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3 | Tall tale | Macomber Beechum is a Texas millionaire. Dan Roman has bills to pay. Beechum's ranch house is not opulent. Roman is a private detective, former police officer.The problem presented is a missing granddaughter. Her husband contends she went to East Texas with an old boyfriend to visit. She runs the family business. Her father, a twin, committed suicide under mysterious circumstances.Sandra Conrad is subsequently a suspect in the death of her husband Peter when his body is found stuffed down an old well. At this point her sisters, Mercy and Hope Beechum, hire Roman to continue the search for her. Roman has shadowed her travels and believes that she is alive. The dispute the Beechums are having concerns timber rights.Perhaps the Beechums are poor in spirit. Roman runs into some quick draw artists, perfecting their gun drawing skills for years in a haze of nostalgia for the days of the Texas Rangers. The story is more complex than the boredom of small town life and is reasonably satisfying. | 1,000 | [
"Macomber Beechum is a Texas millionaire.",
"Dan Roman has bills to pay.",
"Beechum's ranch house is not opulent.",
"Roman is a private detective, former police officer.The problem presented is a missing granddaughter.",
"Her husband contends she went to East Texas with an old boyfriend to visit.",
"She runs the family business.",
"Her father, a twin, committed suicide under mysterious circumstances.Sandra Conrad is subsequently a suspect in the death of her husband Peter when his body is found stuffed down an old well.",
"At this point her sisters, Mercy and Hope Beechum, hire Roman to continue the search for her.",
"Roman has shadowed her travels and believes that she is alive.",
"The dispute the Beechums are having concerns timber rights.Perhaps the Beechums are poor in spirit.",
"Roman runs into some quick draw artists, perfecting their gun drawing skills for years in a haze of nostalgia for the days of the Texas Rangers.",
"The story is more complex than the boredom of small town life and is reasonably satisfying."
] |
3 | Formulaic | I really wanted to enjoy this book, as the paperback version was released after Robert Ludlum's death. However, his best work was written in the 1970s and early 1980s. "The Prometheus Deception" really seems to be a re-tooled version of his 1980s book "The Acquitaine Progression," in which a character jumps around from country to country, hooks up again with his estranged wife, and discovers there are few people he can trust. Had Ludlum decided to go off on a new writing strategy, his later works may have been as enjoyable as his first few. ("The Osterman Weekend," for example, was a novel that not only kept you intrigued, it's final pages were alarming!) Here it seems like he settled on a formula of concocting a character, inputting a number of cities on a map, throw in a few red herrings, and then come up with a finish that really seems to miss its impact (Same thing with the otherwise enjoyable "Acquitaine Progression.) Robert Ludlum should be remembered for a better book than this. | 1,000 | [
"I really wanted to enjoy this book, as the paperback version was released after Robert Ludlum's death.",
"However, his best work was written in the 1970s and early 1980s.",
"\"The Prometheus Deception\" really seems to be a re-tooled version of his 1980s book \"The Acquitaine Progression,\" in which a character jumps around from country to country, hooks up again with his estranged wife, and discovers there are few people he can trust.",
"Had Ludlum decided to go off on a new writing strategy, his later works may have been as enjoyable as his first few.",
"(\"The Osterman Weekend,\" for example, was a novel that not only kept you intrigued, it's final pages were alarming!",
") Here it seems like he settled on a formula of concocting a character, inputting a number of cities on a map, throw in a few red herrings, and then come up with a finish that really seems to miss its impact (Same thing with the otherwise enjoyable \"Acquitaine Progression.) Robert Ludlum should be remembered for a better book than this."
] |
3 | No Frogs Here | 3 stars as far as B movies go.Following gratuitous poisoning, destruction, and pollution of nature... nature will oft return to have her way with you.Funny enough by the title, one would expect some frogs to participate in the carnage, however only one frog showed up for the two days of production and filming (as it could not have taken longer than that). The lone bullfrog, assisted by his army of toads (not frogs) and various other reptilian and amphibian cohorts, single web-footedly take down an entire family of rich eccentrics.For bad movie night, it is perfect... especially for anyone with an ecology or biology background (you'll just love the selection of animals). However, we suggest watching it in Spanish as it helps to get all the pesky bad dialog out of the way.One further suggestion: never ever, ever play a drinking game which involves imbibing with each instance of toad or 'frog'. The hangover will not soon be forgotten, luckily, the film will.A true fourth of July favorite. | 1,000 | [
"3 stars as far as B movies go.Following gratuitous poisoning, destruction, and pollution of nature... nature will oft return to have her way with you.Funny enough by the title, one would expect some frogs to participate in the carnage, however only one frog showed up for the two days of production and filming (as it could not have taken longer than that).",
"The lone bullfrog, assisted by his army of toads (not frogs) and various other reptilian and amphibian cohorts, single web-footedly take down an entire family of rich eccentrics.For bad movie night, it is perfect... especially for anyone with an ecology or biology background (you'll just love the selection of animals).",
"However, we suggest watching it in Spanish as it helps to get all the pesky bad dialog out of the way.One further suggestion: never ever, ever play a drinking game which involves imbibing with each instance of toad or 'frog'.",
"The hangover will not soon be forgotten, luckily, the film will.A true fourth of July favorite."
] |
3 | Decent enough | Year One finds director Harold Ramis returning to his more bawdy days of comedy, and like a previous reviewer already said, features Jack Black and Michael Cera doing the same things they've done for pretty much their entire careers. Black and Cera play Zed and Oh respectively, two pre-historic losers in the Biblical era, getting in all sorts of mischief that frequently involves genital and fart jokes. Along the way we see familiar comedic faces and Judd Apatow vets like David Cross, Paul Rudd, Hank Azaria, Bill Hader, and Christopher Mintz-Plasse; to go along with Vinnie Jones, Oliver Platt, Black's Tenacious D partner Kyle Gass, the ridiculously hot Olivia Wilde, and even Ramis himself. As a whole, Year One delivers a decent enough amount of laughs to warrant it worth viewing, but there isn't anything here that you haven't seen here plenty of times before, and seen done better either. Still, for Apatow fans and fans of Jack Black and Michael Cera, Year One is definitely worth seeing. | 1,000 | [
"Year One finds director Harold Ramis returning to his more bawdy days of comedy, and like a previous reviewer already said, features Jack Black and Michael Cera doing the same things they've done for pretty much their entire careers.",
"Black and Cera play Zed and Oh respectively, two pre-historic losers in the Biblical era, getting in all sorts of mischief that frequently involves genital and fart jokes.",
"Along the way we see familiar comedic faces and Judd Apatow vets like David Cross, Paul Rudd, Hank Azaria, Bill Hader, and Christopher Mintz-Plasse; to go along with Vinnie Jones, Oliver Platt, Black's Tenacious D partner Kyle Gass, the ridiculously hot Olivia Wilde, and even Ramis himself.",
"As a whole, Year One delivers a decent enough amount of laughs to warrant it worth viewing, but there isn't anything here that you haven't seen here plenty of times before, and seen done better either.",
"Still, for Apatow fans and fans of Jack Black and Michael Cera, Year One is definitely worth seeing."
] |
3 | Disappointed. | I found myself quite irritated with this CD. The music was adapted from its original 1960s rock (which can be heard on the excellent original cast recording) to a 1970s jazzy-symphonic, soft shoe beat. The problem is that HAIR losing much of its energy and meaning when its anger and edge are smoothed over. The lyrics are the same, but the songs sound like they are being performed for play in an elevator or as part of a lounge act. It is just not the same. And the HAIR on this CD is not the HAIR that has been loved and repeated for decades; rather, it is a freeze frame of a late 70s. If you happened to prefer the music, movement, and feel of late 70s to that of 60s, then this CD is for you; otherwise, go with the original.With that said, the version has one great feature that is available nowhere else: Cheryl Barnes performing "Easy to be Hard." It is amazing. Unfortunately, Barnes chose not to pursue a show business career, so this is the only place you will ever hear her lovely voice. | 1,000 | [
"I found myself quite irritated with this CD.",
"The music was adapted from its original 1960s rock (which can be heard on the excellent original cast recording) to a 1970s jazzy-symphonic, soft shoe beat.",
"The problem is that HAIR losing much of its energy and meaning when its anger and edge are smoothed over.",
"The lyrics are the same, but the songs sound like they are being performed for play in an elevator or as part of a lounge act.",
"It is just not the same.",
"And the HAIR on this CD is not the HAIR that has been loved and repeated for decades; rather, it is a freeze frame of a late 70s.",
"If you happened to prefer the music, movement, and feel of late 70s to that of 60s, then this CD is for you; otherwise, go with the original.With that said, the version has one great feature that is available nowhere else: Cheryl Barnes performing \"Easy to be Hard.\" It is amazing.",
"Unfortunately, Barnes chose not to pursue a show business career, so this is the only place you will ever hear her lovely voice."
] |
3 | quaint | i had to have a look after all this hype and the book was worse than i feared. the chapters are annoyingly short and end with what are probably supposed to be cliffhangers, but what they do is chop the story into frilly little pieces. Brown's previous Vatican story was much better.The characters are 2D, laden with cliches and damned with a thin plot. Although the book contains a number of clever riddles and juicy historical factoids, the author can never decide whether he is giving a lecture on history, religious iconography and conspiracy theories or whether he is actually writing a thriller. as a result, there are pages and pages of irrelevant stuff while the plot itself is thin and moves at lightning speed.not that i mind the subject topic - in fact, i find Knights Templar, medieval legends, da Vinci et consortes captivating. yet if you are writing a novel, Dan, please write the novel, not a philosophical sermon or a Morality Play.And now I have to imagine Hanks as Langdon <shudder> | 1,000 | [
"i had to have a look after all this hype and the book was worse than i feared.",
"the chapters are annoyingly short and end with what are probably supposed to be cliffhangers, but what they do is chop the story into frilly little pieces.",
"Brown's previous Vatican story was much better.The characters are 2D, laden with cliches and damned with a thin plot.",
"Although the book contains a number of clever riddles and juicy historical factoids, the author can never decide whether he is giving a lecture on history, religious iconography and conspiracy theories or whether he is actually writing a thriller.",
"as a result, there are pages and pages of irrelevant stuff while the plot itself is thin and moves at lightning speed.not that i mind the subject topic - in fact, i find Knights Templar, medieval legends, da Vinci et consortes captivating.",
"yet if you are writing a novel, Dan, please write the novel, not a philosophical sermon or a Morality Play.And now I have to imagine Hanks as Langdon <shudder>"
] |
3 | rent first | Dead to Rights seemed interesting. I had bought Max Payne, Solid Snake, Grand Theft Auto and the Getaway and several other similar games of that genre and wasn't dissappointed. Unfortunatly I can't say the same for this one. It is engrossing, no lying about that, but there wasn't anything that kept my attention. The cut scenes were creativly done, but all you do is shoot, shoot, shoot, fist-fight alittle, die 18 million times and shoot some more; so much so that it left me feeling shell shocked. The ending was a letdown and the game was too short. The mini-games were weak and an unnecessary distraction (pushing buttons for a stripper to dance to distract bouncers? C'mon!) I had expected more challenges from these. The slow-motion diving was useless, too. I only used it twice in the game because you can still get shot while doing it and it's hard as hell to aim at enemies. I say before plopping down 50 dollars for it, RENT IT FIRST or wait until it goes on sale for 20 bucks(like I did). | 1,000 | [
"Dead to Rights seemed interesting.",
"I had bought Max Payne, Solid Snake, Grand Theft Auto and the Getaway and several other similar games of that genre and wasn't dissappointed.",
"Unfortunatly I can't say the same for this one.",
"It is engrossing, no lying about that, but there wasn't anything that kept my attention.",
"The cut scenes were creativly done, but all you do is shoot, shoot, shoot, fist-fight alittle, die 18 million times and shoot some more; so much so that it left me feeling shell shocked.",
"The ending was a letdown and the game was too short.",
"The mini-games were weak and an unnecessary distraction (pushing buttons for a stripper to dance to distract bouncers?",
"C'mon!",
") I had expected more challenges from these.",
"The slow-motion diving was useless, too.",
"I only used it twice in the game because you can still get shot while doing it and it's hard as hell to aim at enemies.",
"I say before plopping down 50 dollars for it, RENT IT FIRST or wait until it goes on sale for 20 bucks(like I did)."
] |
3 | Quick Read | This is certainly a much quicker guide to parliamentary procedure than Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised, 10th edition. I read the entire thing in less than three hours.On the other hand, parliamentary procedure is much like a language. It is a set of standards which will vary in formality and strictness according to the participants, time, and place. Dr. Keesey seems to argue that there is never an appropriate time for formality.A parliamentary authority, like Robert's Rules or Modern Parliamentary Procedure, plays the part in parliamentary law that a dictionary plays in language. As such, it is required not only to offer a definition, but also to reflect current and historical practice. Dr.Keesey has obtained a significant reduction in the rules of parliamentary procedure by dropping a number of common motions and rules. And much like Esperanto, it feels more like a product based on one man's opinion than on the hundreds of years of development of modern parliamentary procedure. | 1,000 | [
"This is certainly a much quicker guide to parliamentary procedure than Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised, 10th edition.",
"I read the entire thing in less than three hours.On the other hand, parliamentary procedure is much like a language.",
"It is a set of standards which will vary in formality and strictness according to the participants, time, and place.",
"Dr.",
"Keesey seems to argue that there is never an appropriate time for formality.A parliamentary authority, like Robert's Rules or Modern Parliamentary Procedure, plays the part in parliamentary law that a dictionary plays in language.",
"As such, it is required not only to offer a definition, but also to reflect current and historical practice.",
"Dr.Keesey has obtained a significant reduction in the rules of parliamentary procedure by dropping a number of common motions and rules.",
"And much like Esperanto, it feels more like a product based on one man's opinion than on the hundreds of years of development of modern parliamentary procedure."
] |
3 | End Of An Era | This album is always criticised, and I can't figure out why. True, it may not be as powerful as PARANOID or MASTER OF REALITY, but this album is better then the one that preceded it, TECHNICAL ECSTACY. NEVER SAY DIE has to be Sabbath's mnost rock-oriented album. The catchy title track gets you on your feet before the bizarre "Johnny Blade" brings the listener into a mellow state. "Junior's Eyes" is my favorite song on the album. It is a catchy rocker that just gets you pumped up. "Hard Road" isn't bad, and "Air Dance" is by far the most interesting song on the album. I must note that during the making of this album, Ozzy left, and Dave Walker, from the original Fleetwood Mac, joined for a few months. They did not record, but made one live performace, and worked on "Junior's Eyes," which there exists a rare recording of. Ozzy returned and got rid of all the Walker material and helped finsish the album. He would be fired from the band in early 1979, and be replaced with Ronnie James Dio. | 1,000 | [
"This album is always criticised, and I can't figure out why.",
"True, it may not be as powerful as PARANOID or MASTER OF REALITY, but this album is better then the one that preceded it, TECHNICAL ECSTACY.",
"NEVER SAY DIE has to be Sabbath's mnost rock-oriented album.",
"The catchy title track gets you on your feet before the bizarre \"Johnny Blade\" brings the listener into a mellow state.",
"\"Junior's Eyes\" is my favorite song on the album.",
"It is a catchy rocker that just gets you pumped up.",
"\"Hard Road\" isn't bad, and \"Air Dance\" is by far the most interesting song on the album.",
"I must note that during the making of this album, Ozzy left, and Dave Walker, from the original Fleetwood Mac, joined for a few months.",
"They did not record, but made one live performace, and worked on \"Junior's Eyes,\" which there exists a rare recording of.",
"Ozzy returned and got rid of all the Walker material and helped finsish the album.",
"He would be fired from the band in early 1979, and be replaced with Ronnie James Dio."
] |
3 | DECENT | Ive recently started to collect the friday the 13th series and nightmare on elm street and i have seen all the friday the 13th movies in the past and some i own on video- i just got this one on dvd and i give it 3 stars. The acting isnt that great , the plot is the same thing as the first 2 basically and in this movie jason finally gets his mask. The movie is also in (3d) but it dosent effect anything diffrently. This movie is basically same old same old -jason killing campers and some stupid motorcycle gang- thats the only part of movie that annoyed me. I would buy this is if your a big fan of friday the 13th series. I just bought part 4 and 6 and they will be arriving shortly - its been a long time since i watched those ones so i dont really remember them to good , i just hope they are better than this one. I already own friday the 13th part 1 and jason x. I think part one is very good and jason x is pretty good. The nightmare on elm street series is very good , i also recomend that. | 1,000 | [
"Ive recently started to collect the friday the 13th series and nightmare on elm street and i have seen all the friday the 13th movies in the past and some i own on video- i just got this one on dvd and i give it 3 stars.",
"The acting isnt that great , the plot is the same thing as the first 2 basically and in this movie jason finally gets his mask.",
"The movie is also in (3d) but it dosent effect anything diffrently.",
"This movie is basically same old same old -jason killing campers and some stupid motorcycle gang- thats the only part of movie that annoyed me.",
"I would buy this is if your a big fan of friday the 13th series.",
"I just bought part 4 and 6 and they will be arriving shortly - its been a long time since i watched those ones so i dont really remember them to good , i just hope they are better than this one.",
"I already own friday the 13th part 1 and jason x.",
"I think part one is very good and jason x is pretty good.",
"The nightmare on elm street series is very good , i also recomend that."
] |
3 | GINGER AILS | Not having seen the second movie in this trilogy, it may be inappropriate to fully assess the impact of this prequel. Set in 1800's, GINGER SNAPS BACK is a beautifully filmed movie. Director Grant Harvey's use of lighting, colors and costuming is marvelous, lending a truly eerie feel to the proceedings. The special effects of the werewolves is substandard, but the movie doesn't rely on them to provide the terror. As in the first film, the relationship between sisters Brigitte and Ginger is outrageously close. In this film, Emily Perkins' Brigitte isn't as forceful and dominant as in the first; Katharine Isabelle is beautiful and a capable actress. The film did seem anachronistic at times, with modern language (the f word, 'prick') seeming out of place. The cast of lesser known actors is also very good. I plan on viewing the second movie in this series. As for this one, it's effective and competent film-making, and whether it actually ties in to the other two, I'll have to wait and see. | 1,000 | [
"Not having seen the second movie in this trilogy, it may be inappropriate to fully assess the impact of this prequel.",
"Set in 1800's, GINGER SNAPS BACK is a beautifully filmed movie.",
"Director Grant Harvey's use of lighting, colors and costuming is marvelous, lending a truly eerie feel to the proceedings.",
"The special effects of the werewolves is substandard, but the movie doesn't rely on them to provide the terror.",
"As in the first film, the relationship between sisters Brigitte and Ginger is outrageously close.",
"In this film, Emily Perkins' Brigitte isn't as forceful and dominant as in the first; Katharine Isabelle is beautiful and a capable actress.",
"The film did seem anachronistic at times, with modern language (the f word, 'prick') seeming out of place.",
"The cast of lesser known actors is also very good.",
"I plan on viewing the second movie in this series.",
"As for this one, it's effective and competent film-making, and whether it actually ties in to the other two, I'll have to wait and see."
] |
3 | Confused | Yes, this book is an English translation of Gil Vicente's Boat Plays, considered one of the great works of Portuguese literature. Unfortunately, it's a translation into rhyming couplets in very flat English. Did Vicente write in rhyming couplets? Was his Portuguese as unpoetic as this translation is? I find the latter, at least, hard to believe. The sketchy introduction provides little context or insight. Also, the translation appears to have been done for a particular performance in the UK, so certain significant adaptions have been made and stage directions have been included with the text. Is any of this valid? I don't know.The bottom line is I finished this book with no idea whether what I had just read was a genuine reflection of the Boat Plays or not. Somewhere there must be a better translation with properly extensive notes that give the necessary insight into the language and much-needed context (historical and theological) of this significant collection of dramatic literature. | 1,000 | [
"Yes, this book is an English translation of Gil Vicente's Boat Plays, considered one of the great works of Portuguese literature.",
"Unfortunately, it's a translation into rhyming couplets in very flat English.",
"Did Vicente write in rhyming couplets?",
"Was his Portuguese as unpoetic as this translation is?",
"I find the latter, at least, hard to believe.",
"The sketchy introduction provides little context or insight.",
"Also, the translation appears to have been done for a particular performance in the UK, so certain significant adaptions have been made and stage directions have been included with the text.",
"Is any of this valid?",
"I don't know.The bottom line is I finished this book with no idea whether what I had just read was a genuine reflection of the Boat Plays or not.",
"Somewhere there must be a better translation with properly extensive notes that give the necessary insight into the language and much-needed context (historical and theological) of this significant collection of dramatic literature."
