I'm pretty sure I spent much more time reviewing my incorrect answers to be sure the key wasn't wrong than I did reading the book or using the practice tests.My memory of college Calculus is fuzzy, and even some stuff before that, but jeeze. This guy needs a refresher course badly. How did this get out the door?! | 995 | [
"This book is... alright.",
"I wasn't expecting much more than a blank answer sheet for photocopying, a lot of practive tests, and some answer keys to score myself.",
"I got a little more, but nothing really stuck out at me.The only irritating this were the errors.",
"Errors, errors, errors.",
"I remember there being at least one in most sections, often multiples.",
"I'd look at a basic problem, find the answer, and then get it wrong... only to notice that the key was wrong (he marked the wrong answer, but had the right explanation), that the explanation was wrong (but that the key was correct), or that the answer and the question were completely unrelated (copy + paste error, perhaps?",
").",
"I'm pretty sure I spent much more time reviewing my incorrect answers to be sure the key wasn't wrong than I did reading the book or using the practice tests.My memory of college Calculus is fuzzy, and even some stuff before that, but jeeze.",
"This guy needs a refresher course badly.",
"How did this get out the door?!"
] |
2 | Mediocre | This is a terribly mediocre piece of fiction. The plot and prose are both quite pedestrian and basic; long sections, or even short chapters of the novel are comprised of dialogue without even any reference to the characters movements; there are no real characters as such, but trite and stock military cliches; petty moralizing; a confusing and out of place attempt at military diction; a total lack of Greek culture and understanding; and transposing modern values and ideas upon ancient times that are poorly documented.That being said, the book is mildly entertaining and somewhat interesting in regards to Afghanistan. Despite disliking the authors attempt to find modern parallels with Alexander's Afghan quest, it was still at least interesting. There are also hints at talent in the authors prose. Sometimes he turns a nice sentence or poetic description. Honestly, I find it amazing such thoroughly mediocre work is so lauded or popular; but I suppose I should expect as much these days. | 995 | [
"This is a terribly mediocre piece of fiction.",
"The plot and prose are both quite pedestrian and basic; long sections, or even short chapters of the novel are comprised of dialogue without even any reference to the characters movements; there are no real characters as such, but trite and stock military cliches; petty moralizing; a confusing and out of place attempt at military diction; a total lack of Greek culture and understanding; and transposing modern values and ideas upon ancient times that are poorly documented.That being said, the book is mildly entertaining and somewhat interesting in regards to Afghanistan.",
"Despite disliking the authors attempt to find modern parallels with Alexander's Afghan quest, it was still at least interesting.",
"There are also hints at talent in the authors prose.",
"Sometimes he turns a nice sentence or poetic description.",
"Honestly, I find it amazing such thoroughly mediocre work is so lauded or popular; but I suppose I should expect as much these days."
] |
2 | Limited in Scope | I really wanted to LOVE this book since I am fan of the show, but I must be honest and say that once you find your own body type, the book is pretty useless. There is limited information on style itself (beyond body type) and limited information on where to shop, etc. You'd honestly come out cheaper going to a local bookstore (i.e. BORDERS), grabbing this book, looking up your body type, taking a mental snapshot of the info and putting the book back on the shelf because that's all you'll be able to do with it once you get it home.I will keep and use as a reference guide for friends and family with OTHER body types, but as a guide to consistently refer to over time, it is very limited. This is more of a BASIC BEGINNER's guide. Don't expect this one to be full of dog-eared pages from consistent use. The Lucky Style manual has MUCH more depth. If you're like me, and you rely on product reviews to help make purchasing decisions, take solace in the fact that I wouldn't steer you wrong. | 995 | [
"I really wanted to LOVE this book since I am fan of the show, but I must be honest and say that once you find your own body type, the book is pretty useless.",
"There is limited information on style itself (beyond body type) and limited information on where to shop, etc.",
"You'd honestly come out cheaper going to a local bookstore (i.e. BORDERS), grabbing this book, looking up your body type, taking a mental snapshot of the info and putting the book back on the shelf because that's all you'll be able to do with it once you get it home.I will keep and use as a reference guide for friends and family with OTHER body types, but as a guide to consistently refer to over time, it is very limited.",
"This is more of a BASIC BEGINNER's guide.",
"Don't expect this one to be full of dog-eared pages from consistent use.",
"The Lucky Style manual has MUCH more depth.",
"If you're like me, and you rely on product reviews to help make purchasing decisions, take solace in the fact that I wouldn't steer you wrong."
] |
2 | Dated and Tired | With the whole disco genre making a resurgence via House and Dance music, this collection of songs by Cerrone take you back to days of champagne/cocaine and water fountains inside glamourous clubs. If you're into listening to ... disco sounds this album is for you, however you'll get tired of listening to the similar sounds that underly the tracks and they quickly wear thin.Stand out tracks include Standing in the Rain and Give me Love. Bob Sinclair should stop going back to past disco artists and make his own original music, like most other dj/producers.I suggest you check out the Larry Levan (Paradise Garage)cd or Francis K (Essential Mix) cd, or Mancuso's Loft compilations for a better range of tracks.ps: don't buy this cd for all those rediculous remixes of Give Me Love - they are shocking, and the A&R; person who thought it was a good idea to mix and remix one song over and over should be drop over the middle of the Amazon and left there only with a discman and those remixes. | 995 | [
"With the whole disco genre making a resurgence via House and Dance music, this collection of songs by Cerrone take you back to days of champagne/cocaine and water fountains inside glamourous clubs.",
"If you're into listening to ... disco sounds this album is for you, however you'll get tired of listening to the similar sounds that underly the tracks and they quickly wear thin.Stand out tracks include Standing in the Rain and Give me Love.",
"Bob Sinclair should stop going back to past disco artists and make his own original music, like most other dj/producers.I suggest you check out the Larry Levan (Paradise Garage)cd or Francis K (Essential Mix) cd, or Mancuso's Loft compilations for a better range of tracks.ps: don't buy this cd for all those rediculous remixes of Give Me Love - they are shocking, and the A&R; person who thought it was a good idea to mix and remix one song over and over should be drop over the middle of the Amazon and left there only with a discman and those remixes."
