class_index
int64 1
5
| review_title
stringlengths 1
38
⌀ | review_text
stringlengths 975
1.01k
| length
int64 975
1.01k
| sentences
sequencelengths 1
101
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
2 | Good details but... | I bought this dvd but when I started using it unfortunately I found out the following defects:1) The arplanes don't stay still even with the parking brake pulled and the engines on idle (minimum power). They keep "inching" forward.2) Transponder cannot be set. The tower keeps telling me that there is something wrong with my transponder. At that point I went to set the frequency by hand using its console but it does not accept the value that I want to set. It automaticaly goes back to zero untill the tower cut me off and cancels my IFR flight following.3) There is a nice effect with sparks when, rotating during take off, the tail of the plane touchs the gruond. On my Flight Simulator the sparks start as soon as I turn on the engines and they won't ever go away.Graphic and details are great but I cannot play with them because of those troubles. I would like to use these plane more and find out all it can offer but unfortunately my experience with this product stops at two stars... | 993 | [
"I bought this dvd but when I started using it unfortunately I found out the following defects:1) The arplanes don't stay still even with the parking brake pulled and the engines on idle (minimum power).",
"They keep \"inching\" forward.2) Transponder cannot be set.",
"The tower keeps telling me that there is something wrong with my transponder.",
"At that point I went to set the frequency by hand using its console but it does not accept the value that I want to set.",
"It automaticaly goes back to zero untill the tower cut me off and cancels my IFR flight following.3) There is a nice effect with sparks when, rotating during take off, the tail of the plane touchs the gruond.",
"On my Flight Simulator the sparks start as soon as I turn on the engines and they won't ever go away.Graphic and details are great but I cannot play with them because of those troubles.",
"I would like to use these plane more and find out all it can offer but unfortunately my experience with this product stops at two stars..."
] |
2 | Does NOT stay hot. | Perhaps I got a dud? This does NOT keep my coffee hot. The first time I used it I put coffee w/ milk in it about 8am, put it in my kayak hatch, hoping for a mid-morning coffee break on a day-long kayak trip. Was I ever disappointed to find the coffee BARELY lukewarm after 3 hours. I was shocked because I'd read so many glowing reviews about how well this mug performs. Well yes, it doesn't leak, so there's my 2 stars rating.For my next day's trip I made iced coffee, thinking the mug might do better at keeping things cold. Unlike another thermos I'd used before, 3 hours later, the ice had melted and the coffee was only "cool", not cold.The last time I used it I put my hot coffee in before I went out to walk the dog. When I came back an hour later, the coffee was lukewarm. It probably should be noted that my coffee includes steamed milk, so the temp is not boiling hot when I start. But it is hot.If I could return this I would. For me, the Contigo tumbler was a total waste of money. | 993 | [
"Perhaps I got a dud?",
"This does NOT keep my coffee hot.",
"The first time I used it I put coffee w/ milk in it about 8am, put it in my kayak hatch, hoping for a mid-morning coffee break on a day-long kayak trip.",
"Was I ever disappointed to find the coffee BARELY lukewarm after 3 hours.",
"I was shocked because I'd read so many glowing reviews about how well this mug performs.",
"Well yes, it doesn't leak, so there's my 2 stars rating.For my next day's trip I made iced coffee, thinking the mug might do better at keeping things cold.",
"Unlike another thermos I'd used before, 3 hours later, the ice had melted and the coffee was only \"cool\", not cold.The last time I used it I put my hot coffee in before I went out to walk the dog.",
"When I came back an hour later, the coffee was lukewarm.",
"It probably should be noted that my coffee includes steamed milk, so the temp is not boiling hot when I start.",
"But it is hot.If I could return this I would.",
"For me, the Contigo tumbler was a total waste of money."
] |
2 | Interesting at times | I purchased this book for my niece, but decided to read it before I gave it to her. The story is about a 17-year-old girl named Bella, who falls madly in love with a vampire named Edward.Overall, I wish the story would have been more developed. I think it focuses too much on the sexual attraction between Bella and Edward, and is a bit outrageous with the lengths Bella will go to because of her love for him. I gave it two stars, because at times it is an interesting read. I've decided to hold on to this book until my niece is a bit older. I think the sexual overtones in this relationship is for an older teen. I found their relationship to be a bit dysfunctional. I thought Edward was condescending and almost on the verge of being emotionally abusive. The author never relates that Bella's blind devotion may come from the supernatural powers a vampire may have over a human. The reader is led to believe that Bella's crazy behavior is because of true love. I did not like that message. | 993 | [
"I purchased this book for my niece, but decided to read it before I gave it to her.",
"The story is about a 17-year-old girl named Bella, who falls madly in love with a vampire named Edward.Overall, I wish the story would have been more developed.",
"I think it focuses too much on the sexual attraction between Bella and Edward, and is a bit outrageous with the lengths Bella will go to because of her love for him.",
"I gave it two stars, because at times it is an interesting read.",
"I've decided to hold on to this book until my niece is a bit older.",
"I think the sexual overtones in this relationship is for an older teen.",
"I found their relationship to be a bit dysfunctional.",
"I thought Edward was condescending and almost on the verge of being emotionally abusive.",
"The author never relates that Bella's blind devotion may come from the supernatural powers a vampire may have over a human.",
"The reader is led to believe that Bella's crazy behavior is because of true love.",
"I did not like that message."
] |
2 | Disturbing Ending | This book was very entertaining, at times a little slow, but kept me turing pages. Once Ironheart entered the picture i had hopes for a really great romance too.SPOILER HINT: There were some clues of love between Aurore and someone else but i took it to be family affection.Anyone the ending is why I gave this book a rating of 2 stars. The ending is a little confusing because i think the reader does not want to believe that happened. Even though that practice was used back in those times, it is utterly GROSS AND DISTURBING to fathom that today. I can see how maybe more mature concerning historical customs people would give this book a good rating. If you want to read a very different retelling of sleeping beauty i recommend Robin McKinley's Spindles End, which has an excellent romance and more imaginative take on sleeping beauty, it is alot more descriptive and alot longer though. The Storteller's Daughter by Cameron Dokey is an completely awesome book which i would give 5 stars. | 993 | [
"This book was very entertaining, at times a little slow, but kept me turing pages.",
"Once Ironheart entered the picture i had hopes for a really great romance too.SPOILER HINT: There were some clues of love between Aurore and someone else but i took it to be family affection.Anyone the ending is why I gave this book a rating of 2 stars.",
"The ending is a little confusing because i think the reader does not want to believe that happened.",
"Even though that practice was used back in those times, it is utterly GROSS AND DISTURBING to fathom that today.",
"I can see how maybe more mature concerning historical customs people would give this book a good rating.",
"If you want to read a very different retelling of sleeping beauty i recommend Robin McKinley's Spindles End, which has an excellent romance and more imaginative take on sleeping beauty, it is alot more descriptive and alot longer though.",
"The Storteller's Daughter by Cameron Dokey is an completely awesome book which i would give 5 stars."
] |
2 | Some good, some bad | This is a truly 2 star product. Overall, not bad, good in some areas, and very poor in others. Here's the breakdown:The Positives:-Colorful design that babies love.-Straps snug and secure to our headrest, Best on the market in this area, IMHO.-Baby can see themselves in the mirror well.The Negatives:- The round shape. The frame of the mirror protrudes over the top of the headrest, blocking part of your rear visibility. It's not prohibitively bad, but it's a stupid design flaw.-The mirror makes the baby look like they are 20 feet away.-The most visible item on the mirror which catches your eye is the Fisher Price logo. This is a person peeve, but I simple despise when companies doing these tacky, slimy marketing moves.After installing this, I did shop around to see if there was anything better. (Mainly because of the way the mirror takes up more of the rear view than it needs to.) But I am sticking with this for now since I think it is the best on the market as far as I can tell. | 993 | [
"This is a truly 2 star product.",
"Overall, not bad, good in some areas, and very poor in others.",
"Here's the breakdown:The Positives:-Colorful design that babies love.-Straps snug and secure to our headrest, Best on the market in this area, IMHO.-Baby can see themselves in the mirror well.The Negatives:- The round shape.",
"The frame of the mirror protrudes over the top of the headrest, blocking part of your rear visibility.",
"It's not prohibitively bad, but it's a stupid design flaw.-The mirror makes the baby look like they are 20 feet away.-The most visible item on the mirror which catches your eye is the Fisher Price logo.",
"This is a person peeve, but I simple despise when companies doing these tacky, slimy marketing moves.After installing this, I did shop around to see if there was anything better.",
"(Mainly because of the way the mirror takes up more of the rear view than it needs to.) But I am sticking with this for now since I think it is the best on the market as far as I can tell."
] |
2 | Not the best | Well J.M. Coetzee attempts to make a statement on the human experience, he did so not through his character but by his simple writing and the lack of plot in the book,and how resilient one must be to read the whole book where NOTHING HAPPENS. The whole book seems to have been written in simple sentences starting with "K" and then some meaningless action verb. This book is really hard to read because often times one gets lost in the hard to follow sequences in the story, or one gets lost in the mundane activities that the protagonist partakes in. The book successfully avoided any of the problems in apartheid South Africa and focussed only on a simple man who wanted to grow some pumpkins. The book drags on forever. Only read if you enjoy the three D's; DULL, DUMB, and DRAB. My favorite thing about the book is that you can tell where I fell asleep while reading it because all the pages before I fell asleep are crisp and all the pages after it are wrinkled, I fell asleep on page 59. | 993 | [
"Well J.M. Coetzee attempts to make a statement on the human experience, he did so not through his character but by his simple writing and the lack of plot in the book,and how resilient one must be to read the whole book where NOTHING HAPPENS.",
"The whole book seems to have been written in simple sentences starting with \"K\" and then some meaningless action verb.",
"This book is really hard to read because often times one gets lost in the hard to follow sequences in the story, or one gets lost in the mundane activities that the protagonist partakes in.",
"The book successfully avoided any of the problems in apartheid South Africa and focussed only on a simple man who wanted to grow some pumpkins.",
"The book drags on forever.",
"Only read if you enjoy the three D's; DULL, DUMB, and DRAB.",
"My favorite thing about the book is that you can tell where I fell asleep while reading it because all the pages before I fell asleep are crisp and all the pages after it are wrinkled, I fell asleep on page 59."
] |
2 | Selective History | I looked forward to viewing this, since the history of the west is so rich. It would have been very difficult to present a comprehensive documentary of its history, but it seems that in this case Ives doesn't even try. He is consumed by victimology. It is perfectly appropriate to give a comprehensive account of the Native Americans and the great injustices that were done to them, although much was left out about the different tribes, regions they inhabited, culture, etc.. I would expect that this would be a major part of the series, which it was. Unfortunately, the rest is literally drenched with some sort of guilt-driven quest by the director to include every persecuted group of people, and individually outline their plights (blacks, chinese, mexicans, mormons). The message has become terribly boring by now. Whites bad, everyone else good. And only a passing mention of the Donner party? Believe it or not, you get a much better history overall from Kenny Rogers' "The Real West". | 993 | [
"I looked forward to viewing this, since the history of the west is so rich.",
"It would have been very difficult to present a comprehensive documentary of its history, but it seems that in this case Ives doesn't even try.",
"He is consumed by victimology.",
"It is perfectly appropriate to give a comprehensive account of the Native Americans and the great injustices that were done to them, although much was left out about the different tribes, regions they inhabited, culture, etc..",
"I would expect that this would be a major part of the series, which it was.",
"Unfortunately, the rest is literally drenched with some sort of guilt-driven quest by the director to include every persecuted group of people, and individually outline their plights (blacks, chinese, mexicans, mormons).",
"The message has become terribly boring by now.",
"Whites bad, everyone else good.",
"And only a passing mention of the Donner party?",
"Believe it or not, you get a much better history overall from Kenny Rogers' \"The Real West\"."
] |
2 | limiting | I have studied this course for about one year along the Perfect Pitch. The training basically consists of being able to recognize harmonic intervals and sing melodic intervals. Basically it's a string of intervals without any musical sense whatsoever. I had no problem with that, until I have read something from an Arnold Schoenberg book about this type of ear training. Schoenberg said that he saw various students that were very good with this kind of exercises. However, in his view, ''training the ear in this way without training the musical mind, will not be of great help.'' That changed my view immediately. Music is not made of a string of perfect fifths. So what's the point of practicing a drill that consists in singing a string of perfect fifths?While this type of training might be worth doing for a few weeks, by all means do not make the same mistake as I did : working on it for almost an year. I now train my ear only on real music, and it is this that I find very valuable. | 993 | [
"I have studied this course for about one year along the Perfect Pitch.",
"The training basically consists of being able to recognize harmonic intervals and sing melodic intervals.",
"Basically it's a string of intervals without any musical sense whatsoever.",
"I had no problem with that, until I have read something from an Arnold Schoenberg book about this type of ear training.",
"Schoenberg said that he saw various students that were very good with this kind of exercises.",
"However, in his view, ''training the ear in this way without training the musical mind, will not be of great help.'' That changed my view immediately.",
"Music is not made of a string of perfect fifths.",
"So what's the point of practicing a drill that consists in singing a string of perfect fifths?",
"While this type of training might be worth doing for a few weeks, by all means do not make the same mistake as I did : working on it for almost an year.",
"I now train my ear only on real music, and it is this that I find very valuable."
] |
2 | Fluff and Fancy | If you're a fan of KH1 who enjoyed the KH strategy guide by Dan Birlew, then, like me, you may find yourself frustrated with this Kingdom Hearts 2 strategy guide. The first game's guide provided information as a glossary and as a walk-thru. If you had a question about something in KH1, you could easily find and turn to the corresponding section of its guide for answers. Why didn't the writers of the sequel's guide stick with what worked? I can only guess that they were more interested in style than substance. This book is fat because it is inefficient, full of fluff and fanciful designs that make finding information cumbersome and frustrating. Using Deats' guide, unfortunately, is a distraction from the game rather than a quick reference. I love the Kingdom Hearts series, but I didn't buy this guide for fanfare and souvenir. It will probably be best to go to a gamer's website and download a copy of someone else's guide and/or walk-through as this guide is sorely lacking utility. | 993 | [
"If you're a fan of KH1 who enjoyed the KH strategy guide by Dan Birlew, then, like me, you may find yourself frustrated with this Kingdom Hearts 2 strategy guide.",
"The first game's guide provided information as a glossary and as a walk-thru.",
"If you had a question about something in KH1, you could easily find and turn to the corresponding section of its guide for answers.",
"Why didn't the writers of the sequel's guide stick with what worked?",
"I can only guess that they were more interested in style than substance.",
"This book is fat because it is inefficient, full of fluff and fanciful designs that make finding information cumbersome and frustrating.",
"Using Deats' guide, unfortunately, is a distraction from the game rather than a quick reference.",
"I love the Kingdom Hearts series, but I didn't buy this guide for fanfare and souvenir.",
"It will probably be best to go to a gamer's website and download a copy of someone else's guide and/or walk-through as this guide is sorely lacking utility."
] |
2 | hmmm... | Graham Greene (who should have won the Nobel prize; it's a Disgrace that he didn't) called his lesser efforts "entertainments." Coetzee's lesser efforts could be called "exercises," and would include Diary of a Bad Year, and Elizabeth Costello, his lessest. He must have thought, wouldn't it be interesting if .... er, well, not really, it turns out. Nothing wrong with the format, the set-up, aok; it's what Coetzee does with it, and that's very little. I liked the reveal about the liaison years before with the other lecturer and was hoping for more of the same, maybe more of the relationship with her son ... but it didn't happen. And the Holocuast stuff was very heavy-handed, hard to believe too that either Coetzee or Costello would still be peddling the long-debunked Jews-into-soap line; in fact that she does only serves to make her seem uneducated: so why listen to a lecture by her?The good news is that such a good writer can write average stuff; writers of the world take heart. | 993 | [
"Graham Greene (who should have won the Nobel prize; it's a Disgrace that he didn't) called his lesser efforts \"entertainments.\" Coetzee's lesser efforts could be called \"exercises,\" and would include Diary of a Bad Year, and Elizabeth Costello, his lessest.",
"He must have thought, wouldn't it be interesting if .... er, well, not really, it turns out.",
"Nothing wrong with the format, the set-up, aok; it's what Coetzee does with it, and that's very little.",
"I liked the reveal about the liaison years before with the other lecturer and was hoping for more of the same, maybe more of the relationship with her son ... but it didn't happen.",
"And the Holocuast stuff was very heavy-handed, hard to believe too that either Coetzee or Costello would still be peddling the long-debunked Jews-into-soap line; in fact that she does only serves to make her seem uneducated: so why listen to a lecture by her?",
"The good news is that such a good writer can write average stuff; writers of the world take heart."
] |
2 | Misled by the hype | I read the description and the reviews. I was under the impression that I would be able to keep track of either my aerobic steps or my "daily" steps. Since I was interested in starting a 10,000 steps per day program, I thought I could wear it and it would keep track of ALL my steps, including those steps I take in my house while I'm doing housework, and steps I take while I'm in the grocery store or going from the car to the store, etc. It records NONE of those! It will only record steps after you have been walking for about a minute or so at a continual fluid pace, such as walking for exercise. It also won't record steps you take going up stairs! But I didn't even find this out until AFTER I had opened the package and read the instructions inside, and by then it was too late to return it for a FULL refund! So I feel somewhat cheated and VERY disappointed! Other than that.. it does record my power walking steps and it does reset itself during the night, so those claims are true. | 993 | [
"I read the description and the reviews.",
"I was under the impression that I would be able to keep track of either my aerobic steps or my \"daily\" steps.",
"Since I was interested in starting a 10,000 steps per day program, I thought I could wear it and it would keep track of ALL my steps, including those steps I take in my house while I'm doing housework, and steps I take while I'm in the grocery store or going from the car to the store, etc.",
"It records NONE of those!",
"It will only record steps after you have been walking for about a minute or so at a continual fluid pace, such as walking for exercise.",
"It also won't record steps you take going up stairs!",
"But I didn't even find this out until AFTER I had opened the package and read the instructions inside, and by then it was too late to return it for a FULL refund!",
"So I feel somewhat cheated and VERY disappointed!",
"Other than that..",
"it does record my power walking steps and it does reset itself during the night, so those claims are true."
] |
2 | Hardly an 'Encore' | Encore; an album that was supposedly composed in 2 weeks by Eminem, really shows a lack of effort. I can't consider this album, as a whole, 'music'.He gave his fans what they wanted--- an updated Slim Shady-- and, they got him. Too bad Eminem has matured too much to take on this persona again, and produced 'potty-humor' that only his daughter, Hailey Jade (see 'Mockingbird') can laugh at.I gave this album 3 stars (as 2.5 stars isn't selectable), because half of the songs on this album are bearable. However, the 'mature' Eminem showcases some brilliant lyrical talent, like 'Yellow Brick Road' and 'Never Enough'. I find Eminem is a better storyteller now than he is a comedian. Hopefully when (or if) Eminem produces another album, he'll come to his senses and drop the fact that he's not funny anymore.Those who have listened to this album would agree that if Eminem had released this album as his first, his success would be non-existent.I don't think that this album is worth the buy. | 993 | [
"Encore; an album that was supposedly composed in 2 weeks by Eminem, really shows a lack of effort.",
"I can't consider this album, as a whole, 'music'.He gave his fans what they wanted--- an updated Slim Shady-- and, they got him.",
"Too bad Eminem has matured too much to take on this persona again, and produced 'potty-humor' that only his daughter, Hailey Jade (see 'Mockingbird') can laugh at.I gave this album 3 stars (as 2.5 stars isn't selectable), because half of the songs on this album are bearable.",
"However, the 'mature' Eminem showcases some brilliant lyrical talent, like 'Yellow Brick Road' and 'Never Enough'.",
"I find Eminem is a better storyteller now than he is a comedian.",
"Hopefully when (or if) Eminem produces another album, he'll come to his senses and drop the fact that he's not funny anymore.Those who have listened to this album would agree that if Eminem had released this album as his first, his success would be non-existent.I don't think that this album is worth the buy."
] |
2 | Buyer beware | Inside the cheapest cover I've seen in ages is a CD of various Mulatu Astatke tracks, from his now well-known Ethio-groove classics (i.e. "Yekatit"), to obviously much more recent stuff. The latter is not exactly bad but the overall sound is not as convincing as that of his achievements of yore. However, one track at least, "Tsome Diguwa", gets close to reviving the old Mulatu sound, with good jazz-funk arrangements and good solos.This release is a problem in itself: there are no dates to be found, no identification of the musicians involved. The mixture of new and old seems throwaway, since this is neither presented as a new album nor as a compilation.This is not a condemnation of the music itself, which is generally worthwhile; but those who already know Mulatu will end with quite a few tracks they already know from somewhere else; and newcomers to his work will not find any clue here (the only date being 2006, while there are tracks from the early 1970s thrown in the middle). | 993 | [
"Inside the cheapest cover I've seen in ages is a CD of various Mulatu Astatke tracks, from his now well-known Ethio-groove classics (i.e. \"Yekatit\"), to obviously much more recent stuff.",
"The latter is not exactly bad but the overall sound is not as convincing as that of his achievements of yore.",
"However, one track at least, \"Tsome Diguwa\", gets close to reviving the old Mulatu sound, with good jazz-funk arrangements and good solos.This release is a problem in itself: there are no dates to be found, no identification of the musicians involved.",
"The mixture of new and old seems throwaway, since this is neither presented as a new album nor as a compilation.This is not a condemnation of the music itself, which is generally worthwhile; but those who already know Mulatu will end with quite a few tracks they already know from somewhere else; and newcomers to his work will not find any clue here (the only date being 2006, while there are tracks from the early 1970s thrown in the middle)."
