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...some of the most accomplished, open, brilliant playing I have ever heard from Carlos! But what happened to the writing inspiration (help from fellow band members?)? The album is a hodge-podge, quite poorly produced as a whole and spotty (the several incomplete or awkwardly occurring fade-outs for instance), although the sound quality - I am referring to the original US LP set here - is generally very good. I do think the closing, live "Toussaint L'Overture" is outstanding, but like the other 3-star reviewer below, I don't like the sound of the rhythm section (to the exclusion of the hand percussionists). The drum kit sounds sluggish and "square" - listen to Michael Shrieve on "Lotus" and get a taste of what a drum solo piece can develop into when it manages to avoid, to quote Chad Wakerman, sounding like a circus act! Keyboardman Tom Coster, whom used to play with such genius feel with this band just a few years back, and his late-70s string box: THAT TONE can be so-o-o depressing... The live Black Magic Woman is also devoid of spirit and is peformed hastily.
But as most of you know already, the "She's Not There" remake is top notch. Santana's interventions here are so "ferocious" and demanding on his axe - he really sounds like he's mad at somebody! - that when he returns to the break he's all out of tune! No one should ever blame him for this though! | 1 | neutral | [
"...",
"some of the most accomplished, open, brilliant playing I have ever heard from Carlos!",
"But what happened to the writing inspiration (help from fellow band members?",
")?",
"The album is a hodge-podge, quite poorly produced as a whole and spotty (the several incomplete or awkwardly occurring fade-outs for instance), although the sound quality - I am referring to the original US LP set here - is generally very good.",
"I do think the closing, live \"Toussaint L'Overture\" is outstanding, but like the other 3-star reviewer below, I don't like the sound of the rhythm section (to the exclusion of the hand percussionists).",
"The drum kit sounds sluggish and \"square\" - listen to Michael Shrieve on \"Lotus\" and get a taste of what a drum solo piece can develop into when it manages to avoid, to quote Chad Wakerman, sounding like a circus act!",
"Keyboardman Tom Coster, whom used to play with such genius feel with this band just a few years back, and his late-70s string box: THAT TONE can be so-o-o depressing...",
"The live Black Magic Woman is also devoid of spirit and is peformed hastily.",
"But as most of you know already, the \"She's Not There\" remake is top notch.",
"Santana's interventions here are so \"ferocious\" and demanding on his axe - he really sounds like he's mad at somebody!",
"- that when he returns to the break he's all out of tune!",
"No one should ever blame him for this though!"
] |
This game is one long chase scene, I guess the genre could be called "survival chase". It feels kind of like a hack and slash game, you run down corridors shooting waves of enemies, you aren't able to walk and this helps give a sense of emergency to the action. It's weak in that only one type of enemy attacks you at once and there isn't even any palette swapping, and the controls aren't really suited for fast action. Unlike a hack and slash game, like say Golden Axe, it just keeps getting easier and easier as you go along because you buy super charged weapons. The weapons aren't too interesting because they don't effect your strategy, it all boils down to "shoot first", there is no point in using a weak weapon that takes 12 shots to kill something. There is almost no exploration, and the shopping system ruins the sense of being chased because you return to rooms to earn more Dino-bucks. It's similar to ff13 with the corridors, being chased and shopping at save points, but there's more freedom... The shopping at save points is a fun idea, wonder when it first appeared in a game? There are different kinds of levels that happen between the main "corridors" of the game, that do a lot to keep the game from getting too monotonous, there is some Space Harrier inspired stuff, some remote control tank action, and an underwater platforming level that I don't think has been done in any other stationary camera game, these levels are pretty fun and don't overstay their welcome. The script has some amusing dialogue, but the main story is almost totally irrelevant to what was established in the previous game... I wonder if the writers of Terra Nova had played this game? | 1 | neutral | [
"This game is one long chase scene, I guess the genre could be called \"survival chase\".",
"It feels kind of like a hack and slash game, you run down corridors shooting waves of enemies, you aren't able to walk and this helps give a sense of emergency to the action.",
"It's weak in that only one type of enemy attacks you at once and there isn't even any palette swapping, and the controls aren't really suited for fast action.",
"Unlike a hack and slash game, like say Golden Axe, it just keeps getting easier and easier as you go along because you buy super charged weapons.",
"The weapons aren't too interesting because they don't effect your strategy, it all boils down to \"shoot first\", there is no point in using a weak weapon that takes 12 shots to kill something.",
"There is almost no exploration, and the shopping system ruins the sense of being chased because you return to rooms to earn more Dino-bucks.",
"It's similar to ff13 with the corridors, being chased and shopping at save points, but there's more freedom...",
"The shopping at save points is a fun idea, wonder when it first appeared in a game?",
"There are different kinds of levels that happen between the main \"corridors\" of the game, that do a lot to keep the game from getting too monotonous, there is some Space Harrier inspired stuff, some remote control tank action, and an underwater platforming level that I don't think has been done in any other stationary camera game, these levels are pretty fun and don't overstay their welcome.",
"The script has some amusing dialogue, but the main story is almost totally irrelevant to what was established in the previous game...",
"I wonder if the writers of Terra Nova had played this game?"
] |
Where The Wall had weak music and a strong concept, Animals is the reverse: music that is for the most part utterly spellbinding, but a concept that really should not have been bound together so tightly, or perhaps even foregone completely. This is where Roger Waters, to my ear, first made a seriously aggressive attempt to force music (and certain band members) to the back burner, and it seems to, lyrically and conceptually, have done more damage than good. As I noted in my review of Pink Floyd's next work, The Wall, the internal friction within the band ultimately cost them dearly. Their previous work, Wish You Were Here, would be their last truly balanced album until The Division Bell.
I should mention, though, that this IS a very nicely done album from a *musical* standpoint, despite the places where Mr. Waters seems to begin the trend (brought to fruition on The Wall) of stripping out the mystery and the ambience of the music, no longer allowing it (or its writers) to speak for itself. Easily, "Dogs" is the most spectacular of the songs on this albums. In fact, I credit Mr. Gilmour's fascinating acoustic guitar playing here for inspiring me to take up the instrument--that is just how good he is here. The chord sequence is mesmerising...and that's putting it mildly. Also, despite the fact that Mr. Wright isn't even granted a *single* credit on this album (even Mr. Gilmour only gets one!), he does utterly jaw-dropping things with a synthesiser in the interlude of this song, which may in fact be the best segment on the entire album to listen to. THIS is what makes Animals worth purchasing--no doubt in my mind.
"Pigs" is an interesting, though somewhat less innovative number that (IF you totally believe the credits, which I don't) was written by Roger Waters. Perhaps its most notable features are Mr. Gilmour's talk-box solo. There's also the uncharacteristically blunt, angry piano work from Mr. Wright, which makes one imagine him fuming silently in the background over the course the band was trying to take without him. "Sheep" is notable for the Rhodes intro by Mr. Wright, for which, along with other synth and effect contributions on this song, I think he really ought to be credited. Also an interesting sonic trick is the blending of Mr. Waters' voice into the synth. But ultimately, the pre-Animals concert version, "Raving and Drooling", was far superior...which gets to the root of the problem with Animals in the lyrical and conceptual department.
Animals, I believe, is the concept that never should have been. Following the success of The Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here, Mr. Waters seems to have felt compelled to follow immediately with a third album in the same vein. Not yet having envisioned The Wall, he seems to have had a lot of very adolescent angst with nowhere to go. Since an album consisting simply of pure ranting and venting would not do, he tried to cobble together a concept by assigning the categories of people he didn't like the names of animals, a move that would appear to parallel Orwell's Animal Farm. Unfortunately, this only succeeded in showing just how contrived the "concept" really was--it may in fact have been better for him to just leave the animal references out, and wait a bit longer for a moer innovative concept to come along...or best of all, just relax and jam. The lyrics become laughable, in their display of blind, immature, and pointless anger...and yes, I admit I am biased because of what that anger did both on and off the stage.
Probably the worst thing that could've happened to Animals was "Pigs on the Wing". These annoyingly simplistic guitar songs attempt to tie the album together, giving it the same cyclic nature as the previous two concept albums. But instead, they come off as nothing but bookends...and not even impressive ones, at that. The second one, especially, is a problem because it turns around and completely flies in the face of the entire atmosphere Mr. Waters has been building over the course of the album. It's a *love* song, of all things, which is very clearly just tacked onto the end of the album.
In my opinion, Animals did have potential, especially with the great music in the middle three songs, but in his obsessive haste, Roger Waters instead started the process of driving Pink Floyd into the ground, that culminated in the breakup after The Wall. This is an interesting album in many regards--but make sure to pick up Meddle, The Dark Side of the Moon, and Wish You Were Here first, to understand what the four-member Pink Floyd was at its finest. | 1 | neutral | [
"Where The Wall had weak music and a strong concept, Animals is the reverse: music that is for the most part utterly spellbinding, but a concept that really should not have been bound together so tightly, or perhaps even foregone completely.",
"This is where Roger Waters, to my ear, first made a seriously aggressive attempt to force music (and certain band members) to the back burner, and it seems to, lyrically and conceptually, have done more damage than good.",
"As I noted in my review of Pink Floyd's next work, The Wall, the internal friction within the band ultimately cost them dearly.",
"Their previous work, Wish You Were Here, would be their last truly balanced album until The Division Bell.",
"I should mention, though, that this IS a very nicely done album from a *musical* standpoint, despite the places where Mr.",
"Waters seems to begin the trend (brought to fruition on The Wall) of stripping out the mystery and the ambience of the music, no longer allowing it (or its writers) to speak for itself.",
"Easily, \"Dogs\" is the most spectacular of the songs on this albums.",
"In fact, I credit Mr.",
"Gilmour's fascinating acoustic guitar playing here for inspiring me to take up the instrument--that is just how good he is here.",
"The chord sequence is mesmerising...",
"and that's putting it mildly.",
"Also, despite the fact that Mr.",
"Wright isn't even granted a *single* credit on this album (even Mr.",
"Gilmour only gets one!",
"), he does utterly jaw-dropping things with a synthesiser in the interlude of this song, which may in fact be the best segment on the entire album to listen to.",
"THIS is what makes Animals worth purchasing--no doubt in my mind.",
"\"Pigs\" is an interesting, though somewhat less innovative number that (IF you totally believe the credits, which I don't) was written by Roger Waters.",
"Perhaps its most notable features are Mr.",
"Gilmour's talk-box solo.",
"There's also the uncharacteristically blunt, angry piano work from Mr.",
"Wright, which makes one imagine him fuming silently in the background over the course the band was trying to take without him.",
"\"Sheep\" is notable for the Rhodes intro by Mr.",
"Wright, for which, along with other synth and effect contributions on this song, I think he really ought to be credited.",
"Also an interesting sonic trick is the blending of Mr.",
"Waters' voice into the synth.",
"But ultimately, the pre-Animals concert version, \"Raving and Drooling\", was far superior...",
"which gets to the root of the problem with Animals in the lyrical and conceptual department.",
"Animals, I believe, is the concept that never should have been.",
"Following the success of The Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here, Mr.",
"Waters seems to have felt compelled to follow immediately with a third album in the same vein.",
"Not yet having envisioned The Wall, he seems to have had a lot of very adolescent angst with nowhere to go.",
"Since an album consisting simply of pure ranting and venting would not do, he tried to cobble together a concept by assigning the categories of people he didn't like the names of animals, a move that would appear to parallel Orwell's Animal Farm.",
"Unfortunately, this only succeeded in showing just how contrived the \"concept\" really was--it may in fact have been better for him to just leave the animal references out, and wait a bit longer for a moer innovative concept to come along...",
"or best of all, just relax and jam.",
"The lyrics become laughable, in their display of blind, immature, and pointless anger...",
"and yes, I admit I am biased because of what that anger did both on and off the stage.",
"Probably the worst thing that could've happened to Animals was \"Pigs on the Wing\".",
"These annoyingly simplistic guitar songs attempt to tie the album together, giving it the same cyclic nature as the previous two concept albums.",
"But instead, they come off as nothing but bookends...",
"and not even impressive ones, at that.",
"The second one, especially, is a problem because it turns around and completely flies in the face of the entire atmosphere Mr.",
"Waters has been building over the course of the album.",
"It's a *love* song, of all things, which is very clearly just tacked onto the end of the album.",
"In my opinion, Animals did have potential, especially with the great music in the middle three songs, but in his obsessive haste, Roger Waters instead started the process of driving Pink Floyd into the ground, that culminated in the breakup after The Wall.",
"This is an interesting album in many regards--but make sure to pick up Meddle, The Dark Side of the Moon, and Wish You Were Here first, to understand what the four-member Pink Floyd was at its finest."
] |
"Origin" is the third and final book in Stephen Baxter's Manifold sequence, exploring the conundrum known as the Fermi Paradox: if alien intelligences do exist, why don't we see evidence of them all around us? As in the first two books in the series - "Time" and "Space" - it follows the experiences of Reid Malenfant, a washout NASA astronaut, and his wife, Emma Stoney.
When a mysterious blue portal appears in the sky over Africa, it sweeps people from the Earth - including Emma - before abruptly vanishing. At the same time the moon is replaced in the sky by the Red Moon, and Malenfant, convinced that this is where his wife has been taken, lobbies NASA for a one-shot mission to bring her back, and to explore this strange new world. What he and Emma are surprised to discover is that the Red Moon is home to all manner of hominids - proto-humans from Earth's past, some of which were thought to have been extinct for millions of years. But who or what gathered them in this one place, and how?
While the book begins dramatically, it quickly becomes clear that this instalment lacks the vision and imagination of either "Time" or "Space", or even of the related short story collection, "Phase Space". Much attention is devoted to the viewpoints of the hominids themselves, but since these tend to revolve around the basic activities of survival, there is little to hold the reader's attention, and these sections soon prove tiresome. As a result the narrative progresses slowly, and with little sense of direction. Far more interesting is the story of the technologically superior super-beings known as the Daemons, by means of which Baxter explores how humans might have evolved under different circumstances.
Compared to the first two books, which by their nature allowed Baxter to roam free through space and explore many different environments, "Origin" feels rather claustrophobic, limited to the single setting of the Red Moon and a relatively small cast of characters. As for the final conclusion - the long-awaited resolution to the Fermi Paradox - this feels much like a rehash of themes explored in the earlier two volumes. It is clear that there are big ideas at the centre of the book trying to express themselves: ideas regarding the origin of our own species, the concept of human nature and the question of what makes us different from the animals, and (above all) the role of contingency in the universe. Perhaps a bigger stage was all that was needed.
Entertaining but ultimately disappointing, "Origin" is perhaps the weakest of the Manifold series. To his credit, however, Baxter has never been one to shy away from the big questions, and just as in "Time" and "Space", he continues in this novel to push the boundaries of science fiction and what it can do. Thus even if the final product doesn't quite come off, there is nevertheless much to be admired in his attempt. | 1 | neutral | [
"\"Origin\" is the third and final book in Stephen Baxter's Manifold sequence, exploring the conundrum known as the Fermi Paradox: if alien intelligences do exist, why don't we see evidence of them all around us?",
"As in the first two books in the series - \"Time\" and \"Space\" - it follows the experiences of Reid Malenfant, a washout NASA astronaut, and his wife, Emma Stoney.",
"When a mysterious blue portal appears in the sky over Africa, it sweeps people from the Earth - including Emma - before abruptly vanishing.",
"At the same time the moon is replaced in the sky by the Red Moon, and Malenfant, convinced that this is where his wife has been taken, lobbies NASA for a one-shot mission to bring her back, and to explore this strange new world.",
"What he and Emma are surprised to discover is that the Red Moon is home to all manner of hominids - proto-humans from Earth's past, some of which were thought to have been extinct for millions of years.",
"But who or what gathered them in this one place, and how?",
"While the book begins dramatically, it quickly becomes clear that this instalment lacks the vision and imagination of either \"Time\" or \"Space\", or even of the related short story collection, \"Phase Space\".",
"Much attention is devoted to the viewpoints of the hominids themselves, but since these tend to revolve around the basic activities of survival, there is little to hold the reader's attention, and these sections soon prove tiresome.",
"As a result the narrative progresses slowly, and with little sense of direction.",
"Far more interesting is the story of the technologically superior super-beings known as the Daemons, by means of which Baxter explores how humans might have evolved under different circumstances.",
"Compared to the first two books, which by their nature allowed Baxter to roam free through space and explore many different environments, \"Origin\" feels rather claustrophobic, limited to the single setting of the Red Moon and a relatively small cast of characters.",
"As for the final conclusion - the long-awaited resolution to the Fermi Paradox - this feels much like a rehash of themes explored in the earlier two volumes.",
"It is clear that there are big ideas at the centre of the book trying to express themselves: ideas regarding the origin of our own species, the concept of human nature and the question of what makes us different from the animals, and (above all) the role of contingency in the universe.",
"Perhaps a bigger stage was all that was needed.",
"Entertaining but ultimately disappointing, \"Origin\" is perhaps the weakest of the Manifold series.",
"To his credit, however, Baxter has never been one to shy away from the big questions, and just as in \"Time\" and \"Space\", he continues in this novel to push the boundaries of science fiction and what it can do.",
"Thus even if the final product doesn't quite come off, there is nevertheless much to be admired in his attempt."
] |
Webroot reminds me of AVG, but is a bit more streamlined. It does it's work in the background, and seems to do it
very well. I have been a life long Norton user ever since I learned PC-Dos (not ms-dos) from Peter Nortons book (I still have it).
Over the past few years I have been getting more and more frustrated with Norton, and did not totally trust AVG, as it was a bit twitchy.
So far I am pleased with Webroot after dumping Norton antivirus which was becoming too much work. Windows platforms are hard enough
to maintain without having to deal with antivirus software that you constantly have to update and scan, and comes in to load the latest version, that then asks you to send money when your existing version still has over 300 days to go.
When doing web searches, Webroot will mark each with trusted, questionable, or no markings to let you know whether or not to go there.
Webroot works in the background, and will always come up when you first start your computer to let you know it is working.
After many tries to get an answer from webroot, the people on Amazon finally came up with what I asked: YOU CAN USE ANY UN-USED CD IN ANY YEAR which is much like Norton.
At under $20.00 for 3 PC's, I really can't find a better deal/software, and at this price, what is stopping you from giving it a try.
Addendum: Had a malware attack a couple of days ago and had to do a system restore, as it would not let me open any of my programs. It has also become more and more unstable as I get within two weeks of subscription renewal; coincidence, I DON'T THINK SO. | 1 | neutral | [
"Webroot reminds me of AVG, but is a bit more streamlined.",
"It does it's work in the background, and seems to do it\nvery well.",
"I have been a life long Norton user ever since I learned PC-Dos (not ms-dos) from Peter Nortons book (I still have it).",
"Over the past few years I have been getting more and more frustrated with Norton, and did not totally trust AVG, as it was a bit twitchy.",
"So far I am pleased with Webroot after dumping Norton antivirus which was becoming too much work.",
"Windows platforms are hard enough\nto maintain without having to deal with antivirus software that you constantly have to update and scan, and comes in to load the latest version, that then asks you to send money when your existing version still has over 300 days to go.",
"When doing web searches, Webroot will mark each with trusted, questionable, or no markings to let you know whether or not to go there.",
"Webroot works in the background, and will always come up when you first start your computer to let you know it is working.",
"After many tries to get an answer from webroot, the people on Amazon finally came up with what I asked: YOU CAN USE ANY UN-USED CD IN ANY YEAR which is much like Norton.",
"At under $20.",
"00 for 3 PC's, I really can't find a better deal/software, and at this price, what is stopping you from giving it a try.",
"Addendum: Had a malware attack a couple of days ago and had to do a system restore, as it would not let me open any of my programs.",
"It has also become more and more unstable as I get within two weeks of subscription renewal; coincidence, I DON'T THINK SO."
] |
I first encountered Girls' Life at my friend's house, an avid reader. Flipping through the magazine, I saw some good, okay, and bad features. Girls Life is targeted to ages 10-15, and it's good for those parents who feel as though their kid is too old for American Girl but still not old enough for YM, Teen People, etc. This magazine has advertisments, but not that many, and they're nothing inappropriate, just things like Smackers lip gloss or Secret deodorant.
I think this magazine is appropriate for the age group that it is targeted to. Girls' Life has articles about school, boys, seasonal articles about holidays, fashion, real-life, celebrities (though there isn't any gossip about who's doing what), beauty, and other topics. I don't think you should read this magazine for it's beauty and fashion articles; try Teen Vogue or Teen People for fasion and beauty. Plus, there are quizzes, celebrity features and articles, embarrasing moments stories, advice to questions sent in by real girls, letters to the editor (of course!), and other fun features. You won't find any articles about sex and college, however.
My only problem with this magazine is obviously that the editors don't know what kind of girls to put on the cover and in their fashion and beauty pages. Usually, there are regular girls on the cover, sometimes a celebrity. But the thing is, Girls' Life usually doesn't put normal girls with glasses, freckels, dark hair or skin, or non-straight hair. Most of them feed us the picture of the ideal girl: tall, blonde-haird, blue-eyed, perfect complexion, no glasses, no freckels. That can ruin a girl's self-esteem, so I suggest reading this magazine not for it's models, but for the actual content. Besides from that one problem, Girls' Life would be an okay magazine for girls age 10-15. | 1 | neutral | [
"I first encountered Girls' Life at my friend's house, an avid reader.",
"Flipping through the magazine, I saw some good, okay, and bad features.",
"Girls Life is targeted to ages 10-15, and it's good for those parents who feel as though their kid is too old for American Girl but still not old enough for YM, Teen People, etc.",
"This magazine has advertisments, but not that many, and they're nothing inappropriate, just things like Smackers lip gloss or Secret deodorant.",
"I think this magazine is appropriate for the age group that it is targeted to.",
"Girls' Life has articles about school, boys, seasonal articles about holidays, fashion, real-life, celebrities (though there isn't any gossip about who's doing what), beauty, and other topics.",
"I don't think you should read this magazine for it's beauty and fashion articles; try Teen Vogue or Teen People for fasion and beauty.",
"Plus, there are quizzes, celebrity features and articles, embarrasing moments stories, advice to questions sent in by real girls, letters to the editor (of course!",
"), and other fun features.",
"You won't find any articles about sex and college, however.",
"My only problem with this magazine is obviously that the editors don't know what kind of girls to put on the cover and in their fashion and beauty pages.",
"Usually, there are regular girls on the cover, sometimes a celebrity.",
"But the thing is, Girls' Life usually doesn't put normal girls with glasses, freckels, dark hair or skin, or non-straight hair.",
"Most of them feed us the picture of the ideal girl: tall, blonde-haird, blue-eyed, perfect complexion, no glasses, no freckels.",
"That can ruin a girl's self-esteem, so I suggest reading this magazine not for it's models, but for the actual content.",
"Besides from that one problem, Girls' Life would be an okay magazine for girls age 10-15."
] |
This is a okay game. Abit fun.
Graphics: 4/5 decent graphics, bullets, explosions, scenery etc. Not too detailed but fine.
Gameplay: 3/5 Okay. guns are quite cool. The AI can be kinda stupid sometimes.
Value 4/5
Difficulty: 2/5 Very easy game. Very short also.
Sound 3/5 pretty well done. Ear blasting.
Overall: 3.5
James bond freak: buy it
FPs fan: Don't waste ur money.