] |
2 | koRny | I don't know what people see in this band. They sound a lot like a lot of other, much better bands, like Tool, KoRn, and the Deftones. However, they don't even come close to being as good as any of these bands. The songs are dumb, with terrible lyrics and cheesy, boring guitars. The singer tries very hard to sound like Tool's Maynard James Keenan, but he just comes off sounding whiny and annoying. Anybody who likes these guys must just not listen to Tool or Deftones, because they simply fade in comparison.After first listening to this album, I let it sit in my cd rack for a little, while, hoping it would eventually grow on me. It didn't. I eventually became so ashamed to have it next to all of my other great cd's that I took it outside and smashed it with a hammer. I just can't stand these guys. The only reason I didn't give them 1 star is because I recognize they're a new band. However, if they keep going in the direction that this album is going, they're only going to get worse. | 995 | [
"I don't know what people see in this band.",
"They sound a lot like a lot of other, much better bands, like Tool, KoRn, and the Deftones.",
"However, they don't even come close to being as good as any of these bands.",
"The songs are dumb, with terrible lyrics and cheesy, boring guitars.",
"The singer tries very hard to sound like Tool's Maynard James Keenan, but he just comes off sounding whiny and annoying.",
"Anybody who likes these guys must just not listen to Tool or Deftones, because they simply fade in comparison.After first listening to this album, I let it sit in my cd rack for a little, while, hoping it would eventually grow on me.",
"It didn't.",
"I eventually became so ashamed to have it next to all of my other great cd's that I took it outside and smashed it with a hammer.",
"I just can't stand these guys.",
"The only reason I didn't give them 1 star is because I recognize they're a new band.",
"However, if they keep going in the direction that this album is going, they're only going to get worse."
] |
2 | Do not buy!! | The first problem is the smell. They have a VERY strong rubber smell that lasts for about a week. Second, although it silences some of the drums it changes the pitch and sound so much its completely different. The only ones it works well for are the high hat and bass drum, it quiets them and keeps the same tone. For the snare, it is barely quieter, but a much much higher pitch sound. The toms are quieted but again a WAYYY higher pitched tune. When you put these on the snare and toms, its not even worth playing because the pitch/tone is so off. So if you are learning drumming or just want to learn a new song these make it so much harder because the drums are not the right pitch. For the ride cymbal; it just just sounds like you're hitting a piece of rubber. And for the crash it turns into a loud, sharp, quick, and annoying sound, but not any quieter. Only get these as an absolute last resort! if you have to quiet the drumset get an electric kit, or put acoustic foam over the walls. | 995 | [
"The first problem is the smell.",
"They have a VERY strong rubber smell that lasts for about a week.",
"Second, although it silences some of the drums it changes the pitch and sound so much its completely different.",
"The only ones it works well for are the high hat and bass drum, it quiets them and keeps the same tone.",
"For the snare, it is barely quieter, but a much much higher pitch sound.",
"The toms are quieted but again a WAYYY higher pitched tune.",
"When you put these on the snare and toms, its not even worth playing because the pitch/tone is so off.",
"So if you are learning drumming or just want to learn a new song these make it so much harder because the drums are not the right pitch.",
"For the ride cymbal; it just just sounds like you're hitting a piece of rubber.",
"And for the crash it turns into a loud, sharp, quick, and annoying sound, but not any quieter.",
"Only get these as an absolute last resort!",
"if you have to quiet the drumset get an electric kit, or put acoustic foam over the walls."
] |
2 | Just doesn't last | I bought and have used several pieces in Calphalon's hard anodized line, including an 8 qt stock pot, a 6 qt stock pot, an everyday pan, a 12 qt pot, and a saute pan. Initially I was thrilled with them - great solid pots and pans at a great price. The ones I've had *are* well-made pans. I've used them every day for more than 10 years. That said, the hard anodized coating just hasn't lasted. I find that when I've made applesauce or tomato sauce from my garden produce, or a tomato-ey soup, a little of the hard anodized surface is etched away until the plain aluminum underneath (nice and shiny) starts to show through. Now I don't know about you, but I'd prefer to keep metals like aluminum (hard anodized or not) out of my food. When I noticed the hard anodized layer disappearing on my pots through normal use, I started moving to stainless cookware one piece at a time. Yes, it's more expensive to get heavy-duty quality, but I'm hoping I won't have to buy new cookware again in 10 years. | 995 | [
"I bought and have used several pieces in Calphalon's hard anodized line, including an 8 qt stock pot, a 6 qt stock pot, an everyday pan, a 12 qt pot, and a saute pan.",
"Initially I was thrilled with them - great solid pots and pans at a great price.",
"The ones I've had *are* well-made pans.",
"I've used them every day for more than 10 years.",
"That said, the hard anodized coating just hasn't lasted.",
"I find that when I've made applesauce or tomato sauce from my garden produce, or a tomato-ey soup, a little of the hard anodized surface is etched away until the plain aluminum underneath (nice and shiny) starts to show through.",
"Now I don't know about you, but I'd prefer to keep metals like aluminum (hard anodized or not) out of my food.",
"When I noticed the hard anodized layer disappearing on my pots through normal use, I started moving to stainless cookware one piece at a time.",
"Yes, it's more expensive to get heavy-duty quality, but I'm hoping I won't have to buy new cookware again in 10 years."
] |
2 | Dry as toast! | I wrote the following as a comment to another review, but thought that perhaps I should also post as a separate review, for those who might miss it otherwise! I was terribly disappointed with all of the "facts and figures" that were so overly-detailed in this book! Percentages, ratings, dollar amounts, etc., etc. I didn't want to read a "Wall Street" accounting of this show; I wanted what it promised: behind-the-scenes information about Lucy, Desi, and all of the rest of the cast, crew, and guests who comprised the "I Love Lucy" show! It seems as if it took FOREVER to get through this book, due to the fact that it was SO mired down with useless business information and statistics; there were times that I actually had to FORCE myself to pick it up again, and I have NEVER felt like that about any of the other books that I have read about Lucy and the gang! Skip this one, unless you're an accountant, or someone who loves the DRY behind-the-scenes look at Desilu's financial statement! | 995 | [
"I wrote the following as a comment to another review, but thought that perhaps I should also post as a separate review, for those who might miss it otherwise!",
"I was terribly disappointed with all of the \"facts and figures\" that were so overly-detailed in this book!",
"Percentages, ratings, dollar amounts, etc., etc.",
"I didn't want to read a \"Wall Street\" accounting of this show; I wanted what it promised: behind-the-scenes information about Lucy, Desi, and all of the rest of the cast, crew, and guests who comprised the \"I Love Lucy\" show!",
"It seems as if it took FOREVER to get through this book, due to the fact that it was SO mired down with useless business information and statistics; there were times that I actually had to FORCE myself to pick it up again, and I have NEVER felt like that about any of the other books that I have read about Lucy and the gang!",
"Skip this one, unless you're an accountant, or someone who loves the DRY behind-the-scenes look at Desilu's financial statement!"