] |
2 | Declining series | I enjoyed the other books in this series, though strangely, it seemed to me that each successive book was a step down from the one preceeding it. Kiss & Tell remains the strongest and most enjoyable. By the time I got to Out of Sight, the decline in reading pleasure had sunk so low that I was unable to finish the story. I was completely turned off by the self-centeredness of the heroine. Her inability to see the larger picture in life and death situations endangered not only herself but others, and ultimately led to the death of another character. She seemed less troubled by this than she was with proving herself, which I found contemptible. My two stars are for the hero, who deserved a much better woman. I'll be waiting for Ms. Adair's newest entry, On Thin Ice, to be released in paperback before purchasing. I sincerely hope this series, which began with so much potential, will get back on track. The author has a lot of talent, and I'm looking forward to better things from her. | 993 | [
"I enjoyed the other books in this series, though strangely, it seemed to me that each successive book was a step down from the one preceeding it.",
"Kiss & Tell remains the strongest and most enjoyable.",
"By the time I got to Out of Sight, the decline in reading pleasure had sunk so low that I was unable to finish the story.",
"I was completely turned off by the self-centeredness of the heroine.",
"Her inability to see the larger picture in life and death situations endangered not only herself but others, and ultimately led to the death of another character.",
"She seemed less troubled by this than she was with proving herself, which I found contemptible.",
"My two stars are for the hero, who deserved a much better woman.",
"I'll be waiting for Ms.",
"Adair's newest entry, On Thin Ice, to be released in paperback before purchasing.",
"I sincerely hope this series, which began with so much potential, will get back on track.",
"The author has a lot of talent, and I'm looking forward to better things from her."
] |
2 | Derivative | This album presents Mr. Valor, clearly a talented man, trying to imitate Barry White and the Love Unlimited Orchestra. The songs were composed with the bedroom in mind-- but alas, the lyrics fall far short of romanticism or eroticism. They are actually cringe-inducing at points. Valor's insistence in singing in the lower registers, a la Barry White, have his vocals out of his range. He ends up growling rather than singing many of the notes. His normal vocal style is lounge singer (Holiday Inn?) When co-vocalist Carol Williams comes on, her voice sounds so clear and her tone is so beautiful that the listener regrets what the album could have been. The instrumentation and arrangements are quite good at times-- "Love Has Come My Way" is actually a solid composition whose lyrics and male vocals spoil. "Dame Esa Cosa" is the other extended song, and because it is largely instrumental, it fares best. It is more jungle-oriented than the traditional orchestral disco of the other tracks. | 993 | [
"This album presents Mr.",
"Valor, clearly a talented man, trying to imitate Barry White and the Love Unlimited Orchestra.",
"The songs were composed with the bedroom in mind-- but alas, the lyrics fall far short of romanticism or eroticism.",
"They are actually cringe-inducing at points.",
"Valor's insistence in singing in the lower registers, a la Barry White, have his vocals out of his range.",
"He ends up growling rather than singing many of the notes.",
"His normal vocal style is lounge singer (Holiday Inn?",
") When co-vocalist Carol Williams comes on, her voice sounds so clear and her tone is so beautiful that the listener regrets what the album could have been.",
"The instrumentation and arrangements are quite good at times-- \"Love Has Come My Way\" is actually a solid composition whose lyrics and male vocals spoil.",
"\"Dame Esa Cosa\" is the other extended song, and because it is largely instrumental, it fares best.",
"It is more jungle-oriented than the traditional orchestral disco of the other tracks."
] |
2 | What a bummer! | I got this product but didn't use it and kept it in a drawer for a year or two. When my electric razor broke, I decided to try it. I have weird allergies and usually react to stuff marked hypoallergenic, so I was nervous about using this brand because I can't use Sally Hansen makeup. However, I was pleased to find out that this might be the ONLY hair remover that I'm not allergic to. I'm so glad I found it because of that.However, here's the problem. The can was only enough to do my calves and my pits. Yes, I accidentally sprayed some on my bathroom wall, but still, that's not very much. What's worse is I used it on Thursday night and by Monday morning I had noticeable hair growth again. At first I thought this might just be because I left it sitting too long, but after reading all the other reviews, I now know that's not the answer.So, basically, this is a nice product because I'm not allergic to it, but there's not enough and it doesn't even last all that long. Quite a bummer. | 993 | [
"I got this product but didn't use it and kept it in a drawer for a year or two.",
"When my electric razor broke, I decided to try it.",
"I have weird allergies and usually react to stuff marked hypoallergenic, so I was nervous about using this brand because I can't use Sally Hansen makeup.",
"However, I was pleased to find out that this might be the ONLY hair remover that I'm not allergic to.",
"I'm so glad I found it because of that.However, here's the problem.",
"The can was only enough to do my calves and my pits.",
"Yes, I accidentally sprayed some on my bathroom wall, but still, that's not very much.",
"What's worse is I used it on Thursday night and by Monday morning I had noticeable hair growth again.",
"At first I thought this might just be because I left it sitting too long, but after reading all the other reviews, I now know that's not the answer.So, basically, this is a nice product because I'm not allergic to it, but there's not enough and it doesn't even last all that long.",
"Quite a bummer."
] |
2 | An abysmal mess | I haven't read much in the genre of contemporary romance, but this book will not speed me toward becoming a fan of the genre. The plot is fairly complex and well-drawn, but the characters are purely schizophrenic, changing moods without reason or warning, swinging from cozily romantic to blazingly hostile and back, often in a single paragraph. And aren't the characters in these books allowed to have a single weakness? The male lead is a lawyer, a potter, a professional wrestler, looks after his 6 siblings and cancer-stricken mama and, oh yeah, we're constantly reminded, he's gorgeous and built. The female is a gallery owner, a country-western singer, a silent contributor to the local homeless shelter, and--yep--gorgeous and built. As to the narrative, if your idea of snappy repartee is lines like, "You're a gifted genius!" (this at the apex of a love scene, mind you) or "He had a hot poker in his pants," well then, put down the Shelley and Shakespeare; Patricia Rice is your gal. | 993 | [
"I haven't read much in the genre of contemporary romance, but this book will not speed me toward becoming a fan of the genre.",
"The plot is fairly complex and well-drawn, but the characters are purely schizophrenic, changing moods without reason or warning, swinging from cozily romantic to blazingly hostile and back, often in a single paragraph.",
"And aren't the characters in these books allowed to have a single weakness?",
"The male lead is a lawyer, a potter, a professional wrestler, looks after his 6 siblings and cancer-stricken mama and, oh yeah, we're constantly reminded, he's gorgeous and built.",
"The female is a gallery owner, a country-western singer, a silent contributor to the local homeless shelter, and--yep--gorgeous and built.",
"As to the narrative, if your idea of snappy repartee is lines like, \"You're a gifted genius!",
"\" (this at the apex of a love scene, mind you) or \"He had a hot poker in his pants,\" well then, put down the Shelley and Shakespeare; Patricia Rice is your gal."
] |
2 | Avg at Best | This CD starts out with Diddy saying 'Let's make History'. The only history made on this CD is the fact that is probably the worst NE CD to come out. I have every NE CD from Candy Girl on up to One Love and there is nothing on this CD that you will remember 6 months to a year from now. The best track is 'Hot 2 Night', but the song only has 1 verse. So while it's very catchy the first few times you listen to it, after the 5th time it is quite repedative and will have a very short life on the charts. The track 'All on you' is pretty good, but should have been a BBD song and not a NE song. My next favorite track is 'Newness', which is a nice slow jam. However, this song sounds very similiar to a track from their 'Home Again' CD. All other tracks are very average with no highlights.This CD is a disappointed, after the long wait for this CD to finally get released. I guess I'll put my NE: Heartbreak CD in now and remember the days when they had great producers working on their stuff. | 993 | [
"This CD starts out with Diddy saying 'Let's make History'.",
"The only history made on this CD is the fact that is probably the worst NE CD to come out.",
"I have every NE CD from Candy Girl on up to One Love and there is nothing on this CD that you will remember 6 months to a year from now.",
"The best track is 'Hot 2 Night', but the song only has 1 verse.",
"So while it's very catchy the first few times you listen to it, after the 5th time it is quite repedative and will have a very short life on the charts.",
"The track 'All on you' is pretty good, but should have been a BBD song and not a NE song.",
"My next favorite track is 'Newness', which is a nice slow jam.",
"However, this song sounds very similiar to a track from their 'Home Again' CD.",
"All other tracks are very average with no highlights.This CD is a disappointed, after the long wait for this CD to finally get released.",
"I guess I'll put my NE: Heartbreak CD in now and remember the days when they had great producers working on their stuff."
] |
2 | Fun While It Lasted | Bought this in November as a Christmas present for my 11 year old, so it was opened on Dec. 25. On July 4 (6 months and 9 days later), the CD player failed to detect that a disk was installed. It didn't take long to see that the laser lens inside the player was missing... it had popped out. I found it loose inside the bottom of the speaker case. I could not reinstall it, and it appears that the retention of that lens is simple friction against some side posts. Or possibly, another retention piece is missing and I can't find it. Compared to another brand CD player, the lens mounting is cheap, lightweight, and probably built by the lowest biding subcontractor for Phillips. In any case, it couldn't hold up to an 11 year old playing it outside with friends. So, if you are bedridden or similarly isolated such that this boom box will sit on a sturdy table and not be moved much, this is the unit for you. I gave it 2 stars instead of of only one because it does sound good when it plays. | 993 | [
"Bought this in November as a Christmas present for my 11 year old, so it was opened on Dec.",
"25.",
"On July 4 (6 months and 9 days later), the CD player failed to detect that a disk was installed.",
"It didn't take long to see that the laser lens inside the player was missing... it had popped out.",
"I found it loose inside the bottom of the speaker case.",
"I could not reinstall it, and it appears that the retention of that lens is simple friction against some side posts.",
"Or possibly, another retention piece is missing and I can't find it.",
"Compared to another brand CD player, the lens mounting is cheap, lightweight, and probably built by the lowest biding subcontractor for Phillips.",
"In any case, it couldn't hold up to an 11 year old playing it outside with friends.",
"So, if you are bedridden or similarly isolated such that this boom box will sit on a sturdy table and not be moved much, this is the unit for you.",
"I gave it 2 stars instead of of only one because it does sound good when it plays."
] |
2 | Not For Me | This book had so many positive reviews, some from authors I like, that I continued reading it long after I normally would have given up. I kept waiting for it to become good, but it never did.The first downside of the book is that it doesn't really have a plot. Harrison just throws us into the life of three people who are loosely tied together in the last 25 pages. There's no progression, no story line. As one of the other commenters said, the plot is "fractal," and I think that's a very good description.The second downside is that there's a significant amount of explicit sex. This is definitely an R-rated book.On the plus side, Harrison's world is well thought out and rich in details. His view of the universe is that it's so complex that no one can really understand it, and he does a good job of expressing this. The technology is also interesting, and "Light" is a good example of hard sci-fi.That being said, the positives do not overcome the negatives. I did not like this book. | 993 | [
"This book had so many positive reviews, some from authors I like, that I continued reading it long after I normally would have given up.",
"I kept waiting for it to become good, but it never did.The first downside of the book is that it doesn't really have a plot.",
"Harrison just throws us into the life of three people who are loosely tied together in the last 25 pages.",
"There's no progression, no story line.",
"As one of the other commenters said, the plot is \"fractal,\" and I think that's a very good description.The second downside is that there's a significant amount of explicit sex.",
"This is definitely an R-rated book.On the plus side, Harrison's world is well thought out and rich in details.",
"His view of the universe is that it's so complex that no one can really understand it, and he does a good job of expressing this.",
"The technology is also interesting, and \"Light\" is a good example of hard sci-fi.That being said, the positives do not overcome the negatives.",
"I did not like this book."
] |
2 | Ophul's Awful Offal | Okay, it's not that bad, but I've been trying to upgrade the review titles lately and couldn't resist. Anyway, LOLA MONTES might carry the high cachet of a master's masterpiece, but I could barely keep my eyes on this story of the grand courtesan of Europe, Lola Montes, who left Liszt, loved King Ludwig, and wound up in the middle of a circus with Peter Ustinov wearing the tall silk and cracking a whip, the audience shouting out indelicate questions, and her life being replayed in a series of flashbacks. The lovely Lola, played by the monotonous Martine Carol, may have led a fascinating and compelling life, but it failed to generate a spark with me.The thing does look good though, as far as I could tell. Nice framing, editing, layers of action, that kind of stuff. When this Fox/Lorber dvd wasn't showing off its scratches and flares it was fluttering across the screen. Even with a pristine print and a perfect transfer, though, I don't think I'd care to sit through this one again. | 993 | [
"Okay, it's not that bad, but I've been trying to upgrade the review titles lately and couldn't resist.",
"Anyway, LOLA MONTES might carry the high cachet of a master's masterpiece, but I could barely keep my eyes on this story of the grand courtesan of Europe, Lola Montes, who left Liszt, loved King Ludwig, and wound up in the middle of a circus with Peter Ustinov wearing the tall silk and cracking a whip, the audience shouting out indelicate questions, and her life being replayed in a series of flashbacks.",
"The lovely Lola, played by the monotonous Martine Carol, may have led a fascinating and compelling life, but it failed to generate a spark with me.The thing does look good though, as far as I could tell.",
"Nice framing, editing, layers of action, that kind of stuff.",
"When this Fox/Lorber dvd wasn't showing off its scratches and flares it was fluttering across the screen.",
"Even with a pristine print and a perfect transfer, though, I don't think I'd care to sit through this one again."
] |
2 | bronx masquerade | The story I read was Bronx Masquerade, the author is Nikki Grimes. The setting is mainly school in the Bronx, the genre is realistic fiction, and there are 167 in the book. The main character in the story is Tyrone.This book is about a class that wants to do poetry. The story tells about the poems they about wrote their stories and how they got their ideas for their pomes. One of the issue in the story is a girl wants to have a baby so she feels loved. Another issue is Tyrone thinks he doesn't have a future so he doesn't know if he should stay in school or drop out. He thinks he is going to die at a young age and won't have a chance to get a good job and raise a family.I am giving this book 2 star because the book was really hard to understand for me. There were too many people talking at once and too many poems, also the slang made the book hard to understand. I would recommend this book for people in high school or above because it hard to understand for some middle schoolers. | 993 | [
"The story I read was Bronx Masquerade, the author is Nikki Grimes.",
"The setting is mainly school in the Bronx, the genre is realistic fiction, and there are 167 in the book.",
"The main character in the story is Tyrone.This book is about a class that wants to do poetry.",
"The story tells about the poems they about wrote their stories and how they got their ideas for their pomes.",
"One of the issue in the story is a girl wants to have a baby so she feels loved.",
"Another issue is Tyrone thinks he doesn't have a future so he doesn't know if he should stay in school or drop out.",
"He thinks he is going to die at a young age and won't have a chance to get a good job and raise a family.I am giving this book 2 star because the book was really hard to understand for me.",
"There were too many people talking at once and too many poems, also the slang made the book hard to understand.",
"I would recommend this book for people in high school or above because it hard to understand for some middle schoolers."
] |
2 | Not what I expected | So I just got these in the mail and I must say that I am disappointed. The first issue is that these glasses are quite a bit bigger than they appear in the picture. I don't have a very large face, so they really don't look that great. So if you are like me and have a face that's on the small side then beware.The second issue is that these glasses feel rather cheap, more akin to something that you would buy at Target for $25. There is just no sense that this is a $60 brand name item or most definitely not the $99 claimed retail. Of course it remains to be seen how they will hold up after several months/years of use, but my prediction based on the quality and sturdiness of the frame that it will be more like months rather than years.On the small plus side, they are polarized; if you have a large face, they probably wont look terrible; and they do come with a neat little carrying case.All in all, I am disappointed with this purchase and will probably just use them only for driving. | 993 | [
"So I just got these in the mail and I must say that I am disappointed.",
"The first issue is that these glasses are quite a bit bigger than they appear in the picture.",
"I don't have a very large face, so they really don't look that great.",
"So if you are like me and have a face that's on the small side then beware.The second issue is that these glasses feel rather cheap, more akin to something that you would buy at Target for $25.",
"There is just no sense that this is a $60 brand name item or most definitely not the $99 claimed retail.",
"Of course it remains to be seen how they will hold up after several months/years of use, but my prediction based on the quality and sturdiness of the frame that it will be more like months rather than years.On the small plus side, they are polarized; if you have a large face, they probably wont look terrible; and they do come with a neat little carrying case.All in all, I am disappointed with this purchase and will probably just use them only for driving."
] |
2 | Boring. | I found the book to be boring, with long interludes between occasionally gripping narrative passages. The interviews do suffer from a similar voicing, with sentence structure unceasingly uniform throughout. You're not likely to encounter such blandness were you to interview the neighbors on your street, never mind if you were to interview people from around the world(as the narrator claims to have done).And then there are the requirements that you believe that zombies(human flesh here) don't dry out. Why doesn't the flesh become dessicated and dehydrated? Was every deceased plastinated? I'd have much preferred if Brooks added some component of decay to the zombie experience, barring that he should have explained how his creation denies physical law.Yes, I understand that the precept of a zombie novel denies physical law, but saying that human flesh doesn't dry out(and the zombies aren't carrying water bottles) but can freeze seems an unnecessary trespass on the readers goodwill. | 993 | [
"I found the book to be boring, with long interludes between occasionally gripping narrative passages.",
"The interviews do suffer from a similar voicing, with sentence structure unceasingly uniform throughout.",
"You're not likely to encounter such blandness were you to interview the neighbors on your street, never mind if you were to interview people from around the world(as the narrator claims to have done).And then there are the requirements that you believe that zombies(human flesh here) don't dry out.",
"Why doesn't the flesh become dessicated and dehydrated?",
"Was every deceased plastinated?",
"I'd have much preferred if Brooks added some component of decay to the zombie experience, barring that he should have explained how his creation denies physical law.Yes, I understand that the precept of a zombie novel denies physical law, but saying that human flesh doesn't dry out(and the zombies aren't carrying water bottles) but can freeze seems an unnecessary trespass on the readers goodwill."
] |
2 | Mr. Who or What! | I am so Thankful this film came on Sundance for had it not I would have made the error in buying it for my collection. Really there was what could have been a "real story" here but that did not happend. Instead the director took this film on what seemed to be a if you will "trip". It went here, there, everywhere, leaving you saying what the heck is this so called film I'm watching. Then the so called female friend still doesn't know the difference between a gay man & a straight man with all the gay men she is surrounded by. Please if "anything" rent this film do not buy it. If someone elese were to take and rewrite this script it would be a great story and done without spending a ton of money as well. Simply the director failed at telling any kind of story here. If your bored or a lazy Sunday afternoon take a peak but remember even if it's a lazy afternoon you can not get back the lazy time you gave up by watching this film.Peace & Blesssings,Hope This Helps someone from buying. | 993 | [
"I am so Thankful this film came on Sundance for had it not I would have made the error in buying it for my collection.",
"Really there was what could have been a \"real story\" here but that did not happend.",
"Instead the director took this film on what seemed to be a if you will \"trip\".",
"It went here, there, everywhere, leaving you saying what the heck is this so called film I'm watching.",
"Then the so called female friend still doesn't know the difference between a gay man & a straight man with all the gay men she is surrounded by.",
"Please if \"anything\" rent this film do not buy it.",
"If someone elese were to take and rewrite this script it would be a great story and done without spending a ton of money as well.",
"Simply the director failed at telling any kind of story here.",
"If your bored or a lazy Sunday afternoon take a peak but remember even if it's a lazy afternoon you can not get back the lazy time you gave up by watching this film.Peace & Blesssings,Hope This Helps someone from buying."