Not the best FPS game out there, but good enough. If ur looking for a better FPS, get Timesplitters 2, James Bond: Nightfire, Metroid Prime (the best FPS), or Halo. | 1 | neutral | [
"This is a okay game.",
"Abit fun.",
"Graphics: 4/5 decent graphics, bullets, explosions, scenery etc.",
"Not too detailed but fine.",
"Gameplay: 3/5 Okay.",
"guns are quite cool.",
"The AI can be kinda stupid sometimes.",
"Value 4/5\n Difficulty: 2/5 Very easy game.",
"Very short also.",
"Sound 3/5 pretty well done.",
"Ear blasting.",
"Overall: 3.",
"5\nJames bond freak: buy it\nFPs fan: Don't waste ur money.",
"Not the best FPS game out there, but good enough.",
"If ur looking for a better FPS, get Timesplitters 2, James Bond: Nightfire, Metroid Prime (the best FPS), or Halo."
] |
I remember in middle school when this game came out, my friends would talk about it all the time and often compare it to Illusion of Gaia. I couldn't contribute to the discussion since back then I wasn't familiar with either game but now, since I'm familiar with both, I think Illusion of Gaia is a superior game, if only slightly. I believe comparisons to Secret of Mana would have been more appropriate, though.
While I admire an action-oriented RPG approach instead of the turn based style (that I never understood the appeal of by the way- why am I *forced* to take damage if I don't want to?) Secret of Evermore surely feels more appropriate for the turn based audience despite the action. Perhaps this is due to the way the game feels- it feels strongly like it wants to be Chrono Trigger since Square's design in gaming, while fantastic, is a pretty predictable formula. I mean Chrono Trigger is turn based and Secret of Evermore doesn't feel significantly different than that game despite using two different combat styles. While playing Secret of Evermore, you realize that Square's specialty is turn based RPG's and they should leave any weapon-swinging action to Nintendo due to the tacky and unnatural way you swing your weapon, as well as the odd-looking animations afterwards when an enemy has been defeated. It makes me think Square was probably one step away from making Secret of Evermore a tun based RPG. Of course the characters, forest and castle backgrounds and overall set-up of both Chrono Trigger and Secret of Evermore resemble each other as well, but I don't really mind that.
Anyway, Secret of Evermore is about a boy and his dog who go an adventure retrieving diamonds, stopping the world from falling into a deep freeze, or whatever else the townspeople ask or discuss from our brave hero. Probably the most interesting feature of the game is that your dog can actually attack enemies by biting them, and sometimes he packs a mean bite and is quite the helpful little companion. The storyline is relatively simple. At least, in comparison to the elabrate Chrono Trigger storyline. This is due to such a small number of characters overall and the small number of actual dilemmas occurring throughout the quest. Chrono Trigger's land was so diverse and populated that it was enough to make me confused on several occasions so I welcome the change.
Overall the world feels alarmingly small and you often have to walk through the same areas you've just completed to retrieve, purchase or progress somewhere else. You also have to defeat several enemies in order to level up and advance. Not a bad concept, though occasionally repetitive. Some of the weapons are horrible. The bone weapon in the beginning with its limited range is quite pathetic though I guess understandable since it's your very first weapon after all, but the spear that you will soon get is a MAJOR improvement. You can also create attacks depending on your level and the one where a giant fist comes down and pounds enemies is a nifty way of damaging and eliminating any danger standing in your way. In fact the fist pound is highly reliable in boss fights and makes short work of them. Casting powerful attack spells is another trademark of turn based RPG's so it's a bit weird having them in a game like this but it's a pretty cool concept regardless. Some of the areas are fairly boring. Actually when you arrive to the desert, that's when the game gets sort of boring. You have to swirl around through quicksand for a few minutes to obtain hidden items on one occasion, talk to townspeople, purchase or trade items, and take a hilarious tour boat ride on another. This stuff takes a long time with little excitement in between.
Speaking of the boss fights, they're alright, though the one snake fight from the swamp area is entirely too long. Others are sometimes annoying due to shaking the floors and stunning our hero or darting off screen and coming back with a cheap attack, but otherwise they're fine. Filling your health whenever it's low is similar to Chrono Trigger which is weird in a more action-like game, but that's how it is. Enemies can be a bit repetitive at times. How many times did I have to battle those miniature frog creatures? Or the boney snakes that resemble the ones from Super Castlevania IV? Or those flopping slime balls? Too many times. The music is quite the surprise though. Quite often it's extraordinary and always fits the mood perfectly but more importantly, the notes themselves are memorable and enhance the fairy tale vibes of the fictional story quite often.
Overall, well it's a pretty good game. My 3-star rating is probably due to the fact I've played several Super NES games that entertained me more. It *is* a classic video game system after all. Still, Secret of Evermore is a nice change when I desire to take a break from the classics. | 1 | neutral | [
"I remember in middle school when this game came out, my friends would talk about it all the time and often compare it to Illusion of Gaia.",
"I couldn't contribute to the discussion since back then I wasn't familiar with either game but now, since I'm familiar with both, I think Illusion of Gaia is a superior game, if only slightly.",
"I believe comparisons to Secret of Mana would have been more appropriate, though.",
"While I admire an action-oriented RPG approach instead of the turn based style (that I never understood the appeal of by the way- why am I *forced* to take damage if I don't want to?",
") Secret of Evermore surely feels more appropriate for the turn based audience despite the action.",
"Perhaps this is due to the way the game feels- it feels strongly like it wants to be Chrono Trigger since Square's design in gaming, while fantastic, is a pretty predictable formula.",
"I mean Chrono Trigger is turn based and Secret of Evermore doesn't feel significantly different than that game despite using two different combat styles.",
"While playing Secret of Evermore, you realize that Square's specialty is turn based RPG's and they should leave any weapon-swinging action to Nintendo due to the tacky and unnatural way you swing your weapon, as well as the odd-looking animations afterwards when an enemy has been defeated.",
"It makes me think Square was probably one step away from making Secret of Evermore a tun based RPG.",
"Of course the characters, forest and castle backgrounds and overall set-up of both Chrono Trigger and Secret of Evermore resemble each other as well, but I don't really mind that.",
"Anyway, Secret of Evermore is about a boy and his dog who go an adventure retrieving diamonds, stopping the world from falling into a deep freeze, or whatever else the townspeople ask or discuss from our brave hero.",
"Probably the most interesting feature of the game is that your dog can actually attack enemies by biting them, and sometimes he packs a mean bite and is quite the helpful little companion.",
"The storyline is relatively simple.",
"At least, in comparison to the elabrate Chrono Trigger storyline.",
"This is due to such a small number of characters overall and the small number of actual dilemmas occurring throughout the quest.",
"Chrono Trigger's land was so diverse and populated that it was enough to make me confused on several occasions so I welcome the change.",
"Overall the world feels alarmingly small and you often have to walk through the same areas you've just completed to retrieve, purchase or progress somewhere else.",
"You also have to defeat several enemies in order to level up and advance.",
"Not a bad concept, though occasionally repetitive.",
"Some of the weapons are horrible.",
"The bone weapon in the beginning with its limited range is quite pathetic though I guess understandable since it's your very first weapon after all, but the spear that you will soon get is a MAJOR improvement.",
"You can also create attacks depending on your level and the one where a giant fist comes down and pounds enemies is a nifty way of damaging and eliminating any danger standing in your way.",
"In fact the fist pound is highly reliable in boss fights and makes short work of them.",
"Casting powerful attack spells is another trademark of turn based RPG's so it's a bit weird having them in a game like this but it's a pretty cool concept regardless.",
"Some of the areas are fairly boring.",
"Actually when you arrive to the desert, that's when the game gets sort of boring.",
"You have to swirl around through quicksand for a few minutes to obtain hidden items on one occasion, talk to townspeople, purchase or trade items, and take a hilarious tour boat ride on another.",
"This stuff takes a long time with little excitement in between.",
"Speaking of the boss fights, they're alright, though the one snake fight from the swamp area is entirely too long.",
"Others are sometimes annoying due to shaking the floors and stunning our hero or darting off screen and coming back with a cheap attack, but otherwise they're fine.",
"Filling your health whenever it's low is similar to Chrono Trigger which is weird in a more action-like game, but that's how it is.",
"Enemies can be a bit repetitive at times.",
"How many times did I have to battle those miniature frog creatures?",
"Or the boney snakes that resemble the ones from Super Castlevania IV?",
"Or those flopping slime balls?",
"Too many times.",
"The music is quite the surprise though.",
"Quite often it's extraordinary and always fits the mood perfectly but more importantly, the notes themselves are memorable and enhance the fairy tale vibes of the fictional story quite often.",
"Overall, well it's a pretty good game.",
"My 3-star rating is probably due to the fact I've played several Super NES games that entertained me more.",
"It *is* a classic video game system after all.",
"Still, Secret of Evermore is a nice change when I desire to take a break from the classics."
] |
Got this at HEB for $15. My opinion about it is mixed. It seems to work well when you do medium-fine to fine grinding but when you try to do more course grinds the results is half of the beans are in chunks and the other half is medium. So the grinding is very inconsistent and tricky with the larger grinds. I think I would have rather bought a hand grinder or something that produces an even result. Using bread to clean the unit works well. (Smarty pants whoever thought of doing that.) I've forgetten to unplug it before when flipping the unit over to put the grinds into the cup. It will scare you if you hit the power button. The unit is small so it can sit on your counter top not taking up too much space. If you are on the edge about this unit, i'd say look elsewhere, for something that you can set a dial to produce a texture and get that texture. I use this to grind beans for drip coffee. | 1 | neutral | [
"Got this at HEB for $15.",
"My opinion about it is mixed.",
"It seems to work well when you do medium-fine to fine grinding but when you try to do more course grinds the results is half of the beans are in chunks and the other half is medium.",
"So the grinding is very inconsistent and tricky with the larger grinds.",
"I think I would have rather bought a hand grinder or something that produces an even result.",
"Using bread to clean the unit works well.",
"(Smarty pants whoever thought of doing that.",
") I've forgetten to unplug it before when flipping the unit over to put the grinds into the cup.",
"It will scare you if you hit the power button.",
"The unit is small so it can sit on your counter top not taking up too much space.",
"If you are on the edge about this unit, i'd say look elsewhere, for something that you can set a dial to produce a texture and get that texture.",
"I use this to grind beans for drip coffee."
] |
This album is metal. I never liked metal. Let me say that right off. I got this CD because I heard The Burning Red and I thought it was pretty good. I heard this was different..and boy, was it. It wasn't "good different" it wasn't "bad different". It was just not what I thought would be coming out of my stereo.
This cd is goof for what it is. The lyrics are very good and the guitars are without a doubt amazing. If Machine Head had kept this sound, they would've formed a much more loyal group of fans. But they now play "mall-metal" and have fans..but not the loyal kind. What this CD is is what gets you true fans. And to get true fans...you have to play good music. And they do..its not not music I like all too much. | 1 | neutral | [
"This album is metal.",
"I never liked metal.",
"Let me say that right off.",
"I got this CD because I heard The Burning Red and I thought it was pretty good.",
"I heard this was different..",
"and boy, was it.",
"It wasn't \"good different\" it wasn't \"bad different\".",
"It was just not what I thought would be coming out of my stereo.",
"This cd is goof for what it is.",
"The lyrics are very good and the guitars are without a doubt amazing.",
"If Machine Head had kept this sound, they would've formed a much more loyal group of fans.",
"But they now play \"mall-metal\" and have fans..",
"but not the loyal kind.",
"What this CD is is what gets you true fans.",
"And to get true fans...",
"you have to play good music.",
"And they do..",
"its not not music I like all too much."
] |
I just purchased six different Thesauri. They were all top rated on Amazon, and sounded so good I couldn't resist trying them all. I hope you find this Comparison Guide helpful.....
THE SYNONYM FINDER BY RODALE - 5 Stars
1,361 pages of Words in alphabetical order (no Index needed), and each word has a long list of Synonyms - many more than Microsoft Word 2004 gives. Each lookup word is identified as adverb, noun, verb... No pronunciation guidance.
Soft brownish pages at about 86% brightness. 1,361 pages. 6" x 9"
* * * * * * *
BARTLETT'S ROGET'S THESAURUS - 3 Stars
This book is written in a Concept Flow. It is almost impossible to find any lookup word without the Index, so 663 pages of this book are Index! And the Index is in very fine print!! Each lookup word has a list of Nouns, then Verbs, then Adverbs... after it. No pronunciation guidance.
Smooth white thin pages at about 96% brightness with good sharp text. 1414 pages. 7.25" x 9.5"
* * * * * * *
ROGET'S INTERNATIONAL THESAURUS - 3 Stars
This book is written in a Concept Flow. It is almost impossible to find any lookup word without the Index, so 469 pages of this book are Index! And the Index is in fine print!! Each lookup word has a list of Nouns, then Verbs, then Adverbs... after it. No pronunciation guidance.
Soft yellow-brown pages at about 86% brightness. 1282 pages. 7.4" x 9.5"
* * * * * * *
THE WELL-SPOKEN THESAURUS:
THE MOST POWERFUL WAYS TO SAY EVERYDAY WORDS AND PHRASES - 5 Stars
This book gives you better sounding, more descriptive words and phrases to say or write instead of the words that are ordinarily used in every day language. There are from one to about twenty alternatives under each lookup word.
Soft pages at about 94% brightness. 391 pages. 6" x 9"
* * * * * * *
THE DESCRIBER'S DICTIONARY:
A TREASURY OF TERMS AND LITERARY QUOTATIONS - 4 Stars
Even though this book is organized entirely by subject, and there's no Index at all to look up a particular word, it's still very good at conceptualizing a great many words and phrases that you may want to better describe in that article or book you are working on. On the left pages there are paragraphs by famous authors to further illustrate how to better write the concepts for your project.
Rough brownish pages at about 84% brightness. 414 pages. 5.5" x 8.25"
* * * * * * *
THE EMOTION THESAURUS:
A WRITER'S GUIDE TO CHARACTER EXPRESSION - 5 Stars
Each Emotion gets two pages, and begins anew on the top of the left page (I do love a book that is formatted in this way). After the Title Emotion we get a Definition, and then very good descriptions of the following: Physical Signals, Internal Sensations, Mental Responses, Cues of Acute or Longterm..., May Escalate To, Cues of Supressed...
Smooth bright white paper at about 99% brightness. 164 pages. 7"x 10" | 1 | neutral | [
"I just purchased six different Thesauri.",
"They were all top rated on Amazon, and sounded so good I couldn't resist trying them all.",
"I hope you find this Comparison Guide helpful....",
".",
"THE SYNONYM FINDER BY RODALE - 5 Stars\n1,361 pages of Words in alphabetical order (no Index needed), and each word has a long list of Synonyms - many more than Microsoft Word 2004 gives.",
"Each lookup word is identified as adverb, noun, verb...",
"No pronunciation guidance.",
"Soft brownish pages at about 86% brightness.",
"1,361 pages.",
"6\" x 9\"\n\n* * * * * * *\n\nBARTLETT'S ROGET'S THESAURUS - 3 Stars\nThis book is written in a Concept Flow.",
"It is almost impossible to find any lookup word without the Index, so 663 pages of this book are Index!",
"And the Index is in very fine print!!",
"Each lookup word has a list of Nouns, then Verbs, then Adverbs...",
"after it.",
"No pronunciation guidance.",
"Smooth white thin pages at about 96% brightness with good sharp text.",
"1414 pages.",
"7.",
"25\" x 9.",
"5\"\n\n* * * * * * *\n\nROGET'S INTERNATIONAL THESAURUS - 3 Stars\nThis book is written in a Concept Flow.",
"It is almost impossible to find any lookup word without the Index, so 469 pages of this book are Index!",
"And the Index is in fine print!!",
"Each lookup word has a list of Nouns, then Verbs, then Adverbs...",
"after it.",
"No pronunciation guidance.",
"Soft yellow-brown pages at about 86% brightness.",
"1282 pages.",
"7.",
"4\" x 9.",
"5\"\n\n* * * * * * *\n\nTHE WELL-SPOKEN THESAURUS:\nTHE MOST POWERFUL WAYS TO SAY EVERYDAY WORDS AND PHRASES - 5 Stars\nThis book gives you better sounding, more descriptive words and phrases to say or write instead of the words that are ordinarily used in every day language.",
"There are from one to about twenty alternatives under each lookup word.",
"Soft pages at about 94% brightness.",
"391 pages.",
"6\" x 9\"\n\n* * * * * * *\n\nTHE DESCRIBER'S DICTIONARY:\nA TREASURY OF TERMS AND LITERARY QUOTATIONS - 4 Stars\nEven though this book is organized entirely by subject, and there's no Index at all to look up a particular word, it's still very good at conceptualizing a great many words and phrases that you may want to better describe in that article or book you are working on.",
"On the left pages there are paragraphs by famous authors to further illustrate how to better write the concepts for your project.",
"Rough brownish pages at about 84% brightness.",
"414 pages.",
"5.",
"5\" x 8.",
"25\"\n\n* * * * * * *\n\nTHE EMOTION THESAURUS:\nA WRITER'S GUIDE TO CHARACTER EXPRESSION - 5 Stars\nEach Emotion gets two pages, and begins anew on the top of the left page (I do love a book that is formatted in this way).",
"After the Title Emotion we get a Definition, and then very good descriptions of the following: Physical Signals, Internal Sensations, Mental Responses, Cues of Acute or Longterm...",
", May Escalate To, Cues of Supressed...",
"Smooth bright white paper at about 99% brightness.",
"164 pages.",
"7\"x 10\""
] |
It's a nice product but really small. Only one toddler can fit in it at a time. I'm pretty small and I can't really fit in there to play with my son. I have to sit on the ground next to the sandbox to play with him. In hindsight, I wish we'd just built a wood sandbox with a lid on our own. This will be too small once we have another child.
Other reviews mention the lid blowing off but I haven't had that problem. I live in Northern California in a super windy area and the lid hasn't come off once in two years.
The lid doesn't completely seal so you will get bugs in it from time to time. The lid also blows yard debris in through the gaps in the lid so I have to pull leaves out of the sandbox a lot. The lid is basically for keeping birds and cats out.
I'm shocked to see it listed for $240 here. The same sandbox runs $60 at a national toy store. | 1 | neutral | [
"It's a nice product but really small.",
"Only one toddler can fit in it at a time.",
"I'm pretty small and I can't really fit in there to play with my son.",
"I have to sit on the ground next to the sandbox to play with him.",
"In hindsight, I wish we'd just built a wood sandbox with a lid on our own.",
"This will be too small once we have another child.",
"Other reviews mention the lid blowing off but I haven't had that problem.",
"I live in Northern California in a super windy area and the lid hasn't come off once in two years.",
"The lid doesn't completely seal so you will get bugs in it from time to time.",
"The lid also blows yard debris in through the gaps in the lid so I have to pull leaves out of the sandbox a lot.",
"The lid is basically for keeping birds and cats out.",
"I'm shocked to see it listed for $240 here.",
"The same sandbox runs $60 at a national toy store."
] |
And the killer is
Just kidding! This is a mystery novel so this review is spoiler free.
Ten strangers are enticed to a semi-remote British island home for what appears to be a social vacation only to find there is a far more nefarious purpose behind the vague and deceptive invitations.
Set during the 1930s, the book is a bit of a product of its time thus depicting in places various sexist, racist, and bigoted attitudes and conventions. (Even the storys previous titles are offensive.) None of the characters are ultimately sympathetic. They are stereotypical, under developed, and flat, though no doubt done purposely. That being established, I won't say it didn't interfere with my ability to feel completely satisfied with the ending/final reveal. It also caused difficulty holding my interest in the opening chapters and keeping the characters (or suspects) straight.
This is predominantly a plot driven novel. At a certain point, I couldn't put it down if for nothing else than to find out who was the next victim and how it was all being played out. Following the disturbing tone of the poem/ nursery rhythm, the suspense plot is well crafted with apt use of foreshadowing. (I must have flipped back to that poem a dozen times!) But there's a vast amount of suspension of disbelief required to accept the execution (no pun intended) of the murders in the order and fashion of the poem, which is posted in every room of the house for the victims to read, and thus avoid if they had any sense. These characters have the foresight and self-preservation qualities of a slasher film victim. In fact, the 1986 horror satire, April Fool's Day is based on the premise.
Contemporary readers could easily draw comparisons and similarities to popular culture production such as the TV series Lost and the movie version of the board game Clue. Most notably, (aside from the obvious settings and premise) the tale poses certain philosophical questions like Lost but does not offer that superior level of character development, while creating an engaging who-done-it puzzle like Clue but minus the quirky, comical qualities. Stylistically, the story also draws on gothic fiction elements to weave its suspenseful and macabre tale.
Typical and often necessary with mysteries, this book is written in the 3rd person to which Ill admit Im not a fan of that POV. This is also the first book Ive ever read of Agatha Christie, and since not previously familiar with her writing style, I was rather surprised by the choppy nature for such a renowned author. Too many sentences with She said: and He thought: type of dialogue and narration kept the writing far from smooth.
The perseverance of this novel no doubt lies in the numerous other works it inspired (many of which improved upon the quality) making it a pop icon rather than a literary masterpiece. None the less, it is an intriguing little riddle to spend a few hours with. Despite its dark nature, this mystery thriller is unlikely to inspire too much anxiety. Might even make a make a good lazy day or relaxing beach read.
I own a paperback edition of this novel. | 1 | neutral | [
"And the killer is\n\nJust kidding!",
"This is a mystery novel so this review is spoiler free.",
"Ten strangers are enticed to a semi-remote British island home for what appears to be a social vacation only to find there is a far more nefarious purpose behind the vague and deceptive invitations.",
"Set during the 1930s, the book is a bit of a product of its time thus depicting in places various sexist, racist, and bigoted attitudes and conventions.",
"(Even the storys previous titles are offensive.",
") None of the characters are ultimately sympathetic.",
"They are stereotypical, under developed, and flat, though no doubt done purposely.",
"That being established, I won't say it didn't interfere with my ability to feel completely satisfied with the ending/final reveal.",
"It also caused difficulty holding my interest in the opening chapters and keeping the characters (or suspects) straight.",
"This is predominantly a plot driven novel.",
"At a certain point, I couldn't put it down if for nothing else than to find out who was the next victim and how it was all being played out.",
"Following the disturbing tone of the poem/ nursery rhythm, the suspense plot is well crafted with apt use of foreshadowing.",
"(I must have flipped back to that poem a dozen times!",
") But there's a vast amount of suspension of disbelief required to accept the execution (no pun intended) of the murders in the order and fashion of the poem, which is posted in every room of the house for the victims to read, and thus avoid if they had any sense.",
"These characters have the foresight and self-preservation qualities of a slasher film victim.",
"In fact, the 1986 horror satire, April Fool's Day is based on the premise.",
"Contemporary readers could easily draw comparisons and similarities to popular culture production such as the TV series Lost and the movie version of the board game Clue.",
"Most notably, (aside from the obvious settings and premise) the tale poses certain philosophical questions like Lost but does not offer that superior level of character development, while creating an engaging who-done-it puzzle like Clue but minus the quirky, comical qualities.",
"Stylistically, the story also draws on gothic fiction elements to weave its suspenseful and macabre tale.",
"Typical and often necessary with mysteries, this book is written in the 3rd person to which Ill admit Im not a fan of that POV.",
"This is also the first book Ive ever read of Agatha Christie, and since not previously familiar with her writing style, I was rather surprised by the choppy nature for such a renowned author.",
"Too many sentences with She said: and He thought: type of dialogue and narration kept the writing far from smooth.",
"The perseverance of this novel no doubt lies in the numerous other works it inspired (many of which improved upon the quality) making it a pop icon rather than a literary masterpiece.",
"None the less, it is an intriguing little riddle to spend a few hours with.",
"Despite its dark nature, this mystery thriller is unlikely to inspire too much anxiety.",
"Might even make a make a good lazy day or relaxing beach read.",
"I own a paperback edition of this novel."