] |
2 | Disappointing | This is the seventh Steinbeck novel I have read, and also one of the worst (The Short Reign of Pippin the VII is worse). I loved The Red Pony and Of Mice of Men, so I branched out, reading some of his lesser known works. Big Mistake. This novella has no focus, no character you can relate to, no plot to speak of, no definitive climax, and no business being read. I daydreamed through most of it.The reason I don't give it one star is because Steinbeck, like in most of his novels, provided a great description of post-war Cannery Row, and did a decent job of presenting violence on the periphery (kind of like the news today). We see glimpses of violence but we, nor the characters are ever directly affected. Furthermore, the novel's ending is decent, comparing Doc's lonely isolation to that of a gopher being attacked while trying to seek out a mate. Unfortunately, most things leading up until the ending is uneventful, constantly interrupted by dead-end subplots, and lacking in intrigue. | 994 | [
"This is the seventh Steinbeck novel I have read, and also one of the worst (The Short Reign of Pippin the VII is worse).",
"I loved The Red Pony and Of Mice of Men, so I branched out, reading some of his lesser known works.",
"Big Mistake.",
"This novella has no focus, no character you can relate to, no plot to speak of, no definitive climax, and no business being read.",
"I daydreamed through most of it.The reason I don't give it one star is because Steinbeck, like in most of his novels, provided a great description of post-war Cannery Row, and did a decent job of presenting violence on the periphery (kind of like the news today).",
"We see glimpses of violence but we, nor the characters are ever directly affected.",
"Furthermore, the novel's ending is decent, comparing Doc's lonely isolation to that of a gopher being attacked while trying to seek out a mate.",
"Unfortunately, most things leading up until the ending is uneventful, constantly interrupted by dead-end subplots, and lacking in intrigue."
] |
2 | overrated | Ben came to my hometown for a show and my friend wanted to go so I went along. I listened to the album before going, and had heard "Wasted and Ready" on mtv2. The first time I heard Wasted I thought it was pretty catchy but I couldn't get past the damn lyrics. There's a big difference between fun and effortless writing, and writing that's just plain stupid. After hearing the rest of the album I felt the same way about most of the songs. I think he'd be better of having someone else write his lyrics for him. He tries to sound deep at times but ends up sounding like an 8th grade creating writing student.As far as the live show, it was pretty poor. The opener, a somewhat local band, did a much better job grabbing the audience's attention, and everyone, minus a handful of people, was there to see Kweller. His backing musicians just stood there the whole time...it was like they hated him. Ben attempted talking to the audience a couple times but always acted too afraid to say anything. | 994 | [
"Ben came to my hometown for a show and my friend wanted to go so I went along.",
"I listened to the album before going, and had heard \"Wasted and Ready\" on mtv2.",
"The first time I heard Wasted I thought it was pretty catchy but I couldn't get past the damn lyrics.",
"There's a big difference between fun and effortless writing, and writing that's just plain stupid.",
"After hearing the rest of the album I felt the same way about most of the songs.",
"I think he'd be better of having someone else write his lyrics for him.",
"He tries to sound deep at times but ends up sounding like an 8th grade creating writing student.As far as the live show, it was pretty poor.",
"The opener, a somewhat local band, did a much better job grabbing the audience's attention, and everyone, minus a handful of people, was there to see Kweller.",
"His backing musicians just stood there the whole time...it was like they hated him.",
"Ben attempted talking to the audience a couple times but always acted too afraid to say anything."
] |
2 | A Disappointment | I got my Rio One for free during a promotion... when I purchased Windows XP. If it hadn't been free, I would have returned it. I have since added a 128MB flash memory card .Pros: Lightweight and small; easy to use; sound quality is more than acceptableCons: The display - it is absolutely worthless (I currently have 24 songs on my Rio One and by the time I memorize which song is where, I'm ready to swap them out anyway); The Rio One always starts on song 1 which is really annoying since I listen to mine in the car so several short trips results in me starting with the same song (one solution - front load your favorite songs); Skipping ahead or back is slightly yet irritatingly delayed - no where near as fast as my Rio 500 (a product I recommend highly - if you can find it); the buzzing sound from the unit when playing songs at a low volume level (but since I'm normally in my car its not nearly as annoying as it would be if I used it at home more often); it doesn't have a backlight | 994 | [
"I got my Rio One for free during a promotion... when I purchased Windows XP.",
"If it hadn't been free, I would have returned it.",
"I have since added a 128MB flash memory card .Pros: Lightweight and small; easy to use; sound quality is more than acceptableCons: The display - it is absolutely worthless (I currently have 24 songs on my Rio One and by the time I memorize which song is where, I'm ready to swap them out anyway); The Rio One always starts on song 1 which is really annoying since I listen to mine in the car so several short trips results in me starting with the same song (one solution - front load your favorite songs); Skipping ahead or back is slightly yet irritatingly delayed - no where near as fast as my Rio 500 (a product I recommend highly - if you can find it); the buzzing sound from the unit when playing songs at a low volume level (but since I'm normally in my car its not nearly as annoying as it would be if I used it at home more often); it doesn't have a backlight"
] |
2 | Little deviant | Be certain that the anime adaptation of Chobits is a total let down, primarily due to its deviation from the original storyline to a point where it's almost offensive. It's littered with filler and recap episodes, and offers a nearly meaningless ending.*THE GRAPHIC NOVELS ARE EXCELLENT HOWEVER. I STRONGLY URGE THE BUYER TO INSTEAD READ THE MANGA, AS OPPOSED TO WATCHING THE ANIME.Chobits (as more clearly seen in the manga) proposes that the idea of machines being created in the image of man is not much different to the idea of men being created in the image of God, and so these machines should own the right to exercise the same privileges and liberties human beings do. It was refreshing to see love redefined as a state of mind that is above fleshly desires as well. It is, without exaggeration, a beautiful series, and a personal favorite.Genre: Romance, Science Fiction, Comedy, EcchiSet in the near future, very much like modern JapanContains All Episodes, including Special Episodes | 994 | [