] |
2 | shaving snobs | Well folks, here is a different review of this razor and DE razor blades (Merkur platinum and Feathers). I have used Gillette products for many years and have been very satisfied, except for price (more on this).But I decided after reading many glowing reviews that I would try DE tehnology.Let me count the ways that DE is inferior in my judgement.1. Gillette Proglide gives a closer shave.2. There is more razor burn with DE.3. There are far more nicks and cuts with DE razors. I tried DE for about two weeks and this was after watching the excellent video review. I used this razor and Merkur and Feather blades. Merkur was slightly better of the two.4.The Proglide is better at reaching tough spots on face.The only benefit, in my opinion, for DE technology, is the cost. Yes, the Proglide is probably 3 times the cost of the DE blades. But I get longer use and the overall cost is probably twice of the DE system. So if cost is your primary concern go DE, otherwise I cannot recommend it. | 993 | [
"Well folks, here is a different review of this razor and DE razor blades (Merkur platinum and Feathers).",
"I have used Gillette products for many years and have been very satisfied, except for price (more on this).But I decided after reading many glowing reviews that I would try DE tehnology.Let me count the ways that DE is inferior in my judgement.1. Gillette Proglide gives a closer shave.2. There is more razor burn with DE.3. There are far more nicks and cuts with DE razors.",
"I tried DE for about two weeks and this was after watching the excellent video review.",
"I used this razor and Merkur and Feather blades.",
"Merkur was slightly better of the two.4.The Proglide is better at reaching tough spots on face.The only benefit, in my opinion, for DE technology, is the cost.",
"Yes, the Proglide is probably 3 times the cost of the DE blades.",
"But I get longer use and the overall cost is probably twice of the DE system.",
"So if cost is your primary concern go DE, otherwise I cannot recommend it."
] |
2 | A real let-down | I am a big fan of J. Michael Straczynski & Gary Frank's SUPREME POWER series, so I had high hopes for the miniseries DOCTOR SPECTRUM: FULL SPECTRUM. But my hopes were definitely not met. Don't be fooled into thinking that FULL SPECTRUM provides essential insight into the events depicted in SUPREME POWER. Yes, it does provide background on Joe Ledger before the mysterious power crystal physically made itself a part of his life, but the events depicted in this story are fairly superfluous. Yeah, he had a tough life, and that's about it... well, gee. By the end of the story, I didn't feel that I understood anything more about Doctor Spectrum, the power crystal, or SUPREME POWER than I already did. Even then, it would have helped if Straczynksi and Frank could have handled this story, but they unfortunately farmed it out to Samm Barnes and Travel Foreman, who can't keep up with the standard set by the series creators. FULL SPECTRUM can definitely be skipped - you won't miss a thing. | 993 | [
"I am a big fan of J.",
"Michael Straczynski & Gary Frank's SUPREME POWER series, so I had high hopes for the miniseries DOCTOR SPECTRUM: FULL SPECTRUM.",
"But my hopes were definitely not met.",
"Don't be fooled into thinking that FULL SPECTRUM provides essential insight into the events depicted in SUPREME POWER.",
"Yes, it does provide background on Joe Ledger before the mysterious power crystal physically made itself a part of his life, but the events depicted in this story are fairly superfluous.",
"Yeah, he had a tough life, and that's about it... well, gee.",
"By the end of the story, I didn't feel that I understood anything more about Doctor Spectrum, the power crystal, or SUPREME POWER than I already did.",
"Even then, it would have helped if Straczynksi and Frank could have handled this story, but they unfortunately farmed it out to Samm Barnes and Travel Foreman, who can't keep up with the standard set by the series creators.",
"FULL SPECTRUM can definitely be skipped - you won't miss a thing."
] |
2 | Pretty dull movie | This is an interesting concept with too many problems within. Here is a pill that makes you smart yet somehow Cooper always has problems! He didn't know he was out of pills until he grabed the last one. Never occured to him? He forgot to pay his loan shark back with his millions of dollars of profit? The worst of course, is that he successfully predicted a texting driver would crash into another car. Out of all ways and means to prove this guy is brilliant, the movie has to resort to complete random chance.Not to say it was terrible - it was entertaining but too many scenes threw me off. It's a problem to have a genius run into problems he could have easily avoided. The final scene is Cooper chewing down on De Niro when in fact that speech should be geared toward the audience, not some small character we don't care about and can't connect to. There were not enough connections to everyday events (people) to engage us.It's enjoyable but I wouldn't say go out of your way to see it. | 993 | [
"This is an interesting concept with too many problems within.",
"Here is a pill that makes you smart yet somehow Cooper always has problems!",
"He didn't know he was out of pills until he grabed the last one.",
"Never occured to him?",
"He forgot to pay his loan shark back with his millions of dollars of profit?",
"The worst of course, is that he successfully predicted a texting driver would crash into another car.",
"Out of all ways and means to prove this guy is brilliant, the movie has to resort to complete random chance.Not to say it was terrible - it was entertaining but too many scenes threw me off.",
"It's a problem to have a genius run into problems he could have easily avoided.",
"The final scene is Cooper chewing down on De Niro when in fact that speech should be geared toward the audience, not some small character we don't care about and can't connect to.",
"There were not enough connections to everyday events (people) to engage us.It's enjoyable but I wouldn't say go out of your way to see it."
] |
2 | Unhappy :-( | I bought this lens over a year ago with great expectations. I used it a lot but was not impressed with the images near 200mm and wide open. I was told that this lens does have a steep learning curve so I persisted.I decided to check for back/front focusing. I focused on the center line (Camera on tripod, IS off, Mirror lockup, manual focus with live view on 40D). The focus was centered on the "Focus Here" Line but it was not sharp. I had to zoom down to about 135mm @ f5.6 to get sharp focus. I was impressed with that sharpness, but I didn't pay for a 135mm f5.6 lens!I sent the lens to Canon for service and they said it was front focusing and they "made an adjustment". No difference as far as I could see. I truely had a bad copy but couldn't get it replaced after 30 days.I sold the lens and bought a 24-105 f/4L and couldn't be happier. I'm considering the 100-400 for my next purchase. I realize my experience is exceptional (In a bad way!), and hopefully you will have better luck. | 993 | [
"I bought this lens over a year ago with great expectations.",
"I used it a lot but was not impressed with the images near 200mm and wide open.",
"I was told that this lens does have a steep learning curve so I persisted.I decided to check for back/front focusing.",
"I focused on the center line (Camera on tripod, IS off, Mirror lockup, manual focus with live view on 40D).",
"The focus was centered on the \"Focus Here\" Line but it was not sharp.",
"I had to zoom down to about 135mm @ f5.6 to get sharp focus.",
"I was impressed with that sharpness, but I didn't pay for a 135mm f5.6 lens!",
"I sent the lens to Canon for service and they said it was front focusing and they \"made an adjustment\".",
"No difference as far as I could see.",
"I truely had a bad copy but couldn't get it replaced after 30 days.I sold the lens and bought a 24-105 f/4L and couldn't be happier.",
"I'm considering the 100-400 for my next purchase.",
"I realize my experience is exceptional (In a bad way!",
"), and hopefully you will have better luck."
] |
2 | Cumbersome | I wanted to like this tire step. I have an 2000 Xterra, and this tire step fits in the wheel wells with no problem. It is rugged and heavy duty in looks and in feel. But it just felt very cumbersome to me. Adjusting the height on this was a chore... the fit of the screws is very tight and frustrating even though I knew I would have to adjust it once and leave it at that. But the step, when folded, just seemed really awkward. It will swing open (either the step part or the part that wraps around the tire) if you don't hold it just right, as someone else commented... watch your fingers when that happens! I tightened the screws so the step would not open so freely but then found that it was just tight enough that the step did not fold flat symmetrically if tightened just so. Also, once you adjust the height the step no longer fits in the bag. I decided to return the tire step and instead picked up a folding hi-step stool that can actually gets me up higher than the tire step could. | 993 | [
"I wanted to like this tire step.",
"I have an 2000 Xterra, and this tire step fits in the wheel wells with no problem.",
"It is rugged and heavy duty in looks and in feel.",
"But it just felt very cumbersome to me.",
"Adjusting the height on this was a chore... the fit of the screws is very tight and frustrating even though I knew I would have to adjust it once and leave it at that.",
"But the step, when folded, just seemed really awkward.",
"It will swing open (either the step part or the part that wraps around the tire) if you don't hold it just right, as someone else commented... watch your fingers when that happens!",
"I tightened the screws so the step would not open so freely but then found that it was just tight enough that the step did not fold flat symmetrically if tightened just so.",
"Also, once you adjust the height the step no longer fits in the bag.",
"I decided to return the tire step and instead picked up a folding hi-step stool that can actually gets me up higher than the tire step could."
] |
2 | kind of works | Locks up my intel mac pro running snow leopard instantly every time it is plugged in or out. Wedged hard such that the machine is not even reachable by network for a clean restart. Must be hard reset by power-off. Save all documents, and be prepared for instant death when you bring this unit anywhere near your computer.If you enjoy living dangerously and are planning to install this on a mac, be sure to shutdown your machine first, plug in the device, then reboot. Given that, it seems to work.Also, comes packaged in the worst kind of blister pack that requires great care to open without tremendous risk to life and limb.If there were any viable alternative, I would investigate it seriously. Have to say, while the details may differ, this is pretty typical of the level of quality delivered by anything I have gotten from Belkin in many years.I'll give it two stars because, if you are desperate, and very, very careful, it can be made to work, and you may still have all your fingers. | 993 | [
"Locks up my intel mac pro running snow leopard instantly every time it is plugged in or out.",
"Wedged hard such that the machine is not even reachable by network for a clean restart.",
"Must be hard reset by power-off.",
"Save all documents, and be prepared for instant death when you bring this unit anywhere near your computer.If you enjoy living dangerously and are planning to install this on a mac, be sure to shutdown your machine first, plug in the device, then reboot.",
"Given that, it seems to work.Also, comes packaged in the worst kind of blister pack that requires great care to open without tremendous risk to life and limb.If there were any viable alternative, I would investigate it seriously.",
"Have to say, while the details may differ, this is pretty typical of the level of quality delivered by anything I have gotten from Belkin in many years.I'll give it two stars because, if you are desperate, and very, very careful, it can be made to work, and you may still have all your fingers."
] |
2 | Boring | As with all of Tom Clancy's novels, there is a great deal of detail. Since the book is much shorter than any of his other novels (431 pp.), I figured that Mr. Clancy would spend less time developing plots and characters and more time with action. HOWEVER, except for a few bright spots, I found the book extremely boring. I read every word until about page 200, then I found myself skipping around. One thing that was interesting was descriptions of methods used by our security forces to track down criminals using the internet. But, in my humble opinion, even this could have been done better and with less minutiae. No doubt there will be a sequel, but I won't be wasting my time with it. It is a shame, because the subject of this book (dealing with radical Islamic fundamentalists who want to do nothing more than destroy the US) is so widespread and prevalent today. I am sure that there will be many other books dealing with this subject. Maybe Clive Cussler has something in the works. | 993 | [
"As with all of Tom Clancy's novels, there is a great deal of detail.",
"Since the book is much shorter than any of his other novels (431 pp.), I figured that Mr.",
"Clancy would spend less time developing plots and characters and more time with action.",
"HOWEVER, except for a few bright spots, I found the book extremely boring.",
"I read every word until about page 200, then I found myself skipping around.",
"One thing that was interesting was descriptions of methods used by our security forces to track down criminals using the internet.",
"But, in my humble opinion, even this could have been done better and with less minutiae.",
"No doubt there will be a sequel, but I won't be wasting my time with it.",
"It is a shame, because the subject of this book (dealing with radical Islamic fundamentalists who want to do nothing more than destroy the US) is so widespread and prevalent today.",
"I am sure that there will be many other books dealing with this subject.",
"Maybe Clive Cussler has something in the works."
] |
2 | Very disappointed. | I was very disappointed with this book. So were two coworkers who have looked at it. This book is not up to the traditional O'Reilly quality. (In fact, I'm annoyed enough to say that Que should have published this book...)Only about 30% of the book is useful material. Most examples and explanations are sketchy -- almost useless. If you already knew SQL, there's very little to learn from this book. If you didn't know SQL, this book does a poor job of teaching it to you.If the book stuck strictly to mSQL and MySQL, it would have been about ~150 pages of content. The rest (about 300 pages) is a "reference manual" for various (PHP/Perl/Java JDBC/C/Python) languages' support for MySQL/mSQL. Again, if you didn't know the concepts already, you would have a hard time learning useful stuff from this book.Still, I have to admit to using the book every so often as a handy "at-my-fingertips" reference book. For that, I am glad that I have it. But I don't think it was worth the price I paid. | 993 | [
"I was very disappointed with this book.",
"So were two coworkers who have looked at it.",
"This book is not up to the traditional O'Reilly quality.",
"(In fact, I'm annoyed enough to say that Que should have published this book...)Only about 30% of the book is useful material.",
"Most examples and explanations are sketchy -- almost useless.",
"If you already knew SQL, there's very little to learn from this book.",
"If you didn't know SQL, this book does a poor job of teaching it to you.If the book stuck strictly to mSQL and MySQL, it would have been about ~150 pages of content.",
"The rest (about 300 pages) is a \"reference manual\" for various (PHP/Perl/Java JDBC/C/Python) languages' support for MySQL/mSQL.",
"Again, if you didn't know the concepts already, you would have a hard time learning useful stuff from this book.Still, I have to admit to using the book every so often as a handy \"at-my-fingertips\" reference book.",
"For that, I am glad that I have it.",
"But I don't think it was worth the price I paid."
] |
2 | INSANE!!! | As you probably can tell from my title I have some issues with this initial offering from Amazon. 1. Did someone really consciously believe that preview was enough to entice someone into buying this...seriously. How about some QC here...I mean the credits and the blur of a intro scene. I don't think so. 2. So I have to pay $14.99 for a pilot of Caprica. Don't get me wrong I would like to see this but not at that price. I seriously doubt that there will be many casual takers willing to purchase this. Obviously this price plays on the fans out there starving for more BSG. Amazon will be giving this away as soon as this airs and especially if this isn't well received. 3. I can't rent(VOD) this at a lower price??? Like 3.99! Why only the option to purchase? I mean this isn't a Summer blockbuster movie. It's a freaking pilot. I guess I'll wait until this title que's up in my Blockbuster account and watch it through my normal subscription price which is 19.99 a month. You do the math. | 993 | [
"As you probably can tell from my title I have some issues with this initial offering from Amazon.",
"1.",
"Did someone really consciously believe that preview was enough to entice someone into buying this...seriously.",
"How about some QC here...I mean the credits and the blur of a intro scene.",
"I don't think so.",
"2.",
"So I have to pay $14.99 for a pilot of Caprica.",
"Don't get me wrong I would like to see this but not at that price.",
"I seriously doubt that there will be many casual takers willing to purchase this.",
"Obviously this price plays on the fans out there starving for more BSG.",
"Amazon will be giving this away as soon as this airs and especially if this isn't well received.",
"3.",
"I can't rent(VOD) this at a lower price???",
"Like 3.99!",
"Why only the option to purchase?",
"I mean this isn't a Summer blockbuster movie.",
"It's a freaking pilot.",
"I guess I'll wait until this title que's up in my Blockbuster account and watch it through my normal subscription price which is 19.99 a month.",
"You do the math."
] |
2 | Hit&Miss | I've been followign Roy Hargrove's work for quite a few years.it's funny how now that Roy is working with the Hip/Hop/Rap&Neo Soul Acts that suddenly He is Hip?I wonder where some folks have been having Slept on this Very Talented Brother??I think Roy waited to late at jumping on this Music Train.Branford Marsalis who I still Champion for His Virsatility has been doing this for a Decade&also Russell Gunn was rocking this Fusion of Rap/Hip,R&B&Jazz along with blending other elements into there music.Roy Hargrove is a Bad Cat but this feels too much like a Gimmick to me in some regards that is Hit&Miss with Me overall.I dig the Playing but alot of it is just missing some depth that I find in Older Roy Hargrove Albums.I dig D'angelo but I wasn't feeling the P-Funk Cover at all&when you Cover George CLinton&Crew you gotta bring the Pain&it wasn't there for me.but I give Roy Props for trying something different as to what He had been doing but it doesn't quite work for me on a whole. | 993 | [
"I've been followign Roy Hargrove's work for quite a few years.it's funny how now that Roy is working with the Hip/Hop/Rap&Neo Soul Acts that suddenly He is Hip?",
"I wonder where some folks have been having Slept on this Very Talented Brother??",
"I think Roy waited to late at jumping on this Music Train.Branford Marsalis who I still Champion for His Virsatility has been doing this for a Decade&also Russell Gunn was rocking this Fusion of Rap/Hip,R&B&Jazz along with blending other elements into there music.Roy Hargrove is a Bad Cat but this feels too much like a Gimmick to me in some regards that is Hit&Miss with Me overall.I dig the Playing but alot of it is just missing some depth that I find in Older Roy Hargrove Albums.I dig D'angelo but I wasn't feeling the P-Funk Cover at all&when you Cover George CLinton&Crew you gotta bring the Pain&it wasn't there for me.but I give Roy Props for trying something different as to what He had been doing but it doesn't quite work for me on a whole."
] |
2 | Inconsistent | Whatever happend to Kristine W? Her first effort, Land of the Living was fantastic. It set a new standard and a new sound for dance. Her second effort, Stronger was a step back toward senseless lyrics and typical sounds. Maybe it is that she is writing her own lyrics? She stripped off her heavy make up along with her unique sound for this one. The recording production values on Stronger were that the sound quality was that of hearing it through several layers of cheese cloth. Fly Again is in keeping with Stronger. More senseless lyrics with typical sounds. Don't get me wrong, some of the songs are great. Several will be major dance hits. The stinkers are plenty here also. Broken, is just that broken. What where they thinking with this one? Overall it falls short. Especially to the Kristine W we first met on the Land of the Living. Kristine W would do best to stick with the heavy make up and the bubble dresses and the unique sound that made her a stand out on her freshman effort. | 993 | [
"Whatever happend to Kristine W?",
"Her first effort, Land of the Living was fantastic.",
"It set a new standard and a new sound for dance.",
"Her second effort, Stronger was a step back toward senseless lyrics and typical sounds.",
"Maybe it is that she is writing her own lyrics?",
"She stripped off her heavy make up along with her unique sound for this one.",
"The recording production values on Stronger were that the sound quality was that of hearing it through several layers of cheese cloth.",
"Fly Again is in keeping with Stronger.",
"More senseless lyrics with typical sounds.",
"Don't get me wrong, some of the songs are great.",
"Several will be major dance hits.",
"The stinkers are plenty here also.",
"Broken, is just that broken.",
"What where they thinking with this one?",
"Overall it falls short.",
"Especially to the Kristine W we first met on the Land of the Living.",
"Kristine W would do best to stick with the heavy make up and the bubble dresses and the unique sound that made her a stand out on her freshman effort."
] |
2 | Very Disappointing | I've been a fan of this musical since 1984. I know almost every lyric by heart, so I was looking very forward to this DVD.I only had to get as far as Idina's first song to realize how disappointed I was going to be. For the life of me, I can't figure out why they chose her for this part. She simply does not sound good. It is is so awful for my ears that I haven't been able to get through the entire DVD - and I have had the DVD since release date - and don't forget, this is my favorite musical of all time (I only like rock musicals).It's a shame that one woman's voice so irritates me that I can't even bear to watch something that, when done right, I absolutely love.Adam Pascal irritates me, as well, but not nearly as much as Idina. Murray Head defined Freddy Trumper as a laid back, cool, character. Pascal brings to much power and rock and roll. He's too uptight.The only reason this doesn't get 1 star is because the music is so darned good and because Groban does such a great job. | 993 | [
"I've been a fan of this musical since 1984.",
"I know almost every lyric by heart, so I was looking very forward to this DVD.I only had to get as far as Idina's first song to realize how disappointed I was going to be.",
"For the life of me, I can't figure out why they chose her for this part.",
"She simply does not sound good.",
"It is is so awful for my ears that I haven't been able to get through the entire DVD - and I have had the DVD since release date - and don't forget, this is my favorite musical of all time (I only like rock musicals).It's a shame that one woman's voice so irritates me that I can't even bear to watch something that, when done right, I absolutely love.Adam Pascal irritates me, as well, but not nearly as much as Idina.",
"Murray Head defined Freddy Trumper as a laid back, cool, character.",
"Pascal brings to much power and rock and roll.",
"He's too uptight.The only reason this doesn't get 1 star is because the music is so darned good and because Groban does such a great job."
] |
2 | Back to the Future | Superman in the 21st century just doesnt work.Most of the film is based on a cheezy romance. Mrs Lane struts around for the first half, selfishly peeved about being dumped "why the world doesn't need superman", but our pig-tailed greesy superhero had a superexcuse. And eventually he weezles his way back into her heart, 'picks her up' literally. It seems superman, in his endeavour to get a superkiss, doesnt have supermorals about breaking up a family.Meanwhile Mrs Lane doesnt know who the father of her son is.Welcome to the 21st century Superman saga.In that tradition, I would've liked to see superman have a go at the middle east crisis. A much more fun prospect, than a one dimensional bad guy on the hunt for the next big Kryptonite.Hopefully in the next sequel, Superman's son turns bad from all the psycholoical damage, and we will see our green guy Yoda make a celebrity appearance as the ultimate kryptonite hero.!?..... in the tradition of destroying great classic comic stories. | 993 | [
"Superman in the 21st century just doesnt work.Most of the film is based on a cheezy romance.",
"Mrs Lane struts around for the first half, selfishly peeved about being dumped \"why the world doesn't need superman\", but our pig-tailed greesy superhero had a superexcuse.",
"And eventually he weezles his way back into her heart, 'picks her up' literally.",
"It seems superman, in his endeavour to get a superkiss, doesnt have supermorals about breaking up a family.Meanwhile Mrs Lane doesnt know who the father of her son is.Welcome to the 21st century Superman saga.In that tradition, I would've liked to see superman have a go at the middle east crisis.",
"A much more fun prospect, than a one dimensional bad guy on the hunt for the next big Kryptonite.Hopefully in the next sequel, Superman's son turns bad from all the psycholoical damage, and we will see our green guy Yoda make a celebrity appearance as the ultimate kryptonite hero.!?",
"..... in the tradition of destroying great classic comic stories."