] |
3 | ironic | Back in '86-'87 when I was introduced to Nirvana, I thought, "Okay,another punk revival band from the PNW. Not bad, not particularly good."So, when they went and got themselves all Butch Vig'd out andcommericial, it was just another reason to distrust "production value."Sure, there were some great SubPop bands, (how about The Posies on thesub-SubPop label Pop LLama!) but for the most part they were adistraction. Essentially, the irony is that for most music fans under,say 35, this revamped box set is a marketing slap in the face. Inactuality, it's probably the best way to approach Nirvana. They SHOULDbe remembered as a punk garage act as oppossed to the "ground breaking"grunge band that unfortunately popped-up punk. The clean sound of"Smells Like Teen Spirit" and it's subsequent effect on popular music isa sad comment on the commercialization of a musical genre that wasalways a humorous, irreverent form with a DIY ethic. Take Nirvana atface value, that's what you'll get with "Sliver." | 999 | [
"Back in '86-'87 when I was introduced to Nirvana, I thought, \"Okay,another punk revival band from the PNW.",
"Not bad, not particularly good.\"So, when they went and got themselves all Butch Vig'd out andcommericial, it was just another reason to distrust \"production value.\"Sure, there were some great SubPop bands, (how about The Posies on thesub-SubPop label Pop LLama!",
") but for the most part they were adistraction.",
"Essentially, the irony is that for most music fans under,say 35, this revamped box set is a marketing slap in the face.",
"Inactuality, it's probably the best way to approach Nirvana.",
"They SHOULDbe remembered as a punk garage act as oppossed to the \"ground breaking\"grunge band that unfortunately popped-up punk.",
"The clean sound of\"Smells Like Teen Spirit\" and it's subsequent effect on popular music isa sad comment on the commercialization of a musical genre that wasalways a humorous, irreverent form with a DIY ethic.",
"Take Nirvana atface value, that's what you'll get with \"Sliver.\""
] |
3 | A solid album | Kiss' Psycho Circus--their eighteenth studio album--was released in 1998. Ten tracks are contained. The material is in a straight-ahead hard rock musical direction. Overall, I find the songwriting to be satisfying, the musicianship to be tight, and the sound quality to be crisp. My favorite songs are "Psycho Circus," "Within," and "Into the Void." The hard-driving "Psycho Circus" displays propulsive vocals from Paul Stanley. "Within" is a tough-sounding, interesting tune with versatile, industrious vocals from Gene Simmons and appealing guitar work--especially the aggressive central guitar riff. "Into the Void" is a vigorous one that sports cool, ambitious vocals from Ace Frehley and nice rhythm guitar playing. An example of another cut that I like is the energy-filled "You Wanted the Best"--lead vocals are split between Stanley, Simmons, Frehley, and Peter Criss. The CD foldout includes the song lyrics. The disc is just over 44 minutes. Psycho Circus is a recommendable piece of work. | 999 | [
"Kiss' Psycho Circus--their eighteenth studio album--was released in 1998.",
"Ten tracks are contained.",
"The material is in a straight-ahead hard rock musical direction.",
"Overall, I find the songwriting to be satisfying, the musicianship to be tight, and the sound quality to be crisp.",
"My favorite songs are \"Psycho Circus,\" \"Within,\" and \"Into the Void.\" The hard-driving \"Psycho Circus\" displays propulsive vocals from Paul Stanley.",
"\"Within\" is a tough-sounding, interesting tune with versatile, industrious vocals from Gene Simmons and appealing guitar work--especially the aggressive central guitar riff.",
"\"Into the Void\" is a vigorous one that sports cool, ambitious vocals from Ace Frehley and nice rhythm guitar playing.",
"An example of another cut that I like is the energy-filled \"You Wanted the Best\"--lead vocals are split between Stanley, Simmons, Frehley, and Peter Criss.",
"The CD foldout includes the song lyrics.",
"The disc is just over 44 minutes.",
"Psycho Circus is a recommendable piece of work."
] |
3 | Eh? | I have just ordered this CD so cannot comment on it. However, I do own a number of Haydn sonatas recordings (too many to go into - they've been my favourite for over 25 years.) Simply have to say that the previous reviewer is way off beam. The Gould recordings are (to quote Andras Schiff) "perverse" and someone who thinks otherwise has a screw loose. This isn't about only subjective taste (if you like them you like them) but in comparison with modern grand exponents such as (Alfred the Great) Brendel, Schiff, Reisenberg, Cohen, Ax, Richter, and Horowitz and fortepianists such as Schornsheim, Brautigam, Odiaga, Badura-Skoda, Staier, Hoogland, van Oort, Fukuda, Dütschler, Kojima and Ranki (as well as notable others such as Koscis, McCabe, Jando, and Kalish) the playing of Gould is nothing short of ridiculous. A parody of Haydn. Doesn't mean the previous reviewer is wrong about Planes but he sure is about Gould. Steer clear unless, like me, you have Haydn sonatas by all the others first. | 999 | [
"I have just ordered this CD so cannot comment on it.",
"However, I do own a number of Haydn sonatas recordings (too many to go into - they've been my favourite for over 25 years.) Simply have to say that the previous reviewer is way off beam.",
"The Gould recordings are (to quote Andras Schiff) \"perverse\" and someone who thinks otherwise has a screw loose.",
"This isn't about only subjective taste (if you like them you like them) but in comparison with modern grand exponents such as (Alfred the Great) Brendel, Schiff, Reisenberg, Cohen, Ax, Richter, and Horowitz and fortepianists such as Schornsheim, Brautigam, Odiaga, Badura-Skoda, Staier, Hoogland, van Oort, Fukuda, Dütschler, Kojima and Ranki (as well as notable others such as Koscis, McCabe, Jando, and Kalish) the playing of Gould is nothing short of ridiculous.",
"A parody of Haydn.",
"Doesn't mean the previous reviewer is wrong about Planes but he sure is about Gould.",
"Steer clear unless, like me, you have Haydn sonatas by all the others first."
] |
3 | 2.5 stars | it's a nice album overall but some of the tracks are skippable, which was not the case with survivor and writings on the wall at all. Lose My Breath was a great dance hit record but very unrepresentative of the album. The rest is full of ballads and soft hip hop tracks. Soldier was too damn overrated and has no melody to it. Cater to You has sweet music and a nice melody, t shirt and you are the reason are fillers; girl is really nice with a great melody, bad habit is a remake of usher's burn; if is a nice ballad but michelle's vocals ruin it, free is a filler track, through with love is the best song on this album with it's pianos and dancehall like beat, love is a filler. Download the songs I said are good and forget the rest. These ladies may be talented but after hearing this CD I think it's safe to say their destiny in their music career as a group has been fulfilled and I will forever have with me the memories of destiny's child music from high school up until the end of college | 999 | [
"it's a nice album overall but some of the tracks are skippable, which was not the case with survivor and writings on the wall at all.",
"Lose My Breath was a great dance hit record but very unrepresentative of the album.",
"The rest is full of ballads and soft hip hop tracks.",
"Soldier was too damn overrated and has no melody to it.",
"Cater to You has sweet music and a nice melody, t shirt and you are the reason are fillers; girl is really nice with a great melody, bad habit is a remake of usher's burn; if is a nice ballad but michelle's vocals ruin it, free is a filler track, through with love is the best song on this album with it's pianos and dancehall like beat, love is a filler.",
"Download the songs I said are good and forget the rest.",
"These ladies may be talented but after hearing this CD I think it's safe to say their destiny in their music career as a group has been fulfilled and I will forever have with me the memories of destiny's child music from high school up until the end of college"
] |
3 | Imagination | I share my period drama with my grandchildren who have learned to enjoy the same. Unfortunately, this production decided to put in a display of two men kissing. A suggestion would have been enough. I am turned off by today's films because they feel they have to display everything and leave nothing to imagination. Such a pity; what a waste. I do the right thing by watching the films first. "Pride and Prejudice" staring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle is a fine example of sex and romance that is left to the imagination. That is the their favorite along with the "Railroad Children." I never have understood the film makers who believe they must expose all and express all in a vulgar manner and think that sells. I guess it does to some degree but does nothing for me. Otherwise "Downton Abbey" is splendid so far and I wish I felt I could share it to my grandchildren. Such a pity they chose to ruin it. I'm not overly conservative; however, I am protective of my grandchildren.Disappointed in PA | 999 | [
"I share my period drama with my grandchildren who have learned to enjoy the same.",
"Unfortunately, this production decided to put in a display of two men kissing.",
"A suggestion would have been enough.",
"I am turned off by today's films because they feel they have to display everything and leave nothing to imagination.",
"Such a pity; what a waste.",
"I do the right thing by watching the films first.",
"\"Pride and Prejudice\" staring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle is a fine example of sex and romance that is left to the imagination.",
"That is the their favorite along with the \"Railroad Children.\" I never have understood the film makers who believe they must expose all and express all in a vulgar manner and think that sells.",
"I guess it does to some degree but does nothing for me.",
"Otherwise \"Downton Abbey\" is splendid so far and I wish I felt I could share it to my grandchildren.",
"Such a pity they chose to ruin it.",
"I'm not overly conservative; however, I am protective of my grandchildren.Disappointed in PA"
] |
3 | Zulu revisited | Many years ago, the British made a film called Zulu where thousands of Zulu tribesmen rushed at a camp and were shot down by about 100 British soldiers.The same effect occurs here. The Americans are surrounded. The weapons are stronger, but the effect is just the same. THe Americans are people while the Somalis are not. The American soldiers die in pain - often in slow motion - and they are named in the credits. The Somali soldiers just get shot or blown up and we are told that 1000 died compared to 19 Americans.The Americans are depicted as brave, while the Somalis are shown as maniacs.Nonetheless, there is a lot to like in this film with some creat action scenes. The fight scenes are well done.THe film has no real centre, after the carnage, there is one scene at the end when a man dimly walks across a road with his dead child, there is no vision that this war may be destroying all involved in it. In the end, it is a film that has very divided sympathies and does not work as a whole. | 999 | [
"Many years ago, the British made a film called Zulu where thousands of Zulu tribesmen rushed at a camp and were shot down by about 100 British soldiers.The same effect occurs here.",
"The Americans are surrounded.",
"The weapons are stronger, but the effect is just the same.",
"THe Americans are people while the Somalis are not.",
"The American soldiers die in pain - often in slow motion - and they are named in the credits.",
"The Somali soldiers just get shot or blown up and we are told that 1000 died compared to 19 Americans.The Americans are depicted as brave, while the Somalis are shown as maniacs.Nonetheless, there is a lot to like in this film with some creat action scenes.",
"The fight scenes are well done.THe film has no real centre, after the carnage, there is one scene at the end when a man dimly walks across a road with his dead child, there is no vision that this war may be destroying all involved in it.",
"In the end, it is a film that has very divided sympathies and does not work as a whole."
] |
3 | To be desired | I find this a bit depressing. I am the wife of a soldier, we were married at Ft.Bragg and that is where we met, my husband also hails from the 82nd Airborne. One thing I have noticed in reading books on military life- most of the stories are the stories of heartache, deciet and depression of military life. I am aware this heartache is a big part of our lives, let's face it, our husbands are always gone. They miss births, birthdays anniversaries and so on, but our lives aren't all damp and down. I wish I could find a book that completely captures the saying, "It takes a strong woman to marry the military." It truly does, I have had individuals tell me it takes a different class of woman to be married to a man in the military. It takes a woman who must learn to love herself, her country and her family and be strong for them even when she feels like she cannot. Army life is not all tragedy, heart break, tears and dissapointment. There are many many many hats the military community wears. | 999 | [
"I find this a bit depressing.",
"I am the wife of a soldier, we were married at Ft.Bragg and that is where we met, my husband also hails from the 82nd Airborne.",
"One thing I have noticed in reading books on military life- most of the stories are the stories of heartache, deciet and depression of military life.",
"I am aware this heartache is a big part of our lives, let's face it, our husbands are always gone.",
"They miss births, birthdays anniversaries and so on, but our lives aren't all damp and down.",
"I wish I could find a book that completely captures the saying, \"It takes a strong woman to marry the military.\" It truly does, I have had individuals tell me it takes a different class of woman to be married to a man in the military.",
"It takes a woman who must learn to love herself, her country and her family and be strong for them even when she feels like she cannot.",
"Army life is not all tragedy, heart break, tears and dissapointment.",
"There are many many many hats the military community wears."
] |
3 | Very nice | I wanted good wooden pretend food (hate plastic toys) and I wanted a nice starter selection for a good price without having to buy, say, a separate veggie or fruit set. This is a basic food groups set so you get (4) little wooden crates filled with meats, veggies-n-fruits, dairy, and grains.That said, after receiving the product, I can confirm that buying separate sets would have yielded superior pretend food, but would have quadrupled the investment. Besides, the kids love it and engage in all the rich, imaginative and independent play parents love to peripherally watch while reading the newspaper or something.In summary,Pros:-All wood, nice all-in-one selection-Kids like it a lotCons:-Made in China-All the produce is smaller than life-size -- even the egg and lemon (whereas the individual sets include many life-size items)-Paint from some of the produce arrived scuffed onto other produce (enough to induce a mildly annoyed "come-on" but not enough to initiate a return or obsess over) | 999 | [
"I wanted good wooden pretend food (hate plastic toys) and I wanted a nice starter selection for a good price without having to buy, say, a separate veggie or fruit set.",
"This is a basic food groups set so you get (4) little wooden crates filled with meats, veggies-n-fruits, dairy, and grains.That said, after receiving the product, I can confirm that buying separate sets would have yielded superior pretend food, but would have quadrupled the investment.",
"Besides, the kids love it and engage in all the rich, imaginative and independent play parents love to peripherally watch while reading the newspaper or something.In summary,Pros:-All wood, nice all-in-one selection-Kids like it a lotCons:-Made in China-All the produce is smaller than life-size -- even the egg and lemon (whereas the individual sets include many life-size items)-Paint from some of the produce arrived scuffed onto other produce (enough to induce a mildly annoyed \"come-on\" but not enough to initiate a return or obsess over)"
] |
3 | Mystery lite | Jane Jeffry and her friend Shelley decide to attend a writers' conference, since Jane has just finished her first novel and hopes to pick up some writing pointers and perhaps an agent or editor along the way. They become acquainted with one of their favorite authors, but also meet some less pleasant members of the writing fraternity. Among them are the chauvinistic critic Zac Zebra, and the obnoxiously aggressive Vernetta Strausmann who is pushing her self-published and poorly-written mystery. Also there is a woman who calls herself Ms. Mystery who listens in on people's conversations and then puts the gossip she gathers onto her website. When Zac is attacked and editor Sophie Smith becomes violently ill, Jane and Shelley's radar goes up and they begin to investigate. This book remarkably has no bloodshed or dead bodies, but the mysteries it does contain are not exactly riveting. Also this book lacks the laugh-out-loud humor which was so endearing in the earlier entries in the series. | 999 | [
"Jane Jeffry and her friend Shelley decide to attend a writers' conference, since Jane has just finished her first novel and hopes to pick up some writing pointers and perhaps an agent or editor along the way.",
"They become acquainted with one of their favorite authors, but also meet some less pleasant members of the writing fraternity.",
"Among them are the chauvinistic critic Zac Zebra, and the obnoxiously aggressive Vernetta Strausmann who is pushing her self-published and poorly-written mystery.",
"Also there is a woman who calls herself Ms.",
"Mystery who listens in on people's conversations and then puts the gossip she gathers onto her website.",
"When Zac is attacked and editor Sophie Smith becomes violently ill, Jane and Shelley's radar goes up and they begin to investigate.",
"This book remarkably has no bloodshed or dead bodies, but the mysteries it does contain are not exactly riveting.",
"Also this book lacks the laugh-out-loud humor which was so endearing in the earlier entries in the series."
] |
3 | Death Wish Man | I rented this expecting a "Jane Goodall" story. Instead, we get this wack-o fringe kind of guy, the sort you meet when you're still single and living in a large city. Except that he took his schism to extremes by living among giant carnivores. I used to hunt in Grizzly Bear country (The Kootenai Plains in Alberta, Canada) believe me, only a bona fide nut would choose to camp in wild bear country.Three couples watched this film last night after we had made last minute Super Bowl preparations. None in the room felt any compassion for Treadwell. He got what he wanted, we should all be so lucky.At points, the film was almost like watching an old SCTV sketch. Here's a guy who read up on a small Outback town so that he could pass himself off as an intinerant Australian!!! Shades of Travis Bickle. You do have to feel sorry for his parents, though; common, decent people who raised a crackpot for a son.Defintely worth watching, either as an exercise in psychology or for some beautiful scenery. | 999 | [
"I rented this expecting a \"Jane Goodall\" story.",
"Instead, we get this wack-o fringe kind of guy, the sort you meet when you're still single and living in a large city.",
"Except that he took his schism to extremes by living among giant carnivores.",
"I used to hunt in Grizzly Bear country (The Kootenai Plains in Alberta, Canada) believe me, only a bona fide nut would choose to camp in wild bear country.Three couples watched this film last night after we had made last minute Super Bowl preparations.",
"None in the room felt any compassion for Treadwell.",
"He got what he wanted, we should all be so lucky.At points, the film was almost like watching an old SCTV sketch.",
"Here's a guy who read up on a small Outback town so that he could pass himself off as an intinerant Australian!!!",
"Shades of Travis Bickle.",
"You do have to feel sorry for his parents, though; common, decent people who raised a crackpot for a son.Defintely worth watching, either as an exercise in psychology or for some beautiful scenery."
] |
3 | Ok game... | I like this game. Here's why...1.)The multiplayer games rock. 2.)The guns are great. 3.)The enemy AI is funny (nothing is better to see a terrorist run away yelling, "Grenade!" in a foriegn language. 4.)Killing... is fun. 5.)No hit points in this..all it takes is a shot to the head or a well placed shot to the body.Things I hated about this game...1.)Bullets will won't go through doors or walls like in SWAT 3. 2.)The CT buddies of yours are on..., because they sit there like lemmings as a... blasts them all to pieces. 3.)The enemy must be made up of super snipers, because they can pull off a head shot with a pistol a 100 yards away in an instant. 4.)The guns in this game should jam after being fired 1 million times...that would've been interesting to see in the missions. 5.)The gore is weak...I shoot someone in the face with a .45 and they bleed like they just got a paper cut. 6.)Grenades in this are not realistic.It was cool at first, but multiplayer is all it's got going for it now. | 999 | [
"I like this game.",
"Here's why...1.)The multiplayer games rock.",
"2.)The guns are great.",
"3.)The enemy AI is funny (nothing is better to see a terrorist run away yelling, \"Grenade!",
"\" in a foriegn language.",
"4.)Killing... is fun.",
"5.)No hit points in this..all it takes is a shot to the head or a well placed shot to the body.Things I hated about this game...1.)Bullets will won't go through doors or walls like in SWAT 3.",
"2.)The CT buddies of yours are on..., because they sit there like lemmings as a... blasts them all to pieces.",
"3.)The enemy must be made up of super snipers, because they can pull off a head shot with a pistol a 100 yards away in an instant.",
"4.)The guns in this game should jam after being fired 1 million times...that would've been interesting to see in the missions.",
"5.)The gore is weak...I shoot someone in the face with a .45 and they bleed like they just got a paper cut.",
"6.)Grenades in this are not realistic.It was cool at first, but multiplayer is all it's got going for it now."
] |
3 | Great Book! | I give this book a 3, and yes it is a tear-jerker. Loved the characters, however there are a few story flaws in this book that are obvious.The character Lexie in the first book "True Believer", Sparks tells us that she is old-fashioned to a point that she doesn't believe in cell phones, and will never have one. In the first few chapters of the second book "At First Sight",which I read back to back, suddenly she is getting calls on her cell phone? I thought Sparks stated she didn't believe in them? I'm surprised the editors/Sparks never kept consistency!Also, in the first book "True Believer", it is stated that the mayor of Boone Creek has a crush on Lexie and has "flirted" with her often which leads us to believe he is single. However in the second book "At First Sight" the mayor suddenly has a wife of many years named Gladys (I think that's what her name was)?I found a few other story loopholes, but those are the two biggest ones. Other than that, it's worth reading! Get the kleenex! | 999 | [
"I give this book a 3, and yes it is a tear-jerker.",
"Loved the characters, however there are a few story flaws in this book that are obvious.The character Lexie in the first book \"True Believer\", Sparks tells us that she is old-fashioned to a point that she doesn't believe in cell phones, and will never have one.",
"In the first few chapters of the second book \"At First Sight\",which I read back to back, suddenly she is getting calls on her cell phone?",
"I thought Sparks stated she didn't believe in them?",
"I'm surprised the editors/Sparks never kept consistency!",
"Also, in the first book \"True Believer\", it is stated that the mayor of Boone Creek has a crush on Lexie and has \"flirted\" with her often which leads us to believe he is single.",
"However in the second book \"At First Sight\" the mayor suddenly has a wife of many years named Gladys (I think that's what her name was)?",
"I found a few other story loopholes, but those are the two biggest ones.",
"Other than that, it's worth reading!",
"Get the kleenex!"