"Be certain that the anime adaptation of Chobits is a total let down, primarily due to its deviation from the original storyline to a point where it's almost offensive.",
"It's littered with filler and recap episodes, and offers a nearly meaningless ending.*THE GRAPHIC NOVELS ARE EXCELLENT HOWEVER.",
"I STRONGLY URGE THE BUYER TO INSTEAD READ THE MANGA, AS OPPOSED TO WATCHING THE ANIME.Chobits (as more clearly seen in the manga) proposes that the idea of machines being created in the image of man is not much different to the idea of men being created in the image of God, and so these machines should own the right to exercise the same privileges and liberties human beings do.",
"It was refreshing to see love redefined as a state of mind that is above fleshly desires as well.",
"It is, without exaggeration, a beautiful series, and a personal favorite.Genre: Romance, Science Fiction, Comedy, EcchiSet in the near future, very much like modern JapanContains All Episodes, including Special Episodes"
] |
2 | Bogus but amusing | After reading a couple of chapters, I was mystified. Fictionalized biographies can be interesting, but anyone who knows anything about the Stooges would realize this book was totally nuts. Curly's from a wealthy Italian Catholic family from Georgia? He doesn't have any brothers, just sisters? So I came to read the reviews, and they are hilarious! That's why I give 2 stars, not for the book (-3 stars, poorly written & edited. Marriage vows are "scared"?), but the reviews (5 stars).Many of the reviews do an excellent job pointing out the nonsense, but it also amusing to see that some people actually think Curly's real name was Larry Fine. (So who was Larry? Shemp?) Or that Curly wrote the Godfather, or knew about the JFK and RFK assassinations.The page [...] says that the book is actually a fictionalized account of Frank Sinatra, and that they changed to a story about Curly to avoid getting sued. (Apparently, it's better to get the Stooge people mad at you than the Sinatra people.) | 994 | [
"After reading a couple of chapters, I was mystified.",
"Fictionalized biographies can be interesting, but anyone who knows anything about the Stooges would realize this book was totally nuts.",
"Curly's from a wealthy Italian Catholic family from Georgia?",
"He doesn't have any brothers, just sisters?",
"So I came to read the reviews, and they are hilarious!",
"That's why I give 2 stars, not for the book (-3 stars, poorly written & edited.",
"Marriage vows are \"scared\"?",
"), but the reviews (5 stars).Many of the reviews do an excellent job pointing out the nonsense, but it also amusing to see that some people actually think Curly's real name was Larry Fine.",
"(So who was Larry?",
"Shemp?",
") Or that Curly wrote the Godfather, or knew about the JFK and RFK assassinations.The page [...] says that the book is actually a fictionalized account of Frank Sinatra, and that they changed to a story about Curly to avoid getting sued.",
"(Apparently, it's better to get the Stooge people mad at you than the Sinatra people.)"
] |
2 | just pointless | This does not come close to Interview. It's probbaly one of the worst structured books Ive ever read. Its made up as it goes alng. Die hard fans would give 5 stars for anything Rice wrote so dont follow those reviews. I just dont understand how a book about vampires does not fit into horror, action, adventure, drama? It was just a story. It could have been summed up in 100 pages but instead it dragged on and on. The biggest reason I give this 2 stars is because it is narrated the exact same way Louis narrated in Interview. And it's almost like Rice picked up on this as well because over half way through it's like, "oh by the way, Im a loving emotional guy too." Huh? Its Louis writing as Lestat!Now I have the next book which continues the story and its twice as long. I only wish I could read as fast as Lestat, but then again I only had to read every other page in this book to know what was going on. I just skipped over the 5 paragraphs it takes for Anne to desribe a grain of sand. | 994 | [
"This does not come close to Interview.",
"It's probbaly one of the worst structured books Ive ever read.",
"Its made up as it goes alng.",
"Die hard fans would give 5 stars for anything Rice wrote so dont follow those reviews.",
"I just dont understand how a book about vampires does not fit into horror, action, adventure, drama?",
"It was just a story.",
"It could have been summed up in 100 pages but instead it dragged on and on.",
"The biggest reason I give this 2 stars is because it is narrated the exact same way Louis narrated in Interview.",
"And it's almost like Rice picked up on this as well because over half way through it's like, \"oh by the way, Im a loving emotional guy too.\" Huh?",
"Its Louis writing as Lestat!",
"Now I have the next book which continues the story and its twice as long.",
"I only wish I could read as fast as Lestat, but then again I only had to read every other page in this book to know what was going on.",
"I just skipped over the 5 paragraphs it takes for Anne to desribe a grain of sand."
] |
2 | beware | Be careful of buying KitchenAid products here. I bought this mixer, and the only reason I considered spending this much for a hand mixer is because of the name. My mixer was ok, while not good enough to justify the high price. I thought I could at least count on it lasting. I was wrong. Two weeks after the one year warranty was up, one of the beaters broke while making mashed potatoes. Before realizing it was past the warranty date, I called Kitchen Aid and was told that Amazon is "like E-Bay," selling used items. I assured them that I paid for a new product!So now I learned. Just buy the cheaper mixers, and realize "throw away" culture makes it too costly to try to alter this reality! It got worse... i was told that the warranty I had was expired, and months after this whole incident, they actually had the NERVE to send me something to tell me the warranty was about to expire, and I shouldn't take a chance, should pay them more to extend the warranty they refused to acknowledge! | 994 | [
"Be careful of buying KitchenAid products here.",
"I bought this mixer, and the only reason I considered spending this much for a hand mixer is because of the name.",
"My mixer was ok, while not good enough to justify the high price.",
"I thought I could at least count on it lasting.",
"I was wrong.",
"Two weeks after the one year warranty was up, one of the beaters broke while making mashed potatoes.",
"Before realizing it was past the warranty date, I called Kitchen Aid and was told that Amazon is \"like E-Bay,\" selling used items.",
"I assured them that I paid for a new product!",
"So now I learned.",
"Just buy the cheaper mixers, and realize \"throw away\" culture makes it too costly to try to alter this reality!",
"It got worse... i was told that the warranty I had was expired, and months after this whole incident, they actually had the NERVE to send me something to tell me the warranty was about to expire, and I shouldn't take a chance, should pay them more to extend the warranty they refused to acknowledge!"