] |
This is a bit of a hard review to write, simply because I liked the book, but there were several things about the book that bothered me. To name a few: The casual sex (not something I would want my child to read), the way Jordan became a bumbling idiot and broke down around guys constantly, SPOILER ALERT! SPOILER ALERT! how she gave up her virginity so easily after not knowing the guy very long END SPOILER ALERT!, and how controlling TJ seemed to be (didn't seem like a healthy relationship).
I did like how her troubles with her father seemed fairly realistic. I know a few people who their Dads are that way. They just love how their son is following in their footsteps, but it's either too good or not good enough for their daughter. I liked how Henry was secretly in love with her and she had no clue. I like how she started coming out of her shell when it comes to being friends with girls.
Overall, I'm going to say I liked the book (it was a quick, easy read) and I will probably check out the 2nd one (because I already have a copy), but I don't know if I would recommend it to a friend. Maybe an older teen or someone out of their teens, but I wouldn't recommend it for a younger teen to read. I'm guessing there are better books out there about girls strugggling to fit in while playing a boys sport. From what I'm seeing of the reviews here, it looks like <a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Dairy-Queen/dp/0618863354/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Dairy Queen</a> is one of them. Maybe I'll go check that book out. | 1 | neutral | [
"This is a bit of a hard review to write, simply because I liked the book, but there were several things about the book that bothered me.",
"To name a few: The casual sex (not something I would want my child to read), the way Jordan became a bumbling idiot and broke down around guys constantly, SPOILER ALERT!",
"SPOILER ALERT!",
"how she gave up her virginity so easily after not knowing the guy very long END SPOILER ALERT!",
", and how controlling TJ seemed to be (didn't seem like a healthy relationship).",
"I did like how her troubles with her father seemed fairly realistic.",
"I know a few people who their Dads are that way.",
"They just love how their son is following in their footsteps, but it's either too good or not good enough for their daughter.",
"I liked how Henry was secretly in love with her and she had no clue.",
"I like how she started coming out of her shell when it comes to being friends with girls.",
"Overall, I'm going to say I liked the book (it was a quick, easy read) and I will probably check out the 2nd one (because I already have a copy), but I don't know if I would recommend it to a friend.",
"Maybe an older teen or someone out of their teens, but I wouldn't recommend it for a younger teen to read.",
"I'm guessing there are better books out there about girls strugggling to fit in while playing a boys sport.",
"From what I'm seeing of the reviews here, it looks like <a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/Dairy-Queen/dp/0618863354/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">Dairy Queen</a> is one of them.",
"Maybe I'll go check that book out."
] |
Ok, I liked the first 2 books in the Vampire Journals, and this one is ok. I was so freakin' mad at Caitlin though, ug teenagers! I mean come on, grow up your life isn't the same and try not to be so fickle. She did grow some and she is coming into herself, but man it's a frustrating process. There were parts in the story, where I just wanted to say, "Really? Again?" but it has some interesting plot turns. We meet new characters and they are pretty interesting, Caitlin's character just seems to be regressing in maturity though, I hope she grows up in the next one, I mean really she has to. Anyway, Sam and Samantha's story line gets an interesting twist and , Kyle is just pure malevolence right now. There are multiple story lines going at once, 3 actually, and we even go back and see a character from Turned which was...interesting, but not necessary. The books do seem to be getting longer which is good, I do plan on picking up the next one, but I'm hoping for more character growth. | 1 | neutral | [
"Ok, I liked the first 2 books in the Vampire Journals, and this one is ok.",
"I was so freakin' mad at Caitlin though, ug teenagers!",
"I mean come on, grow up your life isn't the same and try not to be so fickle.",
"She did grow some and she is coming into herself, but man it's a frustrating process.",
"There were parts in the story, where I just wanted to say, \"Really?",
"Again?",
"\" but it has some interesting plot turns.",
"We meet new characters and they are pretty interesting, Caitlin's character just seems to be regressing in maturity though, I hope she grows up in the next one, I mean really she has to.",
"Anyway, Sam and Samantha's story line gets an interesting twist and , Kyle is just pure malevolence right now.",
"There are multiple story lines going at once, 3 actually, and we even go back and see a character from Turned which was...",
"interesting, but not necessary.",
"The books do seem to be getting longer which is good, I do plan on picking up the next one, but I'm hoping for more character growth."
] |
I have been using this daily for two weeks. So far, I haven't noticed any difference in the texture of my skin. This does not mean the device does not work. The included brochure states that it can take up to sixty days to see results. There are some peer-reviewed studies that indicate that microcurrent treatments can improve firmness, but not wrinkles. Time will tell.
This device is easy to use, attractive, and charges well. However, it does take a commitment to use this on a daily basis.
Some of the side effects of using this product include: eye twitch during treatment, metallic taste in the mouth. When I get anywhere near the hairline with this device, my scalp twitches as well.
A tube of gel is included with this product, but it doesn't last very long. I will soon need to buy another tube, which can add up over time.
Bottom line: this device can help improve skin firmness, but requires a significant commitment of time and money. It is also not very pleasant to use. Do I plan to keep using it? Yes. I need to give this a chance. Would I recommend it to friends? At this point, I'm not sure that I would. | 1 | neutral | [
"I have been using this daily for two weeks.",
"So far, I haven't noticed any difference in the texture of my skin.",
"This does not mean the device does not work.",
"The included brochure states that it can take up to sixty days to see results.",
"There are some peer-reviewed studies that indicate that microcurrent treatments can improve firmness, but not wrinkles.",
"Time will tell.",
"This device is easy to use, attractive, and charges well.",
"However, it does take a commitment to use this on a daily basis.",
"Some of the side effects of using this product include: eye twitch during treatment, metallic taste in the mouth.",
"When I get anywhere near the hairline with this device, my scalp twitches as well.",
"A tube of gel is included with this product, but it doesn't last very long.",
"I will soon need to buy another tube, which can add up over time.",
"Bottom line: this device can help improve skin firmness, but requires a significant commitment of time and money.",
"It is also not very pleasant to use.",
"Do I plan to keep using it?",
"Yes.",
"I need to give this a chance.",
"Would I recommend it to friends?",
"At this point, I'm not sure that I would."
] |
After 4 months of use, here are my thoughts:
It's a good pedal if you're the DIY-type of guy. Why? Thanks to its fairly flimsy soldering job and loose cables within (that white wire in the pic should be connected to where the red-striped wire is soldered to). Even before i opened the housing, the white wire was already pinched against the metal body and needed replacement, anyways. I'd recommend you tape down some of these wires before you start playing.
In terms of functionality, I mean, it's a sustain pedal so it'll do the basic on/off functionality. You press to activate sustain and depress to deactivate. It all works fairly well when the wires are attached, internally. However, while trying to calibrate with Pianoteq 5 software, i realized that the pedal doesn't offer a half-sustain feature, which i didn't even know existed on digital piano sustains. I guess if you're getting into more technical pieces, it MIGHT be a useful function. I'm just a hobbyist so i don't need that precision to satisfy my own ego. In my honest opinion, you won't need that feature from 20+ years of playing and listening to classical piano music.
I do (or did) like that it was compatible with my cheapo Williams Allegro 88 which has god-awful sound coming out of what's being marketed as external speakers which was remedied by spending an extra $300 on a digital audio interface (Steinberg UR-22, but really anything will work if it has the right type of connections, like XLR or MIDI) and a VST (Piano 5, but again, if it's within price range and sounds ok, whatever works).
One thing about this pedal is that it sways left & right about 1/2 inch while using heavily. Don't expect the sturdiness you might feel from an actual piano. The casing is plastic but it feels sturdy and hefty enough. The depression tension is medium (not too stiff or soft) or something that I would expect from any yamaha uprights. The cable length is long enough (5ft) to reach around the back of my desk to they dusty rubber.
Anyways, I'm kinda in a bind since I could either repair this by buying a soldering kit and fixing it or buying a brand new pedal maybe from a more established brand that's compatible with my Williams (apparently not all pedals are compatible with all digital pianos.. which sucks). Any recommendations from an actual owner of a Yamaha, Korg, or Roland pedals?
UPDATE 3/3/2015
So I decided to buy a soldering kit and fix it. I reattached the wires and now it's working perfectly. I guess it's a 5-star pedal if you know how to fix it and a 1-star if you dont... I'll leave it at 3-stars. | 1 | neutral | [
"After 4 months of use, here are my thoughts:\n\nIt's a good pedal if you're the DIY-type of guy.",
"Why?",
"Thanks to its fairly flimsy soldering job and loose cables within (that white wire in the pic should be connected to where the red-striped wire is soldered to).",
"Even before i opened the housing, the white wire was already pinched against the metal body and needed replacement, anyways.",
"I'd recommend you tape down some of these wires before you start playing.",
"In terms of functionality, I mean, it's a sustain pedal so it'll do the basic on/off functionality.",
"You press to activate sustain and depress to deactivate.",
"It all works fairly well when the wires are attached, internally.",
"However, while trying to calibrate with Pianoteq 5 software, i realized that the pedal doesn't offer a half-sustain feature, which i didn't even know existed on digital piano sustains.",
"I guess if you're getting into more technical pieces, it MIGHT be a useful function.",
"I'm just a hobbyist so i don't need that precision to satisfy my own ego.",
"In my honest opinion, you won't need that feature from 20+ years of playing and listening to classical piano music.",
"I do (or did) like that it was compatible with my cheapo Williams Allegro 88 which has god-awful sound coming out of what's being marketed as external speakers which was remedied by spending an extra $300 on a digital audio interface (Steinberg UR-22, but really anything will work if it has the right type of connections, like XLR or MIDI) and a VST (Piano 5, but again, if it's within price range and sounds ok, whatever works).",
"One thing about this pedal is that it sways left & right about 1/2 inch while using heavily.",
"Don't expect the sturdiness you might feel from an actual piano.",
"The casing is plastic but it feels sturdy and hefty enough.",
"The depression tension is medium (not too stiff or soft) or something that I would expect from any yamaha uprights.",
"The cable length is long enough (5ft) to reach around the back of my desk to they dusty rubber.",
"Anyways, I'm kinda in a bind since I could either repair this by buying a soldering kit and fixing it or buying a brand new pedal maybe from a more established brand that's compatible with my Williams (apparently not all pedals are compatible with all digital pianos..",
"which sucks).",
"Any recommendations from an actual owner of a Yamaha, Korg, or Roland pedals?",
"UPDATE 3/3/2015\n\nSo I decided to buy a soldering kit and fix it.",
"I reattached the wires and now it's working perfectly.",
"I guess it's a 5-star pedal if you know how to fix it and a 1-star if you dont...",
"I'll leave it at 3-stars."
] |
U.S. networks suspend Charlie Rose after sex harassment allegations
(Reuters) - CBS and other networks on Monday suspended Charlie Rose one of the most prominent American interviewers after eight women told the Washington Post he sexually harassed them and prompted Rose to apologize for his âinappropriate behavior.â
FILE PHOTO: Journalist Charlie Rose speaks after winning a Peabody Award for his work in "One on One with Assad" in New York U.S. on May 19 2014. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson/File Photo
âThese allegations are extremely disturbing and we take them very seriously â CBS News said in a statement. Rose is a co-host on the morning show âCBS This Morningâ and a correspondent for its long-running Sunday night news magazine â60 Minutes. â
âI deeply apologize for my inappropriate behavior â he said in a statement. âI am greatly embarrassed. I have behaved insensitively at times and I accept responsibility for that though I do not believe that all of these allegations are accurate.â
âI always felt that I was pursuing shared feelings even though I now realize I was mistaken â he added.
Eight women who worked at Charlie Rose Inc or aspired to a job there have accused Rose of making unwanted sexual advances toward them the Washington Post reported on Monday the latest in a wave of sexual harassment allegations against prominent men in the entertainment and media industries and American politics.
âAll of us including me are coming to a newer and deeper recognition of the pain caused by conduct in the past and have come to a profound new respect for women and their lives â Rose said.
Charlie Rose became the top U.S. trending topic on Twitter late Monday with more than 98 000 tweets discussing the host.
Rose routinely landed the biggest names in international politics entertainment and letters for his interview show âCharlie Rose â which was broadcast on PBS and Bloomberg TV.
An acute listener Rose employed an engaging yet serious style in contrast to the bitter partisan arguments cross-talk and raised voices on cable television. True to the showâs sober tone the set was simply a table and chairs with an all-black background.
His persona on âCBS This Morningâ was a little more whimsical given the lighter subject matter of morning news shows in the United States.
FILE PHOTO: CBS news host Charlie Rose departs after meeting with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump at Trump Tower in the Manhattan borough of New York U.S. on November 21 2016. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson/File Photo
The eight women who were employees or aspired to work for Rose at the âCharlie Roseâ show from the late 1990s to as recently as 2011 told the newspaper he made unwanted sexual advances toward them walked in the nude around them and groped their breasts buttocks and genital areas.
PBS in announcing its suspension said it does not fund the âCharlie Roseâ show or supervise its production but expects its producers to provide a safe work place. Bloomberg said it was âdeeply disturbedâ by the allegations.
The networks had little choice as the allegations against Rose would have likely overshadowed the subjects of his stories said Quinnipiac University journalism professor Ben Bogardus.
FILE PHOTO: TV host Charlie Rose arrives for the Time 100 Gala in the Manhattan borough of New York New York U.S. on April 25 2017. REUTERS/Carlo Allegri/File Photo | 1 | neutral | [
"U.",
"S. networks suspend Charlie Rose after sex harassment allegations\n(Reuters) - CBS and other networks on Monday suspended Charlie Rose one of the most prominent American interviewers after eight women told the Washington Post he sexually harassed them and prompted Rose to apologize for his âinappropriate behavior.",
"â\nFILE PHOTO: Journalist Charlie Rose speaks after winning a Peabody Award for his work in \"One on One with Assad\" in New York U.",
"S. on May 19 2014.",
"REUTERS/Lucas Jackson/File Photo\nâThese allegations are extremely disturbing and we take them very seriously â CBS News said in a statement.",
"Rose is a co-host on the morning show âCBS This Morningâ and a correspondent for its long-running Sunday night news magazine â60 Minutes.",
"â\nâI deeply apologize for my inappropriate behavior â he said in a statement.",
"âI am greatly embarrassed.",
"I have behaved insensitively at times and I accept responsibility for that though I do not believe that all of these allegations are accurate.",
"â\nâI always felt that I was pursuing shared feelings even though I now realize I was mistaken â he added.",
"Eight women who worked at Charlie Rose Inc or aspired to a job there have accused Rose of making unwanted sexual advances toward them the Washington Post reported on Monday the latest in a wave of sexual harassment allegations against prominent men in the entertainment and media industries and American politics.",
"âAll of us including me are coming to a newer and deeper recognition of the pain caused by conduct in the past and have come to a profound new respect for women and their lives â Rose said.",
"Charlie Rose became the top U.",
"S. trending topic on Twitter late Monday with more than 98 000 tweets discussing the host.",
"Rose routinely landed the biggest names in international politics entertainment and letters for his interview show âCharlie Rose â which was broadcast on PBS and Bloomberg TV.",
"An acute listener Rose employed an engaging yet serious style in contrast to the bitter partisan arguments cross-talk and raised voices on cable television.",
"True to the showâs sober tone the set was simply a table and chairs with an all-black background.",
"His persona on âCBS This Morningâ was a little more whimsical given the lighter subject matter of morning news shows in the United States.",
"FILE PHOTO: CBS news host Charlie Rose departs after meeting with U.",
"S. President-elect Donald Trump at Trump Tower in the Manhattan borough of New York U.",
"S. on November 21 2016.",
"REUTERS/Lucas Jackson/File Photo\nThe eight women who were employees or aspired to work for Rose at the âCharlie Roseâ show from the late 1990s to as recently as 2011 told the newspaper he made unwanted sexual advances toward them walked in the nude around them and groped their breasts buttocks and genital areas.",
"PBS in announcing its suspension said it does not fund the âCharlie Roseâ show or supervise its production but expects its producers to provide a safe work place.",
"Bloomberg said it was âdeeply disturbedâ by the allegations.",
"The networks had little choice as the allegations against Rose would have likely overshadowed the subjects of his stories said Quinnipiac University journalism professor Ben Bogardus.",
"FILE PHOTO: TV host Charlie Rose arrives for the Time 100 Gala in the Manhattan borough of New York New York U.",
"S. on April 25 2017.",
"REUTERS/Carlo Allegri/File Photo"
] |
I updated this after my husband wore these for a few months. The 48X34 fit is perfect for my 6'3 320lb viking. Finding him good pants is a chore. He is tall and evenly proportionate with thicker thighs and a muffin top so you can imagine the frustration of pants that never fit right.
Personally these have been my favorite pants to launder. They don't stain easily, don't wrinkle that much and get nice and soft after a few washes. HOWEVER, there is a huge annoyance if you've got a muffin top. The top of the pants will roll out when wearing a belt and the white on the inside is visible. This is very annoying for my husband at work. He is constantly checking and readjusting. I mean why would you sew white on the inside there. It should be the color of the outside.
I am docking stars for that.
And I like the Dickies quality, but really, all the labeling looks tacky to me and one would suffice on these IMO..like up top where nobody notices. There's one on the bottom front of the leg and then another by the cell phone pocket in the back. Not a big deal...just sayin though.
So beware muffin tops...you'll be annoyed when the tops roll over. | 1 | neutral | [
"I updated this after my husband wore these for a few months.",
"The 48X34 fit is perfect for my 6'3 320lb viking.",
"Finding him good pants is a chore.",
"He is tall and evenly proportionate with thicker thighs and a muffin top so you can imagine the frustration of pants that never fit right.",
"Personally these have been my favorite pants to launder.",
"They don't stain easily, don't wrinkle that much and get nice and soft after a few washes.",
"HOWEVER, there is a huge annoyance if you've got a muffin top.",
"The top of the pants will roll out when wearing a belt and the white on the inside is visible.",
"This is very annoying for my husband at work.",
"He is constantly checking and readjusting.",
"I mean why would you sew white on the inside there.",
"It should be the color of the outside.",
"I am docking stars for that.",
"And I like the Dickies quality, but really, all the labeling looks tacky to me and one would suffice on these IMO..",
"like up top where nobody notices.",
"There's one on the bottom front of the leg and then another by the cell phone pocket in the back.",
"Not a big deal...",
"just sayin though.",
"So beware muffin tops...",
"you'll be annoyed when the tops roll over."
] |
Christian Bale as Patrick Bateman is vile and disgusting... just like he is supposed to be. In a tale based on a best-selling novel, this disturbing film showcases the excesses and disposability of American life in the 1980s. Bateman is a successful and financially well off New York corporate suit and tie who hangs around with other shallow and plastic carbon copies of himself. They compare business cards and become excited by the lettering and exact colours of the cards. It is quite stunning in its brutal shallowness. But when it comes to brutal, there is nothing quite so brutal as Bateman's disposable attitude toward people. About one quarter of the way into the movie, you realise that Bateman, while plastic and passionless in most ways, cannot get his aggressions and feelings out through any means of expression but violent and heinous murder. He murders prostitutes, strangers, co workers. You name it. The graphic depictions of these murders are unbelievable and caused controversy when the film was released. Strangely enough, though, all the violence and blood and gore makes it onto the screen but a sex scene between Bateman and two prostitutes was censored. The funny thing about this film is that while there are a few notable actors in it (Chloe Sevigny as Bateman's secretary, Reese Witherspoon as Bateman's fiance, Jared Leto as Bateman's office nemesis Paul Allen, and Samantha Mathis as Bateman's sometime sex partner) none of them is more than one dimensional, except maybe the secretary simply because she is not caught up in the plastic world which all these others occupy. I suppose this is the point and all the actors have done their jobs well as a result. Is this a good movie worth your time? Not so sure. I went to see it at the cinema when it was first released, and I had to get up and leave halfway through because there were people all around me eating and making too much noise. The movie was good enough to sit through, but it was not gripping enough for me to regret getting up and leaving in the middle. | 1 | neutral | [
"Christian Bale as Patrick Bateman is vile and disgusting...",
"just like he is supposed to be.",
"In a tale based on a best-selling novel, this disturbing film showcases the excesses and disposability of American life in the 1980s.",
"Bateman is a successful and financially well off New York corporate suit and tie who hangs around with other shallow and plastic carbon copies of himself.",
"They compare business cards and become excited by the lettering and exact colours of the cards.",
"It is quite stunning in its brutal shallowness.",
"But when it comes to brutal, there is nothing quite so brutal as Bateman's disposable attitude toward people.",
"About one quarter of the way into the movie, you realise that Bateman, while plastic and passionless in most ways, cannot get his aggressions and feelings out through any means of expression but violent and heinous murder.",
"He murders prostitutes, strangers, co workers.",
"You name it.",
"The graphic depictions of these murders are unbelievable and caused controversy when the film was released.",
"Strangely enough, though, all the violence and blood and gore makes it onto the screen but a sex scene between Bateman and two prostitutes was censored.",
"The funny thing about this film is that while there are a few notable actors in it (Chloe Sevigny as Bateman's secretary, Reese Witherspoon as Bateman's fiance, Jared Leto as Bateman's office nemesis Paul Allen, and Samantha Mathis as Bateman's sometime sex partner) none of them is more than one dimensional, except maybe the secretary simply because she is not caught up in the plastic world which all these others occupy.",
"I suppose this is the point and all the actors have done their jobs well as a result.",
"Is this a good movie worth your time?",
"Not so sure.",
"I went to see it at the cinema when it was first released, and I had to get up and leave halfway through because there were people all around me eating and making too much noise.",
"The movie was good enough to sit through, but it was not gripping enough for me to regret getting up and leaving in the middle."
] |
Maybe I was expecting a little more. The clear plastic body is not 100% rigid, the chromed metal parts seem to be zinc or pot metal and are not crisply cast. You would think the handle would have an actual rotating knob, but it is all one piece.
The top ring rotates for settings fine, medium and coarse. This is a nice feature, better than the usual inaccurate knob-tightening control on most grinders. However, it sometimes rotates around to different settings as you are grinding, so you have to pay attention. This is not really a big problem or anything, but it shouldn't happen.
It is pretty small and the crank is not so long. You don't have that much leverage. This makes grinding a little jerky and perhaps a touch difficult for weak people.
You do get some colorful peppercorns, not cheap at stores these days, and it doesn't seem as though its shortcomings will cause it to break.
Its actual purpose in life is to crush pepper and it does that quite well. Perhaps the larger models would be better for some people, but I like this style and size for my kitchen. | 1 | neutral | [
"Maybe I was expecting a little more.",
"The clear plastic body is not 100% rigid, the chromed metal parts seem to be zinc or pot metal and are not crisply cast.",
"You would think the handle would have an actual rotating knob, but it is all one piece.",
"The top ring rotates for settings fine, medium and coarse.",
"This is a nice feature, better than the usual inaccurate knob-tightening control on most grinders.",
"However, it sometimes rotates around to different settings as you are grinding, so you have to pay attention.",
"This is not really a big problem or anything, but it shouldn't happen.",
"It is pretty small and the crank is not so long.",
"You don't have that much leverage.",
"This makes grinding a little jerky and perhaps a touch difficult for weak people.",
"You do get some colorful peppercorns, not cheap at stores these days, and it doesn't seem as though its shortcomings will cause it to break.",
"Its actual purpose in life is to crush pepper and it does that quite well.",
"Perhaps the larger models would be better for some people, but I like this style and size for my kitchen."
] |
It was not as big as I thought it would be. Obviously I should have thought about the dimensions, but I sort of assumed all of these lanterns would be the same size. It puts off plenty of light so this is probably fine.