] |
2 | unlikable heroine | Linda Fioretti moved to Rumor, Montana after she divorced her lying, cheating husband. There she meets local carpenter Tag Kingsley when he comes to do work on her apartment. Tag's a widower with a young daughter. There is an immediate attraction between Tag and Linda. Since his wife's death, Linda is the first woman he's wanted in his life. Strange things keep happening to Linda. A strange man keeps coming to her door in costumes, a stranger enters her apartment when she's gone but Tag is there painting, etc.I really wanted to like this book because Tag is such a great hero. He is sexy and sensitive. His relationship with his daughter is touching. The problem with the book and the reason I didn't like it is Linda. She is just totally unlikable and unreasonable. Any concern that Tag shows her sends her over the edge but she doesn't seem at all bothered by the stranger that seems to be stalking her even after she knows he's been in her apartment. Skip this one; it's not worth it. | 993 | [
"Linda Fioretti moved to Rumor, Montana after she divorced her lying, cheating husband.",
"There she meets local carpenter Tag Kingsley when he comes to do work on her apartment.",
"Tag's a widower with a young daughter.",
"There is an immediate attraction between Tag and Linda.",
"Since his wife's death, Linda is the first woman he's wanted in his life.",
"Strange things keep happening to Linda.",
"A strange man keeps coming to her door in costumes, a stranger enters her apartment when she's gone but Tag is there painting, etc.I really wanted to like this book because Tag is such a great hero.",
"He is sexy and sensitive.",
"His relationship with his daughter is touching.",
"The problem with the book and the reason I didn't like it is Linda.",
"She is just totally unlikable and unreasonable.",
"Any concern that Tag shows her sends her over the edge but she doesn't seem at all bothered by the stranger that seems to be stalking her even after she knows he's been in her apartment.",
"Skip this one; it's not worth it."
] |
2 | derivative and silly | I bought this book on a whim because I was bored and I thought it might be an interesting story with some supernatural and historical elements. But I was wrong. While I hoped the story would be as good as those by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, it turned out that this was just another simple vampire/werewolf story with no new ideas. Preston and Child are capable of weaving intricate stories with historical details and supernatural twists that capture the mind. Mr. Priest jotted down a straightforward monster story with no intrigue. Preston and Child developed a fascinating character in Agent Pendergast, while Priest concocted one-dimensional characters. For most of the book, the good guys beat the hell out of the witch and she just keeps coming back for more-very tedious and comical (I kept picturing the coyote and road runner cartoons.) There is really nothing noteworthy about this book. Mr. Priest needs to do some serious research before he attempts to write another novel. | 993 | [
"I bought this book on a whim because I was bored and I thought it might be an interesting story with some supernatural and historical elements.",
"But I was wrong.",
"While I hoped the story would be as good as those by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, it turned out that this was just another simple vampire/werewolf story with no new ideas.",
"Preston and Child are capable of weaving intricate stories with historical details and supernatural twists that capture the mind.",
"Mr.",
"Priest jotted down a straightforward monster story with no intrigue.",
"Preston and Child developed a fascinating character in Agent Pendergast, while Priest concocted one-dimensional characters.",
"For most of the book, the good guys beat the hell out of the witch and she just keeps coming back for more-very tedious and comical (I kept picturing the coyote and road runner cartoons.) There is really nothing noteworthy about this book.",
"Mr.",
"Priest needs to do some serious research before he attempts to write another novel."
] |
2 | NOT an Epilator | Can't blame Amazon on this one, even the product package has a lable that says it is an epilator, but, it is a shaver and that is all. I give it 2 stars because 1) it isn't as advertised and 2) does no better job a shaving than any other product.I got this product because i wanted a new epilator as my Braun seems to be wearing out (after only 2 years). I like the shape of this and thought it would travel well and i like the fact that it is corded/cordless, wet/dry. After finding out it was just a razor, i was disappointed but thought, it might be good to take along anyway as the design is nice, lightweight, and comfortable to hold. My concern is in the on/off button. It is quite sensitive. Too bad Epilady did not either make it so it would not turn on if the razor was covered or put a guard/arm on the piece that flips to open the razor that covers/uncovers the button to keep it from accidentally being turned on when no being used. Still debating whether or not to just return it. | 993 | [
"Can't blame Amazon on this one, even the product package has a lable that says it is an epilator, but, it is a shaver and that is all.",
"I give it 2 stars because 1) it isn't as advertised and 2) does no better job a shaving than any other product.I got this product because i wanted a new epilator as my Braun seems to be wearing out (after only 2 years).",
"I like the shape of this and thought it would travel well and i like the fact that it is corded/cordless, wet/dry.",
"After finding out it was just a razor, i was disappointed but thought, it might be good to take along anyway as the design is nice, lightweight, and comfortable to hold.",
"My concern is in the on/off button.",
"It is quite sensitive.",
"Too bad Epilady did not either make it so it would not turn on if the razor was covered or put a guard/arm on the piece that flips to open the razor that covers/uncovers the button to keep it from accidentally being turned on when no being used.",
"Still debating whether or not to just return it."
] |
2 | Beware this grinder | I had mine for about two weeks. It performed very well as far as grinding the beans and the consistency of the bean grind. A couple of things that should be noted, however; you constantly have to remove the plastic bean container to clean the burr housing. If you don't, old grinded beans will accumulate. Another really bad feature of this particular conical burr grinder: mine was ruined the last time I lifted the plastic housing and removed the burr grinder part of the machine. I still can't figure out how it happened, but, it was IMPOSSIBLE to re-mount the plastic bean bin after I had removed the burr housing and re-inserted it after cleaning. The burr housing could NOT be removed again without jamming a screwdriver into it to PRY it out. After I DID get it out and re-inserted it, the plastic bean bin WOULD NOT go back in. It was totally inoperable. In disgust, I threw the whole thing away and ordered a DIFFERENT brand. This grinder is very fragile. I would not buy another one. | 993 | [
"I had mine for about two weeks.",
"It performed very well as far as grinding the beans and the consistency of the bean grind.",
"A couple of things that should be noted, however; you constantly have to remove the plastic bean container to clean the burr housing.",
"If you don't, old grinded beans will accumulate.",
"Another really bad feature of this particular conical burr grinder: mine was ruined the last time I lifted the plastic housing and removed the burr grinder part of the machine.",
"I still can't figure out how it happened, but, it was IMPOSSIBLE to re-mount the plastic bean bin after I had removed the burr housing and re-inserted it after cleaning.",
"The burr housing could NOT be removed again without jamming a screwdriver into it to PRY it out.",
"After I DID get it out and re-inserted it, the plastic bean bin WOULD NOT go back in.",
"It was totally inoperable.",
"In disgust, I threw the whole thing away and ordered a DIFFERENT brand.",
"This grinder is very fragile.",
"I would not buy another one."
] |
2 | two for effort | I am so very disappointed. It feels like his soul has been stolen. No neckhairs standing up at the first sound, no goosebumps, nothing. Just disappointment. Not about his voice that is obviously not there yet, but it is still sweet to listen to, but for the very poor choice of songs, the much too loud orchestra, and Christmas songs???? Christmas is only one day a year, who wants to listen to that the whole year long? But okay, Paul I'm so sorry that you were exploited just to make a cd real fast so that it could be ready for Christmas. I'm sorry that they took your soul and your spirit with these flat songs. I want to hear you LIVE, ALIVE, I want to feel what I felt when I heard you for the first time, touching MY spirit with yours. That is what made you win, and that is what you are here for, to touch people's spirits, to soothe and comfort them. Don't let others tell you what to record, don't lose yourself in commerce, and above all, never record anything like this ever again. | 993 | [
"I am so very disappointed.",
"It feels like his soul has been stolen.",
"No neckhairs standing up at the first sound, no goosebumps, nothing.",
"Just disappointment.",
"Not about his voice that is obviously not there yet, but it is still sweet to listen to, but for the very poor choice of songs, the much too loud orchestra, and Christmas songs???",
"?",
"Christmas is only one day a year, who wants to listen to that the whole year long?",
"But okay, Paul I'm so sorry that you were exploited just to make a cd real fast so that it could be ready for Christmas.",
"I'm sorry that they took your soul and your spirit with these flat songs.",
"I want to hear you LIVE, ALIVE, I want to feel what I felt when I heard you for the first time, touching MY spirit with yours.",
"That is what made you win, and that is what you are here for, to touch people's spirits, to soothe and comfort them.",
"Don't let others tell you what to record, don't lose yourself in commerce, and above all, never record anything like this ever again."
] |
2 | To far out for me | This was a book club assignment, I had not wanted to read this book because I had heard that there was some animal cruelty but as a member I try to appreciate other peoples book choices as they do mine.The cruelty was a little hard to read, especially the beatings of Rosie but I also found myself cringing at the unneccessary sex scenes that were over the top, boredom at the constant threat of tossing people of the train and disbelief at the stampede of the menagerie.I did like the elderly Jacob and his life at the nursing home, I think it shows how elderly people are often "put on the shelf" when they become a bother in life...so sad. Then this was spoilt by the idea that he ran away with the circus, was able to sell tickets even if he could not button his shirt and all with the acceptance of the current circus owner.I am sure the circus of that era was not a pleasant place but I think the characters could have been much better developed and the story a little less unbelievable. | 993 | [
"This was a book club assignment, I had not wanted to read this book because I had heard that there was some animal cruelty but as a member I try to appreciate other peoples book choices as they do mine.The cruelty was a little hard to read, especially the beatings of Rosie but I also found myself cringing at the unneccessary sex scenes that were over the top, boredom at the constant threat of tossing people of the train and disbelief at the stampede of the menagerie.I did like the elderly Jacob and his life at the nursing home, I think it shows how elderly people are often \"put on the shelf\" when they become a bother in life...so sad.",
"Then this was spoilt by the idea that he ran away with the circus, was able to sell tickets even if he could not button his shirt and all with the acceptance of the current circus owner.I am sure the circus of that era was not a pleasant place but I think the characters could have been much better developed and the story a little less unbelievable."
] |
2 | Highly overrated | While I can't say that I didn't like this book at all, I can say that it was hardly a work of literary genius. The writing style is a bit prosaic, and the dearth of true character interaction quickly becomes obnoxious. But the most frustrating thing about it is that it could have been so much more. The author raises would-be fascinating scenarios regarding paradoxes and the effects of removing key historical figures from existence, but never gives any of these topics more than a perfunctory once-over. The beginning of the book misleads the reader into believing that a detailed examination of the nuances and dangers of time travel will follow, but disappoints them when these issues are never fully explored - or explained for that matter.I did like the fact that the author presented a couple of possibilities that I had never considered, which made for good conversation topics. However this is less a story about time travel than one of trite self-examination and sexual exploration. | 993 | [
"While I can't say that I didn't like this book at all, I can say that it was hardly a work of literary genius.",
"The writing style is a bit prosaic, and the dearth of true character interaction quickly becomes obnoxious.",
"But the most frustrating thing about it is that it could have been so much more.",
"The author raises would-be fascinating scenarios regarding paradoxes and the effects of removing key historical figures from existence, but never gives any of these topics more than a perfunctory once-over.",
"The beginning of the book misleads the reader into believing that a detailed examination of the nuances and dangers of time travel will follow, but disappoints them when these issues are never fully explored - or explained for that matter.I did like the fact that the author presented a couple of possibilities that I had never considered, which made for good conversation topics.",
"However this is less a story about time travel than one of trite self-examination and sexual exploration."
] |
2 | Only for fans | I have liked many of Anne Modesitt's patterns, so when I saw the book avail, I bought sight unseen. I wish I hadn't. First of all, it's obviously self-published, which is reflected in the quality of the paper and the quality of the information. An editor and a proofer would have been a blessing to this book.The author seems intent on letting us know that she can doing things "HER WAY" and no one should tell her she can't. These numerous passages (because oh, are they numerous) can be made bearable by singing MY WAY everytime you come across them--and boy, will you come across them. The bulk of the book is about how she became a knitter and how knitters should be more snuggly to each other.There are some good instructions, but nothing you can't get in better and less self-congratulatory books. And the patterns...well...they aren't jumping to the top of my queue.All in all, your library won't suffer if you let this one pass you by and just stick to her patterns (which are lovely). | 993 | [
"I have liked many of Anne Modesitt's patterns, so when I saw the book avail, I bought sight unseen.",
"I wish I hadn't.",
"First of all, it's obviously self-published, which is reflected in the quality of the paper and the quality of the information.",
"An editor and a proofer would have been a blessing to this book.The author seems intent on letting us know that she can doing things \"HER WAY\" and no one should tell her she can't.",
"These numerous passages (because oh, are they numerous) can be made bearable by singing MY WAY everytime you come across them--and boy, will you come across them.",
"The bulk of the book is about how she became a knitter and how knitters should be more snuggly to each other.There are some good instructions, but nothing you can't get in better and less self-congratulatory books.",
"And the patterns...well...they aren't jumping to the top of my queue.All in all, your library won't suffer if you let this one pass you by and just stick to her patterns (which are lovely)."
] |
2 | not so good | I used this printer for a year, it was working fine, and never got paper jam, and working fine with windows XP, and Vista. However margin is notperfect exact. every time when I print my document out margin is always littel different. I printed out same page 10 times every margin of paper is different. it was very annoying meMy toner was out last week, so I got the other printer --Brother HL-2070N Network Monochrome Laser Printer (Black)-- I think it is better than this one.it is five dollars cheaper than HP.and spec is higer than HP.brother HL-2070N VS HP1020Print speed: Up to 20 ppm VS 14 ppm A4-size(I used both printer and brother is faster than HP)150-sheetinput capacity : 250 sheet VS 150-sheetMemory: 16 MB VS 2 MBStandard interfaces: Hi-Speed USB 2.0, IEEE-1284 Parallel, 10/100 BaseT Ethernet VS Hi-Speed USB 2.0 portHp is little quite than brother. but it is not big deal for meor You can compare with the other printersbut in my case, the worst thing is the imprecise margin | 992 | [
"I used this printer for a year, it was working fine, and never got paper jam, and working fine with windows XP, and Vista.",
"However margin is notperfect exact.",
"every time when I print my document out margin is always littel different.",
"I printed out same page 10 times every margin of paper is different.",
"it was very annoying meMy toner was out last week, so I got the other printer --Brother HL-2070N Network Monochrome Laser Printer (Black)-- I think it is better than this one.it is five dollars cheaper than HP.and spec is higer than HP.brother HL-2070N VS HP1020Print speed: Up to 20 ppm VS 14 ppm A4-size(I used both printer and brother is faster than HP)150-sheetinput capacity : 250 sheet VS 150-sheetMemory: 16 MB VS 2 MBStandard interfaces: Hi-Speed USB 2.0, IEEE-1284 Parallel, 10/100 BaseT Ethernet VS Hi-Speed USB 2.0 portHp is little quite than brother.",
"but it is not big deal for meor You can compare with the other printersbut in my case, the worst thing is the imprecise margin"
] |
2 | Poor Picture Quality | The more I use my TZ3, the less I like it. I cannot take a picture on a nice sunny day without having vertical lines across the horizon. This renders the image useless. Pictures taken using the flash are either totally washed out or they are underexposed. Quality of images taken with low light levels are also poor. This leaves a limited range of lighting conditions where a decent image can be taken.Based on my experiences I would not recommend this camera. There are many positive reviews on Amazon so perhaps my camera is simply defective. I have contacted Panasonic and they will not help me because my camera is out of warranty.We have several older digital cameras including a Kodak and a Canon and they do not exhibit the problems that I have encountered with the TZ3 so I know that what I am experiencing is not normal for digital cameras.I'm at the point where I will soon pitch this camera into the garbage and buy a new camera. However, I doubt that it will be a Panasonic Lumix. | 992 | [
"The more I use my TZ3, the less I like it.",
"I cannot take a picture on a nice sunny day without having vertical lines across the horizon.",
"This renders the image useless.",
"Pictures taken using the flash are either totally washed out or they are underexposed.",
"Quality of images taken with low light levels are also poor.",
"This leaves a limited range of lighting conditions where a decent image can be taken.Based on my experiences I would not recommend this camera.",
"There are many positive reviews on Amazon so perhaps my camera is simply defective.",
"I have contacted Panasonic and they will not help me because my camera is out of warranty.We have several older digital cameras including a Kodak and a Canon and they do not exhibit the problems that I have encountered with the TZ3 so I know that what I am experiencing is not normal for digital cameras.I'm at the point where I will soon pitch this camera into the garbage and buy a new camera.",
"However, I doubt that it will be a Panasonic Lumix."
] |
2 | The Boors | I should preface this by stating I really do NOT like Oliver Stone movies (other than Natural Born Killers), for some reason I feel very disconnected to them. And he does it again with the Doors. On the recommendation of my son I watched this on a borrow and I have to say I watched the entire run of the movie and still know NOTHING about THE DOORS. The movie is instead filled with psychedelic filler of the highest order and Jim Morrison comes off as nothing more than a sullen drunken crybaby.All the relationships seemed forced and nothing about this era or group seemed interesting at all, and I have to think that's simply not true in real life. A lot has been made of Val Kilmer as Jim Morrison and for all the hype I've heard I can say I was mildly let down, which could be more a fault of the script since NO ONE not even the lead had any type of depth or worthwhile backstory, so what more can an actor do? I actually thought Meg Ryan was the stand out, and that doesn't say a lot. | 992 | [
"I should preface this by stating I really do NOT like Oliver Stone movies (other than Natural Born Killers), for some reason I feel very disconnected to them.",
"And he does it again with the Doors.",
"On the recommendation of my son I watched this on a borrow and I have to say I watched the entire run of the movie and still know NOTHING about THE DOORS.",
"The movie is instead filled with psychedelic filler of the highest order and Jim Morrison comes off as nothing more than a sullen drunken crybaby.All the relationships seemed forced and nothing about this era or group seemed interesting at all, and I have to think that's simply not true in real life.",
"A lot has been made of Val Kilmer as Jim Morrison and for all the hype I've heard I can say I was mildly let down, which could be more a fault of the script since NO ONE not even the lead had any type of depth or worthwhile backstory, so what more can an actor do?",
"I actually thought Meg Ryan was the stand out, and that doesn't say a lot."
] |
2 | Megan's Review | A Farwell to Arms, by Ernest Hemingway was overall not a book I would encourage others to read. In my opinion, if your interested in war novels, then yes I could give it a chance. But for my own interest, i'm not into war novels. Fredrick Henry was the protagonist of the novel; he was a ambulance driver for the Italian Army. You see many sides of Fredrick, but not enough for me to get into his head and relate to him. Fredrick meets a nurse Catherine whom he falls head over heals with her seduction, and loves instantly. The reader follows Fredrick's decisions as in leaving the war, his friends, and everything he was involved with behind for Catherine. Catherine and Fredrick go through many obstacles together, and find themselves moving to Switzerland until they got arrested by the police, but got away. Months pass, Catherine has her baby, but a tragic ending happens to Fredrick Henry. It seems like the same old novel about two star struck lovers who in the end can't be together. | 992 | [
"A Farwell to Arms, by Ernest Hemingway was overall not a book I would encourage others to read.",
"In my opinion, if your interested in war novels, then yes I could give it a chance.",
"But for my own interest, i'm not into war novels.",
"Fredrick Henry was the protagonist of the novel; he was a ambulance driver for the Italian Army.",
"You see many sides of Fredrick, but not enough for me to get into his head and relate to him.",
"Fredrick meets a nurse Catherine whom he falls head over heals with her seduction, and loves instantly.",
"The reader follows Fredrick's decisions as in leaving the war, his friends, and everything he was involved with behind for Catherine.",
"Catherine and Fredrick go through many obstacles together, and find themselves moving to Switzerland until they got arrested by the police, but got away.",
"Months pass, Catherine has her baby, but a tragic ending happens to Fredrick Henry.",
"It seems like the same old novel about two star struck lovers who in the end can't be together."