] |
2 | Don't BUY | This book is useless, it doesn't even come bound, it's just a bunch of sheets w/ holes in them so you can place this in a binder. The book isn't great because it is far from an atlas. It is more like a lab manual, explaining a little about the different lab tests. It basically has only one picture(in color)for different examples of each bacterium. Seeing as how it's an atlas, I assumed it to have lots of different pictures of each bacterium. Furthermore, it occupies alot of space with useless low yield info such as chemical structures. If you're buying this book for pictures of bacterium and virus, don't, because you can find comparable pictures on the internet. Also, not sure about this, but it doesn't seem that the authors are PhD's or MD's. They don't list a designation after their name, which may not matter to you, but I've found that most of the useful books are written by PhD's/MD's. SUmmary: Low Yield Book; Should not include atlas in the title because it is far from one.. | 994 | [
"This book is useless, it doesn't even come bound, it's just a bunch of sheets w/ holes in them so you can place this in a binder.",
"The book isn't great because it is far from an atlas.",
"It is more like a lab manual, explaining a little about the different lab tests.",
"It basically has only one picture(in color)for different examples of each bacterium.",
"Seeing as how it's an atlas, I assumed it to have lots of different pictures of each bacterium.",
"Furthermore, it occupies alot of space with useless low yield info such as chemical structures.",
"If you're buying this book for pictures of bacterium and virus, don't, because you can find comparable pictures on the internet.",
"Also, not sure about this, but it doesn't seem that the authors are PhD's or MD's.",
"They don't list a designation after their name, which may not matter to you, but I've found that most of the useful books are written by PhD's/MD's.",
"SUmmary: Low Yield Book; Should not include atlas in the title because it is far from one.."
] |
2 | Ego trip | I bought this book because I thought AJ was interesting the first time I saw him on Howard Sterns E show. Since then AJ has been on Howard a lot and is really repetitive. He's gotten laid a little bit, he has hung around celebritys here and there. Who cares. The book is just AJ feeding his ego. AJ is a sick guy. He is going through his mid life crisis and really wants desperetely to be famous. He tells boring stories about how great he is "Look at me, look who I'm friends with" "Look who I slept with", ect. ect. I expected a lot more outta this book. I did however read it from cover to cover but then I threw it in the trash which I rarely do with a book. I had a couple of friends who were mildly interested in it but I told them I would be wasting there time by giving it to them. Don't buy this book, it is horriable. AJ is a nerd with an inferiority complex who has built up a self worth larger then New York City. Don't buy this book and hopefully he will go away and be by himself. | 994 | [
"I bought this book because I thought AJ was interesting the first time I saw him on Howard Sterns E show.",
"Since then AJ has been on Howard a lot and is really repetitive.",
"He's gotten laid a little bit, he has hung around celebritys here and there.",
"Who cares.",
"The book is just AJ feeding his ego.",
"AJ is a sick guy.",
"He is going through his mid life crisis and really wants desperetely to be famous.",
"He tells boring stories about how great he is \"Look at me, look who I'm friends with\" \"Look who I slept with\", ect.",
"ect.",
"I expected a lot more outta this book.",
"I did however read it from cover to cover but then I threw it in the trash which I rarely do with a book.",
"I had a couple of friends who were mildly interested in it but I told them I would be wasting there time by giving it to them.",
"Don't buy this book, it is horriable.",
"AJ is a nerd with an inferiority complex who has built up a self worth larger then New York City.",
"Don't buy this book and hopefully he will go away and be by himself."
] |
2 | Last in line. | There have been four Crow movies, a TV series and numerous comic series and of all there have been, this rates at the bottom of the pile. It almost felt like whoever put this thing together wanted to break away from the elements that made the Crow, in both movies and comics, work.The murder mystery wasn't very mysterious, it's always nice to see Kirsten Dunst doing work, but I wondered why she was even there. The love story was based on her dead sister, so what? Another love interest? It didn't play well. The Crow, a normally trench coated avenger wore a trnchcoat in this for all of five minutes, and the educated evil police force was a serious stretch.All in all, I watched it because it was a Crow movie, a comic movie and hey, it had Kirsten Dunst, but it was far from something I'd spend serious time watching again though I do own it. Whenever I need some background noise and want something to grab my attention only at certain times, this works if there's nothing else available. | 994 | [
"There have been four Crow movies, a TV series and numerous comic series and of all there have been, this rates at the bottom of the pile.",
"It almost felt like whoever put this thing together wanted to break away from the elements that made the Crow, in both movies and comics, work.The murder mystery wasn't very mysterious, it's always nice to see Kirsten Dunst doing work, but I wondered why she was even there.",
"The love story was based on her dead sister, so what?",
"Another love interest?",
"It didn't play well.",
"The Crow, a normally trench coated avenger wore a trnchcoat in this for all of five minutes, and the educated evil police force was a serious stretch.All in all, I watched it because it was a Crow movie, a comic movie and hey, it had Kirsten Dunst, but it was far from something I'd spend serious time watching again though I do own it.",
"Whenever I need some background noise and want something to grab my attention only at certain times, this works if there's nothing else available."