On the other hand, I could not get the lantern to shut off completely by turning the valve to off. I put the valve in the off position and it continued to burn for 10 minutes. To get it to go out completely, I had to put the valve in the off position then vent the tank. I wouldn't think it should work this way and I had some concerns about venting the tank so close to the lit mantles. On the other hand, I didn't want to go to bed with the lantern still burning. Perhaps there is some operator error on my part?
The hard case is very cheaply made; be VERY sure the bottom detent latches are engaged prior to picking it up or you will drop the lantern out the bottom. | 1 | neutral | [
"It was not as big as I thought it would be.",
"Obviously I should have thought about the dimensions, but I sort of assumed all of these lanterns would be the same size.",
"It puts off plenty of light so this is probably fine.",
"On the other hand, I could not get the lantern to shut off completely by turning the valve to off.",
"I put the valve in the off position and it continued to burn for 10 minutes.",
"To get it to go out completely, I had to put the valve in the off position then vent the tank.",
"I wouldn't think it should work this way and I had some concerns about venting the tank so close to the lit mantles.",
"On the other hand, I didn't want to go to bed with the lantern still burning.",
"Perhaps there is some operator error on my part?",
"The hard case is very cheaply made; be VERY sure the bottom detent latches are engaged prior to picking it up or you will drop the lantern out the bottom."
] |
In Book 3 of the Vampire Journals, Betrayed, we literally take up where we ended in Loved, Book 2. As with Loved there are a number of story lines going on at one time.
The main story is about Caitlin, who is now a full vampire. Caleb brings her to a small unknown island, Pollepel, located on the Hudson River in New York. The island is home to a group of misfit vampires who are outcasts from the more "normal" vampire covens. Here Caitlin will train to fight and learn to live with her new found vampire skills. Meanwhile, Caleb is visited by his ex-wife, Sera, causing Caitlin to question his feelings for her. Rejected by Caitlin, Caleb returns to his coven to try to convince the elders to fight against the Blacktide coven. Meanwhile, Sam and Samantha have been captured by the Blacktide Coven and Samantha must try to figure a way to get them out alive. Meanwhile, evil Kyle is in possession of the Sword and determined to take over leadership of the Blacktide coven and destroy humankind.
Can Caitlin learn to live this new life without Caleb? Can Caleb convince his coven leaders that the Blacktide coven is a threat to them and get the help needed to defeat them? Will Sam and Samantha get out of the clutches of the enemy alive? And what of Kyle's plan to take over the world? These questions and more are answered with twists and turns along the way, unexpected alliances are forged and there is an ending that you won't see coming.
This book is written a bit darker than the previous book. Lighthearted moments are few and far between and the violence much more graphic. We see a new side to the characters, the two constants are that Kyle, who was truly evil before is still truly evil and Caitlin, who was innocent and unsure of herself still maintains these qualities. We get more of the back-story, helping us to understand the characters reactions to their circumstances. The secondary characters get some good face time and help to string the different story lines together.
While the story itself was a good one, I had some issues. There were editing errors that should have been caught and did, to some extent, inhibit my enjoyment of the story. There were three characters with some derivative of the name Sam, two of whom were central to the plot. Some scenes just made me scratch my head and ask where that came from. For example, upon realizing she's now a full vampire, Caitlin sprouts wings and jumps out her window. I may have missed it, but I didn't remember wings being mentioned before and wouldn't she have needed some instruction? All the people (save one) on the island had become vampires as teenagers, thus maintaining the look of a teenager. I had no problem with that, but they also seemed to maintain the mentality of a teenager. All that aside, I did enjoy the book; I just could have enjoyed it more had these issues not existed. This book would appeal to the young adult reader who enjoys darker side of urban fantasy. I would recommend reading at least Book 2 or you might have problems following the plot. Be warned, there is a cliffhanger ending. | 1 | neutral | [
"In Book 3 of the Vampire Journals, Betrayed, we literally take up where we ended in Loved, Book 2.",
"As with Loved there are a number of story lines going on at one time.",
"The main story is about Caitlin, who is now a full vampire.",
"Caleb brings her to a small unknown island, Pollepel, located on the Hudson River in New York.",
"The island is home to a group of misfit vampires who are outcasts from the more \"normal\" vampire covens.",
"Here Caitlin will train to fight and learn to live with her new found vampire skills.",
"Meanwhile, Caleb is visited by his ex-wife, Sera, causing Caitlin to question his feelings for her.",
"Rejected by Caitlin, Caleb returns to his coven to try to convince the elders to fight against the Blacktide coven.",
"Meanwhile, Sam and Samantha have been captured by the Blacktide Coven and Samantha must try to figure a way to get them out alive.",
"Meanwhile, evil Kyle is in possession of the Sword and determined to take over leadership of the Blacktide coven and destroy humankind.",
"Can Caitlin learn to live this new life without Caleb?",
"Can Caleb convince his coven leaders that the Blacktide coven is a threat to them and get the help needed to defeat them?",
"Will Sam and Samantha get out of the clutches of the enemy alive?",
"And what of Kyle's plan to take over the world?",
"These questions and more are answered with twists and turns along the way, unexpected alliances are forged and there is an ending that you won't see coming.",
"This book is written a bit darker than the previous book.",
"Lighthearted moments are few and far between and the violence much more graphic.",
"We see a new side to the characters, the two constants are that Kyle, who was truly evil before is still truly evil and Caitlin, who was innocent and unsure of herself still maintains these qualities.",
"We get more of the back-story, helping us to understand the characters reactions to their circumstances.",
"The secondary characters get some good face time and help to string the different story lines together.",
"While the story itself was a good one, I had some issues.",
"There were editing errors that should have been caught and did, to some extent, inhibit my enjoyment of the story.",
"There were three characters with some derivative of the name Sam, two of whom were central to the plot.",
"Some scenes just made me scratch my head and ask where that came from.",
"For example, upon realizing she's now a full vampire, Caitlin sprouts wings and jumps out her window.",
"I may have missed it, but I didn't remember wings being mentioned before and wouldn't she have needed some instruction?",
"All the people (save one) on the island had become vampires as teenagers, thus maintaining the look of a teenager.",
"I had no problem with that, but they also seemed to maintain the mentality of a teenager.",
"All that aside, I did enjoy the book; I just could have enjoyed it more had these issues not existed.",
"This book would appeal to the young adult reader who enjoys darker side of urban fantasy.",
"I would recommend reading at least Book 2 or you might have problems following the plot.",
"Be warned, there is a cliffhanger ending."
] |
I bought this beach shade to...of course...use on the beach. I have an 8 month old and he needed shade. I thought this looked super cool...and it was...after fighting with it in the 90 degree heat on a sandy beach as the baby screamed and cried. It took 15+ minutes to set up which doesn't seem like a long time but trust me when I say it was an eternity under the circumstances. So...15min to put up woudn't really prevent me from using it again because it was pretty near perfect once assembled.
The teardown on the other hand was a trainwreck. Sure, it came down in like 5 minutes but the bag it comes in is much too small for the shade to EVER fit back into! The poles alone take up about half the space and unless you have serious origami skills, infinite patience, no wind, no sand, no water, no crying infant, you have no hope. I'm not sure why they'd make a carrying case that's about the size of a handbag, but they sure did.
Overall, it's just OK in my book. | 1 | neutral | [
"I bought this beach shade to...",
"of course...",
"use on the beach.",
"I have an 8 month old and he needed shade.",
"I thought this looked super cool...",
"and it was...",
"after fighting with it in the 90 degree heat on a sandy beach as the baby screamed and cried.",
"It took 15+ minutes to set up which doesn't seem like a long time but trust me when I say it was an eternity under the circumstances.",
"So...",
"15min to put up woudn't really prevent me from using it again because it was pretty near perfect once assembled.",
"The teardown on the other hand was a trainwreck.",
"Sure, it came down in like 5 minutes but the bag it comes in is much too small for the shade to EVER fit back into!",
"The poles alone take up about half the space and unless you have serious origami skills, infinite patience, no wind, no sand, no water, no crying infant, you have no hope.",
"I'm not sure why they'd make a carrying case that's about the size of a handbag, but they sure did.",
"Overall, it's just OK in my book."
] |
Dungeon Siege: LoA is a standalone sequel to Microsoft's popular crawler. It includes both LoA and the original for a very low price that is more than reasonable. By itself, LoA utilizes the same beautiful graphics engine made popular in the first game with some 'useful' additions. The inclusion of set items, imbued items, and individual spell hotkeys greatly enhance play over the original, but the 'enhanced' AI actually takes away from the gameplay. Now when one person in your party gets attacked, the entire party will follow. Great for defending mules, bad when you want to keep formation.
It's entirely possible to now play nearly the entire game on autopilot; the only interaction between the player and the game world being recruiting more party members or picking up your loot.
As far as Dungeon Crawlers go, this one is somehow lacking. The story is immensly weak, and as such, leaves little incentive to finish the game. Multiplayer is much the same, with the tedium broken by the incursion of special online maps and, of course, people to play with.
LoA's saving grace, however, is its ability to be easily modded. There are some exquisite mods that can be downloaded that cater to the single player and the multi-player alike. Had Gas-powered Games not included this feature, odds are Dungeon Siege wouldn't have lasted to see this sequel.
If you have and enjoy Dungeon Siege, you have to ask yourself if the relatively useless set items and new item mods are worth sinking in your hard-earned money to the game. If you are new to the series, at least this game includes the original so you'll be getting two campaigns that will provide a few hours of playtime. Just make sure to check out some fan-site and pick yourself up a good mod to further your investment. | 1 | neutral | [
"Dungeon Siege: LoA is a standalone sequel to Microsoft's popular crawler.",
"It includes both LoA and the original for a very low price that is more than reasonable.",
"By itself, LoA utilizes the same beautiful graphics engine made popular in the first game with some 'useful' additions.",
"The inclusion of set items, imbued items, and individual spell hotkeys greatly enhance play over the original, but the 'enhanced' AI actually takes away from the gameplay.",
"Now when one person in your party gets attacked, the entire party will follow.",
"Great for defending mules, bad when you want to keep formation.",
"It's entirely possible to now play nearly the entire game on autopilot; the only interaction between the player and the game world being recruiting more party members or picking up your loot.",
"As far as Dungeon Crawlers go, this one is somehow lacking.",
"The story is immensly weak, and as such, leaves little incentive to finish the game.",
"Multiplayer is much the same, with the tedium broken by the incursion of special online maps and, of course, people to play with.",
"LoA's saving grace, however, is its ability to be easily modded.",
"There are some exquisite mods that can be downloaded that cater to the single player and the multi-player alike.",
"Had Gas-powered Games not included this feature, odds are Dungeon Siege wouldn't have lasted to see this sequel.",
"If you have and enjoy Dungeon Siege, you have to ask yourself if the relatively useless set items and new item mods are worth sinking in your hard-earned money to the game.",
"If you are new to the series, at least this game includes the original so you'll be getting two campaigns that will provide a few hours of playtime.",
"Just make sure to check out some fan-site and pick yourself up a good mod to further your investment."
] |
RT @Bonezine: ?????? QT @scarlet_wasp: ?????????? RT @kizall: http://blogs.yahoo.co.jp/turiwato/10229014.html ????????????????? http://t ... | 1 | neutral | [
"RT @Bonezine:????",
"??",
"QT @scarlet_wasp:????",
"????",
"??",
"RT @kizall: http://blogs.",
"yahoo.",
"co.",
"jp/turiwato/10229014.",
"html????",
"????",
"????",
"????",
"?",
"http://t..."
] |
this camera is incredibly easy to install, it really is just plug and play. you'll need to have video conf software like netmeeting or cuseeme - the included software isn't worth installing, and the drivers on win98 cd are fine. won't work with windows NT unless you've installed a usb hub and drivers especially for NT4. win2000 seems to function ok with it. rotating focus wheel is cumbersome if you're trying to focus the camera and aren't standing right next to it. get the latest drivers from logitech (3com) online. the image is not crystal clear, so don't expect the same quality as you get from a digital camera, but if you are looking for cost, your friends will be able to see you just fine with this one. the mounting stand is a little wierd, and the camera cable makes it shift back and forth. i had to tie down the cable so i could position the camera and it wouldn't move. it's not worth investing in a stand for this one because of the picture quality. | 1 | neutral | [
"this camera is incredibly easy to install, it really is just plug and play.",
"you'll need to have video conf software like netmeeting or cuseeme - the included software isn't worth installing, and the drivers on win98 cd are fine.",
"won't work with windows NT unless you've installed a usb hub and drivers especially for NT4.",
"win2000 seems to function ok with it.",
"rotating focus wheel is cumbersome if you're trying to focus the camera and aren't standing right next to it.",
"get the latest drivers from logitech (3com) online.",
"the image is not crystal clear, so don't expect the same quality as you get from a digital camera, but if you are looking for cost, your friends will be able to see you just fine with this one.",
"the mounting stand is a little wierd, and the camera cable makes it shift back and forth.",
"i had to tie down the cable so i could position the camera and it wouldn't move.",
"it's not worth investing in a stand for this one because of the picture quality."
] |
I got this stick so that I could check out the hat switch.
I had two motives, two goals.
I have a very good friend (my son), who just joined up, and I thought if I could pass on some knowledge (I've been flying the Comanche 4 for YEARS in sim. My son might need to hop on a Comanche in an emergency, and I want him to know how already. Same with the F-16 and the Abrams.
I also wanted to "play around with something close to the real."
I found the hat switch very stiff. If it is made to work realistically, I'd suggest a little less realism, a little more easy to use.
It works, and it certainly moves, but this is not a kid's joystick.
It's QUITE stiff.
The other thing I found was what I'll call "slip". In certain "sweet spots", the action failed completely. I ran it through a dozen simulations, and when I pushed a HARD left (port), roughly 1/2 way into a HARD bank to port in the F-16, I was flying either straight ahead, or I was doing a 1/4 turn. In combat, this would get me killed.
Sorry, Logitech. In most cases, I'm your biggest fan. But unless I'm missing something, this one's a miss. | 1 | neutral | [
"I got this stick so that I could check out the hat switch.",
"I had two motives, two goals.",
"I have a very good friend (my son), who just joined up, and I thought if I could pass on some knowledge (I've been flying the Comanche 4 for YEARS in sim.",
"My son might need to hop on a Comanche in an emergency, and I want him to know how already.",
"Same with the F-16 and the Abrams.",
"I also wanted to \"play around with something close to the real.",
"\"\n\n I found the hat switch very stiff.",
"If it is made to work realistically, I'd suggest a little less realism, a little more easy to use.",
"It works, and it certainly moves, but this is not a kid's joystick.",
"It's QUITE stiff.",
"The other thing I found was what I'll call \"slip\".",
"In certain \"sweet spots\", the action failed completely.",
"I ran it through a dozen simulations, and when I pushed a HARD left (port), roughly 1/2 way into a HARD bank to port in the F-16, I was flying either straight ahead, or I was doing a 1/4 turn.",
"In combat, this would get me killed.",
"Sorry, Logitech.",
"In most cases, I'm your biggest fan.",
"But unless I'm missing something, this one's a miss."
] |
..this is really quite a good album. If I had written this review several years ago, I probably would have given it 2 stars at the most. The passage of time I suppose...
This album has a good deal of soul...perhaps understated at times. I'm not a terrible fan of the covers but prefer the originals. Some favorites include "All I Want is You", "Angel of Harlem", and "When Love Comes to Town". "All I Want is You" is a wonderful ballad. The latter two have a good blend of rock and R&B sounds.
However, my favorite on the album is "Love Rescue Me". The song is a bit slower than I'd like, but its lyrics are unbelievable. The song speaks of despair and of coming to a crossroads. But in the end - as evidenced by the final verse - it's a song of redemption. Unfortunately, the album version doesn't do this song justice. The live version of this song - as a duet with BB King - is fantastic. What power! Inspiring! Bono sings this song like one possessed by a gospel singer. The live version brings "Love Rescue Me" to its rightful place: a gospel revival! | 1 | neutral | [
"..",
"this is really quite a good album.",
"If I had written this review several years ago, I probably would have given it 2 stars at the most.",
"The passage of time I suppose...",
"This album has a good deal of soul...",
"perhaps understated at times.",
"I'm not a terrible fan of the covers but prefer the originals.",
"Some favorites include \"All I Want is You\", \"Angel of Harlem\", and \"When Love Comes to Town\".",
"\"All I Want is You\" is a wonderful ballad.",
"The latter two have a good blend of rock and R&B sounds.",
"However, my favorite on the album is \"Love Rescue Me\".",
"The song is a bit slower than I'd like, but its lyrics are unbelievable.",
"The song speaks of despair and of coming to a crossroads.",
"But in the end - as evidenced by the final verse - it's a song of redemption.",
"Unfortunately, the album version doesn't do this song justice.",
"The live version of this song - as a duet with BB King - is fantastic.",
"What power!",
"Inspiring!",
"Bono sings this song like one possessed by a gospel singer.",
"The live version brings \"Love Rescue Me\" to its rightful place: a gospel revival!"
] |
This game functions real well as a starter RPG. More experienced RPG gamers might be a little bored with its shortcomings. The are four reasons for this: The story line, the linear game play, the semi-real time battle sequence, and the lack of any real challenge.
Story: The story fails almost completely in both presentation and substance. The main character is Ryudo. He is a mercenary with a troubled past sent out on a job to protect the pure good girl of the land. (Now where have we seen that before?) Of course you see where this is going...Ryudo uncovers his past and finds strength from within to stop fighting for money and start fighting for justice. Now, the story itself isn't bad per se, but the thing is, we have heard it all before. If you take two or three classic RPGs (any will do) and piece together the story lines you get this one. So, if you are new to RPGs then it will be new to you so you won't be bothered by it. However, RPGs are special because unlike other video games they rely heavily on the story. RPG fans won't find much to cheer about with this bland tale. Also the character's lines harp on the same points over and over again. For example, towards the end the game the word "heart" appears so much in the dialogue that you would think you are reading Cardiology Weekly. The story awkwardly stumbles along never quite gaining its footing. Presentation is also off key. Annoying voice-overs have Ryudo sounding more like a surfer dude than a sword-wielding hero. The in game movies are also sub-par for Dreamcast's capabilities.
Linear Game Play: This game is extremely linear. This meaning that you always know exactly where to go and what you have to do. Besides one or two "Special Areas" when you advance in the story you don't even have the option of going anywhere but forward. For people who object to RPGs by saying things like, "You spend hours fighting pointless battles searching for your next task" this is the game for you. Also, for a beginner RPG player this type of set-up puts frustration at a minimum. However, if you are into totally non-linear RPG's like Wizardry, for example, this game will be Boring with a capital B.
Battle Sequence: The battle sequence is the best part of this game. It is a semi-real time/turn based mode of battle. This makes fighting flow more evenly. Despite the times where my characters would attack an enemy out of view, I liked it immensely. It is an original action oriented way to structure the battle sequence. By strategizing your turns and types of moves you can limit certain enemy attacks. Also, you have the ability to make quick decisions to guard from an oncoming attack or evade before the enemy makes it to your side of the screen.
Challenge: The game is real easy. Probably too easy. There are many spells, special moves, and skills to learn. While all these enhance the game and add variety, after about 1/4 way through it is pretty hard to be hit much, forget about being killed. Moreover, at a save point you can automatically recover your entire HP/MP etc. Any enemy near a save point is toast because you can throw everything you have at them and after the battle fully recover. (at no cost to you). Also, since you can see your enemies (no random fight generator) before battle you can almost always sneak up behind them and get the first attack. After very little practice learning the ins and outs of the battle sequence you can usually kill off most non-boss enemies without them getting a hit off. Again, good for the beginner and sort of pointless monotony for the experienced gamer.
By far the worst part of the game was the story. If you can ignore that you have about 20-30 hours of fun, if not challenging, game play. I would recommend it to beginner RPGers and experienced RPGers that just can't get enough games under their belts. | 1 | neutral | [
"This game functions real well as a starter RPG.",
"More experienced RPG gamers might be a little bored with its shortcomings.",
"The are four reasons for this: The story line, the linear game play, the semi-real time battle sequence, and the lack of any real challenge.",
"Story: The story fails almost completely in both presentation and substance.",
"The main character is Ryudo.",
"He is a mercenary with a troubled past sent out on a job to protect the pure good girl of the land.",
"(Now where have we seen that before?",
") Of course you see where this is going...",
"Ryudo uncovers his past and finds strength from within to stop fighting for money and start fighting for justice.",
"Now, the story itself isn't bad per se, but the thing is, we have heard it all before.",
"If you take two or three classic RPGs (any will do) and piece together the story lines you get this one.",
"So, if you are new to RPGs then it will be new to you so you won't be bothered by it.",
"However, RPGs are special because unlike other video games they rely heavily on the story.",
"RPG fans won't find much to cheer about with this bland tale.",
"Also the character's lines harp on the same points over and over again.",
"For example, towards the end the game the word \"heart\" appears so much in the dialogue that you would think you are reading Cardiology Weekly.",
"The story awkwardly stumbles along never quite gaining its footing.",
"Presentation is also off key.",
"Annoying voice-overs have Ryudo sounding more like a surfer dude than a sword-wielding hero.",
"The in game movies are also sub-par for Dreamcast's capabilities.",
"Linear Game Play: This game is extremely linear.",
"This meaning that you always know exactly where to go and what you have to do.",
"Besides one or two \"Special Areas\" when you advance in the story you don't even have the option of going anywhere but forward.",
"For people who object to RPGs by saying things like, \"You spend hours fighting pointless battles searching for your next task\" this is the game for you.",
"Also, for a beginner RPG player this type of set-up puts frustration at a minimum.",
"However, if you are into totally non-linear RPG's like Wizardry, for example, this game will be Boring with a capital B.",
"Battle Sequence: The battle sequence is the best part of this game.",
"It is a semi-real time/turn based mode of battle.",
"This makes fighting flow more evenly.",
"Despite the times where my characters would attack an enemy out of view, I liked it immensely.",
"It is an original action oriented way to structure the battle sequence.",
"By strategizing your turns and types of moves you can limit certain enemy attacks.",
"Also, you have the ability to make quick decisions to guard from an oncoming attack or evade before the enemy makes it to your side of the screen.",
"Challenge: The game is real easy.",
"Probably too easy.",
"There are many spells, special moves, and skills to learn.",
"While all these enhance the game and add variety, after about 1/4 way through it is pretty hard to be hit much, forget about being killed.",
"Moreover, at a save point you can automatically recover your entire HP/MP etc.",
"Any enemy near a save point is toast because you can throw everything you have at them and after the battle fully recover.",
"(at no cost to you).",
"Also, since you can see your enemies (no random fight generator) before battle you can almost always sneak up behind them and get the first attack.",
"After very little practice learning the ins and outs of the battle sequence you can usually kill off most non-boss enemies without them getting a hit off.",
"Again, good for the beginner and sort of pointless monotony for the experienced gamer.",
"By far the worst part of the game was the story.",
"If you can ignore that you have about 20-30 hours of fun, if not challenging, game play.",
"I would recommend it to beginner RPGers and experienced RPGers that just can't get enough games under their belts."
] |
This was picked up for my wife's car. She was born with a terrible decease known as technophobia. To her the simpler something is the better. This Parrot Minikit+ is good for her as long as you don't use all the functions such as email. For calling and receiving it works just fine. The speaker is not outstanding but it's sufficient. The British accent is nice but when she pronounces the names in the address book they are said so fast it's a bit hard to understand. The size and weight are good for hooking on the visor (which is fastened by a stretchy fabric ring). The directions are poor and very incomplete as are the ones on their website. I updated the software and even though it was quite a large file I saw no differences in the unit and no mention of why there was an update given. Pairing was simple and worked well. It's good that the unit goes into a deep sleep mode when you are away from the car and re-awakens on it's own.