] |
2 | Not what I expected | I was eager to read this novel after hearing so much about it. To say that I was disappointed is an understatement. I was told the book was "a hard read" and quite frankly I resented that label. I consider myself an intelligent person, capable of following and understanding a novel. However, I am embarrassed to admit that I truly did not understand a lot about the book. There were far too many characters, their lives and names all got mixed together and I had to keep going back to past chapters to get them straight. I kept reading and telling myself that somehow at the end of the book all of this will come together and make sense. Needless to say none of it did. Also, Connie's "powers" totally eluded me. Somehow I was not expecting something like that to enter into the story. I suppose I should read it again but I know I never will. I resent having to read a novel twice in order to understand it. Having said that I can only wonder why so many are calling it "her best book yet". | 992 | [
"I was eager to read this novel after hearing so much about it.",
"To say that I was disappointed is an understatement.",
"I was told the book was \"a hard read\" and quite frankly I resented that label.",
"I consider myself an intelligent person, capable of following and understanding a novel.",
"However, I am embarrassed to admit that I truly did not understand a lot about the book.",
"There were far too many characters, their lives and names all got mixed together and I had to keep going back to past chapters to get them straight.",
"I kept reading and telling myself that somehow at the end of the book all of this will come together and make sense.",
"Needless to say none of it did.",
"Also, Connie's \"powers\" totally eluded me.",
"Somehow I was not expecting something like that to enter into the story.",
"I suppose I should read it again but I know I never will.",
"I resent having to read a novel twice in order to understand it.",
"Having said that I can only wonder why so many are calling it \"her best book yet\"."
] |
2 | REVIEW | The novel, The Great Gatsby by Scott Fitzgerald is not a book for me. I felt like the novel was too boring, and dull. It was really hard to get into. This novel is about a man named Nick that lives next to Gatsby, who throws parties at his mansion every Saturday. He then befriends Gatsby. In the beginning of the novel, it was confusing when Tom showed Nick, his mistress. I felt like nothing really actually happened in the book. There wasn't really a plot. This book is supposed to be a reflection of the 1920s, but doesn't really exude it. The 1920s was fun and exciting, and this novel was not. Also the actual writing was way too eloquent and he used lots of big words, that was distracting from the actual plot. His writing was way to flowery, which made it unenjoyable. This book was just basically about affairs. I also didn't like how Nick was narrating it, because he wasn't a sole part of the plot. He was just there; nothing important. I don't understand why this is a classic... | 992 | [
"The novel, The Great Gatsby by Scott Fitzgerald is not a book for me.",
"I felt like the novel was too boring, and dull.",
"It was really hard to get into.",
"This novel is about a man named Nick that lives next to Gatsby, who throws parties at his mansion every Saturday.",
"He then befriends Gatsby.",
"In the beginning of the novel, it was confusing when Tom showed Nick, his mistress.",
"I felt like nothing really actually happened in the book.",
"There wasn't really a plot.",
"This book is supposed to be a reflection of the 1920s, but doesn't really exude it.",
"The 1920s was fun and exciting, and this novel was not.",
"Also the actual writing was way too eloquent and he used lots of big words, that was distracting from the actual plot.",
"His writing was way to flowery, which made it unenjoyable.",
"This book was just basically about affairs.",
"I also didn't like how Nick was narrating it, because he wasn't a sole part of the plot.",
"He was just there; nothing important.",
"I don't understand why this is a classic..."
] |
2 | Not user friendly | I bought this item as a Christmas gift for my Mom. She is not tech savvy, but I thought a GPS system would be easier and safer than following printed directions while driving. I wanted something easy where you can just type in a starting address, an ending address, and then just follow the directions (similar to online map software). Unfortunately, I found this device not user friendly, even for a more tech savvy person like myself. It was not intuitive how to use, and you have to poke keys on a digital keyboard with fingers, which was difficult to do without hitting nearby keys. I found the maps challenging to navigate, and I couldn't figure out how to zoom out/in and easily pan without affecting the route. The user guide was only on the CD, and at 87 pages long, I realized that this product is only for the most patient and determined person. Knowing that my Mom would not go to this much trouble to learn and use it, I returned it. I hope there are easier GPS systems out there. | 992 | [
"I bought this item as a Christmas gift for my Mom.",
"She is not tech savvy, but I thought a GPS system would be easier and safer than following printed directions while driving.",
"I wanted something easy where you can just type in a starting address, an ending address, and then just follow the directions (similar to online map software).",
"Unfortunately, I found this device not user friendly, even for a more tech savvy person like myself.",
"It was not intuitive how to use, and you have to poke keys on a digital keyboard with fingers, which was difficult to do without hitting nearby keys.",
"I found the maps challenging to navigate, and I couldn't figure out how to zoom out/in and easily pan without affecting the route.",
"The user guide was only on the CD, and at 87 pages long, I realized that this product is only for the most patient and determined person.",
"Knowing that my Mom would not go to this much trouble to learn and use it, I returned it.",
"I hope there are easier GPS systems out there."
] |
2 | Very poorly designed | As noted with other reviewers, this door is virtually impossible for one person to install. The materials are adequate (just), but trying to line up the five different parts and sandwich them together is a real challenge.You have two outside pieces, and a plastic bracket that supposedly fits over each of the outside pieces, and then the liner that goes between them. The plastic brackets *barely* fit, and once I got them on, the slightest bump would cause them to fall off. With the help of another adult, I finally finessed all the pieces together.Then you get to work with the screws. The package comes with 3 lengths, but trying to get the proper length for your door is a challenge. In addition, the nuts are supposed to sit inside a hexagonal recess on one side of the door, while you are trying to push and turn the screws from the other side. I also inadvertently overtighted one screw and cracked the plastic on both the inside and outside.I can't recommend this product to anyone. | 992 | [
"As noted with other reviewers, this door is virtually impossible for one person to install.",
"The materials are adequate (just), but trying to line up the five different parts and sandwich them together is a real challenge.You have two outside pieces, and a plastic bracket that supposedly fits over each of the outside pieces, and then the liner that goes between them.",
"The plastic brackets *barely* fit, and once I got them on, the slightest bump would cause them to fall off.",
"With the help of another adult, I finally finessed all the pieces together.Then you get to work with the screws.",
"The package comes with 3 lengths, but trying to get the proper length for your door is a challenge.",
"In addition, the nuts are supposed to sit inside a hexagonal recess on one side of the door, while you are trying to push and turn the screws from the other side.",
"I also inadvertently overtighted one screw and cracked the plastic on both the inside and outside.I can't recommend this product to anyone."
] |
2 | Only so-so | This book is "all right"...but I much prefer "The Inflammation Syndrome, by Jack Challem, which came out first. Both books cover much the same material, but I think The Inflammation Syndrome does a better job of connecting the dots between dietary imbalances (caused by eating too many junk foods) and inflammation. It also recommends a very clear anti-inflammation diet plan, with easy to follow guidelines and recipes, as well as a number of well-documented anti-inflammatory supplements, such as the omega-3 fish oils, gamma-linolenic acid, antioxidant vitamins, and B vitamins. In addition to describing the big picture of inflammation, The Inflammation Syndrome also focuses on the top 20 or so inflammatory diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and arthritis, as well as inflammatory athletic injuries -- each with specific recommendations for eating habits and supplements. At the very least, you might consider getting both books and synthesizing their advice to suit your needs. | 992 | [
"This book is \"all right\"...but I much prefer \"The Inflammation Syndrome, by Jack Challem, which came out first.",
"Both books cover much the same material, but I think The Inflammation Syndrome does a better job of connecting the dots between dietary imbalances (caused by eating too many junk foods) and inflammation.",
"It also recommends a very clear anti-inflammation diet plan, with easy to follow guidelines and recipes, as well as a number of well-documented anti-inflammatory supplements, such as the omega-3 fish oils, gamma-linolenic acid, antioxidant vitamins, and B vitamins.",
"In addition to describing the big picture of inflammation, The Inflammation Syndrome also focuses on the top 20 or so inflammatory diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and arthritis, as well as inflammatory athletic injuries -- each with specific recommendations for eating habits and supplements.",
"At the very least, you might consider getting both books and synthesizing their advice to suit your needs."
] |
2 | Dragging on | The operative word for this book, along with the previous few and apparently the next one is... FINALLY. As in: when is Egwene FINALLY going to get to the White Tower to (hopefully) consolidate her power? And FINALLY Elayne lays claim to the throne of Andor, only to be beseiged by multiple plots and problems. Does any main character in this epic ever just DO anything? Obviously NOT, everything is extremely complicated with gobs of details, most of which should have been left out to move the plot along. Jordan should learn from the movie makers who have taken this art to new highs (or lows: DUNE, 2 hours, come on now).Thankfully, Jordon does include one significant event at the end of the book. That being, of course the cleansing of Saidin.I've got a great idea, in the future we can take the significant parts from books 6-10 and combine them into one smaller book. It will make Jordon look like the literary genius he was supposed to be after he wrote the first few of this series. | 992 | [
"The operative word for this book, along with the previous few and apparently the next one is... FINALLY.",
"As in: when is Egwene FINALLY going to get to the White Tower to (hopefully) consolidate her power?",
"And FINALLY Elayne lays claim to the throne of Andor, only to be beseiged by multiple plots and problems.",
"Does any main character in this epic ever just DO anything?",
"Obviously NOT, everything is extremely complicated with gobs of details, most of which should have been left out to move the plot along.",
"Jordan should learn from the movie makers who have taken this art to new highs (or lows: DUNE, 2 hours, come on now).Thankfully, Jordon does include one significant event at the end of the book.",
"That being, of course the cleansing of Saidin.I've got a great idea, in the future we can take the significant parts from books 6-10 and combine them into one smaller book.",
"It will make Jordon look like the literary genius he was supposed to be after he wrote the first few of this series."
] |
2 | Long Term Loser | While the size, shape, and function of this remote is nice I have to say that it is best to stay away from it. HK has horrible support and has taken the programming software off their website and now charges for it ($10). Seeing how Logitech makes frequent and free updates to their software, I feel this is outrageous and warrants a poor rating. Long term you do not get the same programming and software updates as do the Harmonies. You are always behind in firmware and software and now you have to pay to upgrade. Customer Service at HK is a nightmare I had to redial a long distance number (no 800#) for 30 minutes to get past constant busy signals. Once there I had to wait 40 minutes to talk to someone that just passed me to a different dept. which then passed me right back and so on and so forth until a bad transfer disconnected me. Do yourself a favor, get a different remote because if you ever have a problem HK does not stand behind their products without a fight and a charge. | 992 | [
"While the size, shape, and function of this remote is nice I have to say that it is best to stay away from it.",
"HK has horrible support and has taken the programming software off their website and now charges for it ($10).",
"Seeing how Logitech makes frequent and free updates to their software, I feel this is outrageous and warrants a poor rating.",
"Long term you do not get the same programming and software updates as do the Harmonies.",
"You are always behind in firmware and software and now you have to pay to upgrade.",
"Customer Service at HK is a nightmare I had to redial a long distance number (no 800#) for 30 minutes to get past constant busy signals.",
"Once there I had to wait 40 minutes to talk to someone that just passed me to a different dept.",
"which then passed me right back and so on and so forth until a bad transfer disconnected me.",
"Do yourself a favor, get a different remote because if you ever have a problem HK does not stand behind their products without a fight and a charge."
] |
2 | 30F? Really? | I just got back camping from Mammoth Caves Kentucky; it was 47F the first night and I shivered all night long. I usually sleep at home with a 64F A/c unit blowing on me with a thin blanket (my wife sleeps with a winter blanket year round over her on her side of the bed, poor girl :P). Anyway, was inside a tent protected from elements and was still cold.On the second night, the temp dropped to 43F; I ended up borrowing a winter blanket from my wife who was snuggled up with our two year old, I was toasty warm, but only after using the blanket.Notes:1) 47F was still cold, sleeping on air mattress with blanket underneath.2) Required additional blanket over top to maintain warmth, downside since I was hoping to use this for spring/summer hiking.3) Zipper gets caught on fabric when being zipped up or down, requires you to "rip" the fabric from the zipper. Did not damage the fabric, but still...I loved the light weight of the unit, just not the performance or the zipper functionality. | 992 | [
"I just got back camping from Mammoth Caves Kentucky; it was 47F the first night and I shivered all night long.",
"I usually sleep at home with a 64F A/c unit blowing on me with a thin blanket (my wife sleeps with a winter blanket year round over her on her side of the bed, poor girl :P).",
"Anyway, was inside a tent protected from elements and was still cold.On the second night, the temp dropped to 43F; I ended up borrowing a winter blanket from my wife who was snuggled up with our two year old, I was toasty warm, but only after using the blanket.Notes:1) 47F was still cold, sleeping on air mattress with blanket underneath.2) Required additional blanket over top to maintain warmth, downside since I was hoping to use this for spring/summer hiking.3) Zipper gets caught on fabric when being zipped up or down, requires you to \"rip\" the fabric from the zipper.",
"Did not damage the fabric, but still...I loved the light weight of the unit, just not the performance or the zipper functionality."
] |
2 | A trouble maker | I purchased my X85 6 months ago, since then, I got a lot of troubles with this priner. The first time I used it to print a color photo, it came out all pink. called customer service, they send me a new catriage, now the color is still not right, the images are either too blur or two dark. Also the copy does not seem right. sometimes the first couple of black copy came out all black ink, after a few times, it will do copy. the quick mode does not work properly either. And it constantly lose connect with my computer ( I use window XP). Finanlly I got fed up with this printer, and I call customer service again, now they have 1800 or 1888 number for technical support, upon my request, they agree to send me a new model x5150 with a reasonable extra charge. The new X5150 works great with photo printing, now I can send picture to my family and friend printed from my printer. Compared with X5150, X85 is a trouble maker. Would not recommend this, but Lexmark customer service is not bad. | 992 | [
"I purchased my X85 6 months ago, since then, I got a lot of troubles with this priner.",
"The first time I used it to print a color photo, it came out all pink.",
"called customer service, they send me a new catriage, now the color is still not right, the images are either too blur or two dark.",
"Also the copy does not seem right.",
"sometimes the first couple of black copy came out all black ink, after a few times, it will do copy.",
"the quick mode does not work properly either.",
"And it constantly lose connect with my computer ( I use window XP).",
"Finanlly I got fed up with this printer, and I call customer service again, now they have 1800 or 1888 number for technical support, upon my request, they agree to send me a new model x5150 with a reasonable extra charge.",
"The new X5150 works great with photo printing, now I can send picture to my family and friend printed from my printer.",
"Compared with X5150, X85 is a trouble maker.",
"Would not recommend this, but Lexmark customer service is not bad."
] |
2 | Disappointed | I bought the DVD based on all the positive reviews, and I think prospective buyers should be warned that not everyone finds this a 5-star movie. My husband and I, who love old movies, hated it. My teenagers just found it completely uninteresting. It was apparently made about the time Alaska became a state, although it deals with an earlier time period, and the movie has not aged well. The story was uninteresting, the direction was uneven, the comedy (mostly bar fights) felt forced and awkward. Stewart Granger did not seem to know what he was doing or why his character was there. Fabian's acting was unmemorable and we felt Capucine was miscast. We got bored and spent half the movie pointing out to each other how little the sandy beaches and desert terrain looked anything like Alaska (it was obviously shot in southern California). I gave it two stars because I was able to sit through the entire thing, but I spent most of it asking myself "why? Why am I wasting my time like this?" | 992 | [
"I bought the DVD based on all the positive reviews, and I think prospective buyers should be warned that not everyone finds this a 5-star movie.",
"My husband and I, who love old movies, hated it.",
"My teenagers just found it completely uninteresting.",
"It was apparently made about the time Alaska became a state, although it deals with an earlier time period, and the movie has not aged well.",
"The story was uninteresting, the direction was uneven, the comedy (mostly bar fights) felt forced and awkward.",
"Stewart Granger did not seem to know what he was doing or why his character was there.",
"Fabian's acting was unmemorable and we felt Capucine was miscast.",
"We got bored and spent half the movie pointing out to each other how little the sandy beaches and desert terrain looked anything like Alaska (it was obviously shot in southern California).",
"I gave it two stars because I was able to sit through the entire thing, but I spent most of it asking myself \"why?",
"Why am I wasting my time like this?",
"\""
] |
2 | Too Hot, Too Cold | Quite disappointing. To start, the 2 CD's in this collection are labeled white on gold with microscopic characters so you cannot read under normal circumstances. But actually there is nothing to read because other than the pianist name and copy rights, the discs are not labeled (you can label them after listening). But these are the minor problems. I guess I have a problem with Schnabel: he makes everything extreme; piano is too quiet, forte is too loud, fast is to fast, slow is too slow. It is so "Hot or Cold" I could get the flu. You would think that sonata No 21 is fool proof, but when Schnabel plays it, the first movement goes so fast, it turns into a blur of sounds. The second movement so slow, you get bored. Then the 33 variations... I could not master the discipline to finish them more than once. If you were after sonatas No. 30 and 32, I would opt for Brendel's recording anyhow. Brendel's 1995 recording (Philips) is as close as you could ever get to absolute perfection! | 992 | [
"Quite disappointing.",
"To start, the 2 CD's in this collection are labeled white on gold with microscopic characters so you cannot read under normal circumstances.",
"But actually there is nothing to read because other than the pianist name and copy rights, the discs are not labeled (you can label them after listening).",
"But these are the minor problems.",
"I guess I have a problem with Schnabel: he makes everything extreme; piano is too quiet, forte is too loud, fast is to fast, slow is too slow.",
"It is so \"Hot or Cold\" I could get the flu.",
"You would think that sonata No 21 is fool proof, but when Schnabel plays it, the first movement goes so fast, it turns into a blur of sounds.",
"The second movement so slow, you get bored.",
"Then the 33 variations... I could not master the discipline to finish them more than once.",
"If you were after sonatas No.",
"30 and 32, I would opt for Brendel's recording anyhow.",
"Brendel's 1995 recording (Philips) is as close as you could ever get to absolute perfection!"
] |
2 | Just so. | Martin uses this phrase aptly in Feast for Crows, and I can't claim to do it justice in the title of this review. His writing is the same quality & fun it's always been, and [most of] the characters are still rich and believable. Nevertheless, Feast is good writing, not a great novel. It contains detail that is neither enjoyable to read nor relevant to the main line- except perhaps forcibly so. Rather than tying things together, the story needlessly grows broader and more complex. I repeat a sentiment echoed in other reviews that perhaps the "original" plan was better. Editing 1500 pages- or 2500- into 800 pages of an exclamatory continuation of the first three volumes might have yielded a better read than two separately cluttered volumes. I could ease up a little by looking at Feast as part 1 of volume 4, and part 2 is of course not out yet. Perhaps A Dance With Dragons will help redeem Feast, but each of the first three stood on their own. Unfortunately, number four does not. | 992 | [
"Martin uses this phrase aptly in Feast for Crows, and I can't claim to do it justice in the title of this review.",
"His writing is the same quality & fun it's always been, and [most of] the characters are still rich and believable.",
"Nevertheless, Feast is good writing, not a great novel.",
"It contains detail that is neither enjoyable to read nor relevant to the main line- except perhaps forcibly so.",
"Rather than tying things together, the story needlessly grows broader and more complex.",
"I repeat a sentiment echoed in other reviews that perhaps the \"original\" plan was better.",
"Editing 1500 pages- or 2500- into 800 pages of an exclamatory continuation of the first three volumes might have yielded a better read than two separately cluttered volumes.",
"I could ease up a little by looking at Feast as part 1 of volume 4, and part 2 is of course not out yet.",
"Perhaps A Dance With Dragons will help redeem Feast, but each of the first three stood on their own.",
"Unfortunately, number four does not."
] |
2 | Another Bosnan Bomb | Even allowing for the fact that Sean Connery is the only one who could ever play James Bond (and still could!), this movie was a real sleeper. The usual Russian bomb threats yada yada yada. Character development is non-existent, the plot is twisted and confused, and the movie depends entirely too much on special effects. The original 007 movies did not need as many special effects because the characters were well-defined and interesting and Sean Connery was fun and amusing to watch. His Bond had just enough evil in him to make him a believable character with a license to kill. Brosnan, a fine actor otherwise, seems more angry than anything else and by this time is just going through the motions and making sure that Rolex and BMW get plenty of exposure. The film contains quite a number of fine actors from the BBC, but they are not utilized fully. And one hopes the writing for future films will be better, otherwise they're simply not fit to be called Bond films--James Bond films! | 992 | [
"Even allowing for the fact that Sean Connery is the only one who could ever play James Bond (and still could!",
"), this movie was a real sleeper.",
"The usual Russian bomb threats yada yada yada.",
"Character development is non-existent, the plot is twisted and confused, and the movie depends entirely too much on special effects.",
"The original 007 movies did not need as many special effects because the characters were well-defined and interesting and Sean Connery was fun and amusing to watch.",
"His Bond had just enough evil in him to make him a believable character with a license to kill.",
"Brosnan, a fine actor otherwise, seems more angry than anything else and by this time is just going through the motions and making sure that Rolex and BMW get plenty of exposure.",
"The film contains quite a number of fine actors from the BBC, but they are not utilized fully.",
"And one hopes the writing for future films will be better, otherwise they're simply not fit to be called Bond films--James Bond films!"