] |
2 | Hackneyed Theme | I read this book as a courtesy to my old flyfishing partner who gave it to me as a Christmas gift. I could tell from the summary on the dusk jacket that I would probably not like it very much . I was correct. I did not like it very much even though the setting was in my own home State of New Jersey on rivers that I have fished many times myself. I am so tired of flyfishing-as-therapy books. It is a hackneyed theme. Plummer's book is certainly not as bad as Harry Middleton's unreadable, flyfishing-as-therapy book "The Bright Country" but Plummer's book is also mercifully shorter. This book should sell as well as (or as poorly as) Plummer's "Buttercups and Strong Boys." To summarize my opinion of the book using Plummer's own words (see page 86), in writing the book, Plummer "was simply going where many others had been, redoing what had already been done many times before." If one wants to read an entertaining flyfishing-as-therapy book, try "Fly Fishing through the Midlife Crisis." | 994 | [
"I read this book as a courtesy to my old flyfishing partner who gave it to me as a Christmas gift.",
"I could tell from the summary on the dusk jacket that I would probably not like it very much.",
"I was correct.",
"I did not like it very much even though the setting was in my own home State of New Jersey on rivers that I have fished many times myself.",
"I am so tired of flyfishing-as-therapy books.",
"It is a hackneyed theme.",
"Plummer's book is certainly not as bad as Harry Middleton's unreadable, flyfishing-as-therapy book \"The Bright Country\" but Plummer's book is also mercifully shorter.",
"This book should sell as well as (or as poorly as) Plummer's \"Buttercups and Strong Boys.\" To summarize my opinion of the book using Plummer's own words (see page 86), in writing the book, Plummer \"was simply going where many others had been, redoing what had already been done many times before.\" If one wants to read an entertaining flyfishing-as-therapy book, try \"Fly Fishing through the Midlife Crisis.\""
] |
2 | Fact or fiction? | I always thought Traci Lords was an over-acting, under-talented actress (except for her natural endowment), in or out of porn. One thing she does possess is a lot of ambition and the will to overcome obstacles. Her autobiography details her life into the adult entertainment industry and out of it. There's surprisingly very little about her years in the porn world and the 100 hardcore films she starred in as an underaged vixen. There's also no mention of her family's Jewish background. (She does mention that her great-grandmother on her mother's side was Irish, and her paternal grandfather came from the Ukraine.) Each chapter is rather short, and the book reads like a diary with carefully picked entries. There's a bit too much self-analysis. Even the pictures, some in color, are a letdown.The question is, of course, how much of what Lords writes is fact and how much is fiction. But maybe that's just a silly question. Like her films, Traci Lords's book is not to be taken seriously. | 994 | [
"I always thought Traci Lords was an over-acting, under-talented actress (except for her natural endowment), in or out of porn.",
"One thing she does possess is a lot of ambition and the will to overcome obstacles.",
"Her autobiography details her life into the adult entertainment industry and out of it.",
"There's surprisingly very little about her years in the porn world and the 100 hardcore films she starred in as an underaged vixen.",
"There's also no mention of her family's Jewish background.",
"(She does mention that her great-grandmother on her mother's side was Irish, and her paternal grandfather came from the Ukraine.) Each chapter is rather short, and the book reads like a diary with carefully picked entries.",
"There's a bit too much self-analysis.",
"Even the pictures, some in color, are a letdown.The question is, of course, how much of what Lords writes is fact and how much is fiction.",
"But maybe that's just a silly question.",
"Like her films, Traci Lords's book is not to be taken seriously."
] |
2 | Boring... | Yet another linear, mediocre fantasy book. Add it to the others of its kind from David Eddings and the like. Definitely not in the same league as Tolkien, C.S.Lewis or a few others. The plot is like a Sydney Sheldon novel for "kids". The Church is the evil empire (!) in a paralell universe, and also, as we find out in later books, in our world. The plot moves only in one direction, and you can identify each of the author's afterthoughts as he tries to make it coherent. Is he really trying to sell us his subversive view of christianity as the equivalent of evil and ignorance ? If so, he fails miserably in my view. The characters are blatantly one-dimensional, you close the book and forget their names, and will not feel endeared to any of them. They are not lovable, they are just there, like the zombies and specters in his books, devoid of any life of their own. My strong recommendation: rather than reading this stuff pick your old copy of The Lord of the Rings and read it again... | 994 | [
"Yet another linear, mediocre fantasy book.",
"Add it to the others of its kind from David Eddings and the like.",
"Definitely not in the same league as Tolkien, C.S.Lewis or a few others.",
"The plot is like a Sydney Sheldon novel for \"kids\".",
"The Church is the evil empire (!",
") in a paralell universe, and also, as we find out in later books, in our world.",
"The plot moves only in one direction, and you can identify each of the author's afterthoughts as he tries to make it coherent.",
"Is he really trying to sell us his subversive view of christianity as the equivalent of evil and ignorance?",
"If so, he fails miserably in my view.",
"The characters are blatantly one-dimensional, you close the book and forget their names, and will not feel endeared to any of them.",
"They are not lovable, they are just there, like the zombies and specters in his books, devoid of any life of their own.",
"My strong recommendation: rather than reading this stuff pick your old copy of The Lord of the Rings and read it again..."
] |
2 | Don't buy this game | My mom bought me this game after I asked for it, and I wish I hadn't. I would consider this game a good one, that is if it hadn't been for the loads of problems I experienced when I tried to play it. When I first got this I tried to install it on my computer and it failed then I tried the laptop and still it failed.I put game away for a while until I got a new computer. I tried to install it for a third time. It failed one test but managed to install anyway.I played the game and it was fun but then I went to get off. But oh wait you can't save the game, at least not where you want to. I had two families; one restarted the game at episode six the other started over from the beginning.I looked on the internet to try to fix the problem and after doing what the website suggested it worked. But when I'm on episode 6 the game crashes at the poker game or time gets stuck at 5:00. It turns out the game is incompatible with Windows 7. So save yourself the frustration, don't buy this game. | 994 | [
"My mom bought me this game after I asked for it, and I wish I hadn't.",
"I would consider this game a good one, that is if it hadn't been for the loads of problems I experienced when I tried to play it.",
"When I first got this I tried to install it on my computer and it failed then I tried the laptop and still it failed.I put game away for a while until I got a new computer.",
"I tried to install it for a third time.",
"It failed one test but managed to install anyway.I played the game and it was fun but then I went to get off.",
"But oh wait you can't save the game, at least not where you want to.",
"I had two families; one restarted the game at episode six the other started over from the beginning.I looked on the internet to try to fix the problem and after doing what the website suggested it worked.",
"But when I'm on episode 6 the game crashes at the poker game or time gets stuck at 5:00.",
"It turns out the game is incompatible with Windows 7.",
"So save yourself the frustration, don't buy this game."