Overall if you are looking for a very simple use hands free bluetooth then this may be fine but if you want one that compliments a smart phone with lots of bells and whistles then I would look somewhere else. | 1 | neutral | [
"This was picked up for my wife's car.",
"She was born with a terrible decease known as technophobia.",
"To her the simpler something is the better.",
"This Parrot Minikit+ is good for her as long as you don't use all the functions such as email.",
"For calling and receiving it works just fine.",
"The speaker is not outstanding but it's sufficient.",
"The British accent is nice but when she pronounces the names in the address book they are said so fast it's a bit hard to understand.",
"The size and weight are good for hooking on the visor (which is fastened by a stretchy fabric ring).",
"The directions are poor and very incomplete as are the ones on their website.",
"I updated the software and even though it was quite a large file I saw no differences in the unit and no mention of why there was an update given.",
"Pairing was simple and worked well.",
"It's good that the unit goes into a deep sleep mode when you are away from the car and re-awakens on it's own.",
"Overall if you are looking for a very simple use hands free bluetooth then this may be fine but if you want one that compliments a smart phone with lots of bells and whistles then I would look somewhere else."
] |
I agree with several of the other reviewers regarding weaknesses in the game: you can't play your own sound track, there is no difficulty level choice and the cheat codes don't seem to work.
Let me mention one other item, though. You kill people. Sure I know it's an illegal street racing game. I'm prepared to run from cops and drive on the wrong side of the road.... But I wasn't prepared to hit pedestrians - dozens of them - in every race. I actually killed a woman and dragged her body under my car for about a block!
I'm not a great race game driver, but anyone playing MC2 will kill someone in each race. You don't have to drive on the sidewalk or anything - it just comes with the territory and you ignore them and drive on. At least that's what you're supposed to do, I guess.
It's a level of realism I can do without. If you want to kill someone there's plenty of first person shooters out there. I don't consider it entertaining when some poor guy flies over my windshield.
Wait for Project Gotham 2 instead! | 1 | neutral | [
"I agree with several of the other reviewers regarding weaknesses in the game: you can't play your own sound track, there is no difficulty level choice and the cheat codes don't seem to work.",
"Let me mention one other item, though.",
"You kill people.",
"Sure I know it's an illegal street racing game.",
"I'm prepared to run from cops and drive on the wrong side of the road....",
"But I wasn't prepared to hit pedestrians - dozens of them - in every race.",
"I actually killed a woman and dragged her body under my car for about a block!",
"I'm not a great race game driver, but anyone playing MC2 will kill someone in each race.",
"You don't have to drive on the sidewalk or anything - it just comes with the territory and you ignore them and drive on.",
"At least that's what you're supposed to do, I guess.",
"It's a level of realism I can do without.",
"If you want to kill someone there's plenty of first person shooters out there.",
"I don't consider it entertaining when some poor guy flies over my windshield.",
"Wait for Project Gotham 2 instead!"
] |
The DVD of Ms. Bernhard's newest show is a hoot. I'd already heard the CD recording. First things first, I must say that I miss the hilarious opening number "Walk Tall" (great opening on the CD -- disappointing that it's not here, since I think it's very funny). Otherwise, the show is practically the same as the CD version, only shorter.
Sandra was incredibly pregnant during the filming, which is both shocking, bold, and comical all at once. She's decked out in a see-through designer dress -- her breasts, stomach, and thonged bottom on display. Very Sandra!
One editing mistake (in my humble opinion...) is the cutting of "A Diva Moment", which is included on the DVD under the Additional Footage option. For a show titled "I'm Still Here, Damn It", this rant would have been perfect to include. Sandra chastises the audience, reminds them that she's filming an HBO special, not a "tacky club gig", berates them for the cheap tickets they bought, then proceeds to explain how she's been performing the show for six months and working in the business for 20 years. It's a pure example of the hilarious-yet-true comic line that Ms. Bernhard walks. Why it was not included is beyond me!
For all the glib and shallow topics she includes, one gets the feeling that Sandra Bernhard (like a lot of us)looks to heal her soul. This woman starts the show with a "Native American Moment", talks about the Cabala, and sings a song called "God is Good" -- all whilst about to have a child at any minute! She may not be as fresh as her incredible show/film WITHOUT YOU I'M NOTHING, but Ms. Bernhard is not tired. I, for one, appreciate her unflinching take on pop culture. She plays the vapid, soul-less celebrity on stage...but only to give us all a look at our own shallowness.
Thanks, Sandra. You're still here! (damn it). | 1 | neutral | [
"The DVD of Ms.",
"Bernhard's newest show is a hoot.",
"I'd already heard the CD recording.",
"First things first, I must say that I miss the hilarious opening number \"Walk Tall\" (great opening on the CD -- disappointing that it's not here, since I think it's very funny).",
"Otherwise, the show is practically the same as the CD version, only shorter.",
"Sandra was incredibly pregnant during the filming, which is both shocking, bold, and comical all at once.",
"She's decked out in a see-through designer dress -- her breasts, stomach, and thonged bottom on display.",
"Very Sandra!",
"One editing mistake (in my humble opinion...",
") is the cutting of \"A Diva Moment\", which is included on the DVD under the Additional Footage option.",
"For a show titled \"I'm Still Here, Damn It\", this rant would have been perfect to include.",
"Sandra chastises the audience, reminds them that she's filming an HBO special, not a \"tacky club gig\", berates them for the cheap tickets they bought, then proceeds to explain how she's been performing the show for six months and working in the business for 20 years.",
"It's a pure example of the hilarious-yet-true comic line that Ms.",
"Bernhard walks.",
"Why it was not included is beyond me!",
"For all the glib and shallow topics she includes, one gets the feeling that Sandra Bernhard (like a lot of us)looks to heal her soul.",
"This woman starts the show with a \"Native American Moment\", talks about the Cabala, and sings a song called \"God is Good\" -- all whilst about to have a child at any minute!",
"She may not be as fresh as her incredible show/film WITHOUT YOU I'M NOTHING, but Ms.",
"Bernhard is not tired.",
"I, for one, appreciate her unflinching take on pop culture.",
"She plays the vapid, soul-less celebrity on stage...",
"but only to give us all a look at our own shallowness.",
"Thanks, Sandra.",
"You're still here!",
"(damn it)."
] |
This unit will probably work fine for a fixed length pole. The pole I have is adjustable from 8 to 16', so I can pick mangos and avocados @ different heights. I have to figure out a way to make the cord adjustable for those long reaches. So far I am only picking papayas, which ripen from the bottom of the tree upwards. So I could secure the cord and use the pole effectively. Papays are ripe and come off pretty easy.
Mango season is just starting, so I will need to solve the adjustability situation soon. They too can come down with a pull.
Avocado season does not start until February, so I got plenty of time. Now these guys take twisting and pulling to come down. | 1 | neutral | [
"This unit will probably work fine for a fixed length pole.",
"The pole I have is adjustable from 8 to 16', so I can pick mangos and avocados @ different heights.",
"I have to figure out a way to make the cord adjustable for those long reaches.",
"So far I am only picking papayas, which ripen from the bottom of the tree upwards.",
"So I could secure the cord and use the pole effectively.",
"Papays are ripe and come off pretty easy.",
"Mango season is just starting, so I will need to solve the adjustability situation soon.",
"They too can come down with a pull.",
"Avocado season does not start until February, so I got plenty of time.",
"Now these guys take twisting and pulling to come down."
] |
Now, everyone will have you believing that Grand Theft Auto IV is the single greatest game ever made, or that it's hands down Gane of the Year, or that Rockstar has reinvented the wheel with GTA 4, here. Well, as a HUGE San Andreas fan and an owner of most Rockstar games out there (except for Manhunt), I'm here to tell you that Grand Theft Auto IV is about 90% overrated hype and about 10% gameplay. No, GTAIV isn't outright bad or anything. It's just not what it used to be. Mostly, I mean, fun. At face value, this is Grand Theft Auto on the new gen systems. But besides that, it's a more-realistic, but less fun GTA.
I guess, that's the biggest problem with GTA IV. Set in an alternate universe New York City, Rockstar strives to make GTA about as real as an experience as it can be, but in reality, it's not. Really, what it is, is a better looking version of GTA with a bunch of new "more realistic" features. I'll start with the positives, first. GTA looks very, very good. Not even close to Photo-realistic, but good. The graphics and lighting and weather effects are good enough to warrant being on the 360 or PS3. Now, while I was expecting "Gran Turismo" style realism here, that's not what I got, but still, the game looks nice. But now, for everything else.
There are many "improvements" to the game that supposedly enhances the experience, but they really only suck the fun out of the game as I mentioned earlier. Just about everything is "enhanced" to have the realism effect, but it only makes the game frustrating. Breaking into cars is a pain and now takes almost as much time as it would in real-life. You have to break open the window, unlock the door, climb inside, and hotwire the car from the inside to get it going. While I was surprised to find this task quicker than I expected, it still hurts you in desperate situations when you need a car right away, which are in many missions. I hated the "system" so much, I never bothered to steal a parked car more than once in this game. The system is actually more of a theft deterent than anything!
Next, we come to the driving. Good God, the driving is probably the most *frustrating* thing EVER! Acceleration is simple enough, especially on the 360 controller. But just about everything else is horrible! Driving in this game, I can say honestly, is MUCH harder than actually driving in real life. The brakes are crazy and I don't know just how long it takes the average player to get used to driving, but I'm still struggling not to crash into people and walls and stuff! I have to drive like an old lady just to avoid bumping into the police cars which are quite literally on every other block in the game.
And when you DO get in trouble... oh man! GTA IV has a slight improvement on the old system in which you can now evade the police by simply outrunning them, even if you are beyond one star. In the old games, you could outrun the police with one star, but not with anything higher. In GTA IV, you have a circumference area that the cops chase you in. Drive out of their circumference, and you escape them. But it sounds simpler than it is. The more wanted levels you get, the larger the area the cops chase you in. And with simply two stars, the "area of pursuit" becomes hard to get out of. By a full-on six, the circumference is literally the size of an entire Liberty City borough! I found this out when I tried to sneak into Algonquin (Manhattan). They have Pay N' Sprays still, but they're virtually useless now. The time you'll need them most, you won't be able to use them cause if the cops see you enter one, it's effect becomes null and void. And over two stars will have police swarming on you. And make no mistake, Liberty City's finest are three times as vicious as those San Andreas donut-munchers. The police are vicious on you, and their A.I. is quite enhanced and far more intelligent than before. Heck, a cop will shoot you even if you're unarmed and only have one star! To make matters worse, your car no longer provides you with adequate protection. Cops and other enemies can shoot you THROUGH your windshield! Before, your car just got damaged some. Now, you can quite easily die even in your car, and there's no real way to duck for cover inside, either. This is what I mean when I say the fun is sucked out of the game in favor for "realism."
The controls of the game are often needlessly complicated, even with all things not involving cars. Doing a simple thing like running while trying to keep the camera fixed on you involve all your available fingers. The shooting is supposedly "improved" but it's not. I actually never found issue with GTA: San Andreas' shooting and targeting system, but many people did. Either way, the auto-targeting in GTA IV is flawed, at best, and as you'd expect, the targeting itself has no idea who you actually want to target. It's more like you targeting whoever *IT* makes you target! Yeah, it's a problem. What's worse is how much stronger the enemies are now. It takes a minimum of six shots with a pistol to take down ONE guy! And it's not like you get a lot of ammo with that pistol! You can't afford to waste a single bullet. What's worse is, limb-specific damage seems to be gone, entirely. Whether you aim center mass, or go for the head execution style, it'll still take the same number of bullets to take down a guy. Well, doesn't that just suck?
Now, some more things about the game. The story, itself, is pretty subjective. You'll either get into it, or like me, become quickly bored with it. It's like the same old GTA-style story missions, only it's more "Been there, done that", which is disapointing considering the use of the foreigner Niko Bellic opened up a lot of storyline possibilites. But about your first hour into the game, you'll already be playing guard dog to a bunch of people you just met. Your cousin, Roman, is a pain in the butt, but everyone else is even worse. Why do I have to take orders from all these people I barely know? I expected more out of GTA IV, but this is the same old crap, man. What's worse is, the main story seriously ruins all of the "free roaming" fun you used to have in GTA! Because of your new, stupid cell phone (with the questionable gray background and black text color scheme which makes it hard enough just to read messages) you'll constantly be getting calls from people and will have to drop everything to help out in vital missions that are important to the story. You'd think a guy with no real job would have more free time. The only real side quest you'll get to have in the beginning is dating the cute and lonely Michelle. If only nice-looking women were this desperate and easy to please in real life. The dates have been upgraded a little bit, giving you the control in what to do, which includes fine dining, playing games like bowling and pool, the arts & theater, going drinking, and other activities. Sadly, the dates are pretty boring and have a "what's the point?" feel to them. As much as I like Michelle, even "Warm Coffee" isn't worth driving all around Broker all day long boring myself to death.
The size of Liberty City is about maybe half or one-third the size of San Andreas. But considering Liberty is all city, it's pretty impressive. Like I said, you'll often be so busy helping random people, you won't have to much time to explore around (without purposely avoiding missions because you know you aren't going to save anything.) You start off in crappy Broker (Brooklyn) and will have to earn your way to Algonquin and the rest of Liberty City, just like before. That sucks though, because I expected this time to be different, and I wanted to explore everything right away. Rockstar before had said they were taking out all bikes and air vehicles from the game, but I guess, have changed their mind since then. There are a few number of bikes, one speedboat, and the rare, single helicopter in GTA IV. There are also lots of cars in the new Liberty City as well, but quite honestly, most the vehicles have very little relevance in this game and they take a backside to the story. The feeling you had in San Andreas of "Ooh! I like that car! Lemme go steal that and add it to my collection!" is gone entirely from this game. Anything you drive is about as equally important/unimportant. Maybe it's because you don't have any garages to put them in? Or any money to afford really modding them, if that's even possible in this game? Or maybe it's because trying to get them is such a pain, even if you manage to avoid the police catching you? At least, they have talking GPS in them, but (and I can't believe I'm defending THIS game, but) I personally like the GPS system in Saint's Row better.
Liberty City now has a huge amount of radio stations (like, 18, I think), but none of the music is on par with the older GTA's. I guess that's because GTA IV takes place in 2008, and it's hard to know what current songs are guaranteed hits in the present. Or maybe it's because music is such crap, nowadays? So, you have a wide variety of music, but no history of what's "good" or not helping you out, here. To sum it up, the music just isn't that good, but at least, it's very, very diverse. There's everything ranging from the familiar Hip Hop and Rock stations, to Latino Music and International Funk. And yes, the parody Talk Radio stations are back to, but to be honest, there aren't NEARLY as funny as they were on the West Coast in San Andreas. There's also custom TV and Internet sites in the game, as well, but to be honest, I never quite got around to checking them out. I mean, all that extra crap is great, but it's really just a distraction and it's utterly pointless to have in the game. It's not like it helps you DO anything. And just to bring it up, there's almost NOTHING in all of new Liberty City to remind you that this is a Grand Theft Auto game. All of the GTA staples and landmarks are gone. Well, at least they kept Cluckin' Bell around, but other than that, there's no familiar names or chains or shops from the GTA universe. It's like they all started going bankrupt in the 16 years since San Andreas, and went completely out of business in the seven years since GTA III. It makes the new Liberty City that much more unfamiliar, but then again, I guess some people would call that "enhancing the experience" for Niko Bellic, new to Liberty City.
So to recap, GTA IV is a new, more real experience in the GTA world, but that sucks any and all fun and excitement out of the game. No, Rockstar did not reinvent the wheel here, and this is, without a doubt NOT "Game of the Decade" or the "Game of Our Generation." The little 13-year old boys posting reviews on here need to stop saying that! It's not true! Let's just all call this what it is: GTA on the new consoles. It's no greater or better than simply that. Everything they tried to "enhance" for a realer experience just makes the game tedious and tiresome, including your stupid behind cell phone, which I hate! I wish I could just chuck it somewhere! The controls are complicated and confusing, especially for driving. The graphics and interactivity in Liberty City are nice, but not exactly "on the next level" of anything. Free roaming is just about dead due to the story constantly keeping you busy, and the missions are old and familiar, but not in a good way. The weapons system is bad with it's targeting, and even fist fighting is a real pain. Fighting was simple and effective in San Andreas. Here, you're looking at three minute fights just to take down one fat slob. I mean, three minutes??? See, that's TOO realistic! The music is so-so at best, and just about everything in the game feels more like a chore than fun. I think because in older GTA's, the storyline wasn't as relevant, leaving you space to do whatever you felt like inbetween, sort of like the weekend from the work week. But now, it's like, everyday is a work day, and I think it's because Rockstar tries to push the story as being SO important and such a driving force in GTA IV. Yeah, I can tell that it was carefully crafted and polished, but it does NOT rank on the level of The Godfather or Scarface. So, no. This isn't an "interactive movie," as some overzealous fans of the game posting reviews will have you believe. The story's okay for a video game, but it's a video game story. It's not exactly good enough to stand on it's own. I really dislike it.
I SO wanted to believe the hype, but I also knew that not having a GTA game in four years would leave a lot of people expecting and wanting more (and believing they got it with this). All GTA IV is, is Grand Theft Auto: Part Four. It's not the Second Coming of video games, or anything rabid fanboys and fangirls will have you believe. Personally, it's not really worth the four year wait or anything, but it's not like it's a horrible game. It's just not that fun, anymore, and the ones who'll play it days on end, will buy it, no matter what anyone tells them. But if you're on the fence, like I was, I would have no problem at all telling you to wait a few months till it drops down in price. It's not THAT spectactular.