] |
3 | Nu 2 U | A lover of mine pulled my coat about this one. And while Wanda Robinson may be as new to you as she was to me, I've been knowing her as Laini Mataka for years. I've read most her poetry published by Black Classic Press outta Baltimore, MD since the 90s.So when I heard that she had recorded some albums in the 70s I immediately ordered. Glad I did. Beautiful words with lovely music. I ain't no music critic or even grammatically correct, but this is one of those rare finds you just have tell everyone about. So snatch this one up - now. While you have the cash, before you forget.And if you have some more cash laying around, grab up Arthur Prysock's classic * This is My Beloved* and put these two on the CD player in tandem, turn on the red light, put some fire to a Kush incense, light some candles, then lay down with - well - whomever... just make sure you have some condoms and KY handy. Then if you have the energy, sit back and listen to Wanda's words real close and just enjoy her flow... | 999 | [
"A lover of mine pulled my coat about this one.",
"And while Wanda Robinson may be as new to you as she was to me, I've been knowing her as Laini Mataka for years.",
"I've read most her poetry published by Black Classic Press outta Baltimore, MD since the 90s.So when I heard that she had recorded some albums in the 70s I immediately ordered.",
"Glad I did.",
"Beautiful words with lovely music.",
"I ain't no music critic or even grammatically correct, but this is one of those rare finds you just have tell everyone about.",
"So snatch this one up - now.",
"While you have the cash, before you forget.And if you have some more cash laying around, grab up Arthur Prysock's classic * This is My Beloved* and put these two on the CD player in tandem, turn on the red light, put some fire to a Kush incense, light some candles, then lay down with - well - whomever... just make sure you have some condoms and KY handy.",
"Then if you have the energy, sit back and listen to Wanda's words real close and just enjoy her flow..."
] |
3 | Just okay | I got this wine rack for my BF as a x-mas present. Let's be honest here, it is ugly (1 star deducted for that) but I was having it installed in an unused closet so that really didn't matter to me. The rack is functional as advertised and mounts to the wall easily (especially when you have the guy who is replacing your kitchen backsplash do it for you, lol). However I believe that the rack I received was assembled backwards. The downward slant towards the cork end of the bottle faces the wall. My guy was able to put some shims between the mount and the wall to make it work so it really wasnt a big deal but I did deduct 1 full star for this issue. I will say that I think leaving the rack free standing is a very bad idea because it doesn't weight much and I think it might tip over when half full. Other than the backwards thing, the rack is as advertised and as long as you don't need it to be pretty, it is a good deal for the price. I would rate it as a buy but keep your expectations low. | 999 | [
"I got this wine rack for my BF as a x-mas present.",
"Let's be honest here, it is ugly (1 star deducted for that) but I was having it installed in an unused closet so that really didn't matter to me.",
"The rack is functional as advertised and mounts to the wall easily (especially when you have the guy who is replacing your kitchen backsplash do it for you, lol).",
"However I believe that the rack I received was assembled backwards.",
"The downward slant towards the cork end of the bottle faces the wall.",
"My guy was able to put some shims between the mount and the wall to make it work so it really wasnt a big deal but I did deduct 1 full star for this issue.",
"I will say that I think leaving the rack free standing is a very bad idea because it doesn't weight much and I think it might tip over when half full.",
"Other than the backwards thing, the rack is as advertised and as long as you don't need it to be pretty, it is a good deal for the price.",
"I would rate it as a buy but keep your expectations low."
] |
3 | Decent | This is a pretty entertaining film (though probably not always for the reasons the creators had in mind), especially for fans of 80's and early 90's slasher-type films. The plot is fairly simple: a group of film students put on a "Horror, Sci-Fi, and Supernatural" film festival in an old theater to gain recognition and raise funds, and during the evening they are killed off one by one. It manages to keep the killer and motive a secret, while tricking viewers into thinking they know who it is right away. The actors are also notable horror b-listers. It features Jill Schoelen (The Stepfather, Curse II), Dee Wallace-Stone (The Howling, The Hills Have Eyes), and Kelly Jo Minter (The Lost Boys, A Nightmare on Elm St. V, The People Under The Stairs) to name a few. The films biggest problems are a few corny moments, and the killers motives aren't very strong for killing certain people he shouldn't have a grudge against.If you're into movies like this, and have 9 bucks to blow give it a shot! | 999 | [
"This is a pretty entertaining film (though probably not always for the reasons the creators had in mind), especially for fans of 80's and early 90's slasher-type films.",
"The plot is fairly simple: a group of film students put on a \"Horror, Sci-Fi, and Supernatural\" film festival in an old theater to gain recognition and raise funds, and during the evening they are killed off one by one.",
"It manages to keep the killer and motive a secret, while tricking viewers into thinking they know who it is right away.",
"The actors are also notable horror b-listers.",
"It features Jill Schoelen (The Stepfather, Curse II), Dee Wallace-Stone (The Howling, The Hills Have Eyes), and Kelly Jo Minter (The Lost Boys, A Nightmare on Elm St.",
"V, The People Under The Stairs) to name a few.",
"The films biggest problems are a few corny moments, and the killers motives aren't very strong for killing certain people he shouldn't have a grudge against.If you're into movies like this, and have 9 bucks to blow give it a shot!"
] |
3 | Tough workout! | I have done the tape once and although I cannot say anything in terms of the results after one workout, I will say that it is incredibly difficult. I am not unfamiliar with hard work. I ran 3 full marathons last year in 2 months as well as a handful of half marathons, 10k's and 5k's. It has been a few months since I have exercised regularly since I am taking a break from training for races so that may have something to do with it. Still I found that it was more cardio based than ab centered specifically... which I like because it is an all around workout. The workout does a warm up and then goes through a set of circuits/intervals and it is repeated twice. If you are level one the workout is modified by not using weights and by adjusting form. I couldn't even get through the second set of circuits for level 1. I will keep trying it but if you are new to exercise I think this DVD will discourage you. I love Jillian's power sculpt and Bob Harper's yoga for weight loss better personally. | 999 | [
"I have done the tape once and although I cannot say anything in terms of the results after one workout, I will say that it is incredibly difficult.",
"I am not unfamiliar with hard work.",
"I ran 3 full marathons last year in 2 months as well as a handful of half marathons, 10k's and 5k's.",
"It has been a few months since I have exercised regularly since I am taking a break from training for races so that may have something to do with it.",
"Still I found that it was more cardio based than ab centered specifically... which I like because it is an all around workout.",
"The workout does a warm up and then goes through a set of circuits/intervals and it is repeated twice.",
"If you are level one the workout is modified by not using weights and by adjusting form.",
"I couldn't even get through the second set of circuits for level 1.",
"I will keep trying it but if you are new to exercise I think this DVD will discourage you.",
"I love Jillian's power sculpt and Bob Harper's yoga for weight loss better personally."
] |
3 | OK | This game is ok. Its kind of fun to play but at the most crucial times the camera angles are awful. The controls could have been a bit tighter too. Kya's combat moves would be great if she actually did what the controls were telling her to do. The music is below average, the voice acting is pretty bad and the story line is nothing new.. The weapons aren't that good either. Considering the enemies that you come up against they could have given you a better choice of weapons but you can accomplish what you need to by using the given weapons but it takes too long and it gets tedious. Most of the time it is hard to tell where you are in the game. The map that they provide is confusing. At times the game play can be more annoying then challenging. My biggest problem with this game is the BAD camera angles. On the plus side the graphics are prety good and it's always nice to see a female as the lead character.The game is priced right at less then 20 bucks but I'd recommend renting it first. | 999 | [
"This game is ok.",
"Its kind of fun to play but at the most crucial times the camera angles are awful.",
"The controls could have been a bit tighter too.",
"Kya's combat moves would be great if she actually did what the controls were telling her to do.",
"The music is below average, the voice acting is pretty bad and the story line is nothing new..",
"The weapons aren't that good either.",
"Considering the enemies that you come up against they could have given you a better choice of weapons but you can accomplish what you need to by using the given weapons but it takes too long and it gets tedious.",
"Most of the time it is hard to tell where you are in the game.",
"The map that they provide is confusing.",
"At times the game play can be more annoying then challenging.",
"My biggest problem with this game is the BAD camera angles.",
"On the plus side the graphics are prety good and it's always nice to see a female as the lead character.The game is priced right at less then 20 bucks but I'd recommend renting it first."
] |
3 | So-so phone | I've had the V300 for more than a year now, and I think this sums it up:PROs:* Keypad and menu are user-friendly* Speakerphone and three-way conference capabilities* Encased in a non-slip material* Durable* Ringtones are niceCONs:* You open the phone to answer, and it keeps ringing for one or two more times before it finally connects.* Heavy* When calls drop, sometimes it just keeps ringing and you can't stop it for the love of sweet Jesus* It shows received calls as missed calls* Calls drop (often), but it doesn't tell you till way later in the "conversation."* The camera isn't that greatAs for reception, I think that has more to do with T-Mobile's general suckiness than the phone itself (I think). But all the talk about the charger is incorrect. It does take 2 seconds to show that it's charging, but so? And I've never heard of the volume dropping out, or it switching to silent by it's lonesome.I've been around the world with this phone, and have generally abused it. It has survived. | 999 | [
"I've had the V300 for more than a year now, and I think this sums it up:PROs:* Keypad and menu are user-friendly* Speakerphone and three-way conference capabilities* Encased in a non-slip material* Durable* Ringtones are niceCONs:* You open the phone to answer, and it keeps ringing for one or two more times before it finally connects.* Heavy* When calls drop, sometimes it just keeps ringing and you can't stop it for the love of sweet Jesus* It shows received calls as missed calls* Calls drop (often), but it doesn't tell you till way later in the \"conversation.\"* The camera isn't that greatAs for reception, I think that has more to do with T-Mobile's general suckiness than the phone itself (I think).",
"But all the talk about the charger is incorrect.",
"It does take 2 seconds to show that it's charging, but so?",
"And I've never heard of the volume dropping out, or it switching to silent by it's lonesome.I've been around the world with this phone, and have generally abused it.",
"It has survived."
] |
3 | Ice,Ice Baby | The Kalevala is the Finnish national epic. JRR Tolkien enjoyed reading it- indeed,it inspired "The Lord of the Rings." Little did he know, but the Kalevala also inspired the cheesy Soviet-Finnish epic "The Day the Earth Froze."In "The Day the Earth Froze",an evil witch (her look clearly inspired that of the wicked queen in "Willow") wants the all-powerful Sampo ("ask for it by name!" to quote the great Joel Hodgson) The Sampo is a magical machine of sorts that makes gold, flour, and salt. There are some hilarious struggles between her and the good guys. Of course,the leading man has the requisite B movie Prince Valiant 'do. As for the earth freezing, it doesn't happen until the last 20 minutes. If you want iced earth, watch "Day after tomorrow" instead. In "Day the Earth Froze", good triumphs over evil playing easy listening music."The Day the Earth Froze" is hilariously bad. Mystery Science Theater 3000 skewered it wonderfully. They grilled it--making it good viewing on a cold night! | 999 | [
"The Kalevala is the Finnish national epic.",
"JRR Tolkien enjoyed reading it- indeed,it inspired \"The Lord of the Rings.\" Little did he know, but the Kalevala also inspired the cheesy Soviet-Finnish epic \"The Day the Earth Froze.\"In \"The Day the Earth Froze\",an evil witch (her look clearly inspired that of the wicked queen in \"Willow\") wants the all-powerful Sampo (\"ask for it by name!",
"\" to quote the great Joel Hodgson) The Sampo is a magical machine of sorts that makes gold, flour, and salt.",
"There are some hilarious struggles between her and the good guys.",
"Of course,the leading man has the requisite B movie Prince Valiant 'do.",
"As for the earth freezing, it doesn't happen until the last 20 minutes.",
"If you want iced earth, watch \"Day after tomorrow\" instead.",
"In \"Day the Earth Froze\", good triumphs over evil playing easy listening music.\"The Day the Earth Froze\" is hilariously bad.",
"Mystery Science Theater 3000 skewered it wonderfully.",
"They grilled it--making it good viewing on a cold night!"
] |
3 | A tested faith | In MR. IVES CHRISTMAS, Oscar Hijuelos' gives us Mr. Ives, a quiet spiritual man who is loved and loves. Ives is successful in his profession, he loves his family and friends, and he is truly a part of his community. Hijuelos also presents us with Mr. Ives' great agony; the sensless murder of his son and his desperate attempts to understand it. We see Ives' life in brief glimpses, each time we get a better understanding of the man and the world that he is part of, but he still remains a cipher. It's as if he is not a fully formed person, or perhaps it's the distance that Hijuelos wants to create in this man who does not truly know where he came from. I found this distance to be my great obstacle in liking this book more. Ives is more symbolic of a crisis of faith than he is a human being. I couldn't connect with him even as he was in the throes of anguish. Hijuelos' prose is marvelously readable, he creates a Manhattan that you can feel. Too bad I can't say the same thing for mr. Ives. | 999 | [
"In MR.",
"IVES CHRISTMAS, Oscar Hijuelos' gives us Mr.",
"Ives, a quiet spiritual man who is loved and loves.",
"Ives is successful in his profession, he loves his family and friends, and he is truly a part of his community.",
"Hijuelos also presents us with Mr.",
"Ives' great agony; the sensless murder of his son and his desperate attempts to understand it.",
"We see Ives' life in brief glimpses, each time we get a better understanding of the man and the world that he is part of, but he still remains a cipher.",
"It's as if he is not a fully formed person, or perhaps it's the distance that Hijuelos wants to create in this man who does not truly know where he came from.",
"I found this distance to be my great obstacle in liking this book more.",
"Ives is more symbolic of a crisis of faith than he is a human being.",
"I couldn't connect with him even as he was in the throes of anguish.",
"Hijuelos' prose is marvelously readable, he creates a Manhattan that you can feel.",
"Too bad I can't say the same thing for mr.",
"Ives."
] |
3 | Nice Read | Nice style of writing, good characterization and dialogue that was realistic and flowing. The author was able to weave a tale that had me crying at one point and laughing at another. So why three stars and not five? Well I honestly found the plot a little bit simplistic. The conflict between the main characters, Cathryn and William, is based entirely on William misjudging Cathryn's morals. William felt betrayed by what he thought Cathryn had done, and Cathryn became a victim once again. This "misunderstanding" (that is putting it mildly) kept them apart for more than half the book, when just a simple question on his part, or a brief explanation on her part would have cleared the matter up very quickly. It was easy to guess, after only a few pages, what had happened to Cathryn, and I found it frustrating that it took William half the story to reach the same conclusion.I loved Ms Dain's style of writing, and if the plot had been a more complex the book would have been a definite keeper. | 999 | [
"Nice style of writing, good characterization and dialogue that was realistic and flowing.",
"The author was able to weave a tale that had me crying at one point and laughing at another.",
"So why three stars and not five?",
"Well I honestly found the plot a little bit simplistic.",
"The conflict between the main characters, Cathryn and William, is based entirely on William misjudging Cathryn's morals.",
"William felt betrayed by what he thought Cathryn had done, and Cathryn became a victim once again.",
"This \"misunderstanding\" (that is putting it mildly) kept them apart for more than half the book, when just a simple question on his part, or a brief explanation on her part would have cleared the matter up very quickly.",
"It was easy to guess, after only a few pages, what had happened to Cathryn, and I found it frustrating that it took William half the story to reach the same conclusion.I loved Ms Dain's style of writing, and if the plot had been a more complex the book would have been a definite keeper."
] |
3 | Worth reading | JUSTICE DENIED is the second installment of the Judge Wilhemina Carson series. The first was SILICONE SOLUTION, and Ms. Vogt is now writing a third installment called GASPARILLA GOLD.Judge Willa Carson is back again, but this time it's personal. Her husband George is accused of killing General Albert Andrews, Tampa's highest-ranking Army officer and nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court. The police found George's gun was the murder weapon so they refused to look at any other suspects, even though the suspect list is long. Even the General's own family had reasons to want him dead. Willa must solve this crime before her dear husband George is sentenced to death.Judge Willa Carson is an exciting multi-faceted character. The reader is taken on a wild ride with many twists and turns that keep the reader guessing at whodunit up until the very ending. M. Diane Vogt has been a lawyer for over twenty years and writes with an insider's knowledge of the Florida court system and the political scene. | 999 | [
"JUSTICE DENIED is the second installment of the Judge Wilhemina Carson series.",
"The first was SILICONE SOLUTION, and Ms.",
"Vogt is now writing a third installment called GASPARILLA GOLD.Judge Willa Carson is back again, but this time it's personal.",
"Her husband George is accused of killing General Albert Andrews, Tampa's highest-ranking Army officer and nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court.",
"The police found George's gun was the murder weapon so they refused to look at any other suspects, even though the suspect list is long.",
"Even the General's own family had reasons to want him dead.",
"Willa must solve this crime before her dear husband George is sentenced to death.Judge Willa Carson is an exciting multi-faceted character.",
"The reader is taken on a wild ride with many twists and turns that keep the reader guessing at whodunit up until the very ending.",
"M.",
"Diane Vogt has been a lawyer for over twenty years and writes with an insider's knowledge of the Florida court system and the political scene."
] |
3 | Average | After reading lots of glowing reviews of these headphones I ordered a pair. I should have spent a bit more and got a better quality pair of headphones. The sound quality is decent, but not great. What I really don't like is that no matter how I place these on my head they don't fit properly or feel comfortable. They looked light and comfortable in the pictures and they are light, but the way the speakers swivel they won't angle properly. The sound seems a little muffled, not completely clear. They do go loud though and I do like the volume control.I have an old pair of lightweight cheapo headphones that came with an inexpensive portable CD player that fit better and are more comfortable and the sound quality is about the same, but a little clearer although they don't get as loud. My advice? Spend a little more and get a better pair. You can't always go by the reviews I guess, I'm very disappointed, I'll end up giving them away because I just can't position them on my head comfortably. | 999 | [
"After reading lots of glowing reviews of these headphones I ordered a pair.",
"I should have spent a bit more and got a better quality pair of headphones.",
"The sound quality is decent, but not great.",
"What I really don't like is that no matter how I place these on my head they don't fit properly or feel comfortable.",
"They looked light and comfortable in the pictures and they are light, but the way the speakers swivel they won't angle properly.",
"The sound seems a little muffled, not completely clear.",
"They do go loud though and I do like the volume control.I have an old pair of lightweight cheapo headphones that came with an inexpensive portable CD player that fit better and are more comfortable and the sound quality is about the same, but a little clearer although they don't get as loud.",
"My advice?",
"Spend a little more and get a better pair.",
"You can't always go by the reviews I guess, I'm very disappointed, I'll end up giving them away because I just can't position them on my head comfortably."
] |
3 | EVERGREEN | Ms Knight may have a lesser range in her tessitura compared to Franklin. But if her register is less epanded she covers up for it in her outstanding presence and vocal texture. Ms Knight, thanks to her clever singing technique, have yet decades left to continue her precious singing and enchant several generations with her soulish bravura and surpremecy.It is true, that an artist that have produced tons of albums, may have difficulties in continous development and ms Knight sometimes goes for easy targets with mainstream ballads but who inte world does them better than Ms Knight ? Much as I hate the idea that she has been exiled in Las Vegas I have to surrender to the market forces as much as everybody else and to see an endless stream of new capable singers launched every month and gone by the hour. Ms Knight, howevere, is an evergreen and therefore she may go on spellbinding us with her sensual, vibrato tremoli for decades to come. Brava, Gladys ! You show them, girl !! Douglas Modig | 999 | [
"Ms Knight may have a lesser range in her tessitura compared to Franklin.",
"But if her register is less epanded she covers up for it in her outstanding presence and vocal texture.",
"Ms Knight, thanks to her clever singing technique, have yet decades left to continue her precious singing and enchant several generations with her soulish bravura and surpremecy.It is true, that an artist that have produced tons of albums, may have difficulties in continous development and ms Knight sometimes goes for easy targets with mainstream ballads but who inte world does them better than Ms Knight?",
"Much as I hate the idea that she has been exiled in Las Vegas I have to surrender to the market forces as much as everybody else and to see an endless stream of new capable singers launched every month and gone by the hour.",
"Ms Knight, howevere, is an evergreen and therefore she may go on spellbinding us with her sensual, vibrato tremoli for decades to come.",
"Brava, Gladys!",
"You show them, girl!!",
"Douglas Modig"
] |
3 | OK, not great | I watched this DVD after seeing "Paris City of Lights" on Amazon Instant Video. This one is much better than that one, but I've since watched some Rick Steves videos which are better still. This one is comparable to a Samantha Brown video, with two attractive female hosts instead of one, and with less of the corny humor.This video uses wide screen format and has much higher quality video than "Paris City of Lights." The newest parts were from around 2007, so it's also newer (although other reviewers here suggest that it re-uses some of Justine Shapiro's footage from an earlier production, which I haven't seen). This video spends a little extra time in a few locations: a book shop, a cooking class, Marie Antoinette's cell, etc.If you want lots of information and lots of views of Paris, I'd go with a Rick Steves video. If you enjoy a lighter approach, you might check this one out (but I'd still recommend you check out some others, except don't waste any money on "Paris City of Lights.") | 999 | [
"I watched this DVD after seeing \"Paris City of Lights\" on Amazon Instant Video.",
"This one is much better than that one, but I've since watched some Rick Steves videos which are better still.",
"This one is comparable to a Samantha Brown video, with two attractive female hosts instead of one, and with less of the corny humor.This video uses wide screen format and has much higher quality video than \"Paris City of Lights.\" The newest parts were from around 2007, so it's also newer (although other reviewers here suggest that it re-uses some of Justine Shapiro's footage from an earlier production, which I haven't seen).",
"This video spends a little extra time in a few locations: a book shop, a cooking class, Marie Antoinette's cell, etc.If you want lots of information and lots of views of Paris, I'd go with a Rick Steves video.",
"If you enjoy a lighter approach, you might check this one out (but I'd still recommend you check out some others, except don't waste any money on \"Paris City of Lights.\")"
] |
3 | Pretty Good | I know this is off the subject, but the author's photo in the back is impressive. I like the profile shot and I love her hairstyle. Now onto the book: Ariadne is the story of a woman who lost her baby sister, her father, and is determined to not lose her one love left: her boyfriend. Living in a really bad neighborhood with a quirky, high class friend, she struggles with the single life and her family's past. I didn't like Ariadne as a person because of her spiteful, immature, jealous ways but I despised her psychotic mother even more. I know sometimes the characters that readers don't like make the most interesting ones, but it was hard to feel sorry for her or even connect with her because she was so petty to me. On the other hand, I was a big fan of Dwayne and I agreed with everything he did (minus the toy gun ideas). His presence made the book pleasing to read. Jones has the same amiable sense of dialogue, character, and plot path to make very odd (and morbid) stories interesting. | 999 | [
"I know this is off the subject, but the author's photo in the back is impressive.",
"I like the profile shot and I love her hairstyle.",
"Now onto the book: Ariadne is the story of a woman who lost her baby sister, her father, and is determined to not lose her one love left: her boyfriend.",
"Living in a really bad neighborhood with a quirky, high class friend, she struggles with the single life and her family's past.",
"I didn't like Ariadne as a person because of her spiteful, immature, jealous ways but I despised her psychotic mother even more.",
"I know sometimes the characters that readers don't like make the most interesting ones, but it was hard to feel sorry for her or even connect with her because she was so petty to me.",
"On the other hand, I was a big fan of Dwayne and I agreed with everything he did (minus the toy gun ideas).",
"His presence made the book pleasing to read.",
"Jones has the same amiable sense of dialogue, character, and plot path to make very odd (and morbid) stories interesting."