] |
2 | Not worth it! | Mother Jones is an odd magazine: the topics covered in the magazine are mostly interesting. The articles however are extremely long and contain next to no information. Don't get me wrong, I am all for long articles... if they contain well summarized, well researched information. This is not the case for most articles in Mother Jones. It seems that the authors are trying to hide as little information as possible in a 10 page long prose story about sympathetic characters. In some cases, a bit more semi-humorous information is hidden amongst some drawings.All in all, this seems like kids news for hip grown-ups: the author knows that the reader doesn't really care about complicated stuff such as politics or economics, but still wants to pretend to be a well-informed intellectual, so he wraps about a bit of information in a nice story. Some people might like that kind of journalism, I prefer real news!And be warned: if you subscribe to Mother Jones, you will be flooded with junk mail. | 994 | [
"Mother Jones is an odd magazine: the topics covered in the magazine are mostly interesting.",
"The articles however are extremely long and contain next to no information.",
"Don't get me wrong, I am all for long articles... if they contain well summarized, well researched information.",
"This is not the case for most articles in Mother Jones.",
"It seems that the authors are trying to hide as little information as possible in a 10 page long prose story about sympathetic characters.",
"In some cases, a bit more semi-humorous information is hidden amongst some drawings.All in all, this seems like kids news for hip grown-ups: the author knows that the reader doesn't really care about complicated stuff such as politics or economics, but still wants to pretend to be a well-informed intellectual, so he wraps about a bit of information in a nice story.",
"Some people might like that kind of journalism, I prefer real news!",
"And be warned: if you subscribe to Mother Jones, you will be flooded with junk mail."
] |
2 | a "don't buy" | I had read several encouraging reviews and decided to purchase this book; and unfortunately, I feel that I wasted my money.On the plus side, while the author says nothing new, she does a good job of going over social and fashion trends of the time; I will give her credit for a decent job of writing and research.But for me, as for other vintage fashion enthusiasts, any book on historical garments must include lots, and I mean lots, of great illustrations, whether photographs or reprints from contemporary periodicals and catalogs. This is where "Victorian to Vamp" falls disappointingly short.The reprints are of indifferent quality, a couple of them quite crude (the author couldn't get her hands on a better picture of Amelia Jenks Bloomer? Come on!). And for a book of this type, why oh why couldn't the editors have sprung for a couple of prints in color?If the author would care to reissue this with the help of a better photo/print researcher, I might be tempted to revise my opinion. | 994 | [
"I had read several encouraging reviews and decided to purchase this book; and unfortunately, I feel that I wasted my money.On the plus side, while the author says nothing new, she does a good job of going over social and fashion trends of the time; I will give her credit for a decent job of writing and research.But for me, as for other vintage fashion enthusiasts, any book on historical garments must include lots, and I mean lots, of great illustrations, whether photographs or reprints from contemporary periodicals and catalogs.",
"This is where \"Victorian to Vamp\" falls disappointingly short.The reprints are of indifferent quality, a couple of them quite crude (the author couldn't get her hands on a better picture of Amelia Jenks Bloomer?",
"Come on!",
").",
"And for a book of this type, why oh why couldn't the editors have sprung for a couple of prints in color?",
"If the author would care to reissue this with the help of a better photo/print researcher, I might be tempted to revise my opinion."
] |
2 | Disappointed | I had very high hopes for this book. I forced myself to finish it after reading the first chapter. Imagine a book written by an artist trying to describe the same mountain a scientist is trying to describe. The artist would write things such as vibrant flora, majestic soaring peaks, and serene tranquility. The scientist would describe it as: Mount Everest. Elevation: 8,848 meters above sea level. Located in the Himalaya Mountain range in Tibet. It is two people describing the same mountain from very different perspectives. This book is like an artist is trying to describe and explain Mount Everest to the world. Anybody looking for a more logical perspective should pass.It is probably a good read if you're an artist trying to explain yourself to the world. It is probably not a good read if you're a scientist trying to explain yourself to you. I know that's a sweeping generalization, but that's the basic premise of this book. An individual loner versus a sweepingly generalized mob. | 994 | [
"I had very high hopes for this book.",
"I forced myself to finish it after reading the first chapter.",
"Imagine a book written by an artist trying to describe the same mountain a scientist is trying to describe.",
"The artist would write things such as vibrant flora, majestic soaring peaks, and serene tranquility.",
"The scientist would describe it as: Mount Everest.",
"Elevation: 8,848 meters above sea level.",
"Located in the Himalaya Mountain range in Tibet.",
"It is two people describing the same mountain from very different perspectives.",
"This book is like an artist is trying to describe and explain Mount Everest to the world.",
"Anybody looking for a more logical perspective should pass.It is probably a good read if you're an artist trying to explain yourself to the world.",
"It is probably not a good read if you're a scientist trying to explain yourself to you.",
"I know that's a sweeping generalization, but that's the basic premise of this book.",
"An individual loner versus a sweepingly generalized mob."
] |
2 | Unbelievably dull | As the previous reviewer said, the Pilates half was ok, although I've done a number of much better workouts. The cardio portion was beyond repetitive.Pilates: she did not offer any modification suggestions for people who might have a disability or physical limitation, and some of those exercises are not good without the modifications unless your lower back is already toned & strongCardio: consisted of a whopping 6 moves that lasted an eternal 25 minutes or so. March, hamstring back kicks, reach side, reach over, repeat. Endlessly. She added in a lunge move eventually, and some side punches, but that was it. Also, this may not bother some people, but she was not moving in rhythm with the background music, which I found highly annoying.Stretching/cooldown at end totally insufficient - very little done for the lower body, which was the focus of most of the workout.If you want Pilates videos, I would recommend anything by Ellen Barrett (love the Pick Your Level: Weight Loss Pilates). | 994 | [
"As the previous reviewer said, the Pilates half was ok, although I've done a number of much better workouts.",
"The cardio portion was beyond repetitive.Pilates: she did not offer any modification suggestions for people who might have a disability or physical limitation, and some of those exercises are not good without the modifications unless your lower back is already toned & strongCardio: consisted of a whopping 6 moves that lasted an eternal 25 minutes or so.",
"March, hamstring back kicks, reach side, reach over, repeat.",
"Endlessly.",
"She added in a lunge move eventually, and some side punches, but that was it.",
"Also, this may not bother some people, but she was not moving in rhythm with the background music, which I found highly annoying.Stretching/cooldown at end totally insufficient - very little done for the lower body, which was the focus of most of the workout.If you want Pilates videos, I would recommend anything by Ellen Barrett (love the Pick Your Level: Weight Loss Pilates)."