] |
2 | No longer an advocate | I'm fed up with the blatant attempt to milk the market for every dollar this story can wring. It's plain wrong to use a spiritual subject like this to reap gratuitous award, and I refuse to be exploited further. In the midst of all these books, I read a great novel recommended by the author Clive Cussler, which I will pass on to anyone interested in the topic of Judgment Day. The book is "The Last Day" by G. Kleier, and it is a very moving, scary, intelligent look at the World in the throes of a Second Coming. What you will like about this book is that it is ONE, completely contained story -- not a trick to stretch you and your wallet out over multiple books. And in reading it, you will find far more to think about and marvel over than any these other so-called "Judgment Day" novels, which may follow the Book of Revelation better, but lack "The Last Day's" spiritual power and surprises. I'm leaving "Left Behind" behind, and anyone who is tired of being duped should do the same! | 992 | [
"I'm fed up with the blatant attempt to milk the market for every dollar this story can wring.",
"It's plain wrong to use a spiritual subject like this to reap gratuitous award, and I refuse to be exploited further.",
"In the midst of all these books, I read a great novel recommended by the author Clive Cussler, which I will pass on to anyone interested in the topic of Judgment Day.",
"The book is \"The Last Day\" by G.",
"Kleier, and it is a very moving, scary, intelligent look at the World in the throes of a Second Coming.",
"What you will like about this book is that it is ONE, completely contained story -- not a trick to stretch you and your wallet out over multiple books.",
"And in reading it, you will find far more to think about and marvel over than any these other so-called \"Judgment Day\" novels, which may follow the Book of Revelation better, but lack \"The Last Day's\" spiritual power and surprises.",
"I'm leaving \"Left Behind\" behind, and anyone who is tired of being duped should do the same!"
] |
2 | Not great. | I read this series as a child and really enjoyed It. I recently revisited it as an adult. Certain issues about the series struck me. 1) Gender determinism. While Card is weakly in favor of equality, he clearly feels that women are "naturally" going to serve certain roles and men will "naturally" fill other roles. Gross. 2) Homophobia. Some pretty disgusting language is used to describe homosexuality. On the one hand, if viewed simply in the context of the story and the characters, maybe Card can get a pass. But...in the larger context of our world, its really, really regrettable. 3) Arranged marriage of young girls. Coloring all of this is my adult understanding of Card's religious background. Overall, the series is ruined for me. I wish I hadn't revisited it and it had remained a pleasant memory. Also, fair warning to parents, you might want to consider the negative messages in these books before giving them to children or at least talking over these issues with young readers. | 992 | [
"I read this series as a child and really enjoyed It.",
"I recently revisited it as an adult.",
"Certain issues about the series struck me.",
"1) Gender determinism.",
"While Card is weakly in favor of equality, he clearly feels that women are \"naturally\" going to serve certain roles and men will \"naturally\" fill other roles.",
"Gross.",
"2) Homophobia.",
"Some pretty disgusting language is used to describe homosexuality.",
"On the one hand, if viewed simply in the context of the story and the characters, maybe Card can get a pass.",
"But...in the larger context of our world, its really, really regrettable.",
"3) Arranged marriage of young girls.",
"Coloring all of this is my adult understanding of Card's religious background.",
"Overall, the series is ruined for me.",
"I wish I hadn't revisited it and it had remained a pleasant memory.",
"Also, fair warning to parents, you might want to consider the negative messages in these books before giving them to children or at least talking over these issues with young readers."
] |
2 | Book of Lies | I was sorely disappointed with this softcover book edition. It states on the back cover, for instance, that this is "the first volume of The Wierd Works of Robert E. Howard" and that it has "meticulously restored to its original texts" the stories within. Further that "This volume begins with Spear and Fang, Howards first professional fiction sale, and condludes with Red Thunder, a gripping sword and sorcery tale." Spear and Fang appear NOWHERE in this book and while Red Thunder is in the book, it does not "conclude" with it.In my opinion, leaving OUT Howard's first professional fiction sale and NOT concluding with Red Thunder (BOTH AS ADVERTISED ON THE BACK COVER) doesn't speak well of the "meticulous" alledged restoration alluded to.While containing almost two dozen Howard pieces, I somehow doubt the dedication, attention to detail and/or the "expertise" of the publisher as to authenticity or accuracy that should be a hallmark of a series of this sort. Don't waste your money. | 992 | [
"I was sorely disappointed with this softcover book edition.",
"It states on the back cover, for instance, that this is \"the first volume of The Wierd Works of Robert E.",
"Howard\" and that it has \"meticulously restored to its original texts\" the stories within.",
"Further that \"This volume begins with Spear and Fang, Howards first professional fiction sale, and condludes with Red Thunder, a gripping sword and sorcery tale.\" Spear and Fang appear NOWHERE in this book and while Red Thunder is in the book, it does not \"conclude\" with it.In my opinion, leaving OUT Howard's first professional fiction sale and NOT concluding with Red Thunder (BOTH AS ADVERTISED ON THE BACK COVER) doesn't speak well of the \"meticulous\" alledged restoration alluded to.While containing almost two dozen Howard pieces, I somehow doubt the dedication, attention to detail and/or the \"expertise\" of the publisher as to authenticity or accuracy that should be a hallmark of a series of this sort.",
"Don't waste your money."
] |
2 | Virtually non-usable | This thermometer functioned as advertised for about a half dozen meals. Then problems started to compound. First the base unit had difficulty connecting with the remote. It would disconnect spontaneously and get stuck searching for a signal indefinitely. Eventually the temperature readings started to vary wildly. The device finally gave up the ghost when any attempt to connect the remote would cause the temperature reading to max out. Everything I'm describing happened within the span of three months.Even if the thermometer worked, it's just not an enjoyable product to use. The buttons feel gummy and you have to push hard to get them to respond. Your target temperature options are limited to a handful of pre-sets and there doesn't seem to be a way to set a custom temperature alarm if you're heating something to a degree other than the normal temperature of beef, lamb, pork chicken or fish. It's simply a cheap product all around and there are many superior options for the money. | 992 | [
"This thermometer functioned as advertised for about a half dozen meals.",
"Then problems started to compound.",
"First the base unit had difficulty connecting with the remote.",
"It would disconnect spontaneously and get stuck searching for a signal indefinitely.",
"Eventually the temperature readings started to vary wildly.",
"The device finally gave up the ghost when any attempt to connect the remote would cause the temperature reading to max out.",
"Everything I'm describing happened within the span of three months.Even if the thermometer worked, it's just not an enjoyable product to use.",
"The buttons feel gummy and you have to push hard to get them to respond.",
"Your target temperature options are limited to a handful of pre-sets and there doesn't seem to be a way to set a custom temperature alarm if you're heating something to a degree other than the normal temperature of beef, lamb, pork chicken or fish.",
"It's simply a cheap product all around and there are many superior options for the money."
] |
2 | GOOD...YET BAD. | BOUGHT THIS PRODUCT FOR OUR 25 LB. DACHSHUND/ JACK RUSSEL MIX. SHE'S A HARD PULLER WHEN YOU START OUT WALKING AND SHE CHOKES HERSELF, BUT AFTER 15 MINUTES, SHE'LL WALK AT A NORMAL PACE. THE 1ST TIME I TRIED THE HARNESS, I NOTICED SHE WAN'T PULLING HARD AT ALL INITIALLY (DOING WHAT IT'S DESIGNED TO DO!). BUT AFTER SHE BEGAN WALKING AT A NORMAL PACE, THE HARNESS KEPT SLIPPING OFF FROM UNDER FRONT LEGS (REMEMBER...SHORT LEGS ON A DACHSHUND/ JACK RUSSEL MIX). ALSO, THE COMFORT PADS UNDER EACH LEG KEPT RIDING UP OUT OF PLACE. THESE 2 PROBLEMS HAPPENED SEVERAL/MANY TIMES DURING THE COURSE OF OUR WALK, CAUSING ME TO STOP AND RE-ADJUST THE HARNESS. BUY THE END OF OUR WALK, I WAS GLAD I DIDN'T PAY TOO MUCH FOR THE PRODUCT, AND WISHED I'D STUCK HER STANDARD COLLAR IN MY POCKET SO I COULD HAVE SWITCHED. I NOW REALIZE THIS ITEM WAS DESIGNED FOR DOGS WITH LONGER LEGS. A STANDARD DOUBLE (UNDER LEG) HARNESS WOULD PROBABLY WORK BETTER, AT A REDUCED COST.SO...SHORT-LEGGED DOG OWNERS...BEWARE!!! | 992 | [
"BOUGHT THIS PRODUCT FOR OUR 25 LB.",
"DACHSHUND/ JACK RUSSEL MIX.",
"SHE'S A HARD PULLER WHEN YOU START OUT WALKING AND SHE CHOKES HERSELF, BUT AFTER 15 MINUTES, SHE'LL WALK AT A NORMAL PACE.",
"THE 1ST TIME I TRIED THE HARNESS, I NOTICED SHE WAN'T PULLING HARD AT ALL INITIALLY (DOING WHAT IT'S DESIGNED TO DO!",
").",
"BUT AFTER SHE BEGAN WALKING AT A NORMAL PACE, THE HARNESS KEPT SLIPPING OFF FROM UNDER FRONT LEGS (REMEMBER...SHORT LEGS ON A DACHSHUND/ JACK RUSSEL MIX).",
"ALSO, THE COMFORT PADS UNDER EACH LEG KEPT RIDING UP OUT OF PLACE.",
"THESE 2 PROBLEMS HAPPENED SEVERAL/MANY TIMES DURING THE COURSE OF OUR WALK, CAUSING ME TO STOP AND RE-ADJUST THE HARNESS.",
"BUY THE END OF OUR WALK, I WAS GLAD I DIDN'T PAY TOO MUCH FOR THE PRODUCT, AND WISHED I'D STUCK HER STANDARD COLLAR IN MY POCKET SO I COULD HAVE SWITCHED.",
"I NOW REALIZE THIS ITEM WAS DESIGNED FOR DOGS WITH LONGER LEGS.",
"A STANDARD DOUBLE (UNDER LEG) HARNESS WOULD PROBABLY WORK BETTER, AT A REDUCED COST.SO...SHORT-LEGGED DOG OWNERS...BEWARE!!!"
] |
2 | For The Hardcore Fan | It's 1978 and after years of gigging in Texas and California, Roky And The Aliens - in preparation of the recording of their debut album The Evil One - find themselves in a rehearsal studio smoking reefer and generally amusing themselves by taking semi-serious stabs at the songs that comprised the soundtrack to their childhoods. And while they seem to have genuine affection for this material, the results are not often pretty. But while some tracks such as "Angel Baby" can be hilariously awful (some of these songs are WAY out of Roky's vocal range - not that he seems to care), the medley of What To Do/You're The One/Bashful Bob/One Last Kiss is actually quite good, even stirring at times. Had they made a truly serious attempt at recording it they probably could have easily surpassed the originals, but I'm very glad this version exists at all. Of the half dozen originals on the CD, a studio rendition of "Wake Up To Rock & Roll"( previously only available live) is a nice addition. | 992 | [
"It's 1978 and after years of gigging in Texas and California, Roky And The Aliens - in preparation of the recording of their debut album The Evil One - find themselves in a rehearsal studio smoking reefer and generally amusing themselves by taking semi-serious stabs at the songs that comprised the soundtrack to their childhoods.",
"And while they seem to have genuine affection for this material, the results are not often pretty.",
"But while some tracks such as \"Angel Baby\" can be hilariously awful (some of these songs are WAY out of Roky's vocal range - not that he seems to care), the medley of What To Do/You're The One/Bashful Bob/One Last Kiss is actually quite good, even stirring at times.",
"Had they made a truly serious attempt at recording it they probably could have easily surpassed the originals, but I'm very glad this version exists at all.",
"Of the half dozen originals on the CD, a studio rendition of \"Wake Up To Rock & Roll\"( previously only available live) is a nice addition."
] |
2 | Buyer beware | This review is not regarding the actual film itself, but rather the poor quality of this DVD release.The transfer used on this "25th Anniversary Edition" DVD is of VHS quality. The colors are extremely dull and washed out, and it's clear that the print did not come from a film source.This is quite surprising considering the transfer used on the Trimark DVD released way back in 1998 did come from a good looking film print! That is still the version to get if you're seeking the best looking transfer available on DVD.The 5.1 audio mix used is also quite generic. It has no extra depth over the original 2.0 mix, and even sounds "tinny" in a fake sort of way.They've also shoved all of the bonus material onto a single-layer disc, and thus compression artifacts are often very noticeable.The bonus features on the disc are interesting, but nothing to scream home about. And you can find all of these features on the previous "Collector's Edition" that this same DVD studio released in 2005. | 992 | [
"This review is not regarding the actual film itself, but rather the poor quality of this DVD release.The transfer used on this \"25th Anniversary Edition\" DVD is of VHS quality.",
"The colors are extremely dull and washed out, and it's clear that the print did not come from a film source.This is quite surprising considering the transfer used on the Trimark DVD released way back in 1998 did come from a good looking film print!",
"That is still the version to get if you're seeking the best looking transfer available on DVD.The 5.1 audio mix used is also quite generic.",
"It has no extra depth over the original 2.0 mix, and even sounds \"tinny\" in a fake sort of way.They've also shoved all of the bonus material onto a single-layer disc, and thus compression artifacts are often very noticeable.The bonus features on the disc are interesting, but nothing to scream home about.",
"And you can find all of these features on the previous \"Collector's Edition\" that this same DVD studio released in 2005."
] |
2 | Do Not Recommend | Problems:1. Will not scan document information in light blue colors.2. Sometimes cuts off lower 1/4th of the document.3. Documents sometimes jam in the feeder and are difficult to remove/pull out. (When that happens, I sometimes have to completely shut down my computer and restart.)I do not recommend this scanner.If you need to scan just documents, buy a Xerox scanner.Our office also has a Xerox Documate 250 vertical feeder scanner that is superior to the HP Scanjet.Feeding is much easier and documents rarely jam. If they do, they are easier to pull out.One advanced feature that the HP Scanjet 7650 has is the ability to scan 35mm negatives. I used this feature and it works. The drawback is that it takes a long time. It's a lot easier just to take the negatives to a nearby photo lab (Walmart and CVS Pharmacy are near me) and have the technician transfer the negatives (which convert to pictures) onto a CD-ROM for around $7.00. (Something like 144 pictures can be put on a CD-ROM.) | 992 | [
"Problems:1.",
"Will not scan document information in light blue colors.2. Sometimes cuts off lower 1/4th of the document.3. Documents sometimes jam in the feeder and are difficult to remove/pull out.",
"(When that happens, I sometimes have to completely shut down my computer and restart.)I do not recommend this scanner.If you need to scan just documents, buy a Xerox scanner.Our office also has a Xerox Documate 250 vertical feeder scanner that is superior to the HP Scanjet.Feeding is much easier and documents rarely jam.",
"If they do, they are easier to pull out.One advanced feature that the HP Scanjet 7650 has is the ability to scan 35mm negatives.",
"I used this feature and it works.",
"The drawback is that it takes a long time.",
"It's a lot easier just to take the negatives to a nearby photo lab (Walmart and CVS Pharmacy are near me) and have the technician transfer the negatives (which convert to pictures) onto a CD-ROM for around $7.00.",
"(Something like 144 pictures can be put on a CD-ROM.)"
] |
2 | I find it unreadable | I do not understand why the author is trying to accomplish. He starts with page after page of description of how we should define bourgeois. He misses out the big picture by failing to present any information about standards of living. Instead he goes into pedantic details about what lots of people have said about the matter. And he does not have a personal opinion so he does not conclude, just moves on to the next section. In the end one wonders how this relates to the big theme of the book. The book continues in a similar style. Some people might consider the language learned, but I consider it stilted. Sentences regularly run into five or six lines (and the font size is not big). This is English, not German! The book belongs to another.When I read non-fiction I want to get a clear message from the author and it is also a bonus if I am entertained. In this case I am neither. I give the book two stars because the author has clearly put in a lot of time into producing the book. | 992 | [
"I do not understand why the author is trying to accomplish.",
"He starts with page after page of description of how we should define bourgeois.",
"He misses out the big picture by failing to present any information about standards of living.",
"Instead he goes into pedantic details about what lots of people have said about the matter.",
"And he does not have a personal opinion so he does not conclude, just moves on to the next section.",
"In the end one wonders how this relates to the big theme of the book.",
"The book continues in a similar style.",
"Some people might consider the language learned, but I consider it stilted.",
"Sentences regularly run into five or six lines (and the font size is not big).",
"This is English, not German!",
"The book belongs to another.When I read non-fiction I want to get a clear message from the author and it is also a bonus if I am entertained.",
"In this case I am neither.",
"I give the book two stars because the author has clearly put in a lot of time into producing the book."
] |
2 | Ehhhh.... | I can't say that this is a bad album, but not really that great either. In my opinion Tommy should stick to what he knows best, and that is the drums. But I do give him credit for branching out. There are a couple good songs on this album. Hello Again is a good tune, the acoustic version being the better of the two. Good Times is not a bad song either. But it all falls into the washedout boring style of pop rock bands like Nickleback is known for. A popular style in todays industry; yes, but boring none the less. There are no memorable / catchy riffs or choruses, nothing to tap your foot too. For each time I sat down to give it a listen to, I found myself falling asleep, daydreaming, or turning it off out of boredom.Tommy is a great musician, but he needs to stop hopping along on everybodies bandwagons, and start driving his own. Maybe then he will release something worth listening to. Until then, I'll stick with his fellow Crue member, Nikki Sixx, and is Brides of Destruction. | 992 | [
"I can't say that this is a bad album, but not really that great either.",
"In my opinion Tommy should stick to what he knows best, and that is the drums.",
"But I do give him credit for branching out.",
"There are a couple good songs on this album.",
"Hello Again is a good tune, the acoustic version being the better of the two.",
"Good Times is not a bad song either.",
"But it all falls into the washedout boring style of pop rock bands like Nickleback is known for.",
"A popular style in todays industry; yes, but boring none the less.",
"There are no memorable / catchy riffs or choruses, nothing to tap your foot too.",
"For each time I sat down to give it a listen to, I found myself falling asleep, daydreaming, or turning it off out of boredom.Tommy is a great musician, but he needs to stop hopping along on everybodies bandwagons, and start driving his own.",
"Maybe then he will release something worth listening to.",
"Until then, I'll stick with his fellow Crue member, Nikki Sixx, and is Brides of Destruction."
] |
2 | Bubbles and not clear | I bought this stuff and then didn't do anything with it for about six months, so it sat in its box in a closet the whole time.Finally got around to using it. Rather disappointed so far. First off, the finished product is yellow, not clear like the box says. Maybe it has to do with the age, which is why I mentioned it above. Still, 6 months and it's no good? How long are my finished pieces going to last?It looks like a white wine or champagne. That might sound good but it's not! The impression is something weathered and cheap. Don't bother with this stuff unless you plan to use dye.Second, bubbles everywhere! Every time! Forget what the instructions say. Plan for bubbles on EVERY pour. Make sure you have a heat gun or blow dryer handy. Even then, I was still getting stray bubbles. I've followed the instructions to the letter, and failing that, tried a few slight variations. Still get a few bubbles every time. At best my final pieces are going to be second-rate with this product. | 992 | [
"I bought this stuff and then didn't do anything with it for about six months, so it sat in its box in a closet the whole time.Finally got around to using it.",
"Rather disappointed so far.",
"First off, the finished product is yellow, not clear like the box says.",
"Maybe it has to do with the age, which is why I mentioned it above.",
"Still, 6 months and it's no good?",
"How long are my finished pieces going to last?",
"It looks like a white wine or champagne.",
"That might sound good but it's not!",
"The impression is something weathered and cheap.",
"Don't bother with this stuff unless you plan to use dye.Second, bubbles everywhere!",
"Every time!",
"Forget what the instructions say.",
"Plan for bubbles on EVERY pour.",
"Make sure you have a heat gun or blow dryer handy.",
"Even then, I was still getting stray bubbles.",
"I've followed the instructions to the letter, and failing that, tried a few slight variations.",
"Still get a few bubbles every time.",
"At best my final pieces are going to be second-rate with this product."