] |
3 | Unrealistic!! | True that this book was a good read, a quick read is probably better but it was very unrealistic. Her main character, a 20 something, self involved, midwestern girl was not very likeable. I agree, everyone needs to find themselves but the way Packer has her heroine do it is disjointed at best. How convenient that she takes off for New York and happens to find a place to live without rent, that she happens to find Kilroy, she has no worries about walking about the city, her safety, or money. She is ALLOWED to find herself at her leisure. She comes and goes out of people's lives at will, seemingly ruining them, and is, for the most part, forgiven by them. That is not real life, not for anyone. Her emotions are banal and the dialogue is fragmented and nonsubstantive. The library did not have the books I wanted to read so I picked this one up and recommend that if you like some meat to your books, this won't do the trick. If, however, you need to be mildly amused this is the book for you. | 999 | [
"True that this book was a good read, a quick read is probably better but it was very unrealistic.",
"Her main character, a 20 something, self involved, midwestern girl was not very likeable.",
"I agree, everyone needs to find themselves but the way Packer has her heroine do it is disjointed at best.",
"How convenient that she takes off for New York and happens to find a place to live without rent, that she happens to find Kilroy, she has no worries about walking about the city, her safety, or money.",
"She is ALLOWED to find herself at her leisure.",
"She comes and goes out of people's lives at will, seemingly ruining them, and is, for the most part, forgiven by them.",
"That is not real life, not for anyone.",
"Her emotions are banal and the dialogue is fragmented and nonsubstantive.",
"The library did not have the books I wanted to read so I picked this one up and recommend that if you like some meat to your books, this won't do the trick.",
"If, however, you need to be mildly amused this is the book for you."
] |
3 | OK pool toy | The jury is still out on this one. My kids are probably a little young for it and it is not well-suited for use in pools away from home, since its large and has various parts. You have to find the right thing to weigh down the rings. Water definitely doesn't work, large rocks don't either. I'll be trying sand or gravel next- the only problem being that younger kids might want to unscrew the lids to the weights and check out whatever you've put in. In addition, it is worth deciding how long you want the string connecting the weights to the hoops and at least cutting some of it off ahead of time. The game takes some experimentation and I haven't quite gotten everything ironed out quite yet. It does seem to have potential though judging from the kids' positive response to diving through the hoops when I've just held them.8/26/10 We're passing this one on to friends who have a pool. Its a fun toy but too much trouble to carry around and the pools we swim at are often too crowded for this. | 999 | [
"The jury is still out on this one.",
"My kids are probably a little young for it and it is not well-suited for use in pools away from home, since its large and has various parts.",
"You have to find the right thing to weigh down the rings.",
"Water definitely doesn't work, large rocks don't either.",
"I'll be trying sand or gravel next- the only problem being that younger kids might want to unscrew the lids to the weights and check out whatever you've put in.",
"In addition, it is worth deciding how long you want the string connecting the weights to the hoops and at least cutting some of it off ahead of time.",
"The game takes some experimentation and I haven't quite gotten everything ironed out quite yet.",
"It does seem to have potential though judging from the kids' positive response to diving through the hoops when I've just held them.8/26/10 We're passing this one on to friends who have a pool.",
"Its a fun toy but too much trouble to carry around and the pools we swim at are often too crowded for this."
] |
3 | Not THAT good | The first time I read this book, I really liked it and would have probably given it 4 stars. But once I read it again, I started thinking about how the other woman would feel. She didn't know Daniel is married (he doesn't talk about his wife and you wonder if he wears his wedding ring, but probably not because as I said, the other woman doesn't know he's married) and he dines her out. (DON'T READ ON IF YOU DON'T WANT SPOILERS). That she says something happened between them is just a way of saving face. Michelle tries to make Lydia out like an evil villian but if you look at it at Lydia's perspective, she's just like any other single woman. Despite my problems with this book, I still liked it because Michelle is a good story teller, and the characters are believable, and I just want Daniel and Rachel to get back together because it is so obvious they love each other. That Daniel is willing to make amends and does so a great deal of time in the book saves it from being a total disaster. | 999 | [
"The first time I read this book, I really liked it and would have probably given it 4 stars.",
"But once I read it again, I started thinking about how the other woman would feel.",
"She didn't know Daniel is married (he doesn't talk about his wife and you wonder if he wears his wedding ring, but probably not because as I said, the other woman doesn't know he's married) and he dines her out.",
"(DON'T READ ON IF YOU DON'T WANT SPOILERS).",
"That she says something happened between them is just a way of saving face.",
"Michelle tries to make Lydia out like an evil villian but if you look at it at Lydia's perspective, she's just like any other single woman.",
"Despite my problems with this book, I still liked it because Michelle is a good story teller, and the characters are believable, and I just want Daniel and Rachel to get back together because it is so obvious they love each other.",
"That Daniel is willing to make amends and does so a great deal of time in the book saves it from being a total disaster."
] |
3 | Candy Licker | Candy Licker was a much anticipated book by me. Noire is a talented author who has the ability to spin an erotic tale. She does the damn thing in G Spot and here if I had not read G Spot, I probably would have rated this book a little higher. However, this book was very much similiar to G Spot so much so that the book became predictable. It had the same plot as G Spot,. I am not hating on the author but for me as a reader, I can't condone a repeat. I wonder why did she write the same story. I am compelled to ask that of the editor. Why would they let her do a replica of her first story. And the story was a bit concerning, considerating some actions of the characters. Some parts of the story were left unanswered and never revisited again in the story. I loved GSpot but this book will leave you a little concern, like did I like it or didn't I.Yes, I would read another book by Noire, but with the hopes that the plot is different. Remember I am rating the book and not her writing ability. | 999 | [
"Candy Licker was a much anticipated book by me.",
"Noire is a talented author who has the ability to spin an erotic tale.",
"She does the damn thing in G Spot and here if I had not read G Spot, I probably would have rated this book a little higher.",
"However, this book was very much similiar to G Spot so much so that the book became predictable.",
"It had the same plot as G Spot,.",
"I am not hating on the author but for me as a reader, I can't condone a repeat.",
"I wonder why did she write the same story.",
"I am compelled to ask that of the editor.",
"Why would they let her do a replica of her first story.",
"And the story was a bit concerning, considerating some actions of the characters.",
"Some parts of the story were left unanswered and never revisited again in the story.",
"I loved GSpot but this book will leave you a little concern, like did I like it or didn't I.Yes, I would read another book by Noire, but with the hopes that the plot is different.",
"Remember I am rating the book and not her writing ability."
] |
3 | Hard Wood? | Put this in a brand new Bosch router..Bosch PR20EVSK Colt Palm Grip 5.6 Amp 1-Horsepower Fixed-Base Variable-Speed Router with Edge Guide...turned the variable speed up and down, didn't matter...still smoked out on a 1/2 piece of black walnut. It went straight through some birch I had laying around.....(tested to see if the wood was the problem.....and yes.)I have never had a problem with CMT bits before......but this was my first run with a 1/4 inch router. I was hoping I could get more control with the smaller router...Anyway, I'll try again with a Whiteside bit, if that doesn't work I'll put the little router on a shelf somewhere, and go back to doing what I know works....the three stars....well, I work mostly with hardwoods.....and this combo, the bit in particular.....doesn't really.Update: The Whiteside bit(same scenario, exact same piece of wood) went right through...... quickly and precisely.I don't know if I got a bad CMT bit, or what. I am just saying, this is what happened. | 999 | [
"Put this in a brand new Bosch router..Bosch PR20EVSK Colt Palm Grip 5.6 Amp 1-Horsepower Fixed-Base Variable-Speed Router with Edge Guide...turned the variable speed up and down, didn't matter...still smoked out on a 1/2 piece of black walnut.",
"It went straight through some birch I had laying around.....(tested to see if the wood was the problem.....and yes.)I have never had a problem with CMT bits before......but this was my first run with a 1/4 inch router.",
"I was hoping I could get more control with the smaller router...Anyway, I'll try again with a Whiteside bit, if that doesn't work I'll put the little router on a shelf somewhere, and go back to doing what I know works....the three stars....well, I work mostly with hardwoods.....and this combo, the bit in particular.....doesn't really.Update: The Whiteside bit(same scenario, exact same piece of wood) went right through...... quickly and precisely.I don't know if I got a bad CMT bit, or what.",
"I am just saying, this is what happened."
] |
3 | Disappointed | I own all of Jari Love's Ripped DVDs, so I was sure that I would love her newest addition. I was wrong. This workout is different than the others in a few ways. The cardio portion is not only ridiculously fast, but there are no introductions or transitions. They begin abruptly at full speed. The dance portions look fun, but I find them somewhat confusing, fast, and brief. Maybe I'll catch on after a while, but they are not as easy to do as Jari claims. The weight section of the workout is good, but too short. The included exercises really worked my muscles, but because I am used to her other workouts, I felt that there was not enough work on the lower body. Overall, I found this to be much less motivating than her other workouts. I will attempt it a few more times to see if I can learn (and then keep up with) the dance moves, but it will not be one of my preferred DVDs. I would instead recommend Jari's previous DVDJari Love: Get Extremely Ripped! 1000. This workout is intense and fun. | 999 | [
"I own all of Jari Love's Ripped DVDs, so I was sure that I would love her newest addition.",
"I was wrong.",
"This workout is different than the others in a few ways.",
"The cardio portion is not only ridiculously fast, but there are no introductions or transitions.",
"They begin abruptly at full speed.",
"The dance portions look fun, but I find them somewhat confusing, fast, and brief.",
"Maybe I'll catch on after a while, but they are not as easy to do as Jari claims.",
"The weight section of the workout is good, but too short.",
"The included exercises really worked my muscles, but because I am used to her other workouts, I felt that there was not enough work on the lower body.",
"Overall, I found this to be much less motivating than her other workouts.",
"I will attempt it a few more times to see if I can learn (and then keep up with) the dance moves, but it will not be one of my preferred DVDs.",
"I would instead recommend Jari's previous DVDJari Love: Get Extremely Ripped!",
"1000.",
"This workout is intense and fun."
] |
3 | It was OK | This book was a bit different for me perhaps because of its historical setting. It started out well, but i soon tired of the Italien phrases, such as "mia madre" and "mia zia" That got really annoying. Also, the Hero was very violent and cagey at first then suddenly got tender and mushy towards the end. It was disconcerting. Ms. Feehan seems to have a preference for characters with dark hair and eyes. I need a little more variety, please! Ms. Feehan also writes her main female characters to fight desperately for their independence throughtout the book, knowing that they will not end against their brooding, possessive Hero. I get tired of the constant whining and carrying on. But it seems that the females also go through some magical personality transformation after the first sex scene. I know sex is good, but come on. Overall, I liked the story even it did bog down in a few places, and i hated the main female's name, Nicoletta. reminds of all those stop-cigarette-smoking commercials. | 998 | [
"This book was a bit different for me perhaps because of its historical setting.",
"It started out well, but i soon tired of the Italien phrases, such as \"mia madre\" and \"mia zia\" That got really annoying.",
"Also, the Hero was very violent and cagey at first then suddenly got tender and mushy towards the end.",
"It was disconcerting.",
"Ms.",
"Feehan seems to have a preference for characters with dark hair and eyes.",
"I need a little more variety, please!",
"Ms.",
"Feehan also writes her main female characters to fight desperately for their independence throughtout the book, knowing that they will not end against their brooding, possessive Hero.",
"I get tired of the constant whining and carrying on.",
"But it seems that the females also go through some magical personality transformation after the first sex scene.",
"I know sex is good, but come on.",
"Overall, I liked the story even it did bog down in a few places, and i hated the main female's name, Nicoletta.",
"reminds of all those stop-cigarette-smoking commercials."
] |
3 | dive dive dive | I like Tom Clancy's books, I really do. The first few he wrote, including the Jack Ryan series, were an enjoyable read by an author who knew what he was talking about. In Rainbow 6 however, while he still knows what he's talking about (the research is evident), it hasn't got the pure feel of his earlier work, which were based much more closely with experiences and machines he knew about. The book is 300 pages too long, and constantly, and I mean constantly repeats itself. (maybe he bypassed an editor). On the plus side his characters are strong, and none stronger than our old mate John Clark, whose adventures and experiences are as familiar to readers as those of Jack Ryan, and the storyline itself is excellent, if far reaching. i.e. the main bad guys have the biggest mouths and the worst security you could possible imagine, and if troops and their families at Hereford could be attacked that easily I would be very surprised. Take us back to the Navy Tom, to the subs we loved so well. | 998 | [
"I like Tom Clancy's books, I really do.",
"The first few he wrote, including the Jack Ryan series, were an enjoyable read by an author who knew what he was talking about.",
"In Rainbow 6 however, while he still knows what he's talking about (the research is evident), it hasn't got the pure feel of his earlier work, which were based much more closely with experiences and machines he knew about.",
"The book is 300 pages too long, and constantly, and I mean constantly repeats itself.",
"(maybe he bypassed an editor).",
"On the plus side his characters are strong, and none stronger than our old mate John Clark, whose adventures and experiences are as familiar to readers as those of Jack Ryan, and the storyline itself is excellent, if far reaching.",
"i.e. the main bad guys have the biggest mouths and the worst security you could possible imagine, and if troops and their families at Hereford could be attacked that easily I would be very surprised.",
"Take us back to the Navy Tom, to the subs we loved so well."
] |
3 | Good product | I had been waiting for a product like this one for some time. It puts your entire music collection into the palm of your hand, and transmits the sound to your stereo. The performance far surpasses any FM transmitter, and works up to 30 ft from your stereo.For $150, it is a bit pricey, but still worth it for me. As stated before, the sound quality is very good will little to no interference...worlds better than an FM transmitter...Downsides....the peice that fits into the top of the Ipod is adjustable for either the full ipod, or the mini (by way of a sliding headphone jack), but lacks that little peice that goes into the smaller jack next to the headphone jack. because of this, the adapter spins around and doesn't feel like it is stable on top of your ipod. Other downside is that the adapter has its own battery source (does not draw power from ipod), which results in having to charge yet another item at your house.All in all, it delivers on it's promise, just a couple of nuisances... | 998 | [
"I had been waiting for a product like this one for some time.",
"It puts your entire music collection into the palm of your hand, and transmits the sound to your stereo.",
"The performance far surpasses any FM transmitter, and works up to 30 ft from your stereo.For $150, it is a bit pricey, but still worth it for me.",
"As stated before, the sound quality is very good will little to no interference...worlds better than an FM transmitter...Downsides....the peice that fits into the top of the Ipod is adjustable for either the full ipod, or the mini (by way of a sliding headphone jack), but lacks that little peice that goes into the smaller jack next to the headphone jack.",
"because of this, the adapter spins around and doesn't feel like it is stable on top of your ipod.",
"Other downside is that the adapter has its own battery source (does not draw power from ipod), which results in having to charge yet another item at your house.All in all, it delivers on it's promise, just a couple of nuisances..."
] |
3 | shutterbuggin | While I am the first to admit that Shutter doesn't exactly fit the bill as an original idea, it is one very effective ghost vehicle of a film. The gritty feel of the Ring and The Grudge with a bit of The Messengers thrown in for variety, Shutter effectively dismisses some of the unreal feel of Ring and Grudge while maintaining a terrific scare factor and goosebump feel of the messengers. Joshua Jackson certianly wouldn't have been my first choice as leading man material in a horror film, but here too, Joshua's portrayal is equal parts amiable and suspicious, though better writing would have peppered his performance even more. Scared wife ready to jump out of her skin scare factor notwithstanding, Shutter falls just below the radar of excellence at every turn, and yet it still manages to be a nail biter at all the opportune moments. As long as you are ok with a bigtime rehash, Shutter won't disappoint, and if you're into ghost stories, Shutter is only slightly out of focus. 3.25 stars | 998 | [
"While I am the first to admit that Shutter doesn't exactly fit the bill as an original idea, it is one very effective ghost vehicle of a film.",
"The gritty feel of the Ring and The Grudge with a bit of The Messengers thrown in for variety, Shutter effectively dismisses some of the unreal feel of Ring and Grudge while maintaining a terrific scare factor and goosebump feel of the messengers.",
"Joshua Jackson certianly wouldn't have been my first choice as leading man material in a horror film, but here too, Joshua's portrayal is equal parts amiable and suspicious, though better writing would have peppered his performance even more.",
"Scared wife ready to jump out of her skin scare factor notwithstanding, Shutter falls just below the radar of excellence at every turn, and yet it still manages to be a nail biter at all the opportune moments.",
"As long as you are ok with a bigtime rehash, Shutter won't disappoint, and if you're into ghost stories, Shutter is only slightly out of focus.",
"3.25 stars"
] |
3 | Inconsistent | What can you expect from a slim volume on the life of a highly private and religious man whose musical associates were far more interesting than he was? Not much, and that's what you'll find here. The sections on the Beatles are sketchy and padded with over-familiar trivia. The post-Beatles stuff is fresher, but like so many biographers Giuliano seems to have no insight at all when it comes to the music. Instead, he babbles at length about Harrison's Eastern mysticism and hunts for anything resembling a sexual or drug-related scandal, digging up barely enough to justify the exercise. There are some good parts like the useful discography and frequent photo sections. And then there's the thematic, semi-chronological organization, which gives Giuliano room to expound on related themes like Harrison's bizarre country estate. Not the most interesting rock bio in the world, but as the author himself notes, you're pretty much stuck with it if you want to read about John and Paul's sidekick. | 998 | [
"What can you expect from a slim volume on the life of a highly private and religious man whose musical associates were far more interesting than he was?",
"Not much, and that's what you'll find here.",
"The sections on the Beatles are sketchy and padded with over-familiar trivia.",
"The post-Beatles stuff is fresher, but like so many biographers Giuliano seems to have no insight at all when it comes to the music.",
"Instead, he babbles at length about Harrison's Eastern mysticism and hunts for anything resembling a sexual or drug-related scandal, digging up barely enough to justify the exercise.",
"There are some good parts like the useful discography and frequent photo sections.",
"And then there's the thematic, semi-chronological organization, which gives Giuliano room to expound on related themes like Harrison's bizarre country estate.",
"Not the most interesting rock bio in the world, but as the author himself notes, you're pretty much stuck with it if you want to read about John and Paul's sidekick."