] |
2 | Let's go a digging! | Seeing snippets of this film on TV aroused my curiosity, but that was all.Billy Connoly's archaeology professsor character is a disgrace to the profession, claiming the Hundred year ended a century too early, and trampling all over excavation sites.Thankfully the good Prof goes missing before he does history any further mischief. Not that you actully notice anyway, until someone tells you he has been gone for 2 weeks.The characters are poorly developed, and are usually killed before you can get to know them.Those that aren't spend most of thier time climbing on buildings, and smashing up walls. One decides to rescue a French girl (Anna Friel with a very bad accent), from the nasty English who kill the French for sport (after having ran out of deer.)The film relies on non-stop action, as opposed to telling good storytelling.So for two hours the baddies chase peasants, stab people, burn houses and dangle women from battlements. All because they are English of course. Reason enough. | 994 | [
"Seeing snippets of this film on TV aroused my curiosity, but that was all.Billy Connoly's archaeology professsor character is a disgrace to the profession, claiming the Hundred year ended a century too early, and trampling all over excavation sites.Thankfully the good Prof goes missing before he does history any further mischief.",
"Not that you actully notice anyway, until someone tells you he has been gone for 2 weeks.The characters are poorly developed, and are usually killed before you can get to know them.Those that aren't spend most of thier time climbing on buildings, and smashing up walls.",
"One decides to rescue a French girl (Anna Friel with a very bad accent), from the nasty English who kill the French for sport (after having ran out of deer.)The film relies on non-stop action, as opposed to telling good storytelling.So for two hours the baddies chase peasants, stab people, burn houses and dangle women from battlements.",
"All because they are English of course.",
"Reason enough."
] |
2 | Missed The Point!!! | After watching this movie I think Mel Gibson missed the point of Christ dying. His movie seemed to focus more on the beating and torture of Christ than the result of his death. It is important to understand that Christ died because of all of us. The Jews, Christians, Atheists, Agnostics, and everyone alike. It makes no difference who physically killed Christ the symbolism is that he dies for all of our sins. Most great people have focused on the return of Christ from the dead, this is the imporatant point. His return and the salvation of mankind. I think Gibson believes that we should all be reminded how brutal Christ's death was, but this is disrespectful to his image and completely disregards what this event meant for mankind. As for the film being anti-semetic, I think it is, but only for those who ignore the fact that Chrsit died because of our sins and we all sin. All of us are responisible and people should keep that in mind, at least all who believe in the Christian faith. | 994 | [
"After watching this movie I think Mel Gibson missed the point of Christ dying.",
"His movie seemed to focus more on the beating and torture of Christ than the result of his death.",
"It is important to understand that Christ died because of all of us.",
"The Jews, Christians, Atheists, Agnostics, and everyone alike.",
"It makes no difference who physically killed Christ the symbolism is that he dies for all of our sins.",
"Most great people have focused on the return of Christ from the dead, this is the imporatant point.",
"His return and the salvation of mankind.",
"I think Gibson believes that we should all be reminded how brutal Christ's death was, but this is disrespectful to his image and completely disregards what this event meant for mankind.",
"As for the film being anti-semetic, I think it is, but only for those who ignore the fact that Chrsit died because of our sins and we all sin.",
"All of us are responisible and people should keep that in mind, at least all who believe in the Christian faith."
] |
2 | just awful. | i've had this radio for quite a while. the first thing i noticed almost immediately was their is no battery backup... i looked and looked for a door and finally disassembled it thinking it HAD to be inside somewhere... i mean nobody would make a clock-radio without one >.>then i realized that close radio frequencies in FM like 105.3 and 105.5 will overlap and you cant listen to just one without garbled junk from the other station or really annoying buzzing static.then theirs the switches on the side for the alarm, which are confusing to operate at night in the dark, and are easily switched off by a pet climbing on it, or a flailing arm in the night... the CD player also wakes me up spinning the CD long before the music starts playing.i wouldn't touch this radio... ill be buying a different one with a digital radio tuner and a backup battery very soon since i keep missing bob and tom, and a small brownout will leave me sleeping till the boss calls wondering where the heck i am.... | 994 | [
"i've had this radio for quite a while.",
"the first thing i noticed almost immediately was their is no battery backup... i looked and looked for a door and finally disassembled it thinking it HAD to be inside somewhere... i mean nobody would make a clock-radio without one >.>then i realized that close radio frequencies in FM like 105.3 and 105.5 will overlap and you cant listen to just one without garbled junk from the other station or really annoying buzzing static.then theirs the switches on the side for the alarm, which are confusing to operate at night in the dark, and are easily switched off by a pet climbing on it, or a flailing arm in the night... the CD player also wakes me up spinning the CD long before the music starts playing.i wouldn't touch this radio... ill be buying a different one with a digital radio tuner and a backup battery very soon since i keep missing bob and tom, and a small brownout will leave me sleeping till the boss calls wondering where the heck i am...."
] |
2 | No 24hr mode! | Yet another clock that insists on using 12hr time in a digital display. Adding an option for 24hr clock is trivial, yet Oregon "Scientific" (more like Scientologist! I contacted them and they disdainfully, snidely, rebuffed me for wanting "Military Time") seems to have some agenda with actual scientific standards. They also display their dates backwards, with no option to revert to correct format (or even totally hosed format, should you like the UK version ;-). Also, there is no focus, nor rotation, allowed for the projector, so unless you put your clock on your head and lie very still it won't project the time directly overhead. Very Procrustean.The only good thing about this clock is that it's cheap, so when you throw it out it won't be that much money down the drain.Too bad the Honeywell PCR191W Atomic Projection Alarm Clock with Indoor Temperature and Moon Phase is out of stock (production?). That was the best version of what this product fails to deliver that I've seen yet. | 994 | [
"Yet another clock that insists on using 12hr time in a digital display.",
"Adding an option for 24hr clock is trivial, yet Oregon \"Scientific\" (more like Scientologist!",
"I contacted them and they disdainfully, snidely, rebuffed me for wanting \"Military Time\") seems to have some agenda with actual scientific standards.",
"They also display their dates backwards, with no option to revert to correct format (or even totally hosed format, should you like the UK version ;-).",
"Also, there is no focus, nor rotation, allowed for the projector, so unless you put your clock on your head and lie very still it won't project the time directly overhead.",
"Very Procrustean.The only good thing about this clock is that it's cheap, so when you throw it out it won't be that much money down the drain.Too bad the Honeywell PCR191W Atomic Projection Alarm Clock with Indoor Temperature and Moon Phase is out of stock (production?",
").",
"That was the best version of what this product fails to deliver that I've seen yet."
] |
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