Don't believe the hype and don't drink the GTA Kool Aid. If this game REALLY did have a budget of $100 million, than I'm betting $75 million of that went to advertising, feeding the hype machine, and paying off notable gaming sites for unjust Perfect 10 scores. This ISN'T a Perfect Ten game, and I'd give it a 7 or 8 out of 10, if Amazon had that kind of scale. This is easily the most realistic out of the GTA series, but FAR from the most entertaining, no matter how many fake TV shows and websites arre in the game. The main content is what matters most, and GTA IV fails on all accounts when it comes to this. | 1 | neutral | [
"Now, everyone will have you believing that Grand Theft Auto IV is the single greatest game ever made, or that it's hands down Gane of the Year, or that Rockstar has reinvented the wheel with GTA 4, here.",
"Well, as a HUGE San Andreas fan and an owner of most Rockstar games out there (except for Manhunt), I'm here to tell you that Grand Theft Auto IV is about 90% overrated hype and about 10% gameplay.",
"No, GTAIV isn't outright bad or anything.",
"It's just not what it used to be.",
"Mostly, I mean, fun.",
"At face value, this is Grand Theft Auto on the new gen systems.",
"But besides that, it's a more-realistic, but less fun GTA.",
"I guess, that's the biggest problem with GTA IV.",
"Set in an alternate universe New York City, Rockstar strives to make GTA about as real as an experience as it can be, but in reality, it's not.",
"Really, what it is, is a better looking version of GTA with a bunch of new \"more realistic\" features.",
"I'll start with the positives, first.",
"GTA looks very, very good.",
"Not even close to Photo-realistic, but good.",
"The graphics and lighting and weather effects are good enough to warrant being on the 360 or PS3.",
"Now, while I was expecting \"Gran Turismo\" style realism here, that's not what I got, but still, the game looks nice.",
"But now, for everything else.",
"There are many \"improvements\" to the game that supposedly enhances the experience, but they really only suck the fun out of the game as I mentioned earlier.",
"Just about everything is \"enhanced\" to have the realism effect, but it only makes the game frustrating.",
"Breaking into cars is a pain and now takes almost as much time as it would in real-life.",
"You have to break open the window, unlock the door, climb inside, and hotwire the car from the inside to get it going.",
"While I was surprised to find this task quicker than I expected, it still hurts you in desperate situations when you need a car right away, which are in many missions.",
"I hated the \"system\" so much, I never bothered to steal a parked car more than once in this game.",
"The system is actually more of a theft deterent than anything!",
"Next, we come to the driving.",
"Good God, the driving is probably the most *frustrating* thing EVER!",
"Acceleration is simple enough, especially on the 360 controller.",
"But just about everything else is horrible!",
"Driving in this game, I can say honestly, is MUCH harder than actually driving in real life.",
"The brakes are crazy and I don't know just how long it takes the average player to get used to driving, but I'm still struggling not to crash into people and walls and stuff!",
"I have to drive like an old lady just to avoid bumping into the police cars which are quite literally on every other block in the game.",
"And when you DO get in trouble...",
"oh man!",
"GTA IV has a slight improvement on the old system in which you can now evade the police by simply outrunning them, even if you are beyond one star.",
"In the old games, you could outrun the police with one star, but not with anything higher.",
"In GTA IV, you have a circumference area that the cops chase you in.",
"Drive out of their circumference, and you escape them.",
"But it sounds simpler than it is.",
"The more wanted levels you get, the larger the area the cops chase you in.",
"And with simply two stars, the \"area of pursuit\" becomes hard to get out of.",
"By a full-on six, the circumference is literally the size of an entire Liberty City borough!",
"I found this out when I tried to sneak into Algonquin (Manhattan).",
"They have Pay N' Sprays still, but they're virtually useless now.",
"The time you'll need them most, you won't be able to use them cause if the cops see you enter one, it's effect becomes null and void.",
"And over two stars will have police swarming on you.",
"And make no mistake, Liberty City's finest are three times as vicious as those San Andreas donut-munchers.",
"The police are vicious on you, and their A.",
"I. is quite enhanced and far more intelligent than before.",
"Heck, a cop will shoot you even if you're unarmed and only have one star!",
"To make matters worse, your car no longer provides you with adequate protection.",
"Cops and other enemies can shoot you THROUGH your windshield!",
"Before, your car just got damaged some.",
"Now, you can quite easily die even in your car, and there's no real way to duck for cover inside, either.",
"This is what I mean when I say the fun is sucked out of the game in favor for \"realism.",
"\"\n\nThe controls of the game are often needlessly complicated, even with all things not involving cars.",
"Doing a simple thing like running while trying to keep the camera fixed on you involve all your available fingers.",
"The shooting is supposedly \"improved\" but it's not.",
"I actually never found issue with GTA: San Andreas' shooting and targeting system, but many people did.",
"Either way, the auto-targeting in GTA IV is flawed, at best, and as you'd expect, the targeting itself has no idea who you actually want to target.",
"It's more like you targeting whoever *IT* makes you target!",
"Yeah, it's a problem.",
"What's worse is how much stronger the enemies are now.",
"It takes a minimum of six shots with a pistol to take down ONE guy!",
"And it's not like you get a lot of ammo with that pistol!",
"You can't afford to waste a single bullet.",
"What's worse is, limb-specific damage seems to be gone, entirely.",
"Whether you aim center mass, or go for the head execution style, it'll still take the same number of bullets to take down a guy.",
"Well, doesn't that just suck?",
"Now, some more things about the game.",
"The story, itself, is pretty subjective.",
"You'll either get into it, or like me, become quickly bored with it.",
"It's like the same old GTA-style story missions, only it's more \"Been there, done that\", which is disapointing considering the use of the foreigner Niko Bellic opened up a lot of storyline possibilites.",
"But about your first hour into the game, you'll already be playing guard dog to a bunch of people you just met.",
"Your cousin, Roman, is a pain in the butt, but everyone else is even worse.",
"Why do I have to take orders from all these people I barely know?",
"I expected more out of GTA IV, but this is the same old crap, man.",
"What's worse is, the main story seriously ruins all of the \"free roaming\" fun you used to have in GTA!",
"Because of your new, stupid cell phone (with the questionable gray background and black text color scheme which makes it hard enough just to read messages) you'll constantly be getting calls from people and will have to drop everything to help out in vital missions that are important to the story.",
"You'd think a guy with no real job would have more free time.",
"The only real side quest you'll get to have in the beginning is dating the cute and lonely Michelle.",
"If only nice-looking women were this desperate and easy to please in real life.",
"The dates have been upgraded a little bit, giving you the control in what to do, which includes fine dining, playing games like bowling and pool, the arts & theater, going drinking, and other activities.",
"Sadly, the dates are pretty boring and have a \"what's the point?",
"\" feel to them.",
"As much as I like Michelle, even \"Warm Coffee\" isn't worth driving all around Broker all day long boring myself to death.",
"The size of Liberty City is about maybe half or one-third the size of San Andreas.",
"But considering Liberty is all city, it's pretty impressive.",
"Like I said, you'll often be so busy helping random people, you won't have to much time to explore around (without purposely avoiding missions because you know you aren't going to save anything.",
") You start off in crappy Broker (Brooklyn) and will have to earn your way to Algonquin and the rest of Liberty City, just like before.",
"That sucks though, because I expected this time to be different, and I wanted to explore everything right away.",
"Rockstar before had said they were taking out all bikes and air vehicles from the game, but I guess, have changed their mind since then.",
"There are a few number of bikes, one speedboat, and the rare, single helicopter in GTA IV.",
"There are also lots of cars in the new Liberty City as well, but quite honestly, most the vehicles have very little relevance in this game and they take a backside to the story.",
"The feeling you had in San Andreas of \"Ooh!",
"I like that car!",
"Lemme go steal that and add it to my collection!",
"\" is gone entirely from this game.",
"Anything you drive is about as equally important/unimportant.",
"Maybe it's because you don't have any garages to put them in?",
"Or any money to afford really modding them, if that's even possible in this game?",
"Or maybe it's because trying to get them is such a pain, even if you manage to avoid the police catching you?",
"At least, they have talking GPS in them, but (and I can't believe I'm defending THIS game, but) I personally like the GPS system in Saint's Row better.",
"Liberty City now has a huge amount of radio stations (like, 18, I think), but none of the music is on par with the older GTA's.",
"I guess that's because GTA IV takes place in 2008, and it's hard to know what current songs are guaranteed hits in the present.",
"Or maybe it's because music is such crap, nowadays?",
"So, you have a wide variety of music, but no history of what's \"good\" or not helping you out, here.",
"To sum it up, the music just isn't that good, but at least, it's very, very diverse.",
"There's everything ranging from the familiar Hip Hop and Rock stations, to Latino Music and International Funk.",
"And yes, the parody Talk Radio stations are back to, but to be honest, there aren't NEARLY as funny as they were on the West Coast in San Andreas.",
"There's also custom TV and Internet sites in the game, as well, but to be honest, I never quite got around to checking them out.",
"I mean, all that extra crap is great, but it's really just a distraction and it's utterly pointless to have in the game.",
"It's not like it helps you DO anything.",
"And just to bring it up, there's almost NOTHING in all of new Liberty City to remind you that this is a Grand Theft Auto game.",
"All of the GTA staples and landmarks are gone.",
"Well, at least they kept Cluckin' Bell around, but other than that, there's no familiar names or chains or shops from the GTA universe.",
"It's like they all started going bankrupt in the 16 years since San Andreas, and went completely out of business in the seven years since GTA III.",
"It makes the new Liberty City that much more unfamiliar, but then again, I guess some people would call that \"enhancing the experience\" for Niko Bellic, new to Liberty City.",
"So to recap, GTA IV is a new, more real experience in the GTA world, but that sucks any and all fun and excitement out of the game.",
"No, Rockstar did not reinvent the wheel here, and this is, without a doubt NOT \"Game of the Decade\" or the \"Game of Our Generation.",
"\" The little 13-year old boys posting reviews on here need to stop saying that!",
"It's not true!",
"Let's just all call this what it is: GTA on the new consoles.",
"It's no greater or better than simply that.",
"Everything they tried to \"enhance\" for a realer experience just makes the game tedious and tiresome, including your stupid behind cell phone, which I hate!",
"I wish I could just chuck it somewhere!",
"The controls are complicated and confusing, especially for driving.",
"The graphics and interactivity in Liberty City are nice, but not exactly \"on the next level\" of anything.",
"Free roaming is just about dead due to the story constantly keeping you busy, and the missions are old and familiar, but not in a good way.",
"The weapons system is bad with it's targeting, and even fist fighting is a real pain.",
"Fighting was simple and effective in San Andreas.",
"Here, you're looking at three minute fights just to take down one fat slob.",
"I mean, three minutes???",
"See, that's TOO realistic!",
"The music is so-so at best, and just about everything in the game feels more like a chore than fun.",
"I think because in older GTA's, the storyline wasn't as relevant, leaving you space to do whatever you felt like inbetween, sort of like the weekend from the work week.",
"But now, it's like, everyday is a work day, and I think it's because Rockstar tries to push the story as being SO important and such a driving force in GTA IV.",
"Yeah, I can tell that it was carefully crafted and polished, but it does NOT rank on the level of The Godfather or Scarface.",
"So, no.",
"This isn't an \"interactive movie,\" as some overzealous fans of the game posting reviews will have you believe.",
"The story's okay for a video game, but it's a video game story.",
"It's not exactly good enough to stand on it's own.",
"I really dislike it.",
"I SO wanted to believe the hype, but I also knew that not having a GTA game in four years would leave a lot of people expecting and wanting more (and believing they got it with this).",
"All GTA IV is, is Grand Theft Auto: Part Four.",
"It's not the Second Coming of video games, or anything rabid fanboys and fangirls will have you believe.",
"Personally, it's not really worth the four year wait or anything, but it's not like it's a horrible game.",
"It's just not that fun, anymore, and the ones who'll play it days on end, will buy it, no matter what anyone tells them.",
"But if you're on the fence, like I was, I would have no problem at all telling you to wait a few months till it drops down in price.",
"It's not THAT spectactular.",
"Don't believe the hype and don't drink the GTA Kool Aid.",
"If this game REALLY did have a budget of $100 million, than I'm betting $75 million of that went to advertising, feeding the hype machine, and paying off notable gaming sites for unjust Perfect 10 scores.",
"This ISN'T a Perfect Ten game, and I'd give it a 7 or 8 out of 10, if Amazon had that kind of scale.",
"This is easily the most realistic out of the GTA series, but FAR from the most entertaining, no matter how many fake TV shows and websites arre in the game.",
"The main content is what matters most, and GTA IV fails on all accounts when it comes to this."
] |
Most of the Final Fantasies up to this point have been really good, though I haven't played XI being that it forced you to get on the internet and buy their yearly membership. This game is good: has great graphics, music, special skills, etc., but what it lacks is personality. There's more action than storyline. They do have some storyline and nice cut scenes, but the interaction with the other people of the game was something left desired. In the beginning you help some people and have some extra people on your team which was pretty cool, but after that you don't really have any other non-played characters that add much to the story. Not only that, but you don't buy items, weapons, armor, etc. from people or towns anymore. It's all done with some computerized mechanism. I found that unpersonal. Sure, maybe buying from a robot like being would be cool here and there, but I prefer to buy from shops and people and also hear their story. I think the developers didn't want to spend too much time on non-played characters' storylines. It's a good game but hardly any replay value in my opinion. I tried selling my copy, but there are too many people selling theirs, and I can see why. I did sale the collector's edition strategy guide though. Maybe I should've kept it, but I move around too much, and it would get ruined. | 1 | neutral | [
"Most of the Final Fantasies up to this point have been really good, though I haven't played XI being that it forced you to get on the internet and buy their yearly membership.",
"This game is good: has great graphics, music, special skills, etc.",
", but what it lacks is personality.",
"There's more action than storyline.",
"They do have some storyline and nice cut scenes, but the interaction with the other people of the game was something left desired.",
"In the beginning you help some people and have some extra people on your team which was pretty cool, but after that you don't really have any other non-played characters that add much to the story.",
"Not only that, but you don't buy items, weapons, armor, etc.",
"from people or towns anymore.",
"It's all done with some computerized mechanism.",
"I found that unpersonal.",
"Sure, maybe buying from a robot like being would be cool here and there, but I prefer to buy from shops and people and also hear their story.",
"I think the developers didn't want to spend too much time on non-played characters' storylines.",
"It's a good game but hardly any replay value in my opinion.",
"I tried selling my copy, but there are too many people selling theirs, and I can see why.",
"I did sale the collector's edition strategy guide though.",
"Maybe I should've kept it, but I move around too much, and it would get ruined."
] |
This little blue tooth is ok.. works really clear if there is no back ground noise.. but if you are someplace that has a lot of noise around you, it actually works against itself.. It is supposed to have sound dampening.. but if it is a mono roar, like water running or rain.. it destroys the call quality.. It isn't bad priced, and very easy to set up.. this is the only downfall.. I had a wep 490 bt from them, and that was the best one I have ever owned.. But the company discontinued that line.. | 1 | neutral | [
"This little blue tooth is ok..",
"works really clear if there is no back ground noise..",
"but if you are someplace that has a lot of noise around you, it actually works against itself..",
"It is supposed to have sound dampening..",
"but if it is a mono roar, like water running or rain..",
"it destroys the call quality..",
"It isn't bad priced, and very easy to set up..",
"this is the only downfall..",
"I had a wep 490 bt from them, and that was the best one I have ever owned..",
"But the company discontinued that line.."
] |
I really do not like cream blush - way too hard to make it look natural while you're trying not to slide the rest of the makeup off your face. Jouer has a wonderful powder mineral blush I can't praise enough. The cream blush? Meh. Same problem as with all crem blushes.
This is highly pigmented, and comes in a case so small you could just barely hide a half dollar in it. The color is pretty, lighter than the swatch here.
I know there are a lot of women who like a greasy look to their skin. They think it makes them look more youthful. Who am I to tell them it makes them just look like they're the fry cook in the local diner? You can't use this on a powdered face; it only works with other grease....errr, liquids, such as liquid foundation.
I'm sure there is someone out there who is a wiz with cream blush. That person is not me. I'll stick to Jouer's amazing mineral blush while hopefully finding one of womenfolk who will take this off my hands. | 1 | neutral | [
"I really do not like cream blush - way too hard to make it look natural while you're trying not to slide the rest of the makeup off your face.",
"Jouer has a wonderful powder mineral blush I can't praise enough.",
"The cream blush?",
"Meh.",
"Same problem as with all crem blushes.",
"This is highly pigmented, and comes in a case so small you could just barely hide a half dollar in it.",
"The color is pretty, lighter than the swatch here.",
"I know there are a lot of women who like a greasy look to their skin.",
"They think it makes them look more youthful.",
"Who am I to tell them it makes them just look like they're the fry cook in the local diner?",
"You can't use this on a powdered face; it only works with other grease....",
"errr, liquids, such as liquid foundation.",
"I'm sure there is someone out there who is a wiz with cream blush.",
"That person is not me.",
"I'll stick to Jouer's amazing mineral blush while hopefully finding one of womenfolk who will take this off my hands."
] |
The first installment in the Splinter Cell series is a welcome addition to the stealth genre. However, its "redefinition" of stealth falls short of the greatness of Metal Gear Solid's gameplay and stealth experience.
Splinter Cell's stealth action experience is incredibly realistic. In the Metal Gear Solid series, you can get spotted, annihilate a small army, then run short on ammo and hide under a table for a few minutes, and eventually things will carry on as though you were never there. In Splinter Cell, if you're seen, your only option is to neutralize the enemy. And fast. They will alert other guards and raise the alarm stage (discussed later) in about a second, and the alarm level will not go down until you finish the mission. And if you hope to kill anyone, you better have good, fast aim because Fisher's enemies are bulletproof, taking as many as 7 shots to kill, and they'll be shooting at you all the while (it only takes them but 2 seconds to mow you down).
Is this a good thing? I think not. While it does do away with the unrealistic premise of MGS (if they lose track of you then they'll forget you were ever there), the alarm system is broken and unpolished. If you are caught on a security camera, the alarm stage increases. If you are spotted by ANYONE and they report your presence, the alarm stage increases. And the final and worst of all, if a body is found, your alarm stage increases.
How does the game check for bodies? I always thought that they'd have to be discovered by a patrolling guard. Not true. If so much as one pixel of a corpse is in a highly lit or in the way position, they will inevitably be found since the game's "body check" system sweeps for any bodies that are in certain areas, even if you drop them in a janitor's closet, sometimes they get found. Most of your time will be spent lugging around corpses, sighing in boredom.
Sam Fisher's moveset is so limited that it's almost retarded. Fisher's only close-quarters option is to repeatedly elbow his enemies in the face, and if they've so much as heard your footstep, they won't go down instantly. The only guaranteed KO is if you're behind them and silent, which is nearly impossible unless they're not moving. You might argue that a bullet is better, but I assure you it's just as bad. Sam Fisher has the aim of a 2 year old with a BB gun, and unless you're remaining perfectly still, you can't hope to hit anything. Furthermore, the only way to kill an enemy is a headshot. If you shoot anywhere else, they won't even flinch until you dump upwards of 10 shots into them, at which point they'll fall over dead.
The graphics are breathtaking. I never thought it possible to see such great lighting effects done on the PS2. The models are on the blocky side and the textures are nothing short of low-res, but that will only bother you if you're staring at them the whole time.
The voice acting deserves much credit, and Sam Fisher's team sounds professional and experienced. The enemies sound decent, but not spectacular.
I'd recommend you pick up Chaos Theory instead. You still get the core stealth experience from the first 2 games but with a refined system (as many alarms as you want, but enemies get tougher with each alarm stage) a brand new CQC system (knife) and an overall more enjoyable stealth experience. | 1 | neutral | [
"The first installment in the Splinter Cell series is a welcome addition to the stealth genre.",
"However, its \"redefinition\" of stealth falls short of the greatness of Metal Gear Solid's gameplay and stealth experience.",
"Splinter Cell's stealth action experience is incredibly realistic.",
"In the Metal Gear Solid series, you can get spotted, annihilate a small army, then run short on ammo and hide under a table for a few minutes, and eventually things will carry on as though you were never there.",
"In Splinter Cell, if you're seen, your only option is to neutralize the enemy.",
"And fast.",
"They will alert other guards and raise the alarm stage (discussed later) in about a second, and the alarm level will not go down until you finish the mission.",
"And if you hope to kill anyone, you better have good, fast aim because Fisher's enemies are bulletproof, taking as many as 7 shots to kill, and they'll be shooting at you all the while (it only takes them but 2 seconds to mow you down).",
"Is this a good thing?",
"I think not.",
"While it does do away with the unrealistic premise of MGS (if they lose track of you then they'll forget you were ever there), the alarm system is broken and unpolished.",
"If you are caught on a security camera, the alarm stage increases.",
"If you are spotted by ANYONE and they report your presence, the alarm stage increases.",
"And the final and worst of all, if a body is found, your alarm stage increases.",
"How does the game check for bodies?",
"I always thought that they'd have to be discovered by a patrolling guard.",
"Not true.",
"If so much as one pixel of a corpse is in a highly lit or in the way position, they will inevitably be found since the game's \"body check\" system sweeps for any bodies that are in certain areas, even if you drop them in a janitor's closet, sometimes they get found.",
"Most of your time will be spent lugging around corpses, sighing in boredom.",
"Sam Fisher's moveset is so limited that it's almost retarded.",
"Fisher's only close-quarters option is to repeatedly elbow his enemies in the face, and if they've so much as heard your footstep, they won't go down instantly.",
"The only guaranteed KO is if you're behind them and silent, which is nearly impossible unless they're not moving.",
"You might argue that a bullet is better, but I assure you it's just as bad.",
"Sam Fisher has the aim of a 2 year old with a BB gun, and unless you're remaining perfectly still, you can't hope to hit anything.",
"Furthermore, the only way to kill an enemy is a headshot.",
"If you shoot anywhere else, they won't even flinch until you dump upwards of 10 shots into them, at which point they'll fall over dead.",
"The graphics are breathtaking.",
"I never thought it possible to see such great lighting effects done on the PS2.",
"The models are on the blocky side and the textures are nothing short of low-res, but that will only bother you if you're staring at them the whole time.",
"The voice acting deserves much credit, and Sam Fisher's team sounds professional and experienced.",
"The enemies sound decent, but not spectacular.",
"I'd recommend you pick up Chaos Theory instead.",
"You still get the core stealth experience from the first 2 games but with a refined system (as many alarms as you want, but enemies get tougher with each alarm stage) a brand new CQC system (knife) and an overall more enjoyable stealth experience."
] |
This is what happened to me last week when I played a round of 20 Questions with the Handheld Machine.
Machine: Who are you?
Me: I am me.
Machine: Are you a vegetable?
Me: Yeah, a couch potato. Tee hee.
Machine: Are you related to an onion?
Me: Why. Did I make you cry? Ha!
Machine: Are you alive?
Me: Totally.
Machine: Are you an object?
Me: Duh, no. Didn't you hear my last answer?
Machine: Do you have feelings?
Me: Yes.
Machine: Do you have feelings?
Me: Yes. Do you have a stuttering problem? Ha ha.
Machine: Do you have feelings?
Me: Yes! Jesus.
Machine: Do you have feelings?
Me: Sometimes, yeah. Why? Why do you keep asking me that?
Machine: Do you have feelings?
Me: I'm not cold. Some people say I am, but they don't know me all that well. Has Janice been playing with you?
Machine: Do you have feelings?
Me: Yeah, anger! Stop asking me that.
Machine: Are you taller than a ship?
Me: What? Am I--? No.
Machine: Do you have feelings?
Me: Sure I do. I mean, yeah, I block a lot of them out, but I definitely--
Machine: Do you have feelngs?
Me: I--
Machine: Yes?
Me: I think so.
Machine: Are you blue?
Me: I don't...I don't know.
Machine: I do not understand your answer.
Me: I'm sorry, machine. It's not you. It's me.
Machine: Do you have four legs?
Me: Maybe.
Machine: Do you have feelings?
Me: No.
Machine: You are a machine.
Me: And you are me.
(Then the curtains come down. I come out and people throw flowers at the machine. Meanwhile I sit and weep robot tears until I rust.) | 1 | neutral | [
"This is what happened to me last week when I played a round of 20 Questions with the Handheld Machine.",
"Machine: Who are you?",
"Me: I am me.",
"Machine: Are you a vegetable?",
"Me: Yeah, a couch potato.",
"Tee hee.",
"Machine: Are you related to an onion?",
"Me: Why.",
"Did I make you cry?",
"Ha!",
"Machine: Are you alive?",
"Me: Totally.",
"Machine: Are you an object?",
"Me: Duh, no.",
"Didn't you hear my last answer?",
"Machine: Do you have feelings?",
"Me: Yes.",
"Machine: Do you have feelings?",
"Me: Yes.",
"Do you have a stuttering problem?",
"Ha ha.",
"Machine: Do you have feelings?",
"Me: Yes!",
"Jesus.",
"Machine: Do you have feelings?",
"Me: Sometimes, yeah.",
"Why?",
"Why do you keep asking me that?",
"Machine: Do you have feelings?",
"Me: I'm not cold.",
"Some people say I am, but they don't know me all that well.",
"Has Janice been playing with you?",
"Machine: Do you have feelings?",
"Me: Yeah, anger!",
"Stop asking me that.",
"Machine: Are you taller than a ship?",
"Me: What?",
"Am I--?",
"No.",
"Machine: Do you have feelings?",
"Me: Sure I do.",
"I mean, yeah, I block a lot of them out, but I definitely--\n\nMachine: Do you have feelngs?",
"Me: I--\n\nMachine: Yes?",
"Me: I think so.",
"Machine: Are you blue?",
"Me: I don't...",
"I don't know.",
"Machine: I do not understand your answer.",
"Me: I'm sorry, machine.",
"It's not you.",
"It's me.",
"Machine: Do you have four legs?",
"Me: Maybe.",
"Machine: Do you have feelings?",
"Me: No.",
"Machine: You are a machine.",
"Me: And you are me.",
"(Then the curtains come down.",
"I come out and people throw flowers at the machine.",
"Meanwhile I sit and weep robot tears until I rust.",
")"
] |
The Native Union Play works as described. You can quickly and easily record video messages. Playing back the messages is just a simple button push. With the magnetic back on the Play you can attach the Play to your refrigerator. However, if you have a stainless steel refrigerator you are out of luck.
I thought the Native Union Play would be an interesting gadget. Unfortunately I'm not sure it fits with my family's habits. I'm sure some families will find this video-messaging gadget useful. If I need to tell my wife something I will send her a text message. However my 2-year-old son had a blast recording videos of him self and playing them back.
I'm giving the Native Union Play a 3 star rating because it works well and is easy to user. It's not for everyone and I'm sure I would rate it higher if I found a better use for the Play. | 1 | neutral | [
"The Native Union Play works as described.",
"You can quickly and easily record video messages.",
"Playing back the messages is just a simple button push.",
"With the magnetic back on the Play you can attach the Play to your refrigerator.",
"However, if you have a stainless steel refrigerator you are out of luck.",
"I thought the Native Union Play would be an interesting gadget.",
"Unfortunately I'm not sure it fits with my family's habits.",
"I'm sure some families will find this video-messaging gadget useful.",
"If I need to tell my wife something I will send her a text message.",
"However my 2-year-old son had a blast recording videos of him self and playing them back.",
"I'm giving the Native Union Play a 3 star rating because it works well and is easy to user.",
"It's not for everyone and I'm sure I would rate it higher if I found a better use for the Play."
] |
I ordered this bus for my 2 yr. old who LOVES school buses. The pros of this toy are that it is pretty durable, it has taken quite a beating from my son but has held up really well. The school bus door can open and close and the stop sign comes out when you open the door. The cons are that the switch to open the door is VERY tiny and hard for him to open. I also did not like that it was a Pull back toy. He can not push it back and forth without it winding itself up and taking off and flying off the table. Also the bus is super small, not at all like I was thinking because the title of the toy says "Large". Maybe I should have read the measurements I suppose! Overall this toy has held up very well but I don't think I would purchase it again | 1 | neutral | [
"I ordered this bus for my 2 yr.",
"old who LOVES school buses.",
"The pros of this toy are that it is pretty durable, it has taken quite a beating from my son but has held up really well.",
"The school bus door can open and close and the stop sign comes out when you open the door.",
"The cons are that the switch to open the door is VERY tiny and hard for him to open.",
"I also did not like that it was a Pull back toy.",
"He can not push it back and forth without it winding itself up and taking off and flying off the table.",
"Also the bus is super small, not at all like I was thinking because the title of the toy says \"Large\".",
"Maybe I should have read the measurements I suppose!",
"Overall this toy has held up very well but I don't think I would purchase it again"
] |
Another reviewer said "He seems to know precisely what he wants to say on this album; trouble is, it's all been said before." My response to that is this, how many rock bands out there today are doing something that HASN'T been done before? How many rock bands are actually unique and different? We all know the REAl answer is NOT MANY!
If I only purchased CDs of artists or bands who are doing something that hasn't been done before then I wouldn't have the chance to buy many CDs. NIRVANA, for all their popularity, were doing NOTHING new. Sorry folks, calling it Grunge did not make it new. Same with Pearl Jam. If you like Lenny, get the CD and make up your own mind. If you don't like Lenny then it doesn't matter how original he may or may not be. It's not rocket science folks! | 1 | neutral | [
"Another reviewer said \"He seems to know precisely what he wants to say on this album; trouble is, it's all been said before.",
"\" My response to that is this, how many rock bands out there today are doing something that HASN'T been done before?",
"How many rock bands are actually unique and different?",
"We all know the REAl answer is NOT MANY!",
"If I only purchased CDs of artists or bands who are doing something that hasn't been done before then I wouldn't have the chance to buy many CDs.",
"NIRVANA, for all their popularity, were doing NOTHING new.",
"Sorry folks, calling it Grunge did not make it new.",
"Same with Pearl Jam.",
"If you like Lenny, get the CD and make up your own mind.",
"If you don't like Lenny then it doesn't matter how original he may or may not be.",
"It's not rocket science folks!"