] |
3 | Hmmm | In OUTRAGEOUS, Marian is protecting 'her son' as well as a massive secret. Griffith is sent to deliver a message to her but finds himself unwilling to leave. When a new king is crowned, Griffith and Marian have to pledge their fealty, but will it leave them on opposite sides of the monarchy?This is the first book I've read by this author and I'm not sure what my thoughts are concerning her work. I found the beginning of the book confusing and difficult to become part of. The characters were a bit stiff, but this could be due to the author's attempt at authenticity. The story is set in the 1400s, after all. Everytime I thought I would stop reading, Ms Dodd managed to bring in something that grabbed my attention. For this reason, I will give this author another try.I'm aware that Ms Dodd writes historical as well as contemporary. Although I will try another of her historicals, I will also read one of her contemporary works.My overall thoughts...undecided, but willing to try again.[...] | 998 | [
"In OUTRAGEOUS, Marian is protecting 'her son' as well as a massive secret.",
"Griffith is sent to deliver a message to her but finds himself unwilling to leave.",
"When a new king is crowned, Griffith and Marian have to pledge their fealty, but will it leave them on opposite sides of the monarchy?",
"This is the first book I've read by this author and I'm not sure what my thoughts are concerning her work.",
"I found the beginning of the book confusing and difficult to become part of.",
"The characters were a bit stiff, but this could be due to the author's attempt at authenticity.",
"The story is set in the 1400s, after all.",
"Everytime I thought I would stop reading, Ms Dodd managed to bring in something that grabbed my attention.",
"For this reason, I will give this author another try.I'm aware that Ms Dodd writes historical as well as contemporary.",
"Although I will try another of her historicals, I will also read one of her contemporary works.My overall thoughts...undecided, but willing to try again.[...]"
] |
3 | A Mixed Review | The author's scientific credentials are impeccable, but his knowledge of Christianity is pretty dismal. For example, he writes that Mary Magdalene was a prostitute. I'm no Biblical scholar, but I know that, not only is there no Scriptural authority for that claim; there is no evidence whatsoever. If a "creation scientist" claimed that the dinosaurs were animals that Noah forgot to put on the Ark, he would be ridiculed as an illiterate Bible pounder. When a man of learning chooses to write about religion and science, he owes it to his audience to be as careful about his religious data as he is about his scientific data. The author accepts the Resurrection on faith, although he says that if it turned out that Jesus didn't rise from the dead, he (Stannard) would still be a Christian. The truth is, if Jesus didn't die and rise again, his whole mission is pointless.I was disappointed, but others might enjoy this book. It's not the worst book in the world; I may have set my hopes too high. | 998 | [
"The author's scientific credentials are impeccable, but his knowledge of Christianity is pretty dismal.",
"For example, he writes that Mary Magdalene was a prostitute.",
"I'm no Biblical scholar, but I know that, not only is there no Scriptural authority for that claim; there is no evidence whatsoever.",
"If a \"creation scientist\" claimed that the dinosaurs were animals that Noah forgot to put on the Ark, he would be ridiculed as an illiterate Bible pounder.",
"When a man of learning chooses to write about religion and science, he owes it to his audience to be as careful about his religious data as he is about his scientific data.",
"The author accepts the Resurrection on faith, although he says that if it turned out that Jesus didn't rise from the dead, he (Stannard) would still be a Christian.",
"The truth is, if Jesus didn't die and rise again, his whole mission is pointless.I was disappointed, but others might enjoy this book.",
"It's not the worst book in the world; I may have set my hopes too high."
] |
3 | OK Sling | I guess my baby never took to a sling but this sling didn't seem very secure to me. I mostly use this as a cover up now since the price is similar to other cover ups out there.The problem is that the pouch part of the sling doesn't correspond really to baby's butt so the baby is kind of hanging out in a hammock. The baby was also carrying low. I tried to tighten the sling but it was just a lot of material to force through the buckle as you tried to shorten the strap. When you take a look at the picture for the product, the widest part of the sling will wind up being on your shoulder. At least that is what happened to me.The instructions included with the sling are also not helpful. They only show a picture of the baby can be carried and that is it.If you know how to work slings, this seems like a good sling as it is well constructed and the fabric is nice. The design is also pretty. The padded shoulder part is also another plus. Otherwise those who are sling inept like me, stay away! | 998 | [
"I guess my baby never took to a sling but this sling didn't seem very secure to me.",
"I mostly use this as a cover up now since the price is similar to other cover ups out there.The problem is that the pouch part of the sling doesn't correspond really to baby's butt so the baby is kind of hanging out in a hammock.",
"The baby was also carrying low.",
"I tried to tighten the sling but it was just a lot of material to force through the buckle as you tried to shorten the strap.",
"When you take a look at the picture for the product, the widest part of the sling will wind up being on your shoulder.",
"At least that is what happened to me.The instructions included with the sling are also not helpful.",
"They only show a picture of the baby can be carried and that is it.If you know how to work slings, this seems like a good sling as it is well constructed and the fabric is nice.",
"The design is also pretty.",
"The padded shoulder part is also another plus.",
"Otherwise those who are sling inept like me, stay away!"
] |
3 | Too tiny | The Barbie dress is really cute, and my daughter would have loved to play with it. She's a taller 5, but not off of the doctor's charts for a 5 year-old. Despite this she could not even get the dress all of the way ON. It was sized extremely small - maybe it would fit 3-5 year olds??? The recommendation says for 4-8 year olds, but I'm not sure how tiny an 8 year-old would have to be to put this dress on. The sleeves are quite tight at the gathers, and the waist is really small. Some elastic in those places, as well as a more generous cut of fabric in general, would have been nice. Also, if the dress had fit it would have been just the right length. An older girl would look ridiculous and the dress would be much too short. My daughter is completely proportionate, but it's no wonder that girls grow up feeling that they are too fat if this is how manufaturer's are going to size clothing for girls! I rated the outfit based on what we would have thought could my daughter actually wear it. | 998 | [
"The Barbie dress is really cute, and my daughter would have loved to play with it.",
"She's a taller 5, but not off of the doctor's charts for a 5 year-old.",
"Despite this she could not even get the dress all of the way ON.",
"It was sized extremely small - maybe it would fit 3-5 year olds???",
"The recommendation says for 4-8 year olds, but I'm not sure how tiny an 8 year-old would have to be to put this dress on.",
"The sleeves are quite tight at the gathers, and the waist is really small.",
"Some elastic in those places, as well as a more generous cut of fabric in general, would have been nice.",
"Also, if the dress had fit it would have been just the right length.",
"An older girl would look ridiculous and the dress would be much too short.",
"My daughter is completely proportionate, but it's no wonder that girls grow up feeling that they are too fat if this is how manufaturer's are going to size clothing for girls!",
"I rated the outfit based on what we would have thought could my daughter actually wear it."
] |
3 | Disappointed | I am disappointed after reading this book. The coverage on statistics is overly superficial. I would be quite hesitating to call it a book on "applied statistics". It's probably better called "Basic Data Analysis Using SAS".It's a book for users with no experience of either statistics or SAS. It's clearly written. However, the style is old fashioned (the same is for SAS). In recent years, SAS has shifted its focus on so called "enterprise solutions"; therefore the development on data management, statistics, and econometrics has lagged behind, compared to SPlus/R and other more specialized programs.Similar to most other SAS books, the authors spent a lot of time talking about SAS programming rather than the subject matters (mostly because SAS syntax is very old and different from most other programming languages). The author also spent a lot of efforts talking about data input assuming users are still living in a stone age and have to deal with punched cards instead of delimited data. | 998 | [
"I am disappointed after reading this book.",
"The coverage on statistics is overly superficial.",
"I would be quite hesitating to call it a book on \"applied statistics\".",
"It's probably better called \"Basic Data Analysis Using SAS\".It's a book for users with no experience of either statistics or SAS.",
"It's clearly written.",
"However, the style is old fashioned (the same is for SAS).",
"In recent years, SAS has shifted its focus on so called \"enterprise solutions\"; therefore the development on data management, statistics, and econometrics has lagged behind, compared to SPlus/R and other more specialized programs.Similar to most other SAS books, the authors spent a lot of time talking about SAS programming rather than the subject matters (mostly because SAS syntax is very old and different from most other programming languages).",
"The author also spent a lot of efforts talking about data input assuming users are still living in a stone age and have to deal with punched cards instead of delimited data."
] |
3 | This is good! | Samson were a part of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal, but never gained success like many other bands (Saxon, Iron Maiden, Def Leppard, to name a few). On this album Bruce Dickinson (later to join Iron Maiden) is the singer, and that alone would certainly be of interest to some people."Shock tactics" is a good heavy metal album although it's not great. You get what you expect in songs like "Riding with the angels" and "Bright lights" since they follow the blue print for heavy metal at the time (1981). But Samson are clearly showing us that they are talented above average in cuts like "Earth mother", "Nice girl" and "Go the hell". They even include a blues inspired number: "Blood lust", but whether or not Dickinson can sing the blues is up to you to decide.I give this album 3 strong stars, but some days when I play "Go to hell" real loud I tend to think it's worth at least 4 stars! If you're a dedicated fan of New Wave Of British Heavy Metal you shouldn't hesitate to buy this one. | 998 | [
"Samson were a part of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal, but never gained success like many other bands (Saxon, Iron Maiden, Def Leppard, to name a few).",
"On this album Bruce Dickinson (later to join Iron Maiden) is the singer, and that alone would certainly be of interest to some people.\"Shock tactics\" is a good heavy metal album although it's not great.",
"You get what you expect in songs like \"Riding with the angels\" and \"Bright lights\" since they follow the blue print for heavy metal at the time (1981).",
"But Samson are clearly showing us that they are talented above average in cuts like \"Earth mother\", \"Nice girl\" and \"Go the hell\".",
"They even include a blues inspired number: \"Blood lust\", but whether or not Dickinson can sing the blues is up to you to decide.I give this album 3 strong stars, but some days when I play \"Go to hell\" real loud I tend to think it's worth at least 4 stars!",
"If you're a dedicated fan of New Wave Of British Heavy Metal you shouldn't hesitate to buy this one."
] |
3 | A pleasant read | It is an very touching story and an enjoyable read. As the reader I felt for the characters. It is truly a "My Fair Lady" version but the setting is early American to England. William Woodville is escaping from his father's strong and family title hold by going to American to discover America's wilderness on a canvas through paint. He and his friends come upon indians trading a white woman, Margery Mackinnon, that has been raised by indians as a slave. Feeling for her he trades for her- only to be used by him. He marries her and takes her back to England humiliate his father and show his father that only he controls his destiny. Deserting he and going to back America, he realizes that he has love for her and slowly makes his way back to England to claim her heart which takes a couple of years to accomplish- only to find her transformed into a beautiful, well trained, lady with a surprise (or make that 2 surprises) of her own for him. I say read it for yourself, but it's not a keeper. | 998 | [
"It is an very touching story and an enjoyable read.",
"As the reader I felt for the characters.",
"It is truly a \"My Fair Lady\" version but the setting is early American to England.",
"William Woodville is escaping from his father's strong and family title hold by going to American to discover America's wilderness on a canvas through paint.",
"He and his friends come upon indians trading a white woman, Margery Mackinnon, that has been raised by indians as a slave.",
"Feeling for her he trades for her- only to be used by him.",
"He marries her and takes her back to England humiliate his father and show his father that only he controls his destiny.",
"Deserting he and going to back America, he realizes that he has love for her and slowly makes his way back to England to claim her heart which takes a couple of years to accomplish- only to find her transformed into a beautiful, well trained, lady with a surprise (or make that 2 surprises) of her own for him.",
"I say read it for yourself, but it's not a keeper."
] |
3 | Damaged goods | Recently promoted Detective Sarah Pribek is also a new wife. While she's known her husband Shiloh for five years, what she doesn't know about him probably exceeds what she does. Their marriage is only two months old when he disappears, after having encouraged her to make an overnight visit to her traumatized partner, Gen.Naturally, Sara sets out to find her husband, and she hasn't many clues to follow. Bit by bit, it becomes evident that the murder of partner Gen's teenaged daughter, which happened in the recent past, is somehow connected to what happened to Shiloh.The 37th Hour gets off to a strong, promising start, but fails to fulfill that promise with a slow middle and a weak, rather rushed conclusion. Threads raising questions about relationships, morals, revenge, and forgiveness wind up muddled and unresolved, and the book's final chapter leaves the reader hanging. A sequel seems likely, but author Compton would do well to strengthen her plotting skills before publishing again. | 998 | [
"Recently promoted Detective Sarah Pribek is also a new wife.",
"While she's known her husband Shiloh for five years, what she doesn't know about him probably exceeds what she does.",
"Their marriage is only two months old when he disappears, after having encouraged her to make an overnight visit to her traumatized partner, Gen.Naturally, Sara sets out to find her husband, and she hasn't many clues to follow.",
"Bit by bit, it becomes evident that the murder of partner Gen's teenaged daughter, which happened in the recent past, is somehow connected to what happened to Shiloh.The 37th Hour gets off to a strong, promising start, but fails to fulfill that promise with a slow middle and a weak, rather rushed conclusion.",
"Threads raising questions about relationships, morals, revenge, and forgiveness wind up muddled and unresolved, and the book's final chapter leaves the reader hanging.",
"A sequel seems likely, but author Compton would do well to strengthen her plotting skills before publishing again."
] |
3 | Not impressed.. | I like Alice Hoffman as a writer, and this book certainly had the potential to be a pot boiler. Great characters, nice magical references, but it appears Alice got to a certain page and decided to wrap it up. No ryhme, no reason.The plot did not deserve this ending. I'm left feeling very unfulfilled. I'm not even certain of the reason for the name of the book, let alone why one of the better characters is killed off early on and we're not ever given a satisfactory reason. And then other characters appear but don't seem to stay around of have any purpose, like Sean Byers.And Betsy running away with Abe???? The pharmacist suddenly discussing everything with his wife. This isn't the result of magic, but lack of imagination maybe? None of the actions or character/plotline prepares the reader for the way Alice wraps up a tidy little ending, unfit for the great beginning. Quite a let down. Did Alice run out of steam on this one? I won't give up on Hoffman, but this was not her best effort. | 998 | [
"I like Alice Hoffman as a writer, and this book certainly had the potential to be a pot boiler.",
"Great characters, nice magical references, but it appears Alice got to a certain page and decided to wrap it up.",
"No ryhme, no reason.The plot did not deserve this ending.",
"I'm left feeling very unfulfilled.",
"I'm not even certain of the reason for the name of the book, let alone why one of the better characters is killed off early on and we're not ever given a satisfactory reason.",
"And then other characters appear but don't seem to stay around of have any purpose, like Sean Byers.And Betsy running away with Abe???",
"?",
"The pharmacist suddenly discussing everything with his wife.",
"This isn't the result of magic, but lack of imagination maybe?",
"None of the actions or character/plotline prepares the reader for the way Alice wraps up a tidy little ending, unfit for the great beginning.",
"Quite a let down.",
"Did Alice run out of steam on this one?",
"I won't give up on Hoffman, but this was not her best effort."
] |
3 | A Slight Slip | There are a couple of wonderful tracks on this one. She Has No Strings is a whirling and tremendously powerful piece and the aptly titled Long Way To GO With No Punch is a truly beautiful piece that could roll and roll for hours without tiring the listener. But somehow the magic of Whatever You Love You Are and Ocean Songs, and even their rawer early effort Horse Stories, has deserted this record. Perhaps there is too much reliance on minimalist techniques of repetition - the music never seems to find those secret and entirely unexpected places that make the aforementioned records unique. They performed a big tour on the back of this one so perhaps there was a tendency to find music that would sound big on stage, thus the subtlety and complexity of arrangements on, say, Whatever You Love You Are has necessarily gone missing. I don't know. I only know that the Dirty Three are one of the very few makers of music in this world who matter and we who love them cannot help but expect much. | 998 | [
"There are a couple of wonderful tracks on this one.",
"She Has No Strings is a whirling and tremendously powerful piece and the aptly titled Long Way To GO With No Punch is a truly beautiful piece that could roll and roll for hours without tiring the listener.",
"But somehow the magic of Whatever You Love You Are and Ocean Songs, and even their rawer early effort Horse Stories, has deserted this record.",
"Perhaps there is too much reliance on minimalist techniques of repetition - the music never seems to find those secret and entirely unexpected places that make the aforementioned records unique.",
"They performed a big tour on the back of this one so perhaps there was a tendency to find music that would sound big on stage, thus the subtlety and complexity of arrangements on, say, Whatever You Love You Are has necessarily gone missing.",
"I don't know.",
"I only know that the Dirty Three are one of the very few makers of music in this world who matter and we who love them cannot help but expect much."
] |
3 | Mostly pictures | I bought this book because it was mentioned so highly and often in the last section ofMysteries of the Mexican Pyramids. It seemed like it would have a unique perspective on the Mesoamerican ball game and how it related to the sacred calendar. Unfortunately, everything that was interesting about it was summarized in the other book, and most of this book was illustrations. The information *is* interesting, all the more so because this is one of the earliest books that tries to figure out the meanings of the sacred calendar, even before Tony Shearer, I believe, but again, there was nothing in it except semantics that was different between this book and what I'd read about this book in the other book.In summary, if you want to read some original and old (1960s) interpretations of the Mesoamerican sacred calendar, and you like to look at pictures, and you haven't read Mysteries of the Mexican Pyramids, you'll enjoy this book. If you can get your hands on a copy of MMP, read that instead. | 998 | [
"I bought this book because it was mentioned so highly and often in the last section ofMysteries of the Mexican Pyramids.",
"It seemed like it would have a unique perspective on the Mesoamerican ball game and how it related to the sacred calendar.",
"Unfortunately, everything that was interesting about it was summarized in the other book, and most of this book was illustrations.",
"The information *is* interesting, all the more so because this is one of the earliest books that tries to figure out the meanings of the sacred calendar, even before Tony Shearer, I believe, but again, there was nothing in it except semantics that was different between this book and what I'd read about this book in the other book.In summary, if you want to read some original and old (1960s) interpretations of the Mesoamerican sacred calendar, and you like to look at pictures, and you haven't read Mysteries of the Mexican Pyramids, you'll enjoy this book.",
"If you can get your hands on a copy of MMP, read that instead."
] |
3 | Disappointing | I bought this book on the strength of the reader reviews here hoping that it would make a good gift for a friend of mine whose home is a fire hazard, it is so cluttered with more than a decade of junk that she cannot throw away. However, the first chapter that would have been relevant to her needs deals with... how to keep your files straight! My gosh, for someone who is in great need of organizing help, that is one of the last matters to address. I found some of the examples in the book parochial and off-putting - who outside of LA and New York City spends $1,500 on a dinner party for six other couples?! And who in the world told Ms. Leeds that the purpose of a mezuzah for Jews is to ward off evil? That is absolutely ill-informed and incorrect. She should have checked that information out before printing it. In sum, you might find this book helpful if you are slightly to moderately disorganized. If you are nearly hopeless at keeping your life in order, this book will not help a bit. | 998 | [
"I bought this book on the strength of the reader reviews here hoping that it would make a good gift for a friend of mine whose home is a fire hazard, it is so cluttered with more than a decade of junk that she cannot throw away.",
"However, the first chapter that would have been relevant to her needs deals with... how to keep your files straight!",
"My gosh, for someone who is in great need of organizing help, that is one of the last matters to address.",
"I found some of the examples in the book parochial and off-putting - who outside of LA and New York City spends $1,500 on a dinner party for six other couples?!",
"And who in the world told Ms.",
"Leeds that the purpose of a mezuzah for Jews is to ward off evil?",
"That is absolutely ill-informed and incorrect.",
"She should have checked that information out before printing it.",
"In sum, you might find this book helpful if you are slightly to moderately disorganized.",
"If you are nearly hopeless at keeping your life in order, this book will not help a bit."
] |
3 | Boon Frog Pod | This looked like it would be great. The first time I actually saw one of these frog pods it was at a baby shower. I thought it was so cool. I read mixed reviews on this before I finally decided to buy it. When I followed the directions to the letter for the adhesive tape, left the adhesive pad (by itself - should hold up to 10 lbs. according to directions) stay on for over the 24 hour alloted time. Then I proceeded to put the frog pod on the attachment. It stated up for 12 hours without toys or anything else on it, before it came crashing to the tub floor. I then tried to restick it, but it would not work. I then tried to suction cup part. (should hold up to 5 lbs. according to directions) At first, the frog would fall sideways where toys could fall out. I kept trying, and I finally got it to work. The only thing I have in it is toys. (nothing else, no soap. etc) My child loves this, but she does not realize how much trouble this thing actually was. How everyone else has better luck. | 998 | [
"This looked like it would be great.",
"The first time I actually saw one of these frog pods it was at a baby shower.",
"I thought it was so cool.",
"I read mixed reviews on this before I finally decided to buy it.",
"When I followed the directions to the letter for the adhesive tape, left the adhesive pad (by itself - should hold up to 10 lbs.",
"according to directions) stay on for over the 24 hour alloted time.",
"Then I proceeded to put the frog pod on the attachment.",
"It stated up for 12 hours without toys or anything else on it, before it came crashing to the tub floor.",
"I then tried to restick it, but it would not work.",
"I then tried to suction cup part.",
"(should hold up to 5 lbs.",
"according to directions) At first, the frog would fall sideways where toys could fall out.",
"I kept trying, and I finally got it to work.",
"The only thing I have in it is toys.",
"(nothing else, no soap.",
"etc) My child loves this, but she does not realize how much trouble this thing actually was.",
"How everyone else has better luck."