] |
2 | Underwhelming | Although I finished the whole book, and found the little jacket blurb intriguing, I agree with many of the reviewers who felt it was underwhelming. Franzen doesn't seem to like many of his own characters, and it seemed like he decided to change his mind about Alfred's character (bluff hearty father in tragic disintegration or suburban monster getting his just due?) halfway through writing, for reasons that aren't entirely clear. I wasn't bored by the book, but I did get impatient; the characters behaved like sitcom characters, getting themselves into terrible messes that they should have seen coming. Some sections of the book were excellent, however; I enjoyed Chip's trip to the horrifically hip and overpriced Manhattan grocery store. Overall, there are a few good short stories sort of bunged into a big, slow book about American Life and its Empty Addictions. A lot of people hated it, too, but I feel that David Foster Wallace's Infinite Jest was a better book on the same theme. | 992 | [
"Although I finished the whole book, and found the little jacket blurb intriguing, I agree with many of the reviewers who felt it was underwhelming.",
"Franzen doesn't seem to like many of his own characters, and it seemed like he decided to change his mind about Alfred's character (bluff hearty father in tragic disintegration or suburban monster getting his just due?",
") halfway through writing, for reasons that aren't entirely clear.",
"I wasn't bored by the book, but I did get impatient; the characters behaved like sitcom characters, getting themselves into terrible messes that they should have seen coming.",
"Some sections of the book were excellent, however; I enjoyed Chip's trip to the horrifically hip and overpriced Manhattan grocery store.",
"Overall, there are a few good short stories sort of bunged into a big, slow book about American Life and its Empty Addictions.",
"A lot of people hated it, too, but I feel that David Foster Wallace's Infinite Jest was a better book on the same theme."
] |
2 | Mostly disappointing | I picked up this book after reading several positive reviews for it, and decided to give it a shot. I was fairly disappointed. It's not that the story's bad or the characters aren't believable. The writing is sub-par. Franzen's overuse of excessively, um, unique metaphors detract from the narrative and make it a painful read. Lines like "two empty hours were a sinus in which infections bred," and "her open eye was like nearly black balsamic vinegar beading on white china" are not clever. Nor are they particularly helpful in describing the mood or the appearance of someone or something. This is the kind of writing that high school English teachers surround in red ink with words like "simplify." I know my high school English teachers never would have let me get away with this kind of rubbish. This book would have been significantly more ejoyable if the reader didn't have to navigate around needlessly complex phraseology and flowerly writing that doesn't add anything to the story. | 992 | [
"I picked up this book after reading several positive reviews for it, and decided to give it a shot.",
"I was fairly disappointed.",
"It's not that the story's bad or the characters aren't believable.",
"The writing is sub-par.",
"Franzen's overuse of excessively, um, unique metaphors detract from the narrative and make it a painful read.",
"Lines like \"two empty hours were a sinus in which infections bred,\" and \"her open eye was like nearly black balsamic vinegar beading on white china\" are not clever.",
"Nor are they particularly helpful in describing the mood or the appearance of someone or something.",
"This is the kind of writing that high school English teachers surround in red ink with words like \"simplify.\" I know my high school English teachers never would have let me get away with this kind of rubbish.",
"This book would have been significantly more ejoyable if the reader didn't have to navigate around needlessly complex phraseology and flowerly writing that doesn't add anything to the story."
] |
2 | Really unfunny!!! | Review:You like to read unfunny books? Then take it!!The novel " Are you experienced " starts very well, but then it becomes more and more lengthy, so that I have lost the interest in reading on.Although the novel is written from a first person narrator, I could not identify with or even understand the protagonist's behaviour. Sutcliff's style doesn't convince me, I have not found any parts in the book where tension arises either.In spite of this the story (two young people travel to India for three months during their gap year, because he wants to get her into bed and she wants to find herself there) is good, it's just not put well into practise.Nevertheless I'm proud having read it, because as Dave, the protagonist, says having done it is more fun than the doing it!Since I had to read this novel for school, I have found out many interesting details and so I can say that there is definitely more in the text than I thought before. But I would still not recommend it to a friend! | 992 | [
"Review:You like to read unfunny books?",
"Then take it!!",
"The novel \" Are you experienced \" starts very well, but then it becomes more and more lengthy, so that I have lost the interest in reading on.Although the novel is written from a first person narrator, I could not identify with or even understand the protagonist's behaviour.",
"Sutcliff's style doesn't convince me, I have not found any parts in the book where tension arises either.In spite of this the story (two young people travel to India for three months during their gap year, because he wants to get her into bed and she wants to find herself there) is good, it's just not put well into practise.Nevertheless I'm proud having read it, because as Dave, the protagonist, says having done it is more fun than the doing it!",
"Since I had to read this novel for school, I have found out many interesting details and so I can say that there is definitely more in the text than I thought before.",
"But I would still not recommend it to a friend!"
] |
2 | Sadly, Just Okay | I'm happy that so many others liked Wrinkle, anything to get kids to read and think of others or to get adults to travel back to when they were eleven is such a beautiful thing. (Note; I am not a reviewer who gives a synopsis, you can get that anywhere, so if that's what you're looking for you'll want to go elsewhere. I'll just give my opinion, can I do that without you hating me?)Sadly, for me, I just didn't really feel the main character's longing to get her father back. It was like she was more interested in the adventure of the thing and not the purpose of the journey. I also didn't find her that interesting. I haven't dwelled on the characters at all since finishing the book (the real test of a good one, I still ponder Meggie from Inkheart, Bilbo Baggins, Harry Potter, Charlie Bucket and even old Ms. Trunchbull.) I also found myself liking the supporting characters--that clever little brother and the three aliens--more than our leading lady. All in all, still an okay work. | 992 | [
"I'm happy that so many others liked Wrinkle, anything to get kids to read and think of others or to get adults to travel back to when they were eleven is such a beautiful thing.",
"(Note; I am not a reviewer who gives a synopsis, you can get that anywhere, so if that's what you're looking for you'll want to go elsewhere.",
"I'll just give my opinion, can I do that without you hating me?",
")Sadly, for me, I just didn't really feel the main character's longing to get her father back.",
"It was like she was more interested in the adventure of the thing and not the purpose of the journey.",
"I also didn't find her that interesting.",
"I haven't dwelled on the characters at all since finishing the book (the real test of a good one, I still ponder Meggie from Inkheart, Bilbo Baggins, Harry Potter, Charlie Bucket and even old Ms.",
"Trunchbull.) I also found myself liking the supporting characters--that clever little brother and the three aliens--more than our leading lady.",
"All in all, still an okay work."
] |
2 | Know what you believe | I read this book and listened to the tape. Tolle is a gifted communicator of spiritual ideas. But Tolle is a man, not God, and remember: he's selling something. His main points, that we are not our minds and we should live in the present, are presented in the most clear and persuasive manner I've ever seen. I've found them enormously helpful. Yet, as a lifelong Lutheran, I am skeptical of the many "spiritual truths" he issues so declaratively. He also endorses "A Course in Miracles," a New Age text supposedly channeled straight from God. It's time to start asking questions about his ideas. A good place to start would be Not Necessarily the New Age: Critical Essays, edited by Robert Basil. Other books about New Age thinking can be found in libraries. Just do a subject search on "New Age movement." Don't just adopt religious ideas because someone states them in a soothing, authoritative way--and various celebrities thought the book was great. Your soul and mind are too important. | 992 | [
"I read this book and listened to the tape.",
"Tolle is a gifted communicator of spiritual ideas.",
"But Tolle is a man, not God, and remember: he's selling something.",
"His main points, that we are not our minds and we should live in the present, are presented in the most clear and persuasive manner I've ever seen.",
"I've found them enormously helpful.",
"Yet, as a lifelong Lutheran, I am skeptical of the many \"spiritual truths\" he issues so declaratively.",
"He also endorses \"A Course in Miracles,\" a New Age text supposedly channeled straight from God.",
"It's time to start asking questions about his ideas.",
"A good place to start would be Not Necessarily the New Age: Critical Essays, edited by Robert Basil.",
"Other books about New Age thinking can be found in libraries.",
"Just do a subject search on \"New Age movement.\" Don't just adopt religious ideas because someone states them in a soothing, authoritative way--and various celebrities thought the book was great.",
"Your soul and mind are too important."
] |
2 | A Big Caveat | In general I agree with both the prior reviewers as to the value of the CD to Stravinsky collectors.However, neither mentions a really big problem. The sounds quality resembles what you would get by throwing a couple of wet blankets over the microphones, or maybe moving the mikes out to the lobby.The disk originates from 1996. DG was useing something they called "4D" DDD recording technology. Thankfuly it died a quick and well deserved death.If you can put up with something that sounds like average mid 1950 mono quality only in stereo, you are good to go. Otherwise I suggest trying to get a cheap version from an Amazon merchant.Worth having for Stravinskians for the reasons other reviewers have stated, but be aware of what you're getting. Revier GD calls "the 1945 Firebird suite well worth hearing if lacking just a little in color and magic." I agree. But the color and magic is missing because of the sound problems.The 2 stars are for the really poor quality, otherwise 4 stars. | 992 | [
"In general I agree with both the prior reviewers as to the value of the CD to Stravinsky collectors.However, neither mentions a really big problem.",
"The sounds quality resembles what you would get by throwing a couple of wet blankets over the microphones, or maybe moving the mikes out to the lobby.The disk originates from 1996.",
"DG was useing something they called \"4D\" DDD recording technology.",
"Thankfuly it died a quick and well deserved death.If you can put up with something that sounds like average mid 1950 mono quality only in stereo, you are good to go.",
"Otherwise I suggest trying to get a cheap version from an Amazon merchant.Worth having for Stravinskians for the reasons other reviewers have stated, but be aware of what you're getting.",
"Revier GD calls \"the 1945 Firebird suite well worth hearing if lacking just a little in color and magic.\" I agree.",
"But the color and magic is missing because of the sound problems.The 2 stars are for the really poor quality, otherwise 4 stars."
] |
2 | Buy another product | I have returned this jumper. It is the first baby toy I have returned.My son is 4.5 months old and loves the Fisher-Price Jumperoo. We wanted a lower-priced and different (for variety) toy for my parents' house. Unlike us, they have doorways appropriate for a doorway jumper, and this one looked so colorful and fun!Complaints:1. My son did not appear comfortable in this toy. He was constantly leaning to one side or another, never balanced.2. It looks like it would be adjustable to almost any height, but really there is velcro only on a small part of the cord, so it doesn't adjust much at all.3. The toys are silly and did not interest him at all.4. It just wasn't very springy. He flies around in the jumperoo and could barely jump at all in this toy.I don't know if the problem is doorway jumpers versus jumperoos, as I have not tried another doorway jumper, so I did not give the single star I think the product deserves. But based on my experience, I would NOT recommend this jumper. | 992 | [
"I have returned this jumper.",
"It is the first baby toy I have returned.My son is 4.5 months old and loves the Fisher-Price Jumperoo.",
"We wanted a lower-priced and different (for variety) toy for my parents' house.",
"Unlike us, they have doorways appropriate for a doorway jumper, and this one looked so colorful and fun!",
"Complaints:1.",
"My son did not appear comfortable in this toy.",
"He was constantly leaning to one side or another, never balanced.2. It looks like it would be adjustable to almost any height, but really there is velcro only on a small part of the cord, so it doesn't adjust much at all.3. The toys are silly and did not interest him at all.4. It just wasn't very springy.",
"He flies around in the jumperoo and could barely jump at all in this toy.I don't know if the problem is doorway jumpers versus jumperoos, as I have not tried another doorway jumper, so I did not give the single star I think the product deserves.",
"But based on my experience, I would NOT recommend this jumper."
] |
2 | Not Bond or Bourne! | This book began with much promise and blurbed comparisons to James Bond and the Clive Cussler novels had me anxious to delve into this swash-buckling adventure.The prolouge, where 7-year old Alex Hawke witnesses the brutal murder of his parents aboard their yacht is gripping and the promise of a revenge saga filled with pirate adventures awaits.Unfortunately, this nearly 600-page novel cannot hold up to the promise of the prolouge as it becomes another sodden espionage tale about a coup d'etat in Cuba that the now adult Alex Hawke is hired to stop. The group behind the coup turn out to be three Cuban brothers - the same trio that killed Hawke's parents many years earlier.There is not one second of swash-buckling or piracy in this tale and the revenge is dealt with so quickly it is as if Ted Bell lost interest and just wanted to finish the book and move on with the Hawke series.I sure hope the rest of the books in the Hawke series are superiour to this poorly constructed mess... | 992 | [
"This book began with much promise and blurbed comparisons to James Bond and the Clive Cussler novels had me anxious to delve into this swash-buckling adventure.The prolouge, where 7-year old Alex Hawke witnesses the brutal murder of his parents aboard their yacht is gripping and the promise of a revenge saga filled with pirate adventures awaits.Unfortunately, this nearly 600-page novel cannot hold up to the promise of the prolouge as it becomes another sodden espionage tale about a coup d'etat in Cuba that the now adult Alex Hawke is hired to stop.",
"The group behind the coup turn out to be three Cuban brothers - the same trio that killed Hawke's parents many years earlier.There is not one second of swash-buckling or piracy in this tale and the revenge is dealt with so quickly it is as if Ted Bell lost interest and just wanted to finish the book and move on with the Hawke series.I sure hope the rest of the books in the Hawke series are superiour to this poorly constructed mess..."
] |
2 | Too much. | This book had the potential to be an intriguing suspense however too many characters, too many subplots and an anticlimactic ending made it a disappointing read. I didn't count but I believe there were at least twenty characters introduced with a brief explanation of his/her history and at least three sub-plots.I found myself scanning the subplots to hurridly get to the main plot of murder and to the main characters of Sam, Caitlin, Dina and Frank only to lead to an ending that left too many unanswered questions and the reader,me, who lumbered through the 438 pages actually wanting to read more to get some satisfaction and closeure to the story. I found it too cumbersome to remember how everything and everyone related to the main story if in fact they did. If you enjoy stories within a story you may tolerate this. It wasn't my favorite. I am not however, going to let this one book, since this is the first I've read by this author, dissuade me from trying another by this author. | 992 | [
"This book had the potential to be an intriguing suspense however too many characters, too many subplots and an anticlimactic ending made it a disappointing read.",
"I didn't count but I believe there were at least twenty characters introduced with a brief explanation of his/her history and at least three sub-plots.I found myself scanning the subplots to hurridly get to the main plot of murder and to the main characters of Sam, Caitlin, Dina and Frank only to lead to an ending that left too many unanswered questions and the reader,me, who lumbered through the 438 pages actually wanting to read more to get some satisfaction and closeure to the story.",
"I found it too cumbersome to remember how everything and everyone related to the main story if in fact they did.",
"If you enjoy stories within a story you may tolerate this.",
"It wasn't my favorite.",
"I am not however, going to let this one book, since this is the first I've read by this author, dissuade me from trying another by this author."
] |
2 | No, He's Not | Very disappointing writing from an author whose previous work I enjoyed and admired. My overall impression is that no one actually edited this book: most of the scenes and descriptions go on and on and on, sometimes repeating phrases verbatim ("traps, delts, pecs, lats..."); there are also several places where abrupt changes in subject in the same paragraph simply don't track. [Maybe Wolfe is of such a stature that he doesn't need an editor, the same way that the title of his book doesn't need to appear on the cover.] Wolfe also seems not to get quite right the mindsets and motivations of many of his characters, many of whom are 1-dimensional parodies of their prototypes, seeming, mostly, just overwraught. To me, this book feels as if it were an experiement in "can I write about people from social milleaus I don't know and situations I haven't personally experienced?" I'd say, not convincingly. The book feels long, long-winded, unconvincing, and only intermittently pleasurable. | 992 | [
"Very disappointing writing from an author whose previous work I enjoyed and admired.",
"My overall impression is that no one actually edited this book: most of the scenes and descriptions go on and on and on, sometimes repeating phrases verbatim (\"traps, delts, pecs, lats...\"); there are also several places where abrupt changes in subject in the same paragraph simply don't track.",
"[Maybe Wolfe is of such a stature that he doesn't need an editor, the same way that the title of his book doesn't need to appear on the cover.] Wolfe also seems not to get quite right the mindsets and motivations of many of his characters, many of whom are 1-dimensional parodies of their prototypes, seeming, mostly, just overwraught.",
"To me, this book feels as if it were an experiement in \"can I write about people from social milleaus I don't know and situations I haven't personally experienced?",
"\" I'd say, not convincingly.",
"The book feels long, long-winded, unconvincing, and only intermittently pleasurable."
] |
2 | Preposterous | This is the second in the Sisterhood series. The Sisterhood being 7 female vigilantes that have been wronged by the American justice system. I enjoyed the first one, but this one was ridiculous. First of all, I had a hard time believing that a local lawyer is going to actually sell most everything he owns and take a month leave of absence from his prestigious job just to spy on these women. Jack is a very annoying character and if he is in the other books, I may not bother to read them. Anyway, this edition of the Sisterhood is about exacting revenge for Julia, a doctor married to a philandering senator that gave her AIDS. There was no real tension or suspense leading up to the vengeful moment and the outcome was ridiculous and displeasing. Are we really to believe that a bunch of HMO people were just secretly spririted to Africa and hypnotized and forced to work on a farm? Get real. I am not completely giving up on the Sisterhood series, but I hope the rest of them are better. | 992 | [
"This is the second in the Sisterhood series.",
"The Sisterhood being 7 female vigilantes that have been wronged by the American justice system.",
"I enjoyed the first one, but this one was ridiculous.",
"First of all, I had a hard time believing that a local lawyer is going to actually sell most everything he owns and take a month leave of absence from his prestigious job just to spy on these women.",
"Jack is a very annoying character and if he is in the other books, I may not bother to read them.",
"Anyway, this edition of the Sisterhood is about exacting revenge for Julia, a doctor married to a philandering senator that gave her AIDS.",
"There was no real tension or suspense leading up to the vengeful moment and the outcome was ridiculous and displeasing.",
"Are we really to believe that a bunch of HMO people were just secretly spririted to Africa and hypnotized and forced to work on a farm?",
"Get real.",
"I am not completely giving up on the Sisterhood series, but I hope the rest of them are better."
] |
2 | disappointing | I really wanted to enjoy this book. I just didn't live up to my expectations. Ambrose noted in the introduction that the book began as a biography of George McGovern and later turned into a story of "the men and boys who flew the B-24s over Germany." I got the impression he never did decide which book he was writing. That said, the book still has its good points. For one, it presented a side of McGovern that is not widely known. The reason I read this book was that I wanted to learn more about the air war in WWII, and I did learn a few things, though not as much as I had hoped. In following McGovern's war career, Ambrose takes you through the pilot training program and gives a good picture describes the difficulty of flying the B24 and what life was like on board the plane during a mission. Unfortunately, it was all interspersed with biographical information about the other members of the flight crew, ground crew, etc. that did more to confuse things than it added to the story. | 992 | [
"I really wanted to enjoy this book.",
"I just didn't live up to my expectations.",
"Ambrose noted in the introduction that the book began as a biography of George McGovern and later turned into a story of \"the men and boys who flew the B-24s over Germany.\" I got the impression he never did decide which book he was writing.",
"That said, the book still has its good points.",
"For one, it presented a side of McGovern that is not widely known.",
"The reason I read this book was that I wanted to learn more about the air war in WWII, and I did learn a few things, though not as much as I had hoped.",
"In following McGovern's war career, Ambrose takes you through the pilot training program and gives a good picture describes the difficulty of flying the B24 and what life was like on board the plane during a mission.",
"Unfortunately, it was all interspersed with biographical information about the other members of the flight crew, ground crew, etc.",
"that did more to confuse things than it added to the story."
] |
2 | Great cover | Please let me start by saying that I have not yet written a critical review. I am fairly easy to please in the romance novel dept. so this is difficult for me to say~ but this book did not meet my expectations for it. The cover is beautiful and the historical premise is fascinating and well researched. Where I found fault was the actual writing itself. The opening sentence, "The air was cold and damp." is not too far from "It was a dark and stormy night." The plot is fine but the descriptions are lacking innovation. There is far too much "telling" -- a writer's term for not showing enough through the actions of the characters. Instead they used narrative far too much when I would have rather seen the descriptions shown through the actions and dialogue of the characters. If one wants to read about this particular time in the reign of Elizabeth it would be helpful and fun to read for that reason. As a romance however, there are others that are more original in their descriptions. | 992 | [
"Please let me start by saying that I have not yet written a critical review.",
"I am fairly easy to please in the romance novel dept.",
"so this is difficult for me to say~ but this book did not meet my expectations for it.",
"The cover is beautiful and the historical premise is fascinating and well researched.",
"Where I found fault was the actual writing itself.",
"The opening sentence, \"The air was cold and damp.\" is not too far from \"It was a dark and stormy night.\" The plot is fine but the descriptions are lacking innovation.",
"There is far too much \"telling\" -- a writer's term for not showing enough through the actions of the characters.",
"Instead they used narrative far too much when I would have rather seen the descriptions shown through the actions and dialogue of the characters.",
"If one wants to read about this particular time in the reign of Elizabeth it would be helpful and fun to read for that reason.",
"As a romance however, there are others that are more original in their descriptions."