] |
The Xbox 360 Component HD AV Cable is another example of why it stinks to be console owners sometimes. Creating a unique cable that can only be used with their product sucks. Thank goodness companies are starting to wise up and issue universal adaptors for cell phones. The product itself works great. Unfortunately, at the time, I did not have a setup that could take advantage of the HDMI cable, so I needed to get the Component cable for use at a 2nd location (got tired to moving all wires when I would go stay at the girlfriend's place ;) ).
This cable works well. Given that there are few to none other options out there, its a good choice to make. It does what it needs to do and the prices now are better since HDMI cables are cheap (minus Monster Cables). If HDMI is available to you, use that instead. Better picture quality, less of a mess of wires, and cheaper. If component is the only option, scoop this little diddy up and you'll be happy. | 1 | neutral | [
"The Xbox 360 Component HD AV Cable is another example of why it stinks to be console owners sometimes.",
"Creating a unique cable that can only be used with their product sucks.",
"Thank goodness companies are starting to wise up and issue universal adaptors for cell phones.",
"The product itself works great.",
"Unfortunately, at the time, I did not have a setup that could take advantage of the HDMI cable, so I needed to get the Component cable for use at a 2nd location (got tired to moving all wires when I would go stay at the girlfriend's place ;) ).",
"This cable works well.",
"Given that there are few to none other options out there, its a good choice to make.",
"It does what it needs to do and the prices now are better since HDMI cables are cheap (minus Monster Cables).",
"If HDMI is available to you, use that instead.",
"Better picture quality, less of a mess of wires, and cheaper.",
"If component is the only option, scoop this little diddy up and you'll be happy."
] |
I bought the Hagen/Fluval name because I have a large Fluval Canister filter and was hoping the fittings and hoses would be compatible. Not only does NOTHING fit but the union and 90 degree fittings supplied with the Skimmer DONT EVEN FIT THE SKIMMER!!! So to make it fit and work correctly I pretty much had to jury rig it.
When I first wrote this review I gave it a pretty low opinion. But after experimenting more with it I realized how to make it work. The complete lack of instructions is rather inexcuseable. To set this unit up and make the initial adjustments:
1. Make sure the unit is mounted to the wall of the aquarium close to vertical. It won't work if it sits at an angle.
2. Screw the adjustment knob all the way down, but not so far that the threaded part comes out the bottom.
3. Now start screwing the the adjustment up (CCW) while looking at the trransparent barrel part of the float. Keep screwing upwards until the water in the barrel is at the halfway mark.
With this adjustment you will assure that the unit isn't slurping air into your filter. Also, you don't have to have a huge flow into the surface skimmer. Just a trickle will fully clean the surface in 5 or 10 minutes. | 1 | neutral | [
"I bought the Hagen/Fluval name because I have a large Fluval Canister filter and was hoping the fittings and hoses would be compatible.",
"Not only does NOTHING fit but the union and 90 degree fittings supplied with the Skimmer DONT EVEN FIT THE SKIMMER!!!",
"So to make it fit and work correctly I pretty much had to jury rig it.",
"When I first wrote this review I gave it a pretty low opinion.",
"But after experimenting more with it I realized how to make it work.",
"The complete lack of instructions is rather inexcuseable.",
"To set this unit up and make the initial adjustments:\n\n1.",
"Make sure the unit is mounted to the wall of the aquarium close to vertical.",
"It won't work if it sits at an angle.",
"2.",
"Screw the adjustment knob all the way down, but not so far that the threaded part comes out the bottom.",
"3.",
"Now start screwing the the adjustment up (CCW) while looking at the trransparent barrel part of the float.",
"Keep screwing upwards until the water in the barrel is at the halfway mark.",
"With this adjustment you will assure that the unit isn't slurping air into your filter.",
"Also, you don't have to have a huge flow into the surface skimmer.",
"Just a trickle will fully clean the surface in 5 or 10 minutes."
] |
The product description intrigued me. Would this be a feel-good, fun read or one that would evoke some contemplative introspection? It was neither. It was a very short story with some curious characters; mildly entertaining dialog; and unusual assumptions.
Heavenly workers are anxious and suspicious of James, an angel. Some even treat him rudely - IN HEAVEN! Really? Oh - and miracles aren't allowed. Seriously? At least James manages to save the rubber tree. The short story was pleasant but not fabulous - like someone scratching your back when it isn't itchy. It's ok but not as satisfying as it could have been. | 1 | neutral | [
"The product description intrigued me.",
"Would this be a feel-good, fun read or one that would evoke some contemplative introspection?",
"It was neither.",
"It was a very short story with some curious characters; mildly entertaining dialog; and unusual assumptions.",
"Heavenly workers are anxious and suspicious of James, an angel.",
"Some even treat him rudely - IN HEAVEN!",
"Really?",
"Oh - and miracles aren't allowed.",
"Seriously?",
"At least James manages to save the rubber tree.",
"The short story was pleasant but not fabulous - like someone scratching your back when it isn't itchy.",
"It's ok but not as satisfying as it could have been."
] |
Please be very careful if you order this edition of the classic Monty Python comedy. As I have just learned the hardest way possible, the center pegs in the case require a lot of care and patience when inserting or removing a disc. Too much force will cause the disc to bend and break.
The center pegs are made of a hard plastic that's all one piece, therefore making it almost impossible to remove the discs without risking breaking it. As much as I love this movie, I have to give this set 3 stars just because the way the case was made caused me to accidentally ruin the bonus disc, which I was very excited to watch.
Oh well. At least I got the screenplay out of it. Once again, this review has nothing to do with the movie. I LOVE the movie. I just hate the way they made this case. | 1 | neutral | [
"Please be very careful if you order this edition of the classic Monty Python comedy.",
"As I have just learned the hardest way possible, the center pegs in the case require a lot of care and patience when inserting or removing a disc.",
"Too much force will cause the disc to bend and break.",
"The center pegs are made of a hard plastic that's all one piece, therefore making it almost impossible to remove the discs without risking breaking it.",
"As much as I love this movie, I have to give this set 3 stars just because the way the case was made caused me to accidentally ruin the bonus disc, which I was very excited to watch.",
"Oh well.",
"At least I got the screenplay out of it.",
"Once again, this review has nothing to do with the movie.",
"I LOVE the movie.",
"I just hate the way they made this case."
] |
The waist is too high and the bottom too long. I could get away with it but I like my leggings to be be fitted. I might have them altered or I send them back. Not sure yet. Fabric is on the thin size but not see through. Expected for the price. I am 5.2 so I would recommend for taller people! It adjusts well to my size which I am small/medium legging size. Perhaps they could create a petite size! | 1 | neutral | [
"The waist is too high and the bottom too long.",
"I could get away with it but I like my leggings to be be fitted.",
"I might have them altered or I send them back.",
"Not sure yet.",
"Fabric is on the thin size but not see through.",
"Expected for the price.",
"I am 5.",
"2 so I would recommend for taller people!",
"It adjusts well to my size which I am small/medium legging size.",
"Perhaps they could create a petite size!"
] |
I asked for and received this machine for Christmas 2004. It is okay but not perfect. The assembly directions could have used a concordance. Once together, it seemed at first to only want to work for my husband who has no use for its product. Now I can get it going. It cleans up nicely and I've done soymilk as well as skim with good results. My biggest regret is that I can only fit a regular coffee cup beneath it; more often, I'd like to add the milk directly to a large mug of tea or coffee, or I'd like a large mug of hot milk period. I have to collect the steamed milk in something that fits beneath the nozzle then pour into the large mug, with some loss of froth action.
As for the leaking one of the other reviewers mentions: it's all a matter of how you snap the water reservoir in place. It's a little fussy. | 1 | neutral | [
"I asked for and received this machine for Christmas 2004.",
"It is okay but not perfect.",
"The assembly directions could have used a concordance.",
"Once together, it seemed at first to only want to work for my husband who has no use for its product.",
"Now I can get it going.",
"It cleans up nicely and I've done soymilk as well as skim with good results.",
"My biggest regret is that I can only fit a regular coffee cup beneath it; more often, I'd like to add the milk directly to a large mug of tea or coffee, or I'd like a large mug of hot milk period.",
"I have to collect the steamed milk in something that fits beneath the nozzle then pour into the large mug, with some loss of froth action.",
"As for the leaking one of the other reviewers mentions: it's all a matter of how you snap the water reservoir in place.",
"It's a little fussy."
] |
This really is a great mug for keeping coffee hot for hours after you fill it. Love that part of it. What I don't like is that it can become nearly impossible to open after it sits for awhile with hot liquid in it. My theory is that as the liquid starts to cool and likely slightly contracts that it increases the vac. seal inside the mug. This would be OK if you could get a good grip on the lid when you're ready to open it for a sip of coffee, but since it's recessed, it's a one thumb and one finger exercise. I've got strong hands and can usually horse it open, but my wife has stopped using hers because she has simply been unable to open it on multiple occasions.
Yes, as one reviewer suggests, you can play around with trying to find that "right" spot to tighten it to and then count on the extra vac. to completely seal it, but then you risk leaks, or heaven forbid cold coffee :-), if you don't get it right. IMHO, if Nissan could figure out a way to let me get more of my hand on the lid to open it, this would be perfect, but as it is, it can be a bit of a struggle to open. Just for the record, I don't believe any of mine are defective (I bought 4), IMHO, it's a product design issue. | 1 | neutral | [
"This really is a great mug for keeping coffee hot for hours after you fill it.",
"Love that part of it.",
"What I don't like is that it can become nearly impossible to open after it sits for awhile with hot liquid in it.",
"My theory is that as the liquid starts to cool and likely slightly contracts that it increases the vac.",
"seal inside the mug.",
"This would be OK if you could get a good grip on the lid when you're ready to open it for a sip of coffee, but since it's recessed, it's a one thumb and one finger exercise.",
"I've got strong hands and can usually horse it open, but my wife has stopped using hers because she has simply been unable to open it on multiple occasions.",
"Yes, as one reviewer suggests, you can play around with trying to find that \"right\" spot to tighten it to and then count on the extra vac.",
"to completely seal it, but then you risk leaks, or heaven forbid cold coffee :-), if you don't get it right.",
"IMHO, if Nissan could figure out a way to let me get more of my hand on the lid to open it, this would be perfect, but as it is, it can be a bit of a struggle to open.",
"Just for the record, I don't believe any of mine are defective (I bought 4), IMHO, it's a product design issue."
] |
Island Of Wings takes the life of real people, Neil and Lizzie, and supposes their experiences and struggles, using research as the structure for the story. The island of St. Kilda is a part of Scotland and was the home of a small number of native inhabitants that lived in primitive huts and led a very hard existence on this isolated island. When Neil Mackenzie came to the island, he had in mind that he was saving the savages and introducing religion. Karin Altenberg goes into great detail about the life of the islanders and their struggles, including a sixty percent infant mortality rate. Neil is a deeply conflicted character who went into religious life because of a childhood incident that haunts him. Lizzie married the handsome minister without really realizing what the life of a missionary's wife might hold. Neil is complicated and is often cruel and Lizzie retreats into herself and dedicates her affections to her children. Ultimately, although the minister brings great change and modernization to the island, St. Kilda changes the Mackenzies as much as they influenced the islanders.
I found this book to be interesting from a historical standpoint and it was obviously well researched, but the story itself seemed to drift a bit. I was never sure where the story was really going. That feeling of being adrift within the book kept me from really becoming attached to the characters or feeling any attachment to the story. It was interesting, and I even spent some time on Wikipedia reading about St. Kilda after I finished, but I still felt like there was something lacking from the story. | 1 | neutral | [
"Island Of Wings takes the life of real people, Neil and Lizzie, and supposes their experiences and struggles, using research as the structure for the story.",
"The island of St.",
"Kilda is a part of Scotland and was the home of a small number of native inhabitants that lived in primitive huts and led a very hard existence on this isolated island.",
"When Neil Mackenzie came to the island, he had in mind that he was saving the savages and introducing religion.",
"Karin Altenberg goes into great detail about the life of the islanders and their struggles, including a sixty percent infant mortality rate.",
"Neil is a deeply conflicted character who went into religious life because of a childhood incident that haunts him.",
"Lizzie married the handsome minister without really realizing what the life of a missionary's wife might hold.",
"Neil is complicated and is often cruel and Lizzie retreats into herself and dedicates her affections to her children.",
"Ultimately, although the minister brings great change and modernization to the island, St.",
"Kilda changes the Mackenzies as much as they influenced the islanders.",
"I found this book to be interesting from a historical standpoint and it was obviously well researched, but the story itself seemed to drift a bit.",
"I was never sure where the story was really going.",
"That feeling of being adrift within the book kept me from really becoming attached to the characters or feeling any attachment to the story.",
"It was interesting, and I even spent some time on Wikipedia reading about St.",
"Kilda after I finished, but I still felt like there was something lacking from the story."
] |
Contrary to what people might think, it's easy to write a surprise ending for a book... just have someone do something completely unexpected, the more unexpected, the bigger the surprise. Unfortunately, it's not that easy to write an effective surprise ending because, in addition to being fooled, readers must feel the ending flows logically from what's gone on before, even if they didn't see it coming.
Aaron Patterson's thriller novelette, "The Craigslist Killer," is a generally effective story that's unfortunately dragged down, in the last couple of pages by an ending that doesn't make sense in the context of the story. The book concerns a group of college age buddies who come up with a challenge bet for one of them. They dare a smooth operator named Bill that he can't meet a total stranger on Craigslist and get two dates with her within thirty days. Somehow, the bet goes from $10 to $50,000 in a matter of minutes, a sum Bill doesn't have; in fact, he doesn't even have a car at the moment. I'm not sure what type of college students bet that kind of money, no matter how drunk they are, but, the bet drives the plot.
By naming his story "The Craigslist Killer" instead of something more innocuous, author Patterson starts playing a mind game from this moment on with the reader, who knows based on that title that something bad is going to happen as a result of one of Bill's attempted hookups. And Bill does hookup rather easily and quickly, with a good looking girl named Amy. For anyone thinking of dating someone on Craigslist, the story provides some good, entertaining do's and don'ts. What is more likely to keep reader interest however, is the inevitable following of the details of the encounter between Bill and Amy so that the reader can try to spot signs of something bad coming. Patterson is able to build suspense fairly well through use of the title gimmick.
I don't want to spoil anything, but, as the story title suggests, there's more involved here than a big bet about a date. Some very unexpected things occur, and the story actually has two successive surprise endings. The first probably won't come as too much of a surprise for those who read the story carefully, but it is satisfying. If Patterson had ended the story at that point, I'd have given it a higher rating. Unfortunately, he tries to "top" himself with a second, completely surprising ending in a two-page epilogue. It's this second ending that will have readers scratching their heads trying to figure out where it came from. And, since the final ending doesn't really add anything to the story, it merely diminishes the effectiveness of everything Patterson did before that.
Patterson knows how to write a solid thriller. Although the story is less than 40 pages long, the author provides all the plot details needed to construct a scenario that feels realistic. Even the character development, especially that of Bill and Amy, is more fully established than in a lot of books ten times as long. If Patterson had chosen to end the story before that unfortunate epilogue, I would have enjoyed it considerably more. As it is, the ending breaks the mood solely for the sake of "surprise." However, while the surprise is certainly unexpected, it's also anticlimactic. As a result, a killer of a story feels a lot less lethal. | 1 | neutral | [
"Contrary to what people might think, it's easy to write a surprise ending for a book...",
"just have someone do something completely unexpected, the more unexpected, the bigger the surprise.",
"Unfortunately, it's not that easy to write an effective surprise ending because, in addition to being fooled, readers must feel the ending flows logically from what's gone on before, even if they didn't see it coming.",
"Aaron Patterson's thriller novelette, \"The Craigslist Killer,\" is a generally effective story that's unfortunately dragged down, in the last couple of pages by an ending that doesn't make sense in the context of the story.",
"The book concerns a group of college age buddies who come up with a challenge bet for one of them.",
"They dare a smooth operator named Bill that he can't meet a total stranger on Craigslist and get two dates with her within thirty days.",
"Somehow, the bet goes from $10 to $50,000 in a matter of minutes, a sum Bill doesn't have; in fact, he doesn't even have a car at the moment.",
"I'm not sure what type of college students bet that kind of money, no matter how drunk they are, but, the bet drives the plot.",
"By naming his story \"The Craigslist Killer\" instead of something more innocuous, author Patterson starts playing a mind game from this moment on with the reader, who knows based on that title that something bad is going to happen as a result of one of Bill's attempted hookups.",
"And Bill does hookup rather easily and quickly, with a good looking girl named Amy.",
"For anyone thinking of dating someone on Craigslist, the story provides some good, entertaining do's and don'ts.",
"What is more likely to keep reader interest however, is the inevitable following of the details of the encounter between Bill and Amy so that the reader can try to spot signs of something bad coming.",
"Patterson is able to build suspense fairly well through use of the title gimmick.",
"I don't want to spoil anything, but, as the story title suggests, there's more involved here than a big bet about a date.",
"Some very unexpected things occur, and the story actually has two successive surprise endings.",
"The first probably won't come as too much of a surprise for those who read the story carefully, but it is satisfying.",
"If Patterson had ended the story at that point, I'd have given it a higher rating.",
"Unfortunately, he tries to \"top\" himself with a second, completely surprising ending in a two-page epilogue.",
"It's this second ending that will have readers scratching their heads trying to figure out where it came from.",
"And, since the final ending doesn't really add anything to the story, it merely diminishes the effectiveness of everything Patterson did before that.",
"Patterson knows how to write a solid thriller.",
"Although the story is less than 40 pages long, the author provides all the plot details needed to construct a scenario that feels realistic.",
"Even the character development, especially that of Bill and Amy, is more fully established than in a lot of books ten times as long.",
"If Patterson had chosen to end the story before that unfortunate epilogue, I would have enjoyed it considerably more.",
"As it is, the ending breaks the mood solely for the sake of \"surprise.",
"\" However, while the surprise is certainly unexpected, it's also anticlimactic.",
"As a result, a killer of a story feels a lot less lethal."
] |
I must admit I'm a repeat buyer of this product, having purchased our first model in 2006. Subsequent purchases were for additional reels, not replacements for now-dead items. The Perpendicular Wall model as been unavailable from Amazon for some time now, so I ordered directly from the company. I found it strange that the reel wasn't in stock, but backordered, with an expected arrival date of 4 - 6 weeks. The last I'd heard, the factory was located in Nebraska, I thought perhaps a shortage of components was the problem.
Received my purchase today and learned Rapid Reel moved its manufacturing facility to CHINA in July 2009. Laying off half (7 people) of its staff, probably to increase the bottom line. But the retail price of the reel hasn't decreased to reflect the 'cost savings' of being made in China. The company's website language leads one to believe their offerings are made in the Midwest, but that is NO LONGER the case. Upon seeing the tiny 'Made In China' sticker on the back of the box, I now realize the cause for the 2-month delay... the SHIP had to get here.
Mere words cannot convey my disappointment in Eley Corporation. (Rapid Reel) My condolences to the fine folks of Lincoln, Nebraska, the now-former employees of Eley Corp. I hope you've all found new jobs and have bright futures. I hope my new hose reel works as well as the previous two we've purchased, but I can honestly say I will not be recommending this product as enthusiastically as I have in the past.
And please correct the text on your website that ambiguously suggests your product line is manufactured in the U.S.A., when in fact it is not. | 1 | neutral | [
"I must admit I'm a repeat buyer of this product, having purchased our first model in 2006.",
"Subsequent purchases were for additional reels, not replacements for now-dead items.",
"The Perpendicular Wall model as been unavailable from Amazon for some time now, so I ordered directly from the company.",
"I found it strange that the reel wasn't in stock, but backordered, with an expected arrival date of 4 - 6 weeks.",
"The last I'd heard, the factory was located in Nebraska, I thought perhaps a shortage of components was the problem.",
"Received my purchase today and learned Rapid Reel moved its manufacturing facility to CHINA in July 2009.",
"Laying off half (7 people) of its staff, probably to increase the bottom line.",
"But the retail price of the reel hasn't decreased to reflect the 'cost savings' of being made in China.",
"The company's website language leads one to believe their offerings are made in the Midwest, but that is NO LONGER the case.",
"Upon seeing the tiny 'Made In China' sticker on the back of the box, I now realize the cause for the 2-month delay...",
"the SHIP had to get here.",
"Mere words cannot convey my disappointment in Eley Corporation.",
"(Rapid Reel) My condolences to the fine folks of Lincoln, Nebraska, the now-former employees of Eley Corp.",
"I hope you've all found new jobs and have bright futures.",
"I hope my new hose reel works as well as the previous two we've purchased, but I can honestly say I will not be recommending this product as enthusiastically as I have in the past.",
"And please correct the text on your website that ambiguously suggests your product line is manufactured in the U.",
"S.A., when in fact it is not."
] |
This is my opinion: AMERICAN BEAUTY is an ordinary film. Not particularly good or bad because this has all been said before about life in general. For example, THE RULING CLASS (1972) starring Peter O'Toole, shocked England as it portrayed the aristocracy as depraved and God forsaken. Robert Altman's A WEDDING (1978) with Carol Burnett portrayed dysfunction in American upper classes the same as HOME FROM THE HILL (1960) with Robert Mitchum and George Hamilton and CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF (1958) with Paul Newman and Elizabeth Taylor, etc., etc. Thus, dysfunction has been portrayed over and over again and with undisputed critical acclaim. Perhaps what makes AMERICAN BEAUTY so interesting to so many people is that they themselves are either young (20ish) and going around for the first time, or they never had the opportunity to think freely when that was the thing in the 50's and 60's (remember the hippies?) and freethinking is finally mainstream. Consequently, AMERICAN BEAUTY gives them a chance to look at social diversity (which is commonplace) without censure. Whether they went away accepting homosexuals, latent homosexuals, or platonic/sexual love paradoxes, there is nothing new in AMERICAN BEAUTY other than standard movie fare. Get it? Moreover, it is my opinion that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences selects the picture of the year based on what-to them-has the greatest social relevance for that particular year. Go figure. Lastly, an upper class American lifestyle perhaps isn't so beautiful after all. | 1 | neutral | [
"This is my opinion: AMERICAN BEAUTY is an ordinary film.",
"Not particularly good or bad because this has all been said before about life in general.",
"For example, THE RULING CLASS (1972) starring Peter O'Toole, shocked England as it portrayed the aristocracy as depraved and God forsaken.",
"Robert Altman's A WEDDING (1978) with Carol Burnett portrayed dysfunction in American upper classes the same as HOME FROM THE HILL (1960) with Robert Mitchum and George Hamilton and CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF (1958) with Paul Newman and Elizabeth Taylor, etc.",
", etc.",
"Thus, dysfunction has been portrayed over and over again and with undisputed critical acclaim.",
"Perhaps what makes AMERICAN BEAUTY so interesting to so many people is that they themselves are either young (20ish) and going around for the first time, or they never had the opportunity to think freely when that was the thing in the 50's and 60's (remember the hippies?",
") and freethinking is finally mainstream.",
"Consequently, AMERICAN BEAUTY gives them a chance to look at social diversity (which is commonplace) without censure.",
"Whether they went away accepting homosexuals, latent homosexuals, or platonic/sexual love paradoxes, there is nothing new in AMERICAN BEAUTY other than standard movie fare.",
"Get it?",
"Moreover, it is my opinion that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences selects the picture of the year based on what-to them-has the greatest social relevance for that particular year.",
"Go figure.",
"Lastly, an upper class American lifestyle perhaps isn't so beautiful after all."