] |
3 | Wince, wince! | Dave Freedman has come up with an exciting plot with scientific explanations that left my head spinning. All right...I'm a humanist and Mr. Freedman has impressive academic credentials. So I was both relieved and diappointed to see that others who obviously followed those details better than I did found them wanting. There's nothing wrong with the plot in terms of imagination and pace but some of the awkward sentences made me wonder where the editor was. It also occurred to me that this is a major investment on the publisher's part: to publish a first book that's over 400 pages long. But if they're looking for Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code audience maybe they'll find them. (I'm almost afraid to admit I put Brown's book down after 50 pages because I couldn't endure the writing style.) Believe me, I'm not a snob - I do read pot boilers and "beach reads" but they have to be decently written. Perhaps Mr. Freedman will learn from this book and demand more editorial assistance on the next one. | 998 | [
"Dave Freedman has come up with an exciting plot with scientific explanations that left my head spinning.",
"All right...I'm a humanist and Mr.",
"Freedman has impressive academic credentials.",
"So I was both relieved and diappointed to see that others who obviously followed those details better than I did found them wanting.",
"There's nothing wrong with the plot in terms of imagination and pace but some of the awkward sentences made me wonder where the editor was.",
"It also occurred to me that this is a major investment on the publisher's part: to publish a first book that's over 400 pages long.",
"But if they're looking for Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code audience maybe they'll find them.",
"(I'm almost afraid to admit I put Brown's book down after 50 pages because I couldn't endure the writing style.) Believe me, I'm not a snob - I do read pot boilers and \"beach reads\" but they have to be decently written.",
"Perhaps Mr.",
"Freedman will learn from this book and demand more editorial assistance on the next one."
] |
3 | A Good Cartoon | There's a lot of spot-the-influence going on with this NY trio, specifically lead singer Karen O - she's often compared to Courtney Love and PJ Harvey. I'd like to make a less highfaluting suggestion: Gwen Stefani. On Fever to Tell, Yeah Yeah Yeahs are basically the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion fronted by Orange County's quirkiest warbler. Which is to say that O's a punk cartoon surrounded by music created with the help of a user's manual. This is both a dig and a compliment. Some cartoons rock ("South Park"), some make you think ("The Simpsons"), and some just make you laugh out loud ("SpongeBob Squarepants"). Yeah Yeah Yeahs do all three, often over the course of the same song ("Rich", "Black Tongue"). Every now and then they're all too human - you can hear the blood coursing through Karen O's veins on "Maps", a Gothic love song to her Goth boyfriend from Interpol. They're already better than No Doubt. If she's lucky, she may turn her band into the new millenium's answer to Blondie. | 998 | [
"There's a lot of spot-the-influence going on with this NY trio, specifically lead singer Karen O - she's often compared to Courtney Love and PJ Harvey.",
"I'd like to make a less highfaluting suggestion: Gwen Stefani.",
"On Fever to Tell, Yeah Yeah Yeahs are basically the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion fronted by Orange County's quirkiest warbler.",
"Which is to say that O's a punk cartoon surrounded by music created with the help of a user's manual.",
"This is both a dig and a compliment.",
"Some cartoons rock (\"South Park\"), some make you think (\"The Simpsons\"), and some just make you laugh out loud (\"SpongeBob Squarepants\").",
"Yeah Yeah Yeahs do all three, often over the course of the same song (\"Rich\", \"Black Tongue\").",
"Every now and then they're all too human - you can hear the blood coursing through Karen O's veins on \"Maps\", a Gothic love song to her Goth boyfriend from Interpol.",
"They're already better than No Doubt.",
"If she's lucky, she may turn her band into the new millenium's answer to Blondie."
] |
3 | Very dark novel | Be careful whom you trust would sum up the moral of this story. This is a book that will truly make you think. The heroine, Emma, is a wife and mother in the Victorian times, and literally lives for her husband and her son, never herself. The reader will understand and feel compassionate towards her as she faces life in what seems like a fancy birdcage. In seventeen years of marriage, the woman has never had an orgasm. I daresay, that alone would give us modern women a reason to kill our husbands! As she takes up correspondence with a prisoner, she begins to have urges and desires and finally identifies them as such. When the opportunity arrises, she finds the courage to act on them. Whereas the reader will not agree that killing her husband is the best answer, the reader will also sympathize with her regarding her plight. After the death of her husband, the novel takes a most shocking turn. The ending somewhat leaves you hanging tho, thus getting three stars from me instead of four. | 998 | [
"Be careful whom you trust would sum up the moral of this story.",
"This is a book that will truly make you think.",
"The heroine, Emma, is a wife and mother in the Victorian times, and literally lives for her husband and her son, never herself.",
"The reader will understand and feel compassionate towards her as she faces life in what seems like a fancy birdcage.",
"In seventeen years of marriage, the woman has never had an orgasm.",
"I daresay, that alone would give us modern women a reason to kill our husbands!",
"As she takes up correspondence with a prisoner, she begins to have urges and desires and finally identifies them as such.",
"When the opportunity arrises, she finds the courage to act on them.",
"Whereas the reader will not agree that killing her husband is the best answer, the reader will also sympathize with her regarding her plight.",
"After the death of her husband, the novel takes a most shocking turn.",
"The ending somewhat leaves you hanging tho, thus getting three stars from me instead of four."
] |
3 | Intricacy | Annie Dillard's book reminds me of Blue Pastures by Mary Oliver. They both ramble on about anything and everything they discover, and give you more details than you'd care to know. Her work is also similar to Thoreau's WALDEN. They both examine nature closely by living in the midst of it. PILGRIM AT TINKER CREEK is not a book I would have chosen to read on my own. However, I did enjoy it. Her romantic prose presents nature in an almost mystical way. Through her descriptions you discover her love and awe of nature and all that coincides with it. My favorite chapter was The Fixed. It was scientific and more dramatic. It also had a reflective tone at times where she was questioning all that she saw and not merely accepting it as being there. I also enjoyed her circle effect. She brought up things that you might not have noticed before and made sure you payed them attention. If you are a lover of nature and romanticism, with some cynical humor thrown in the mix, this is the perfect book. | 998 | [
"Annie Dillard's book reminds me of Blue Pastures by Mary Oliver.",
"They both ramble on about anything and everything they discover, and give you more details than you'd care to know.",
"Her work is also similar to Thoreau's WALDEN.",
"They both examine nature closely by living in the midst of it.",
"PILGRIM AT TINKER CREEK is not a book I would have chosen to read on my own.",
"However, I did enjoy it.",
"Her romantic prose presents nature in an almost mystical way.",
"Through her descriptions you discover her love and awe of nature and all that coincides with it.",
"My favorite chapter was The Fixed.",
"It was scientific and more dramatic.",
"It also had a reflective tone at times where she was questioning all that she saw and not merely accepting it as being there.",
"I also enjoyed her circle effect.",
"She brought up things that you might not have noticed before and made sure you payed them attention.",
"If you are a lover of nature and romanticism, with some cynical humor thrown in the mix, this is the perfect book."
] |
3 | Meh. | I think that Dr. Kappas was onto something and I don't deny that the E&P model makes sense to a certain point. However, after reading the book and watching some lectures, I have a feeling that Dr. Kappas started using the E&P theory to rationalize his wandering eye and infidelities. It's no secret that he was divorced several times and couldn't stay faithful in his relationships. The E&P relationship model allowed him to skirt the responsibilities associated with his actions. I think everyone's role shifts depending on the person they're in a relationship with. In my last relationship, I was the E and my boyfriend was the P. In my current relationship, my fiance is the E and I'm the P. I purchased this book and started listening to the lectures because my fiance and I were having some communication problems. Although E&P gave me some insight regarding our relationship dynamics, we were able to work things out ourselves in the end. All in all, I'd say the book was an interesting read. | 998 | [
"I think that Dr.",
"Kappas was onto something and I don't deny that the E&P model makes sense to a certain point.",
"However, after reading the book and watching some lectures, I have a feeling that Dr.",
"Kappas started using the E&P theory to rationalize his wandering eye and infidelities.",
"It's no secret that he was divorced several times and couldn't stay faithful in his relationships.",
"The E&P relationship model allowed him to skirt the responsibilities associated with his actions.",
"I think everyone's role shifts depending on the person they're in a relationship with.",
"In my last relationship, I was the E and my boyfriend was the P.",
"In my current relationship, my fiance is the E and I'm the P.",
"I purchased this book and started listening to the lectures because my fiance and I were having some communication problems.",
"Although E&P gave me some insight regarding our relationship dynamics, we were able to work things out ourselves in the end.",
"All in all, I'd say the book was an interesting read."
] |
3 | UPGRADE!! | The Casio PZ860B personal CD player has a 20-track programmable memory, so you can customize CD playback to your liking. The player also features repeat play functions (1/all), bass boost, and a two-digit LCD screen. It is a visually attractive player, but that is as far as this casio product gets. Without skip protection, this casio player has a lot to compete against with other, more advanced, models. As well, I think I got the same headphones on my last plane trip! It does not come with a car adapter, probably with good reason, as it skips a great deal. If I were you, I would go with the PZ4000B, it has 40 second skip protection as well as car adapter. Spend a little more, get a far better product. I give it 3 stars because it is casio, and I have confidence in their product. If you are just sitting around in an armchair listening to your tunes, get it. But if you are on the go like me, and don't like your music disturbed, get an upgraded model. Hope this review was helpful! Ciao. | 998 | [
"The Casio PZ860B personal CD player has a 20-track programmable memory, so you can customize CD playback to your liking.",
"The player also features repeat play functions (1/all), bass boost, and a two-digit LCD screen.",
"It is a visually attractive player, but that is as far as this casio product gets.",
"Without skip protection, this casio player has a lot to compete against with other, more advanced, models.",
"As well, I think I got the same headphones on my last plane trip!",
"It does not come with a car adapter, probably with good reason, as it skips a great deal.",
"If I were you, I would go with the PZ4000B, it has 40 second skip protection as well as car adapter.",
"Spend a little more, get a far better product.",
"I give it 3 stars because it is casio, and I have confidence in their product.",
"If you are just sitting around in an armchair listening to your tunes, get it.",
"But if you are on the go like me, and don't like your music disturbed, get an upgraded model.",
"Hope this review was helpful!",
"Ciao."
] |
3 | Mixed views | I've had this computer for over two years now and there are a few big issues.Pros-It's lasted longer than any other computer that I've had.-With proper upgrades [only to the video card/fan/hard drive], it can play all of my games on medium/high settings with 60fps.Cons-the cd drive/dvd drive are very cheaply made. The covers of both have broken off, and the CD portion rarely even opens.-the default hard drive is horrible, crashing after a few months and costing me about 60gb worth of important data [and nearly a point on my GPA]-the default fan cannot handle any upgrades to video cards, replace it as soon as you can-I'm no expert on the inner-workings of computers, but trying to install a new video card was utter hell due to the mass of wires inside.-even though it's apparently twice as fast hardware-wise as my laptop, the laptop performs far better after 3 or 4 hours of playIn all, it's a good computer if you are looking for a long term commitment, but the costs will add up quickly. | 998 | [
"I've had this computer for over two years now and there are a few big issues.Pros-It's lasted longer than any other computer that I've had.-With proper upgrades [only to the video card/fan/hard drive], it can play all of my games on medium/high settings with 60fps.Cons-the cd drive/dvd drive are very cheaply made.",
"The covers of both have broken off, and the CD portion rarely even opens.-the default hard drive is horrible, crashing after a few months and costing me about 60gb worth of important data [and nearly a point on my GPA]-the default fan cannot handle any upgrades to video cards, replace it as soon as you can-I'm no expert on the inner-workings of computers, but trying to install a new video card was utter hell due to the mass of wires inside.-even though it's apparently twice as fast hardware-wise as my laptop, the laptop performs far better after 3 or 4 hours of playIn all, it's a good computer if you are looking for a long term commitment, but the costs will add up quickly."
] |
3 | Overrated | There is some great artwork here, due largely by Janson's inking. Depicting violence is what Miller does best.The story is a different matter. For anyone familiar with the "Adult Legion" tale from the the Sixties, you'll know what I'm talking about. Because this Batman story is set in the "future", Miller had carte blache to do whatever he wanted with the characters. Thus, pivotal charaters in the Batman mythos die in this book. Miller would never be allowed to do such a thing if he were writing the monthly comic. He also puts Batman's current writers in a box if they are to hold true to this story. Any other writer with such restrictions lifted could have accomplished the same thing that Miller did.Miller has Batman "shoot" a bad guy, but doesn't really show if the the bad guy is, indeed, shot. Not very brave of Miller. Lastly, Batman teams up with the same group of thugs that a few issues before were murdering people.Such inconsistencies of character are of little concern to Frank. | 998 | [
"There is some great artwork here, due largely by Janson's inking.",
"Depicting violence is what Miller does best.The story is a different matter.",
"For anyone familiar with the \"Adult Legion\" tale from the the Sixties, you'll know what I'm talking about.",
"Because this Batman story is set in the \"future\", Miller had carte blache to do whatever he wanted with the characters.",
"Thus, pivotal charaters in the Batman mythos die in this book.",
"Miller would never be allowed to do such a thing if he were writing the monthly comic.",
"He also puts Batman's current writers in a box if they are to hold true to this story.",
"Any other writer with such restrictions lifted could have accomplished the same thing that Miller did.Miller has Batman \"shoot\" a bad guy, but doesn't really show if the the bad guy is, indeed, shot.",
"Not very brave of Miller.",
"Lastly, Batman teams up with the same group of thugs that a few issues before were murdering people.Such inconsistencies of character are of little concern to Frank."
] |
3 | Decent | This jukebox isn't too bad. It works as a harddrive, in fact, the storage on this device is actually a labtop hard drive. It uses music match, which isn't too bad. You can also just drag music/video/pictures onto the system. The screen is pretty nice. Pictures and video come out pretty clear, although it only plays mpeg video files.It records from the tv also. This is a really neat feature.What i hate about this item is the battery. I would say it lasts about 90 minutes of continuous play for music. For video, its much less. However, if you turn it on or off, it cuts down the battery time by about half. I wouldn't reccommend this simply for its battery life. Its horrible.The menu is also slow, and can be hard to navigate. You cannot navigate through the menu while listening to music, which is highly annoying.When recording video, the audio and video is not always synchronized. RCA def. needs to fix this.Overall, i would not reccommend this device, not until RCA releases new firmware. | 998 | [
"This jukebox isn't too bad.",
"It works as a harddrive, in fact, the storage on this device is actually a labtop hard drive.",
"It uses music match, which isn't too bad.",
"You can also just drag music/video/pictures onto the system.",
"The screen is pretty nice.",
"Pictures and video come out pretty clear, although it only plays mpeg video files.It records from the tv also.",
"This is a really neat feature.What i hate about this item is the battery.",
"I would say it lasts about 90 minutes of continuous play for music.",
"For video, its much less.",
"However, if you turn it on or off, it cuts down the battery time by about half.",
"I wouldn't reccommend this simply for its battery life.",
"Its horrible.The menu is also slow, and can be hard to navigate.",
"You cannot navigate through the menu while listening to music, which is highly annoying.When recording video, the audio and video is not always synchronized.",
"RCA def.",
"needs to fix this.Overall, i would not reccommend this device, not until RCA releases new firmware."
] |
3 | Not her best. | I love Ina's cookbooks and have two others. However, in looking through this one so far, these recipes seem heavy, in my opinion, for everyday cooking. Since I bought this book with the understanding that it was to be used for more casual, everyday fare, I'm still deciding whether to keep it. (I know Ina uses butter and fat in all of her cookbooks, but the amounts feel excessive in this one considering the point of the book.) I also agree with other reviewers regarding the large number of salad and sandwich recipes in the book.I'm actually writing this review because a reviewer below raves about a chicken pot pie recipe in this book. My book doesn't have a chicken pot pie recipe. And yes, I'm talking about the newly released Barefoot Contessa at Home. Either my book has pages missing, or is the reviewer below not being completely honest about which recipes s/he has actually tried from this book? (Editing to say that the pot pie recipe is not in this book--found it on the web though.) | 998 | [
"I love Ina's cookbooks and have two others.",
"However, in looking through this one so far, these recipes seem heavy, in my opinion, for everyday cooking.",
"Since I bought this book with the understanding that it was to be used for more casual, everyday fare, I'm still deciding whether to keep it.",
"(I know Ina uses butter and fat in all of her cookbooks, but the amounts feel excessive in this one considering the point of the book.) I also agree with other reviewers regarding the large number of salad and sandwich recipes in the book.I'm actually writing this review because a reviewer below raves about a chicken pot pie recipe in this book.",
"My book doesn't have a chicken pot pie recipe.",
"And yes, I'm talking about the newly released Barefoot Contessa at Home.",
"Either my book has pages missing, or is the reviewer below not being completely honest about which recipes s/he has actually tried from this book?",
"(Editing to say that the pot pie recipe is not in this book--found it on the web though.)"
] |
3 | Disappointed | My book club, a group of six Black women, read this book, for our last book club meeting. While we all agreed that Zadie Smith does indeed have a flair for writing, and writes extremely well we were disappointed and a little confused as to why this book was given rave reviews. Not one of us could make the connection between the title "White Teeth" and the story. So, obviously we missed something in the story. Usually, the meaning of the title is revealed somewhere in the plot. We thought the plot was very weak Can someone explain what "White Teeth" means. Also, not one of us found this book to be enjoyable. There were high points, but there were far too many pages that just went on and on and on. Most found it painful to finish, but as a commitment to the group all but one of us finished the book. Most of the members said that they kept reading because they had invested so much time and kept waiting, waiting for something to pull them into the story. The final verdict - disappointed! | 998 | [
"My book club, a group of six Black women, read this book, for our last book club meeting.",
"While we all agreed that Zadie Smith does indeed have a flair for writing, and writes extremely well we were disappointed and a little confused as to why this book was given rave reviews.",
"Not one of us could make the connection between the title \"White Teeth\" and the story.",
"So, obviously we missed something in the story.",
"Usually, the meaning of the title is revealed somewhere in the plot.",
"We thought the plot was very weak Can someone explain what \"White Teeth\" means.",
"Also, not one of us found this book to be enjoyable.",
"There were high points, but there were far too many pages that just went on and on and on.",
"Most found it painful to finish, but as a commitment to the group all but one of us finished the book.",
"Most of the members said that they kept reading because they had invested so much time and kept waiting, waiting for something to pull them into the story.",
"The final verdict - disappointed!"
] |
3 | Not For Me | I gave this book 3 stars simply because it is not the program for me.I love the idea of cardio-free exercise. The book is very interesting throughout as to the science of cardio vs. weight training. I am with the program that far. BTW, that part of the book was very well written.However, I could never follow the eating part of this program. It is sort of low calorie/low fat/low protein/somewhat low carb. I have been living low carb for nearly 6 years. I have lost 86 pounds. To follow this eating plan would be diet suicide for me.I know there are people for whom this program will work very well. I'm just not one of them. That's my problem, not his.So for those people who fall into the category of low everything, this may be for you. For those who live low carb, I have found Fred Hahn's Slow Burn. That will be the program for me, and it may be for you, too.Lastly, for the training part of this program, you have to buy what appears to be a lot of equipment. I wasn't up for that, either. | 998 | [
"I gave this book 3 stars simply because it is not the program for me.I love the idea of cardio-free exercise.",
"The book is very interesting throughout as to the science of cardio vs.",
"weight training.",
"I am with the program that far.",
"BTW, that part of the book was very well written.However, I could never follow the eating part of this program.",
"It is sort of low calorie/low fat/low protein/somewhat low carb.",
"I have been living low carb for nearly 6 years.",
"I have lost 86 pounds.",
"To follow this eating plan would be diet suicide for me.I know there are people for whom this program will work very well.",
"I'm just not one of them.",
"That's my problem, not his.So for those people who fall into the category of low everything, this may be for you.",
"For those who live low carb, I have found Fred Hahn's Slow Burn.",
"That will be the program for me, and it may be for you, too.Lastly, for the training part of this program, you have to buy what appears to be a lot of equipment.",
"I wasn't up for that, either."