] |
2 | mediocre | When I first read this book some time back I found it original, chilling and a tight piece of work. Coming back to it now I can't help but find it rather tedious and at times naive. The storyline itself isn't the problem, it is the way Brite narrates that makes me cringe. Obviously fans of the book, and Brite as a writer, are not going to agree with me on the next point but I find she relies on stereotypes far too much and her characters, although displaying some degree of depth, are quite two dimensional. The love scenes between Zach and Trevor are particuarly excrutiating. The narration here is juvenile and it almost seems as if she is rushing to make a point and move on to the next scene as if she is reading the text not writing it. The scenes are not well crafted and this is the feeling I got from the novel as a whole. To me it feels like a novel written by a randy teenager who has no idea how to craft a three dimensional story and has drawn from every stereotype available. | 992 | [
"When I first read this book some time back I found it original, chilling and a tight piece of work.",
"Coming back to it now I can't help but find it rather tedious and at times naive.",
"The storyline itself isn't the problem, it is the way Brite narrates that makes me cringe.",
"Obviously fans of the book, and Brite as a writer, are not going to agree with me on the next point but I find she relies on stereotypes far too much and her characters, although displaying some degree of depth, are quite two dimensional.",
"The love scenes between Zach and Trevor are particuarly excrutiating.",
"The narration here is juvenile and it almost seems as if she is rushing to make a point and move on to the next scene as if she is reading the text not writing it.",
"The scenes are not well crafted and this is the feeling I got from the novel as a whole.",
"To me it feels like a novel written by a randy teenager who has no idea how to craft a three dimensional story and has drawn from every stereotype available."
] |
2 | Creepy, at best | This is another Sparks book that disappointed me. I understand that she writes fiction. I understand that she sensationalizes her stories. However, I believe this book would have been much better if she left out the whole occult aspect. There was a lot for her to go on without having to make that part up about Jay. Here again she messed up dates and times so that you could tell what entries she was making up. If you're going to make it a journal at least get the dates and times "correct." Also the timeline throughout the story wasn't correct, even for a work of fiction. Jay would write about numerous things happening over a span of days but the entries in between would only be a day apart (particularly the entry about drinking the cow blood......the entries didn't add up at all).This story actually left a really bad taste in my mouth. The things she described and the thought sequence was really disturbing (especially towards the end of the story). I don't care to read it again. | 992 | [
"This is another Sparks book that disappointed me.",
"I understand that she writes fiction.",
"I understand that she sensationalizes her stories.",
"However, I believe this book would have been much better if she left out the whole occult aspect.",
"There was a lot for her to go on without having to make that part up about Jay.",
"Here again she messed up dates and times so that you could tell what entries she was making up.",
"If you're going to make it a journal at least get the dates and times \"correct.\" Also the timeline throughout the story wasn't correct, even for a work of fiction.",
"Jay would write about numerous things happening over a span of days but the entries in between would only be a day apart (particularly the entry about drinking the cow blood......the entries didn't add up at all).This story actually left a really bad taste in my mouth.",
"The things she described and the thought sequence was really disturbing (especially towards the end of the story).",
"I don't care to read it again."
] |
2 | In Awee | Like so many others have said, Ms. Steffans is about one thing MAKING MONEY and when the well ran dry, she found another hustle, writing. she mentioned this so called "good ole' boys club", well the number 1 rule in those clubs is you don't tell. It's so sad that this is the images that our daughters ae looking at and up to, this girl whether she is or not is a high priiced Wh**e. I was so dissappointed after reading this book, mostly because I kept waiting for the turning point, when she realized that what she was doing and how she was doing it was wrong. But, that point never came, she said that she wanted to save young girls from making the same mistakes that she did, but the only way to do that is for her to change her lifestyle. As much as she said she hated her mother, is probably how much her son is going to hate her, just imagine him pickingup this book 10 yrs from now and reading these things about his mother. That's something that can scar a child far beyond beatings. | 992 | [
"Like so many others have said, Ms.",
"Steffans is about one thing MAKING MONEY and when the well ran dry, she found another hustle, writing.",
"she mentioned this so called \"good ole' boys club\", well the number 1 rule in those clubs is you don't tell.",
"It's so sad that this is the images that our daughters ae looking at and up to, this girl whether she is or not is a high priiced Wh**e.",
"I was so dissappointed after reading this book, mostly because I kept waiting for the turning point, when she realized that what she was doing and how she was doing it was wrong.",
"But, that point never came, she said that she wanted to save young girls from making the same mistakes that she did, but the only way to do that is for her to change her lifestyle.",
"As much as she said she hated her mother, is probably how much her son is going to hate her, just imagine him pickingup this book 10 yrs from now and reading these things about his mother.",
"That's something that can scar a child far beyond beatings."
] |
2 | Arrogant author | This book was well written, well under some circumstances. Charles R. Cross is an arrogant author as clearly noted in the title of this review. He thinks he knew everything about Kurt, when the fact is... he never met the man! Michael Azzerad who really met Kurt and acted as his official biographer should be the one acts this way, even his family doesnt act the way CRC does. Charles is like oh, I touched the heart shaped box, oh I touched his guitars. so what! we're not looking at your interviews and books to see what you have done man! On the chapter where Kurt dies, he says"kurt put the rifle into his mouth" or whatever I mean c'mon dude you must be stupid or think the fans are stupid to think that you know exactly how he died! No one does, if the man was murdered only a few people know I guess. Only god knows some of the details he added.. Overall good book, good detail thats my only problem with this book. fun to read but Who killed Kurt Cobain is the greatest Cobain book.. | 992 | [
"This book was well written, well under some circumstances.",
"Charles R.",
"Cross is an arrogant author as clearly noted in the title of this review.",
"He thinks he knew everything about Kurt, when the fact is... he never met the man!",
"Michael Azzerad who really met Kurt and acted as his official biographer should be the one acts this way, even his family doesnt act the way CRC does.",
"Charles is like oh, I touched the heart shaped box, oh I touched his guitars.",
"so what!",
"we're not looking at your interviews and books to see what you have done man!",
"On the chapter where Kurt dies, he says\"kurt put the rifle into his mouth\" or whatever I mean c'mon dude you must be stupid or think the fans are stupid to think that you know exactly how he died!",
"No one does, if the man was murdered only a few people know I guess.",
"Only god knows some of the details he added..",
"Overall good book, good detail thats my only problem with this book.",
"fun to read but Who killed Kurt Cobain is the greatest Cobain book.."
] |
2 | Not Worth It | The basic idea that complexity can be obtained by very simple rules is not new. The idea that the Universe, in all its complexity, may be a result of very simple (computational) rules is not new. And looking at lots (and I mean *lots*) of fractal-like, cellular automata, game of life like, black and white pictures is no fun at all. The pictures tell you nothing. You need to understand the text to understand the pictures. But if you understand the text, you don't really need the pictures. (A few pictures would be o.k., but hundreds is not good.)I think the basic info in this book, the basic theme, could be written in under 100 pages. This is not a "how to" book. It doesn't tell you how to replace current math, physics, etc. with something new. It only suggests that it might be possible to do so by considering "it all" as computation and by finding/defining simple computable systems.Some interesting ideas. For me, not many new ideas. Glad I didn't buy the book. (Borrowed a copy.) | 992 | [
"The basic idea that complexity can be obtained by very simple rules is not new.",
"The idea that the Universe, in all its complexity, may be a result of very simple (computational) rules is not new.",
"And looking at lots (and I mean *lots*) of fractal-like, cellular automata, game of life like, black and white pictures is no fun at all.",
"The pictures tell you nothing.",
"You need to understand the text to understand the pictures.",
"But if you understand the text, you don't really need the pictures.",
"(A few pictures would be o.k., but hundreds is not good.)I think the basic info in this book, the basic theme, could be written in under 100 pages.",
"This is not a \"how to\" book.",
"It doesn't tell you how to replace current math, physics, etc.",
"with something new.",
"It only suggests that it might be possible to do so by considering \"it all\" as computation and by finding/defining simple computable systems.Some interesting ideas.",
"For me, not many new ideas.",
"Glad I didn't buy the book.",
"(Borrowed a copy.)"
] |
2 | It just doesn't click | After reading a rather misleading four-star review of this album in Rolling Stone when this hummer came out, I rushed out to buy it. After all, you gotta start with a legendary band somewhere, right? Don't start here. After listening to this one, I couldn't figure out if I was missing something essential to rock 'n' roll or to the Replacements themselves. This is an incredibly inconsistent record. There are, admittedly, a few gems scattered here and there: the tear-jerking "Sadly Beautiful," or the pleading "The Last," which might be read as a plea to Bob Stinson to please quit drinking and "make this last one really the last." It's telling that these songs are ballads. Where's the hard rock? It ain't here. If the songs intend to rock, Westerberg holds back for some reason. Even the hardest song, "My Little Problem," featuring a neat duet with Johnette Napolitano of Concrete Blonde, never gets as wild as it wants to. Agreed with a review below: For diehard Westerberg fans only. | 992 | [
"After reading a rather misleading four-star review of this album in Rolling Stone when this hummer came out, I rushed out to buy it.",
"After all, you gotta start with a legendary band somewhere, right?",
"Don't start here.",
"After listening to this one, I couldn't figure out if I was missing something essential to rock 'n' roll or to the Replacements themselves.",
"This is an incredibly inconsistent record.",
"There are, admittedly, a few gems scattered here and there: the tear-jerking \"Sadly Beautiful,\" or the pleading \"The Last,\" which might be read as a plea to Bob Stinson to please quit drinking and \"make this last one really the last.\" It's telling that these songs are ballads.",
"Where's the hard rock?",
"It ain't here.",
"If the songs intend to rock, Westerberg holds back for some reason.",
"Even the hardest song, \"My Little Problem,\" featuring a neat duet with Johnette Napolitano of Concrete Blonde, never gets as wild as it wants to.",
"Agreed with a review below: For diehard Westerberg fans only."
] |
2 | Disappointed | Guess I'm going to be the sour grape in this list of reviews. This book was a bitter disappointment to me. I am a "dog person" and an avid fan of dog mysteries and always pounce on the latest one I find. "Scent of Murder" starts with what seems the completely gratuitous death of an SAR dog, but never fear, the heroine just happens to have a second fully trained dog in reserve. There are too many unnecessary flips of viewpoint and too many minor characters throwing bits of their lives at the reader. At one point a dog is hit by a skunk full in the face and yet it "scents" something again that same day - I live in the country and know what it's like for a dog to get skunked full in the face and I just plain don't believe it, nor do I believe a serial killer of children would get hung up on an adult woman. If this turns into a series, maybe it will improve, but as of right now I'm sorry so many people seem to have such low standards for a mystery based on canine search and rescue. | 992 | [
"Guess I'm going to be the sour grape in this list of reviews.",
"This book was a bitter disappointment to me.",
"I am a \"dog person\" and an avid fan of dog mysteries and always pounce on the latest one I find.",
"\"Scent of Murder\" starts with what seems the completely gratuitous death of an SAR dog, but never fear, the heroine just happens to have a second fully trained dog in reserve.",
"There are too many unnecessary flips of viewpoint and too many minor characters throwing bits of their lives at the reader.",
"At one point a dog is hit by a skunk full in the face and yet it \"scents\" something again that same day - I live in the country and know what it's like for a dog to get skunked full in the face and I just plain don't believe it, nor do I believe a serial killer of children would get hung up on an adult woman.",
"If this turns into a series, maybe it will improve, but as of right now I'm sorry so many people seem to have such low standards for a mystery based on canine search and rescue."
] |
2 | Un-Scholarly | This commentary is exceptional in the amount of material it covers. Referencing this commentary on two different occasions for serious scholarship on a few tough questions has turned out not provide any adequate answers. One New Testament question and one Old Testament question was not answered properly in this text. In fact, it made light of it. The New Testament example was Jesus who rode on both donkeys implying he rode both animals. Instead of clarifying the language in the Bible as not misleading it continues on with the trickery. The reviewer who gave the commentary a 1 star review had some important things to say about this text. I'm a Catholic. The dissenting view has value and is a reasonable reflection. If you want to take a look go ahead and get it. But I didn't have to go too far with it to find it unreliable on some basic questions. The other Old testament question was in Genesis. You should have materials to cross reference before you include this in your library. | 992 | [
"This commentary is exceptional in the amount of material it covers.",
"Referencing this commentary on two different occasions for serious scholarship on a few tough questions has turned out not provide any adequate answers.",
"One New Testament question and one Old Testament question was not answered properly in this text.",
"In fact, it made light of it.",
"The New Testament example was Jesus who rode on both donkeys implying he rode both animals.",
"Instead of clarifying the language in the Bible as not misleading it continues on with the trickery.",
"The reviewer who gave the commentary a 1 star review had some important things to say about this text.",
"I'm a Catholic.",
"The dissenting view has value and is a reasonable reflection.",
"If you want to take a look go ahead and get it.",
"But I didn't have to go too far with it to find it unreliable on some basic questions.",
"The other Old testament question was in Genesis.",
"You should have materials to cross reference before you include this in your library."
] |
2 | The Temple of BLAH | I'm somewhere in the intermediate range of bellydancing. I've been doing it for about a year and have taken a class and done a couple DVD's. I am, by no means, an expert, but I am a fairly good dancer by nature. And I don't care much for this one.1. The narration is useless. The ONLY way to follow along is visually. The narrarator will commonly tell you to go into some pose, or do some move, but she's using a name like, "temple pose" without explaining it.2. There is no slow break-down of the moves. I can see how a highly experienced dancer might get bored by that part, and therefore, enjoy the lack of direction in the DVD. But some of the moves can harm your back and neck and there is no attempt made to teach these moves in a safe way. I call that sloppy and irresponsible.3. Eh. Nothing moved me. It wasn't horrible, but it seemed very low budget.This is definitely an exercise DVD and not an instructional dance DVD. It was a disappointing gift, but at least I didn't pay for it. | 992 | [
"I'm somewhere in the intermediate range of bellydancing.",
"I've been doing it for about a year and have taken a class and done a couple DVD's.",
"I am, by no means, an expert, but I am a fairly good dancer by nature.",
"And I don't care much for this one.1. The narration is useless.",
"The ONLY way to follow along is visually.",
"The narrarator will commonly tell you to go into some pose, or do some move, but she's using a name like, \"temple pose\" without explaining it.2. There is no slow break-down of the moves.",
"I can see how a highly experienced dancer might get bored by that part, and therefore, enjoy the lack of direction in the DVD.",
"But some of the moves can harm your back and neck and there is no attempt made to teach these moves in a safe way.",
"I call that sloppy and irresponsible.3. Eh.",
"Nothing moved me.",
"It wasn't horrible, but it seemed very low budget.This is definitely an exercise DVD and not an instructional dance DVD.",
"It was a disappointing gift, but at least I didn't pay for it."
] |
2 | Disappointing | After an explosive opening, this story wanders off into meaningless details and events. There is so much wasted space between the covers, that when the climax finally comes near the very end, it's hard to remember who some of the players are. The climax seems rushed, as if someone had to meet a publisher's deadline or some such. The ending itself is just a bit too convenient and a bit too cryptic.There are some scenes with the mysterious Bane Sidhe (hint, this is pronounced Banshee in English), but we really learn nothing useful about the group. Nor is there any meaningful detail about what has been happening since the cavalry arrived (aka the Fleet) and ended the Posleen incursion on Earth in one afternoon (slight exaggeration), some forty years earlier.If you skip this entry in Aldenata series, you won't notice the omission. Speaking of which, when the heck are we going to find out more about the Aldenata, and learn who engineered the Posleen (they can't be natural), and why? | 992 | [
"After an explosive opening, this story wanders off into meaningless details and events.",
"There is so much wasted space between the covers, that when the climax finally comes near the very end, it's hard to remember who some of the players are.",
"The climax seems rushed, as if someone had to meet a publisher's deadline or some such.",
"The ending itself is just a bit too convenient and a bit too cryptic.There are some scenes with the mysterious Bane Sidhe (hint, this is pronounced Banshee in English), but we really learn nothing useful about the group.",
"Nor is there any meaningful detail about what has been happening since the cavalry arrived (aka the Fleet) and ended the Posleen incursion on Earth in one afternoon (slight exaggeration), some forty years earlier.If you skip this entry in Aldenata series, you won't notice the omission.",
"Speaking of which, when the heck are we going to find out more about the Aldenata, and learn who engineered the Posleen (they can't be natural), and why?"
] |
2 | Make sudden noises | The main reason I bought this heater over the heaters with fans was to have no noise so it would be quiet while I slept. The heater was quiet most of the time, but then every once in a while (say once an hour), it would make a loud cracking noise. My guess is while it heated up, the metal on a part expanded and then moved and made this noise. I could not see what was making the noise, since it is all encased. This is very distracting if you are trying to sleep and actually woke me up from my sleep (though I am a light sleeper). If you are not using this while sleeping, it may work just fine. I did not have any issues with a smell like other reviewers. There was a slight smell the first time I used it. Everything else worked fine other than the noise. This may have just been a defect in my unit.I sent it back to amazon and received a full refund, including shipping, no questions asked. I bought a regular heater with a fan and I find that much less distracting when I am sleeping. | 992 | [
"The main reason I bought this heater over the heaters with fans was to have no noise so it would be quiet while I slept.",
"The heater was quiet most of the time, but then every once in a while (say once an hour), it would make a loud cracking noise.",
"My guess is while it heated up, the metal on a part expanded and then moved and made this noise.",
"I could not see what was making the noise, since it is all encased.",
"This is very distracting if you are trying to sleep and actually woke me up from my sleep (though I am a light sleeper).",
"If you are not using this while sleeping, it may work just fine.",
"I did not have any issues with a smell like other reviewers.",
"There was a slight smell the first time I used it.",
"Everything else worked fine other than the noise.",
"This may have just been a defect in my unit.I sent it back to amazon and received a full refund, including shipping, no questions asked.",
"I bought a regular heater with a fan and I find that much less distracting when I am sleeping."
] |
2 | A Bad History Lesson | Director Roland Emmerich and Producer Dean Devlin? Do you recognize those names? They brought us Independence Day and Godzilla. Two of the worst movies of the nineties in my humble opinion. Now they are giving us a history lesson in the form of The Patriot. This movie has good sets, neat costumes, and good computer graphics. This movie does not have originality, good acting, or the convictions of it's own plotline. The movie is similiar to Braveheart, another Gibson movie. Again Gibson plays a man of peace turned savage when a loved one is murdered. As for the acting, forget it. Yes, Mel Gibson is a likeable screen presence, but he cannot carry this film. The rest of the actors are horrible, especially that broad who plays Heath Ledger's love interest. In thier defense, the actors can only do so much with bad dialogue and a hack director. If you want an intellingent historical movie, go for the 1989 movie Glory. If you want a Mel Gibson historical piece, watch Braveheart again. | 992 | [
"Director Roland Emmerich and Producer Dean Devlin?",
"Do you recognize those names?",
"They brought us Independence Day and Godzilla.",
"Two of the worst movies of the nineties in my humble opinion.",
"Now they are giving us a history lesson in the form of The Patriot.",
"This movie has good sets, neat costumes, and good computer graphics.",
"This movie does not have originality, good acting, or the convictions of it's own plotline.",
"The movie is similiar to Braveheart, another Gibson movie.",
"Again Gibson plays a man of peace turned savage when a loved one is murdered.",
"As for the acting, forget it.",
"Yes, Mel Gibson is a likeable screen presence, but he cannot carry this film.",
"The rest of the actors are horrible, especially that broad who plays Heath Ledger's love interest.",
"In thier defense, the actors can only do so much with bad dialogue and a hack director.",
"If you want an intellingent historical movie, go for the 1989 movie Glory.",
"If you want a Mel Gibson historical piece, watch Braveheart again."
] |
2 | What more can I say? | Not much really, most of the one -star reviews have pretty much summed up this album in a nutcase. I honestly don't mind this club music IN THE CLUB but when people call this real hip-hop or say his lyrics are good... they need a biaaaatch slap.I really can't stand his voice. I understand he is trying to be unqiue and seperate his flow from others so he doesn't sound monotone but his lyrics are pathetic. I have to admit though these are good for club beats but don't expect some raw hip-hop beats.This is the sad state Hip-Hop has come to these days. I mean I guess this music has it's own section (hip-pop) but it tarnishes what real hip-hop use to stand for. I'm not going to bother going deep because you either already own this C.D., or you're just going to call me a Chingy hater.I'm sure the people who will agree with me are true hip-hop heads, others who don't obviously started getting into hip-hop in the late 90's and think this is what hip-hop should be like. Oh well.Peaaace. | 992 | [
"Not much really, most of the one -star reviews have pretty much summed up this album in a nutcase.",
"I honestly don't mind this club music IN THE CLUB but when people call this real hip-hop or say his lyrics are good... they need a biaaaatch slap.I really can't stand his voice.",
"I understand he is trying to be unqiue and seperate his flow from others so he doesn't sound monotone but his lyrics are pathetic.",
"I have to admit though these are good for club beats but don't expect some raw hip-hop beats.This is the sad state Hip-Hop has come to these days.",
"I mean I guess this music has it's own section (hip-pop) but it tarnishes what real hip-hop use to stand for.",
"I'm not going to bother going deep because you either already own this C.D., or you're just going to call me a Chingy hater.I'm sure the people who will agree with me are true hip-hop heads, others who don't obviously started getting into hip-hop in the late 90's and think this is what hip-hop should be like.",
"Oh well.Peaaace."
] |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.