] |
3 | Good but... | Silent Hill achieved the 'Best Video game to movie' tag in my opinion...Which considering what it was up against with all due respect, wasn't that difficult!However, it is a good movie. It's just one of those movies which sadly could have been better. The hype, the anticipation, from Silent Hill fans like myself waiting for this movie was unbelievable. And once I got to see it, I did have mixed feelings.It starts wonderfully, and the imagery throughout is fantastic. Somewhere through the middle though it loses it a little and forgets it's a 'Silent Hill' movie/story, and tries too hard to tie loose ends.It's not bad-I wanted this movie to be fantastic and mess with my mind like the original PS1 game did...but expected it to be awful. In the end it landed somewhere in the middle with a movie I like but felt wasn't quite there. If you like the game, and you like the horror movie genre, go in with an open mind and you should find a movie you enjoy as a watchable but not a classic flick. | 998 | [
"Silent Hill achieved the 'Best Video game to movie' tag in my opinion...Which considering what it was up against with all due respect, wasn't that difficult!",
"However, it is a good movie.",
"It's just one of those movies which sadly could have been better.",
"The hype, the anticipation, from Silent Hill fans like myself waiting for this movie was unbelievable.",
"And once I got to see it, I did have mixed feelings.It starts wonderfully, and the imagery throughout is fantastic.",
"Somewhere through the middle though it loses it a little and forgets it's a 'Silent Hill' movie/story, and tries too hard to tie loose ends.It's not bad-I wanted this movie to be fantastic and mess with my mind like the original PS1 game did...but expected it to be awful.",
"In the end it landed somewhere in the middle with a movie I like but felt wasn't quite there.",
"If you like the game, and you like the horror movie genre, go in with an open mind and you should find a movie you enjoy as a watchable but not a classic flick."
] |
3 | A Fun Film | Emma, a young lady lacking neither fortune or conciquence, is blessed with all the good things in life. Her father, loving but odd man, has given her the best education, the best clothes, and a good name, she is free to move in good society with few limitations.In her free time, she was lucky enough to match up her governess with a family friend and is now determined to marry off all the other single young people in her neighborhood. Emma fails most brillently; she doesn't see how people attract and repell others around them--for reasons that they may or may not have any control over.Emma is also blind to her own faults and is not as wise or worldly as she thinks her self to be. This causes hurt feelings in more than one party, but everything is as it should be when the credits roll.This version of Emma is filled with beautiful people surrounded by beautiful things and carrying out their lives in a beautiful manner. It is a light, easy film that doesn't take alot of thought to enjoy. | 998 | [
"Emma, a young lady lacking neither fortune or conciquence, is blessed with all the good things in life.",
"Her father, loving but odd man, has given her the best education, the best clothes, and a good name, she is free to move in good society with few limitations.In her free time, she was lucky enough to match up her governess with a family friend and is now determined to marry off all the other single young people in her neighborhood.",
"Emma fails most brillently; she doesn't see how people attract and repell others around them--for reasons that they may or may not have any control over.Emma is also blind to her own faults and is not as wise or worldly as she thinks her self to be.",
"This causes hurt feelings in more than one party, but everything is as it should be when the credits roll.This version of Emma is filled with beautiful people surrounded by beautiful things and carrying out their lives in a beautiful manner.",
"It is a light, easy film that doesn't take alot of thought to enjoy."
] |
3 | Deserves credit | This film is getting two stars on cable television, which I think is too little. I have read some of the professional reviews and think that they are sometimes hung up on the wrong things as well. I watched the beginning again tonight and was well surprised. I especially like the European feel of the movie. It moves along and events unfold as they would realistically in this environment. This film has been compared to Francois Truffault's 400 Blows and that is a pretty mighty comparison. Young girls know they must have charm and be pretty; boys are tough. This is not new. It may be a stark view in a luxurious part of the world - the Mediterranean - but adult figures are scarce. What would also add to the starkness of the film though would be adults who are paid to supervise the kids. Maybe nothing would be different even if so. People meet in a regard and maybe something comes of it and maybe it does not. The ballerina sequence to me was one of the really good surprises in this film. | 998 | [
"This film is getting two stars on cable television, which I think is too little.",
"I have read some of the professional reviews and think that they are sometimes hung up on the wrong things as well.",
"I watched the beginning again tonight and was well surprised.",
"I especially like the European feel of the movie.",
"It moves along and events unfold as they would realistically in this environment.",
"This film has been compared to Francois Truffault's 400 Blows and that is a pretty mighty comparison.",
"Young girls know they must have charm and be pretty; boys are tough.",
"This is not new.",
"It may be a stark view in a luxurious part of the world - the Mediterranean - but adult figures are scarce.",
"What would also add to the starkness of the film though would be adults who are paid to supervise the kids.",
"Maybe nothing would be different even if so.",
"People meet in a regard and maybe something comes of it and maybe it does not.",
"The ballerina sequence to me was one of the really good surprises in this film."
] |
3 | Nearing the End | Rathbone and Bruce made 14 Holmes and Watson films; it's a real shame that four of the weakest are in the public domain and keep turning up while the rest are out of print. This one, from late in the series, at least has the virtue of a script by Bertram Millhauser, who wrote the best of them and was most responsible for the distinctive tone of the series: sly humor mixed with slightly horrific mystery. Two of his most memorable creations, the Spider Woman and the Creeper, went on to lives of their own in other Universal horror movies. As for The Woman in Green, it's a blend of Jack the Ripper and Conan Doyle's "The Empty House," with a nice film noir ambience and some clever twists. Unfortunately, the ending is lame and one senses the fact that, after seven years, 10 films, and hundreds of radio broadcasts, Rathbone has begun to weary of playing Holmes. Film trivia note: someone colorized this a few years ago, and didn't even bother to put Hillary Brooke in a green dress. Go figure. | 998 | [
"Rathbone and Bruce made 14 Holmes and Watson films; it's a real shame that four of the weakest are in the public domain and keep turning up while the rest are out of print.",
"This one, from late in the series, at least has the virtue of a script by Bertram Millhauser, who wrote the best of them and was most responsible for the distinctive tone of the series: sly humor mixed with slightly horrific mystery.",
"Two of his most memorable creations, the Spider Woman and the Creeper, went on to lives of their own in other Universal horror movies.",
"As for The Woman in Green, it's a blend of Jack the Ripper and Conan Doyle's \"The Empty House,\" with a nice film noir ambience and some clever twists.",
"Unfortunately, the ending is lame and one senses the fact that, after seven years, 10 films, and hundreds of radio broadcasts, Rathbone has begun to weary of playing Holmes.",
"Film trivia note: someone colorized this a few years ago, and didn't even bother to put Hillary Brooke in a green dress.",
"Go figure."
] |
3 | superfluous | I have to say that for the most part I really enjoyed this book. Stephen Baxter is a wonderful scientist at heart with the street smarts to dumb it down a bit. The best way to describe Baxter is a Hard-Science Fiction writer, according to Wikipedia. Meaning that he uses hard scientific fact to back up his plot.This book got pretty violent near the end, but I can't wait to read the next one.This book would have been a five star book, if it wasn't for the fact that most of it was about a girl named Regina from ancient Rome. It wasn't sci-fi at all. It was alt-history, or whatever you call it. Baxter still makes this part extremely interesting and profound and fun to read. I just would have liked it more in another book. As the title says, it was MOSTLY superfluous. Most of the book was about Regina. Halfway through the book, I started skipping those chapter all together. I do, however see myself going back to it. It was really well written and detailed and interesting. Just not sci-fi. | 998 | [
"I have to say that for the most part I really enjoyed this book.",
"Stephen Baxter is a wonderful scientist at heart with the street smarts to dumb it down a bit.",
"The best way to describe Baxter is a Hard-Science Fiction writer, according to Wikipedia.",
"Meaning that he uses hard scientific fact to back up his plot.This book got pretty violent near the end, but I can't wait to read the next one.This book would have been a five star book, if it wasn't for the fact that most of it was about a girl named Regina from ancient Rome.",
"It wasn't sci-fi at all.",
"It was alt-history, or whatever you call it.",
"Baxter still makes this part extremely interesting and profound and fun to read.",
"I just would have liked it more in another book.",
"As the title says, it was MOSTLY superfluous.",
"Most of the book was about Regina.",
"Halfway through the book, I started skipping those chapter all together.",
"I do, however see myself going back to it.",
"It was really well written and detailed and interesting.",
"Just not sci-fi."
] |
3 | Was ok... | I bought this based on all the great reviews. I have two boys, 7 and 3 1/2. My 7 year old is always interested in all things Chinese so I thought I could show him what China looked like and see a bit of the culture. He liked it but he kept asking me questions about it. I think they could have been a little more forthcoming about what we were looking at. It was mostly Big Bird just showing us the sights but not saying anything other than what it was called and sometimes not even that. My 3 year old wasn't too engaged at all. He watched but kept asking me "Is it done yet?" towards the second half. The premise is cute but I thought it could have been a little more entertaining and educational. The majority of the film was us watching Big Bird walking around not saying anything. They could have used that time to tell us a little about what we were looking at. I'm not saying they have to give us a whole history lesson but a little something interesting for each sight would have been nice. | 998 | [
"I bought this based on all the great reviews.",
"I have two boys, 7 and 3 1/2.",
"My 7 year old is always interested in all things Chinese so I thought I could show him what China looked like and see a bit of the culture.",
"He liked it but he kept asking me questions about it.",
"I think they could have been a little more forthcoming about what we were looking at.",
"It was mostly Big Bird just showing us the sights but not saying anything other than what it was called and sometimes not even that.",
"My 3 year old wasn't too engaged at all.",
"He watched but kept asking me \"Is it done yet?",
"\" towards the second half.",
"The premise is cute but I thought it could have been a little more entertaining and educational.",
"The majority of the film was us watching Big Bird walking around not saying anything.",
"They could have used that time to tell us a little about what we were looking at.",
"I'm not saying they have to give us a whole history lesson but a little something interesting for each sight would have been nice."
] |
3 | Demons? Hah! | Easy to read, fascinating subject matter, but kind of obvious content.Anyone with half a brain will already know most of what Carl talks about in this book. Let me rephrase that and say that skeptics or people bound in science will. Believers in ghosts, UFOs, demons, etc could definitely benefit from reading this book, so long as you genuinely keep an open mind. Of course, we all will choose which sources we want to trust, so that may be hard for some.From my own experience I have always been in love with the phenomenon of the supernatural or the unknown. I want to believe more than I actually do believe. I've never had a true experience, and when I do I look at it rationally and decide that it must be x, y, or z... and not immediately assume it is something "unexplainable"Anyway, long story short, it is a very quick and easy read but most of the content is fairly obvious stuff. It may be for some more than others. Perhaps a good intro into this world of science and/or pseudoscience. | 998 | [
"Easy to read, fascinating subject matter, but kind of obvious content.Anyone with half a brain will already know most of what Carl talks about in this book.",
"Let me rephrase that and say that skeptics or people bound in science will.",
"Believers in ghosts, UFOs, demons, etc could definitely benefit from reading this book, so long as you genuinely keep an open mind.",
"Of course, we all will choose which sources we want to trust, so that may be hard for some.From my own experience I have always been in love with the phenomenon of the supernatural or the unknown.",
"I want to believe more than I actually do believe.",
"I've never had a true experience, and when I do I look at it rationally and decide that it must be x, y, or z... and not immediately assume it is something \"unexplainable\"Anyway, long story short, it is a very quick and easy read but most of the content is fairly obvious stuff.",
"It may be for some more than others.",
"Perhaps a good intro into this world of science and/or pseudoscience."
] |
3 | Not bad, but... | In the early 80's the Indigo Girls used to play at The Dugout, a tiny burrito joint (boy, I still remember my first chimichanga!) hidden in the back of a drugstore across the street from Emory University in Atlanta. Anybody who had ears knew they were bound for stardom. There wasn't anything else like them back then. Now that they have spawned hundreds of imitators, I've wondered why I haven't liked their recent work as much. Is it because it's just so familiar to us, or is the quality really off? Well, go back and listened to the first 4 albums and you'll see that their earlier talent has faded - not gone, but certainly not as strong as it used to be. There's nothing here with the passion of "Blood and Fire" or the humor of "Galileo." I've listened to this CD several times now and nothing in it sticks in my memory. I know, you shouldn't compare an artist's current work to their former glory. It's not fair. But with all that I've been through with the Indigo Girls, how can I help it? | 998 | [
"In the early 80's the Indigo Girls used to play at The Dugout, a tiny burrito joint (boy, I still remember my first chimichanga!",
") hidden in the back of a drugstore across the street from Emory University in Atlanta.",
"Anybody who had ears knew they were bound for stardom.",
"There wasn't anything else like them back then.",
"Now that they have spawned hundreds of imitators, I've wondered why I haven't liked their recent work as much.",
"Is it because it's just so familiar to us, or is the quality really off?",
"Well, go back and listened to the first 4 albums and you'll see that their earlier talent has faded - not gone, but certainly not as strong as it used to be.",
"There's nothing here with the passion of \"Blood and Fire\" or the humor of \"Galileo.\" I've listened to this CD several times now and nothing in it sticks in my memory.",
"I know, you shouldn't compare an artist's current work to their former glory.",
"It's not fair.",
"But with all that I've been through with the Indigo Girls, how can I help it?"
] |
3 | DRYWALL TEXTURE | Have utilized a friend with a "standard" pattern gun previously, but decided to get one of these units for myself. The item(s) that caught my eye were the closed lid and spring loaded top to provide down pressure to the spray gun.Unit was easy to load and use, especially with no fear of spills.One thing lacking for me was a better set of instructions...with a new tool, it's always helpful to have comments and suggestions for use from the manufacturer. If my friend had not been there to lead me through on the set-up and mixing, I would have had a long day of guessing and keeping my temper.Also, no markings on the patterns as to which is what size and they are plastic...not a real fan of plastic parts on tools.Overall, it did what it was supposed to do for me.I do review this website prior to any tool purchase. Am in agreement with the reviewer having problems with a thick mix like stucco. We had to thin the texture mix about 25% thinner than the same mix with a "standard" pattern gun. | 998 | [
"Have utilized a friend with a \"standard\" pattern gun previously, but decided to get one of these units for myself.",
"The item(s) that caught my eye were the closed lid and spring loaded top to provide down pressure to the spray gun.Unit was easy to load and use, especially with no fear of spills.One thing lacking for me was a better set of instructions...with a new tool, it's always helpful to have comments and suggestions for use from the manufacturer.",
"If my friend had not been there to lead me through on the set-up and mixing, I would have had a long day of guessing and keeping my temper.Also, no markings on the patterns as to which is what size and they are plastic...not a real fan of plastic parts on tools.Overall, it did what it was supposed to do for me.I do review this website prior to any tool purchase.",
"Am in agreement with the reviewer having problems with a thick mix like stucco.",
"We had to thin the texture mix about 25% thinner than the same mix with a \"standard\" pattern gun."
] |
3 | questionable... | If you are looking for something you can place on top of a bucket, look no further. This "storage bucket seat" is easily placed on the top of a bucket. It will not go inside the bucket, or hover over the bucket, although one could (theoretically) place it next to the bucket with predictable results.This "storage bucket seat" does not make a good lid. It does not seal, and it has no mechanism to secure itself to the top of the bucket. The item's carefully calibrated gravity-dependent engineering may be disrupted by activities such as moving or transporting the bucket. You'll be best off if you move the bucket where you want it, and then place the "storage bucket seat" on top of the bucket.The lid to the storage area is well designed as well. It covers the storage area completely! Not one of the compartments was left uncovered when the lid is closed. The lid even sits in a slight recess, so that when the "hinge" breaks due to fatigue, the lid can still be placed above the storage area. | 998 | [
"If you are looking for something you can place on top of a bucket, look no further.",
"This \"storage bucket seat\" is easily placed on the top of a bucket.",
"It will not go inside the bucket, or hover over the bucket, although one could (theoretically) place it next to the bucket with predictable results.This \"storage bucket seat\" does not make a good lid.",
"It does not seal, and it has no mechanism to secure itself to the top of the bucket.",
"The item's carefully calibrated gravity-dependent engineering may be disrupted by activities such as moving or transporting the bucket.",
"You'll be best off if you move the bucket where you want it, and then place the \"storage bucket seat\" on top of the bucket.The lid to the storage area is well designed as well.",
"It covers the storage area completely!",
"Not one of the compartments was left uncovered when the lid is closed.",
"The lid even sits in a slight recess, so that when the \"hinge\" breaks due to fatigue, the lid can still be placed above the storage area."
] |
3 | Hurricane | Charlotte (Mia Farrow) travels to a Samoan island to visit her father, the governor (Jason Robards). Before long she falls in love with the beautiful native chief Matangi (gorgeous Dayton Ka'ne). Their romance is not popular. The story moves slowly and there's not much more I can tell without giving away plot points that occur more than halfway into the movie. And this is the movie's main problem. The adventure part of the movie doesn't start after well over an hour. Director Jan Troell has never been known to make fast paced movies, and this time the script is working against him. It takes a very long time before the story really takes off and by then many viewers will already have lost their interest. The location shots are beautiful and the hurricane scenes are spectacular. These help it up to a very weak three star rating.The DVD is presented in 1:78 widescreen (from 2:20 original). The 2 hour movie is divided into only 10 chapters. There are no special features except a trailer. | 998 | [
"Charlotte (Mia Farrow) travels to a Samoan island to visit her father, the governor (Jason Robards).",
"Before long she falls in love with the beautiful native chief Matangi (gorgeous Dayton Ka'ne).",
"Their romance is not popular.",
"The story moves slowly and there's not much more I can tell without giving away plot points that occur more than halfway into the movie.",
"And this is the movie's main problem.",
"The adventure part of the movie doesn't start after well over an hour.",
"Director Jan Troell has never been known to make fast paced movies, and this time the script is working against him.",
"It takes a very long time before the story really takes off and by then many viewers will already have lost their interest.",
"The location shots are beautiful and the hurricane scenes are spectacular.",
"These help it up to a very weak three star rating.The DVD is presented in 1:78 widescreen (from 2:20 original).",
"The 2 hour movie is divided into only 10 chapters.",
"There are no special features except a trailer."
] |
3 | Second best | I am something of an OCR fanatic because I depend a lot on being able to digitize research material for compact storage and easy access. I began some years ago with TextBridge and looked forward to seeing what Scansoft had done in melding the features of TextBridge and OmniPage. The result was a big disappointment. The ability to make PDFs in one step is a major improvement but they "lost" one the features that I find most important -- automatic separation of a scan of two pages at once from a book into separate scan pages. And the recognition accuracy and flexibility doesn't even come close to the standards set by ABBYY FineReader 5.0 (or even the earlier versions of FR!).The one significant advantage of OP over FR is its ability to accept PDF files directly as inputs. Unless that is of overwhelming importance to you and your needs for recognition of complex material are modest, I would definitely skip OmniPage and get FineReader instead -- and save a bundle of money in the process. | 998 | [
"I am something of an OCR fanatic because I depend a lot on being able to digitize research material for compact storage and easy access.",
"I began some years ago with TextBridge and looked forward to seeing what Scansoft had done in melding the features of TextBridge and OmniPage.",
"The result was a big disappointment.",
"The ability to make PDFs in one step is a major improvement but they \"lost\" one the features that I find most important -- automatic separation of a scan of two pages at once from a book into separate scan pages.",
"And the recognition accuracy and flexibility doesn't even come close to the standards set by ABBYY FineReader 5.0 (or even the earlier versions of FR!",
").The one significant advantage of OP over FR is its ability to accept PDF files directly as inputs.",
"Unless that is of overwhelming importance to you and your needs for recognition of complex material are modest, I would definitely skip OmniPage and get FineReader instead -- and save a bundle of money in the process."
] |
3 | slow and witchy | This is the first book I've read by this author. It was a slow read, not enough excitement or action to keep you wanting to turn the page for the murder/mystery part. I have a thing about finishing a book no matter what so I kept reading it. If I didn't then I wouldn't be able to tell someone else about the good and the bad. However I was happy to see the author giving authentic explanation on Wicca and the practicing of the craft. She painted a lovely picture of an older woman who is a practicing witch. It lets the average person know a little about the Wicca topic but it's not all encompassing. You get to learn along side of the main character who is a little more then nervous about meeting the older woman so if you have reservations it's ok so does she your not alone. I would say that this book is a good read for any reader wanting to know a little bit about witch craft and who likes there mysteries a little light. I'm used to reading books with a bit more action and /or violence. | 998 | [
"This is the first book I've read by this author.",
"It was a slow read, not enough excitement or action to keep you wanting to turn the page for the murder/mystery part.",
"I have a thing about finishing a book no matter what so I kept reading it.",
"If I didn't then I wouldn't be able to tell someone else about the good and the bad.",
"However I was happy to see the author giving authentic explanation on Wicca and the practicing of the craft.",
"She painted a lovely picture of an older woman who is a practicing witch.",
"It lets the average person know a little about the Wicca topic but it's not all encompassing.",
"You get to learn along side of the main character who is a little more then nervous about meeting the older woman so if you have reservations it's ok so does she your not alone.",
"I would say that this book is a good read for any reader wanting to know a little bit about witch craft and who likes there mysteries a little light.",
"I'm used to reading books with a bit more action and /or violence."
] |
3 | Good Not Great | This book is very much the middle of the series, and though it has the usual strength of Turtledove it has some flaws. The majority of the viewpoint characters are excellent, especially if one has seens them change over 5 books. That being said some don't do a lot and seem to be waiting for the forthcoming The Victorious Opposition.The history itself is well done, with amusing and chilling parallels to real history-with the disadvantage that it limits creativity. The war with Japan is a letdown, and the book can ramble, butThe Center Cannot Hold does its job: It sets up the next book and the forthcoming "Great War II" series, and it continues to evoke the reader's emotions positive or negative towards Harry's excellent cast of characters.The other flaw is one of editing, Harry slips on some minor details in the novel that show that this may be a bit rushed. The commercial stresses on Turtledove are hurting him, but its a gripping read, and the third in the series will be interesting. | 998 | [
"This book is very much the middle of the series, and though it has the usual strength of Turtledove it has some flaws.",
"The majority of the viewpoint characters are excellent, especially if one has seens them change over 5 books.",
"That being said some don't do a lot and seem to be waiting for the forthcoming The Victorious Opposition.The history itself is well done, with amusing and chilling parallels to real history-with the disadvantage that it limits creativity.",
"The war with Japan is a letdown, and the book can ramble, butThe Center Cannot Hold does its job: It sets up the next book and the forthcoming \"Great War II\" series, and it continues to evoke the reader's emotions positive or negative towards Harry's excellent cast of characters.The other flaw is one of editing, Harry slips on some minor details in the novel that show that this may be a bit rushed.",
"The commercial stresses on Turtledove are hurting him, but its a gripping read, and the third in the series will be interesting."
] |
3 | Please hold... | I am a bit gutted by it to honest. I had high hopes.I didn't feel the depth of character or storyline that we are used to as readers of King, it felt like a book for a book's sake.I love King - I have always read King, I am not being ungrateful at what is an entertaining read, don't get me wrong, but it missed something, I wasn't compelled, I wasn't engrossed, I wasn't blown away!If you read King you will read this - Just don't expect to be wowed, it felt more like a novel of duty and there were some political standpoints in there also that I'm not used to getting from the master that felt alien as I read them.Long, perhaps too long, the end came on suddenly and there was no resolution, while I understand that not all good endings are happy ones I would have settled for something out of this, I mean, after all the trouble the lead character goes to get his son back, does he succeedd in normalising him?Without a true end you feel jilted, the characters never really got off the ground. | 998 | [
"I am a bit gutted by it to honest.",
"I had high hopes.I didn't feel the depth of character or storyline that we are used to as readers of King, it felt like a book for a book's sake.I love King - I have always read King, I am not being ungrateful at what is an entertaining read, don't get me wrong, but it missed something, I wasn't compelled, I wasn't engrossed, I wasn't blown away!",
"If you read King you will read this - Just don't expect to be wowed, it felt more like a novel of duty and there were some political standpoints in there also that I'm not used to getting from the master that felt alien as I read them.Long, perhaps too long, the end came on suddenly and there was no resolution, while I understand that not all good endings are happy ones I would have settled for something out of this, I mean, after all the trouble the lead character goes to get his son back, does he succeedd in normalising him?",
"Without a true end you feel jilted, the characters never really got off the ground."
] |
3 | Decent Unit | Overall this is a nicely finished entry level DVD player. There was one quality control issue: when I unboxed the unit and started to use it, the music CD I was playing started to skip like crazy. I ejected the disc and few a huge glop of white grease on the cd!The ability to enhance the black level is a nice feature. I am bummed that it won't play CDR's but that would be my only real complaint. There isn't an optical output on the machine, something that would be nice to have as my receiver has more optical inputs than coaxial. I rent DVD's from Netflix and there are times that the player gets so locked up I have to literally reboot it (and skip over the troubled section)...I imagine that any DVD would do that, but it is frustrating none the less.In closing, you might want to consider the Apex DVD player which is able to play all sorts of discs. I have several friends who have been extremely pleased whith their players. One super nice feature on the Apex is the built in MP3 decoder! | 998 | [
"Overall this is a nicely finished entry level DVD player.",
"There was one quality control issue: when I unboxed the unit and started to use it, the music CD I was playing started to skip like crazy.",
"I ejected the disc and few a huge glop of white grease on the cd!",
"The ability to enhance the black level is a nice feature.",
"I am bummed that it won't play CDR's but that would be my only real complaint.",
"There isn't an optical output on the machine, something that would be nice to have as my receiver has more optical inputs than coaxial.",
"I rent DVD's from Netflix and there are times that the player gets so locked up I have to literally reboot it (and skip over the troubled section)...I imagine that any DVD would do that, but it is frustrating none the less.In closing, you might want to consider the Apex DVD player which is able to play all sorts of discs.",
"I have several friends who have been extremely pleased whith their players.",
"One super nice feature on the Apex is the built in MP3 decoder!"
] |
3 | The Black Pearl | The book The Black Pearl has a very interesting story. This book takes place in La Paz, Baja California. In this book, Ramon wants to prove to his father, Blas Salazar, that he is just as good as Sevillano, Ramon's worst enemy and Ramon's father's best pearl diver, at pearl diving. Manta Diablo, the monster of the deep, guards "The Pearl of the Heavens," the ocean's biggest pearl, that Ramon wants to dive for. Ramon got "The Pearl of the Heavens" and brought back home. When Ramon tells his father about the pearl, his father gives it to the church. Luzum, an old Indian tells Ramon that he should give it back to the Manta Diablo because the monster will come after him. I recommend this book to both girls and boys who are at the age of thirteen and under because I don't think people over the age of thirteen would be interested in this book. I don't think that people over the age of thirteen would like the book because I don't it's exciting enough. Overall I thought this was a good book. | 998 | [
"The book The Black Pearl has a very interesting story.",
"This book takes place in La Paz, Baja California.",
"In this book, Ramon wants to prove to his father, Blas Salazar, that he is just as good as Sevillano, Ramon's worst enemy and Ramon's father's best pearl diver, at pearl diving.",
"Manta Diablo, the monster of the deep, guards \"The Pearl of the Heavens,\" the ocean's biggest pearl, that Ramon wants to dive for.",
"Ramon got \"The Pearl of the Heavens\" and brought back home.",
"When Ramon tells his father about the pearl, his father gives it to the church.",
"Luzum, an old Indian tells Ramon that he should give it back to the Manta Diablo because the monster will come after him.",
"I recommend this book to both girls and boys who are at the age of thirteen and under because I don't think people over the age of thirteen would be interested in this book.",
"I don't think that people over the age of thirteen would like the book because I don't it's exciting enough.",
"Overall I thought this was a good book."
] |
3 | Content counts | As Burl Ives once sang, "Watch the donut, not the hole." To put it into this context, focus on what the people on screen are doing and saying and don't get hung up on technical quality. "Thick As Thieves" is a product of early 1970s British television production and is far from pristine in its picture quality. This is true of many British programs of the era, including such milestone series as "Elizabeth R", where the source materials were not as carefully preserved as perhaps they should have been.Like "Elizabeth R", this program has a disclaimer on the packaging about its technical quality. I breezed past that, though, choosing to focus on the treat of seeing John Thaw and Bob Hoskins before they were anybody. Admittedly, there are technical flaws that could be a touch distracting at times if you're obsessive about such things, but if the play's the thing for you, then you're likely to enjoy this release. It has a great premise behind it and wonderful actors carrying it out. Enjoy. | 998 | [
"As Burl Ives once sang, \"Watch the donut, not the hole.\" To put it into this context, focus on what the people on screen are doing and saying and don't get hung up on technical quality.",
"\"Thick As Thieves\" is a product of early 1970s British television production and is far from pristine in its picture quality.",
"This is true of many British programs of the era, including such milestone series as \"Elizabeth R\", where the source materials were not as carefully preserved as perhaps they should have been.Like \"Elizabeth R\", this program has a disclaimer on the packaging about its technical quality.",
"I breezed past that, though, choosing to focus on the treat of seeing John Thaw and Bob Hoskins before they were anybody.",
"Admittedly, there are technical flaws that could be a touch distracting at times if you're obsessive about such things, but if the play's the thing for you, then you're likely to enjoy this release.",
"It has a great premise behind it and wonderful actors carrying it out.",
"Enjoy."
] |
3 | Not The Best... | The Best Home-Vet Cat Book Ever isCat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook, Fully Revised and Updatedand this is the new updated version.Really this andStarting from Scratch: How to Correct Behavior Problems in Your Adult Catbehavior book would be the best to have if you could only have two books about your cats.Beleive me, I have tons of books and loads of cat books. I have the highly touted 'Your Cat' Hodgkins DVM it deals primarily with feline diet and is a great book in that regard but for overall, thorough, easily interpreted cat health & behavioral information I would highly, highly recommend the two books listed above.I consider that I know my way around a cat pretty darn good but theStarting from Scratch: How to Correct Behavior Problems in Your Adult Catbook has been a real help with a peeingproblem.Both above-listed books are wonderful. I have had the Cat Owner's Veterinary Handbook for years and just got the updated version linked above.It's the best cat health book available. | 998 | [
"The Best Home-Vet Cat Book Ever isCat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook, Fully Revised and Updatedand this is the new updated version.Really this andStarting from Scratch: How to Correct Behavior Problems in Your Adult Catbehavior book would be the best to have if you could only have two books about your cats.Beleive me, I have tons of books and loads of cat books.",
"I have the highly touted 'Your Cat' Hodgkins DVM it deals primarily with feline diet and is a great book in that regard but for overall, thorough, easily interpreted cat health & behavioral information I would highly, highly recommend the two books listed above.I consider that I know my way around a cat pretty darn good but theStarting from Scratch: How to Correct Behavior Problems in Your Adult Catbook has been a real help with a peeingproblem.Both above-listed books are wonderful.",
"I have had the Cat Owner's Veterinary Handbook for years and just got the updated version linked above.It's the best cat health book available."
] |
3 | Disappointed | I thought this was a very nice pump with alot of great features. However the problem I had was that during pumping the milk would start going up the tubing. The manual said that if this happens you must immediately shut off & unplug the pump, wash the tube out and dry completely before using the pump again. Problem - the tube is long and therefore it wouldn't dry out easily. Because of this, I couldn't use the pump & resorted to my Avent manual pump. Manual pumping just wasn't enough for me & I could not maintain my milk supply so unfortunately I ended up going to formula bottle feeding. I was very disappointed. I probably could have gotten an extra tube & used that while the other one dried out, but there should not have been a tube back up problem in the first place. I also wasn't thrilled with the Elan bottles. The nipples were hard to pull through the ring and plus, the bottles leaked a little. It's a shame because this seemed like such a nice pump; maybe mine was just a lemon??? | 998 | [
"I thought this was a very nice pump with alot of great features.",
"However the problem I had was that during pumping the milk would start going up the tubing.",
"The manual said that if this happens you must immediately shut off & unplug the pump, wash the tube out and dry completely before using the pump again.",
"Problem - the tube is long and therefore it wouldn't dry out easily.",
"Because of this, I couldn't use the pump & resorted to my Avent manual pump.",
"Manual pumping just wasn't enough for me & I could not maintain my milk supply so unfortunately I ended up going to formula bottle feeding.",
"I was very disappointed.",
"I probably could have gotten an extra tube & used that while the other one dried out, but there should not have been a tube back up problem in the first place.",
"I also wasn't thrilled with the Elan bottles.",
"The nipples were hard to pull through the ring and plus, the bottles leaked a little.",
"It's a shame because this seemed like such a nice pump; maybe mine was just a lemon???"
] |
3 | Aidan's Mom | I mostly breastfed my baby until he was 8 months old. We did use bottles once a day as a supplement. I got these bottles because a friend highly recommended them. Here's the pros and cons as I see it:Pros- My son never had issues with spit up or gas while using the bottles.Cons- The bottles leaked easily when shaking up the formula - even with all the inserts in the bottle.- There is writing on the bottle that says "To prevent leaks do not fill above this line." The line was even with the capacity of the bottle. I found this odd because once you add formula to a 4 or 8 oz bottle size, the liquid would go over that line. Maybe that's why it leaked, but then how would you feed your child an 8 oz bottle?- Many more parts to clean - not fun to do if you need a bottle in the middle of the night!- They are a little pricey.Bottom line - I would recommend them for using with breast milk or if you have a very gassy baby. If not, use the Avent bottles - much easier to clean and mix formula in. | 998 | [
"I mostly breastfed my baby until he was 8 months old.",
"We did use bottles once a day as a supplement.",
"I got these bottles because a friend highly recommended them.",
"Here's the pros and cons as I see it:Pros- My son never had issues with spit up or gas while using the bottles.Cons- The bottles leaked easily when shaking up the formula - even with all the inserts in the bottle.- There is writing on the bottle that says \"To prevent leaks do not fill above this line.\" The line was even with the capacity of the bottle.",
"I found this odd because once you add formula to a 4 or 8 oz bottle size, the liquid would go over that line.",
"Maybe that's why it leaked, but then how would you feed your child an 8 oz bottle?",
"- Many more parts to clean - not fun to do if you need a bottle in the middle of the night!",
"- They are a little pricey.Bottom line - I would recommend them for using with breast milk or if you have a very gassy baby.",
"If not, use the Avent bottles - much easier to clean and mix formula in."
] |
3 | Complex | This is a Travis McGee mystery. McGee is lured off his boat by a friend whose stamp dealer friend is in trouble. The dealer constructs stamp collections as investments for rich clients. One day, the dealer noticed that the stamps in one of his client's collections had been switched with low grade specimens, significantly downgrading the value of the collection. He's terrified that the client will ask to cash in the collection, leaving him with an overwhelming financial liability. He asks McGee to help him figure out how the stamps were switched, and who did it. Complicating the matter is the dealer's secretary, who McGee finds himself mysteriously attracted to.This story is rich with detail, and it can be hard at times to keep it all straight. The plot goes over the edge of plausibility in places, and the ending has an odd twist that I still can't figure out. Nevertheless, the story remains engaging throughout, and can provide a bit of entertainment or distraction for a little while. | 998 | [
"This is a Travis McGee mystery.",
"McGee is lured off his boat by a friend whose stamp dealer friend is in trouble.",
"The dealer constructs stamp collections as investments for rich clients.",
"One day, the dealer noticed that the stamps in one of his client's collections had been switched with low grade specimens, significantly downgrading the value of the collection.",
"He's terrified that the client will ask to cash in the collection, leaving him with an overwhelming financial liability.",
"He asks McGee to help him figure out how the stamps were switched, and who did it.",
"Complicating the matter is the dealer's secretary, who McGee finds himself mysteriously attracted to.This story is rich with detail, and it can be hard at times to keep it all straight.",
"The plot goes over the edge of plausibility in places, and the ending has an odd twist that I still can't figure out.",
"Nevertheless, the story remains engaging throughout, and can provide a bit of entertainment or distraction for a little while."
] |
3 | from vinyl | The quality of Nesmith's first three albums is not in dispute. The music contained here is fantastic, if not as richly experimental as the album that followed. However, unless this set has been remastered since its original release - a big if - the music on the first disc (Magnetic South, Loose Salute) is absolutely taken from vinyl sources. In a misguided effort to disguise the many inherent pops & clicks, as well as abundant surface noise (all still occasionally audible), the high end has been mostly stripped leaving the recordings sounding very bassy and tinny in the middle. Loose Salute suffers most from this treatment. The second disc (Nevada Fighter) is also most likely taken from vinyl, though a cleaner source than was used for the first two albums. The unfortunate result is that the rich, warm fidelity of the original LP's is completely missing from this set. This music certainly deserves better, though one could argue it's better to have these tunes this way than not at all. | 998 | [
"The quality of Nesmith's first three albums is not in dispute.",
"The music contained here is fantastic, if not as richly experimental as the album that followed.",
"However, unless this set has been remastered since its original release - a big if - the music on the first disc (Magnetic South, Loose Salute) is absolutely taken from vinyl sources.",
"In a misguided effort to disguise the many inherent pops & clicks, as well as abundant surface noise (all still occasionally audible), the high end has been mostly stripped leaving the recordings sounding very bassy and tinny in the middle.",
"Loose Salute suffers most from this treatment.",
"The second disc (Nevada Fighter) is also most likely taken from vinyl, though a cleaner source than was used for the first two albums.",
"The unfortunate result is that the rich, warm fidelity of the original LP's is completely missing from this set.",
"This music certainly deserves better, though one could argue it's better to have these tunes this way than not at all."
] |
3 | ONE MAJOR FLAW | This unit and it's successor the AJ3910/37B both suffer from the same fatal flaw: although the packaging states in large bold lettering: "Wake to your favorite CD track," there is no way to set a track number for the alarm. The unit's alarm will ONLY wake you with the first track of the CD. I called Philips support (which was quite helpful), and they confirmed this. They also confirmed that Philips does not make a comperable product with said feature.It's a shame really because everything else about the unit is top notch. The clock read-out is clear and bright enough to read across the room without my glasses on, yet not so bright as to disturb my sleep. The sound is top notch for such a small unit, and the controls are pretty easy to use.But the lack of ability to select a specific track to wake up to is a fatal flaw. When faced with the decision to either: (a.) burn a pile of custom CDs, or (b.) exchange the unit for one with the all-important feature, I'd rather exchange the unit. | 998 | [
"This unit and it's successor the AJ3910/37B both suffer from the same fatal flaw: although the packaging states in large bold lettering: \"Wake to your favorite CD track,\" there is no way to set a track number for the alarm.",
"The unit's alarm will ONLY wake you with the first track of the CD.",
"I called Philips support (which was quite helpful), and they confirmed this.",
"They also confirmed that Philips does not make a comperable product with said feature.It's a shame really because everything else about the unit is top notch.",
"The clock read-out is clear and bright enough to read across the room without my glasses on, yet not so bright as to disturb my sleep.",
"The sound is top notch for such a small unit, and the controls are pretty easy to use.But the lack of ability to select a specific track to wake up to is a fatal flaw.",
"When faced with the decision to either: (a.) burn a pile of custom CDs, or (b.) exchange the unit for one with the all-important feature, I'd rather exchange the unit."
] |
3 | enjoyable | I'm not a connoiseur of children's literature. But I will be teaching high school math in about a year and used this book for a math methods class. I enjoyed the humor and the art. The reading level is about 4th grade and so is the math content. Most of the book illustrates in a amusing way just how circles are different from other geometric shapes and how these differences affect the design of everyday objects. The book ends by tying the definition of circumference, radius and diameter to the names and actions of the main characters in the story.However, the story line is marred by a certain tedious political correctness in that the outsiders who appear to threaten the realm are not really a threat - it's all a misunderstanding. This hollows out the content of the ideal of the knight (or soldier or policeman), a hero who employs his strength at the risk of his own life to defend the more vulnerable members of the community from villains and the community itself from outside threats. | 998 | [
"I'm not a connoiseur of children's literature.",
"But I will be teaching high school math in about a year and used this book for a math methods class.",
"I enjoyed the humor and the art.",
"The reading level is about 4th grade and so is the math content.",
"Most of the book illustrates in a amusing way just how circles are different from other geometric shapes and how these differences affect the design of everyday objects.",
"The book ends by tying the definition of circumference, radius and diameter to the names and actions of the main characters in the story.However, the story line is marred by a certain tedious political correctness in that the outsiders who appear to threaten the realm are not really a threat - it's all a misunderstanding.",
"This hollows out the content of the ideal of the knight (or soldier or policeman), a hero who employs his strength at the risk of his own life to defend the more vulnerable members of the community from villains and the community itself from outside threats."
] |
3 | Yeah.. but.... | So the last 2 reviews for this unit were some 2 years old and I would have thought that Karcher would have heard about this lack of an adapter issue and rectified the situation for us future purchasers.Maybe not.The nozzle did come with some screw-in adapter for the head but not the quick-disconnect. Bummer there... they could at least include a nipple (really - that's what it's called) that wold mate up to the Karcher spray wand.That said the unit is a beast - quite heavy which was a bit off-putting until you hit the trigger.Shazam!This thing can carve concrete (maybe) and is wicked powerful. Had the head been built lighter the thing would be much less controllable.As far as functionality - this unit is PERFECT for blasting out stubborn areas on your sidewalk, driveway or your molars (OK you probably shouldn't use on your teeth).Recap:Still missing the parts-n-pieces. Rates a 1 on that.Functioned PERFECTLY. Rates a 5 on that.Round-up the .5 to a full 3-Star (aka Lieutenant General). | 998 | [
"So the last 2 reviews for this unit were some 2 years old and I would have thought that Karcher would have heard about this lack of an adapter issue and rectified the situation for us future purchasers.Maybe not.The nozzle did come with some screw-in adapter for the head but not the quick-disconnect.",
"Bummer there... they could at least include a nipple (really - that's what it's called) that wold mate up to the Karcher spray wand.That said the unit is a beast - quite heavy which was a bit off-putting until you hit the trigger.Shazam!",
"This thing can carve concrete (maybe) and is wicked powerful.",
"Had the head been built lighter the thing would be much less controllable.As far as functionality - this unit is PERFECT for blasting out stubborn areas on your sidewalk, driveway or your molars (OK you probably shouldn't use on your teeth).Recap:Still missing the parts-n-pieces.",
"Rates a 1 on that.Functioned PERFECTLY.",
"Rates a 5 on that.Round-up the .5 to a full 3-Star (aka Lieutenant General)."
] |
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