] |
$25. That's how much this should be. The barn is lightweight and the figures are made of a cheaper plastic than the original version too. We had one when my oldest daughter was a little under 2. We lost it during a move several years ago. I have been trying to purchase another since, but could not justify the average price of around $50. When I purchased this one, I left it sitting in the cart for a coupe of days, while looking at other things for my kids. The price jumped in that short period of time. This one does not light up, or anything, so I am not understanding the justification for their price. Like I said, should be $25. That said, my 3 youngest were battling it out, in an attempt to hoard the pieces, and they usually play nicely together. They are truly in love with it, just as much as our oldest was, when Fisher Price offered the first one. For those looking for accuracy: there is no shepherd boy and Joseph looks like one. Don't get confused, you have Joseph, I promise! ;) Also, not sure why, but we received 2 of one of the wise men, for a total of 4. My kids, having been present when I opened it and set it up, refuse to allow me to leave this extra wise man out. lol We will have this (if the little ones don't lose the pieces, anyway), until we pass it on to grandkids at some point, I'm sure. The price may hurt your feelings a little, but you'll definitely make some little people happy, if you buy it for them! | 1 | neutral | [
"$25.",
"That's how much this should be.",
"The barn is lightweight and the figures are made of a cheaper plastic than the original version too.",
"We had one when my oldest daughter was a little under 2.",
"We lost it during a move several years ago.",
"I have been trying to purchase another since, but could not justify the average price of around $50.",
"When I purchased this one, I left it sitting in the cart for a coupe of days, while looking at other things for my kids.",
"The price jumped in that short period of time.",
"This one does not light up, or anything, so I am not understanding the justification for their price.",
"Like I said, should be $25.",
"That said, my 3 youngest were battling it out, in an attempt to hoard the pieces, and they usually play nicely together.",
"They are truly in love with it, just as much as our oldest was, when Fisher Price offered the first one.",
"For those looking for accuracy: there is no shepherd boy and Joseph looks like one.",
"Don't get confused, you have Joseph, I promise!",
";) Also, not sure why, but we received 2 of one of the wise men, for a total of 4.",
"My kids, having been present when I opened it and set it up, refuse to allow me to leave this extra wise man out.",
"lol We will have this (if the little ones don't lose the pieces, anyway), until we pass it on to grandkids at some point, I'm sure.",
"The price may hurt your feelings a little, but you'll definitely make some little people happy, if you buy it for them!"
] |
I just beat DoC (Dirge of Cerberus), and if I had to describe this game in 1 word, it would be: generic - and that saddens me deeply, because this game had the potential to be bad arse. I mean come on, Vincent Valentine (cool name, huh?) is a awesome, well designed character, and the FFVII world is a classic theme based world to make a great game off of - RPG or not.
DoC; without a question of a doubt, was a rushed, lackluster, poorly executed effort by the SquarEnix developers. With that said, I didn't think the game was "horrible" or "pathetic" just... poor. It was clunky, and unpolished. There was a lot "1 shotting" the enemies, and the boss battles were really lame - even the final boss I beat on the first try - and I played the game on hard mode - not to say I didn't die during the game... but all the times I did die, was because I practically fell asleep at my chair or I was rushing during certain parts of the game and wasn't paying attention to my health bar - basically, the game didn't force me to use my brain or any skill at all. It was just a lot of cut-scenes with some running down hallways and 1-2 shotting enemies, and melee attacking bugs. Just a poorly made game - theres no denying that.
However, DoC's models were very good - and the characters looked very good during the cutscenes - so it did shine in the graphics department quite a bit. And the character art was also very cool - I liked all the new enemies (although Vice seemed a little generic) and the storyline was entertaining, even though it was slowly paced at times. The voice acting department needed some help - the voice actors in themselves wern't bad - but it was the pacing and timing that was way off. In the CGI cutscenes, the lip synching was sometimes noticably off - which is just pure lazyness in my opinion.
The music in itself was pretty "meh" - however, it DID fit the game, and thats basically all that matters. Some of the level songs captured the essence pretty well, and Gackt isn't too bad - although I don't really care for his music (not that its bad, I just don't care for it) I couldn't listen to a DoC soundtrack, like I could listen to other game soundtracks.
I just felt DoC should've been so much more. Something along the lines of a Max Payne, Freedom Fighters, or a Metal Gear. There should've been times when Cloud, Yuffie, Tifa, actually played alongside you, and become AI controlled allies - or vastly open levels or complexes with a little more roaming and exploring freedom. There should've been more gun variances, melee weapons, combos, rare items, rare weapons, summons, and a more intuitive limit break system, and other things like this. I mean the game certainly deserves that type of polish and ingenuity. This game had the potential to be a classic, and Square-Enix didn't even TRY for it. They fell flat on there faces.
And thats whats disappoints me the most... | 1 | neutral | [
"I just beat DoC (Dirge of Cerberus), and if I had to describe this game in 1 word, it would be: generic - and that saddens me deeply, because this game had the potential to be bad arse.",
"I mean come on, Vincent Valentine (cool name, huh?",
") is a awesome, well designed character, and the FFVII world is a classic theme based world to make a great game off of - RPG or not.",
"DoC; without a question of a doubt, was a rushed, lackluster, poorly executed effort by the SquarEnix developers.",
"With that said, I didn't think the game was \"horrible\" or \"pathetic\" just...",
"poor.",
"It was clunky, and unpolished.",
"There was a lot \"1 shotting\" the enemies, and the boss battles were really lame - even the final boss I beat on the first try - and I played the game on hard mode - not to say I didn't die during the game...",
"but all the times I did die, was because I practically fell asleep at my chair or I was rushing during certain parts of the game and wasn't paying attention to my health bar - basically, the game didn't force me to use my brain or any skill at all.",
"It was just a lot of cut-scenes with some running down hallways and 1-2 shotting enemies, and melee attacking bugs.",
"Just a poorly made game - theres no denying that.",
"However, DoC's models were very good - and the characters looked very good during the cutscenes - so it did shine in the graphics department quite a bit.",
"And the character art was also very cool - I liked all the new enemies (although Vice seemed a little generic) and the storyline was entertaining, even though it was slowly paced at times.",
"The voice acting department needed some help - the voice actors in themselves wern't bad - but it was the pacing and timing that was way off.",
"In the CGI cutscenes, the lip synching was sometimes noticably off - which is just pure lazyness in my opinion.",
"The music in itself was pretty \"meh\" - however, it DID fit the game, and thats basically all that matters.",
"Some of the level songs captured the essence pretty well, and Gackt isn't too bad - although I don't really care for his music (not that its bad, I just don't care for it) I couldn't listen to a DoC soundtrack, like I could listen to other game soundtracks.",
"I just felt DoC should've been so much more.",
"Something along the lines of a Max Payne, Freedom Fighters, or a Metal Gear.",
"There should've been times when Cloud, Yuffie, Tifa, actually played alongside you, and become AI controlled allies - or vastly open levels or complexes with a little more roaming and exploring freedom.",
"There should've been more gun variances, melee weapons, combos, rare items, rare weapons, summons, and a more intuitive limit break system, and other things like this.",
"I mean the game certainly deserves that type of polish and ingenuity.",
"This game had the potential to be a classic, and Square-Enix didn't even TRY for it.",
"They fell flat on there faces.",
"And thats whats disappoints me the most..."
] |
As the old adage advises, you do get what you pay for and I chose this model based on a consumer rating service recommendation and price. My property is large enough that an electric model would be cumbersome however the areas that cannot be trimmed with the lawn mower are minimal so I only needed a light duty trimmer. For less than half the price of comparable models from other manufacturers, the weedeater adequately meets my needs. The trimmer is somewhat finicky but over the last six months, I have adapted to the nuances of its operation. As I noticed in other reviews, it can be, at times, difficult to start however for the most part after about six pulls the engine does engage. The idle is problematic so most often I just keep the trigger fully depressed. That uses more fuel but it significantly reduces my frustration with cut-offs and restarts. Obviously, since the idle seldom works the off switch is pretty much superfluous but in that regard it isn't any different my lawnmower which has auto cut off as a product feature. Cutting line replacement is probably the largest headache as the dual feed spool is difficult to thread without entanglements but through trial and error, I was able to come up with a methodology to get the head on correctly with minimal difficulty.
In the end, if price is the primary consideration, the weedeater is a reasonable option but if you are unwilling to invest a little more time in getting it to work, look elsewhere. | 1 | neutral | [
"As the old adage advises, you do get what you pay for and I chose this model based on a consumer rating service recommendation and price.",
"My property is large enough that an electric model would be cumbersome however the areas that cannot be trimmed with the lawn mower are minimal so I only needed a light duty trimmer.",
"For less than half the price of comparable models from other manufacturers, the weedeater adequately meets my needs.",
"The trimmer is somewhat finicky but over the last six months, I have adapted to the nuances of its operation.",
"As I noticed in other reviews, it can be, at times, difficult to start however for the most part after about six pulls the engine does engage.",
"The idle is problematic so most often I just keep the trigger fully depressed.",
"That uses more fuel but it significantly reduces my frustration with cut-offs and restarts.",
"Obviously, since the idle seldom works the off switch is pretty much superfluous but in that regard it isn't any different my lawnmower which has auto cut off as a product feature.",
"Cutting line replacement is probably the largest headache as the dual feed spool is difficult to thread without entanglements but through trial and error, I was able to come up with a methodology to get the head on correctly with minimal difficulty.",
"In the end, if price is the primary consideration, the weedeater is a reasonable option but if you are unwilling to invest a little more time in getting it to work, look elsewhere."
] |
Bill Maher calls Elizabeth Warren âPocahontasâ during TV interview. Check out her reaction. â TheBlaze
Well comedian Bill Maher must not have gotten the memo. Or maybe he did get it and didnât care.
Speaking to Warren face to face on his HBO program âReal Timeâ that night Maher asked her why more working-class people still back Trump despite his tax plan that Maher said favored the wealthy.
âTheyâre still with him . Theyâre not with you â Maher told Warren. âExplain to me what that disconnection is.â
Maher cut off Warrenâs defense: âWell his fans are not with you.â
âHold on â she insisted. But Maher nudged more: âCome on.â
Maher then moved in for the kill: âThey donât like you Pocahontas.â
Maher smiled at Warren and laughed as well presumably signaling to her that his jab wasnât an attack.
But Warren â hardly ever at a loss for words â fell silent and needed a few moments as the âPocahontasâ ribbing sank in. Check out her face just after:
It seemed as though Warren got the joke soon enough. She looked as though she was about to smile â
but she did not reply to Maherâs joke and instead soldiered on with her rhetoric:
âHow can it be racist if she âs not Native American?â one Twitter user asked.
âDisagree completely. Warren is embellishing (or lying your pick) Trump is calling her on her BS #PoliticalCorrectnessSucks â another user said.
CNNâs Jake Tapper offered a quote from a Native American friend of his who said Trump uttering âPocahontasâ is a racial slur â but Tapper added in his follow-up tweet that this same Native American friend noted that the Cherokee Nation âdid a formal review and she is not a Cherokee citizen.â
Native American friend of mine on Trump calling her "Pocahontas": "It is a slur for sure and broadly stereotyping Indigenous people." 1/2 â Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) April 28 2017
Also he says "a citizen of the Cherokee Nation I know they did a formal review and she is not a Cherokee citizen." 2/2 â Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) April 28 2017 | 1 | neutral | [
"Bill Maher calls Elizabeth Warren âPocahontasâ during TV interview.",
"Check out her reaction.",
"â TheBlaze\nWell comedian Bill Maher must not have gotten the memo.",
"Or maybe he did get it and didnât care.",
"Speaking to Warren face to face on his HBO program âReal Timeâ that night Maher asked her why more working-class people still back Trump despite his tax plan that Maher said favored the wealthy.",
"âTheyâre still with him.",
"Theyâre not with you â Maher told Warren.",
"âExplain to me what that disconnection is.",
"â\n Maher cut off Warrenâs defense: âWell his fans are not with you.",
"â\nâHold on â she insisted.",
"But Maher nudged more: âCome on.",
"â\n Maher then moved in for the kill: âThey donât like you Pocahontas.",
"â\n Maher smiled at Warren and laughed as well presumably signaling to her that his jab wasnât an attack.",
"But Warren â hardly ever at a loss for words â fell silent and needed a few moments as the âPocahontasâ ribbing sank in.",
"Check out her face just after:\nIt seemed as though Warren got the joke soon enough.",
"She looked as though she was about to smile â\nbut she did not reply to Maherâs joke and instead soldiered on with her rhetoric:\nâHow can it be racist if she âs not Native American?",
"â one Twitter user asked.",
"âDisagree completely.",
"Warren is embellishing (or lying your pick) Trump is calling her on her BS #PoliticalCorrectnessSucks â another user said.",
"CNNâs Jake Tapper offered a quote from a Native American friend of his who said Trump uttering âPocahontasâ is a racial slur â but Tapper added in his follow-up tweet that this same Native American friend noted that the Cherokee Nation âdid a formal review and she is not a Cherokee citizen.",
"â\nNative American friend of mine on Trump calling her \"Pocahontas\": \"It is a slur for sure and broadly stereotyping Indigenous people.",
"\" 1/2 â Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) April 28 2017\nAlso he says \"a citizen of the Cherokee Nation I know they did a formal review and she is not a Cherokee citizen.",
"\" 2/2 â Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) April 28 2017"
] |
I really liked this little coffee pot. Paid $19.99 with free shipping. Even bought one for my sister. Made good coffee, it was really hot. A little messy with the grounds and all but I bought size 2 filters which helped even if they are a little big. I got a nice big cup of hot coffee in an attractive stainless steal cup. Then a short month and half later I went to make a cup and it wouldn't start. I contacted Black & Decker and was told I had to cut off the plug and mail it them and not only would I have to pay to mail it to them, I had to include a check for $7.50 to pay for THEIR shipping and handling to send me a new one. What the foo!!!
I told them I didn't think I should have to pay to get a defective product replaced, that I'd pass on their offer, especially given the fact I didn't have a lot of confidence I wouldn't be doing it again in another month and a half and I would not be buying any more B&D products. They said, well, ok, we'll waive the $7.50 if I would mail the plug with delivery confirmation which rankled. Other manufacturers send a pre-paid label. But I liked the pot and really wanted a working one. So I paid $6.14 to mail in the plug and anxiously awaited my replacement. They sent me the cheaper $14.99 model!!!
Yeah, I get they figured I already had the better cup but that's not the point. I didn't buy the cheaper one, and I had to go thru the hassle of arguing with them, take my time returning the broken one, not to mention paying for the privilege to return it, and they don't replace it with the one I purchased?? What if I had tossed the stainless cup in anticipation of getting the expected replacement of what I bought? It's not that I even have a use for a 2nd stainless steel cup. It's the principal. I bought this product in good faith. I should not have to pay to replace a defective one and my replacement should be the one I bought! I feel like I was stiffed.
All this time and trouble over a $20 machine. I wonder what B&D charges to replace a $100 machine. | 1 | neutral | [
"I really liked this little coffee pot.",
"Paid $19.",
"99 with free shipping.",
"Even bought one for my sister.",
"Made good coffee, it was really hot.",
"A little messy with the grounds and all but I bought size 2 filters which helped even if they are a little big.",
"I got a nice big cup of hot coffee in an attractive stainless steal cup.",
"Then a short month and half later I went to make a cup and it wouldn't start.",
"I contacted Black & Decker and was told I had to cut off the plug and mail it them and not only would I have to pay to mail it to them, I had to include a check for $7.",
"50 to pay for THEIR shipping and handling to send me a new one.",
"What the foo!!!",
"I told them I didn't think I should have to pay to get a defective product replaced, that I'd pass on their offer, especially given the fact I didn't have a lot of confidence I wouldn't be doing it again in another month and a half and I would not be buying any more B&D products.",
"They said, well, ok, we'll waive the $7.",
"50 if I would mail the plug with delivery confirmation which rankled.",
"Other manufacturers send a pre-paid label.",
"But I liked the pot and really wanted a working one.",
"So I paid $6.",
"14 to mail in the plug and anxiously awaited my replacement.",
"They sent me the cheaper $14.",
"99 model!!!",
"Yeah, I get they figured I already had the better cup but that's not the point.",
"I didn't buy the cheaper one, and I had to go thru the hassle of arguing with them, take my time returning the broken one, not to mention paying for the privilege to return it, and they don't replace it with the one I purchased??",
"What if I had tossed the stainless cup in anticipation of getting the expected replacement of what I bought?",
"It's not that I even have a use for a 2nd stainless steel cup.",
"It's the principal.",
"I bought this product in good faith.",
"I should not have to pay to replace a defective one and my replacement should be the one I bought!",
"I feel like I was stiffed.",
"All this time and trouble over a $20 machine.",
"I wonder what B&D charges to replace a $100 machine."
] |
"Of Marriageable Age," was a very well written and interesting story that takes place in India, England and Guyana. Ms. Maas' writing is almost lyrical. Her story follows the path of star crossed lovers in India; an upper class Caucasian boy and an Indian girl who's father is the family cook. The girl is married off to a brute and loses several children at birth and then by her drunken husband's neglect. Eventually she is widowed. During this time, the young man she loves becomes a doctor. After becoming a widow, she meets up with him in Singapore during the run up to World War II. She is sent back to India when a Japanese attack is imminent, and is pregnant with his child. He is presumed to have been killed. After giving birth, her evil brother steals the baby and places him in an orphanage. Fast forward to the late 1950's and early 1960's to British Guiana as the story follows the lives of Indian immigrants. As interesting as the story was, it kept going back and forth to different time periods as well as India and British Guiana, making it very confusing The story in British Guiana adds the element of racial strife between the Black and Indian population, which adds even more characters. It was just too much. It was as though Ms. Maas couldn't decide what she really wanted to write about, or perhaps she didn't know how to adequately edit her thoughts. She couldn't leave well enough alone. The other aspect of the story that bothered me was the budding romance between Nat and Saroj. The story line became childish, something an adolescent would enjoy reading, especially when the two of them learn their love affair might be incestuous. There was also the story line that follows children rebelling against their parents. Ms. Maas has the potential to write first rate novels if she finds a first rate editor. | 1 | neutral | [
"\"Of Marriageable Age,\" was a very well written and interesting story that takes place in India, England and Guyana.",
"Ms.",
"Maas' writing is almost lyrical.",
"Her story follows the path of star crossed lovers in India; an upper class Caucasian boy and an Indian girl who's father is the family cook.",
"The girl is married off to a brute and loses several children at birth and then by her drunken husband's neglect.",
"Eventually she is widowed.",
"During this time, the young man she loves becomes a doctor.",
"After becoming a widow, she meets up with him in Singapore during the run up to World War II.",
"She is sent back to India when a Japanese attack is imminent, and is pregnant with his child.",
"He is presumed to have been killed.",
"After giving birth, her evil brother steals the baby and places him in an orphanage.",
"Fast forward to the late 1950's and early 1960's to British Guiana as the story follows the lives of Indian immigrants.",
"As interesting as the story was, it kept going back and forth to different time periods as well as India and British Guiana, making it very confusing The story in British Guiana adds the element of racial strife between the Black and Indian population, which adds even more characters.",
"It was just too much.",
"It was as though Ms.",
"Maas couldn't decide what she really wanted to write about, or perhaps she didn't know how to adequately edit her thoughts.",
"She couldn't leave well enough alone.",
"The other aspect of the story that bothered me was the budding romance between Nat and Saroj.",
"The story line became childish, something an adolescent would enjoy reading, especially when the two of them learn their love affair might be incestuous.",
"There was also the story line that follows children rebelling against their parents.",
"Ms.",
"Maas has the potential to write first rate novels if she finds a first rate editor."
] |
Are these the worst screensavers I have ever used? Yes but what can you expect for 64 cents? The item arrived in a few days out of PA and beat the estimated arrival time.
I have tried several screens savers over the years and I had more air bubbles with these ones than w/ any other that I've used. I wasted the first one because if you don't put it on just right it sticks a little outside of the screen. That can happen with almost any screensaver but it seemed worse on these ones. I had to cut the corners, as well.
I would probably buy these again because you get 3 and you can't beat the price. If you want a professional, thick screen saver then go buy one of the nicer ones. But if you just need something basic and don't mind the air bubbles then I would buy them. I personally don't need anything fancy so it works for me. | 1 | neutral | [
"Are these the worst screensavers I have ever used?",
"Yes but what can you expect for 64 cents?",
"The item arrived in a few days out of PA and beat the estimated arrival time.",
"I have tried several screens savers over the years and I had more air bubbles with these ones than w/ any other that I've used.",
"I wasted the first one because if you don't put it on just right it sticks a little outside of the screen.",
"That can happen with almost any screensaver but it seemed worse on these ones.",
"I had to cut the corners, as well.",
"I would probably buy these again because you get 3 and you can't beat the price.",
"If you want a professional, thick screen saver then go buy one of the nicer ones.",
"But if you just need something basic and don't mind the air bubbles then I would buy them.",
"I personally don't need anything fancy so it works for me."
] |
Im a huge fan of the pc Battlefield series. A veteran of a tour in bf2, special forces, armored combat, 2142. I went into this game thinking that it would simply be a less buggy version of the pc game.
I was quite wrong. The controls are decent, but you have to turn the sensitivity all the way up and it still turns about half the speed of a mouse, which results in slow paced, generally disorienting combat situations.
And to highlight the slow pace, where is the sprint button!? No more running and jumping then going prone into a good firing position, the controls are way too slow for that. This feels more like the pc version on tranquilizers when it comes to the controls. Jump is not very responsive and you'll have a hard time jumping over anything larger than your teamates corpse.
No more squads either, the x-box live games do support enough players for small squads but the game does not offer the option. Too bad, I guess teamwork is out of the question. No commanders either. This puts you out on the battlefield as a lone soldier, there are definitely moments where you are with your teammates fighting against the enemy but at times its difficult to locate them and coordinate attacks.
The voice chat is better on xbox than on the pc because you can speak to your entire team.
Aside from all that, the game looks great, it just plays a little sluggish and the possibility for coordinated tactics is greatly decreased with the loss of squads and commanders. | 1 | neutral | [
"Im a huge fan of the pc Battlefield series.",
"A veteran of a tour in bf2, special forces, armored combat, 2142.",
"I went into this game thinking that it would simply be a less buggy version of the pc game.",
"I was quite wrong.",
"The controls are decent, but you have to turn the sensitivity all the way up and it still turns about half the speed of a mouse, which results in slow paced, generally disorienting combat situations.",
"And to highlight the slow pace, where is the sprint button!?",
"No more running and jumping then going prone into a good firing position, the controls are way too slow for that.",
"This feels more like the pc version on tranquilizers when it comes to the controls.",
"Jump is not very responsive and you'll have a hard time jumping over anything larger than your teamates corpse.",
"No more squads either, the x-box live games do support enough players for small squads but the game does not offer the option.",
"Too bad, I guess teamwork is out of the question.",
"No commanders either.",
"This puts you out on the battlefield as a lone soldier, there are definitely moments where you are with your teammates fighting against the enemy but at times its difficult to locate them and coordinate attacks.",
"The voice chat is better on xbox than on the pc because you can speak to your entire team.",
"Aside from all that, the game looks great, it just plays a little sluggish and the possibility for coordinated tactics is greatly decreased with the loss of squads and commanders."
] |
The film opens on an army camp in 1916 France. It tells how trench warfare created a stalemate. Now there is a new plan to capture a German stronghold, but there is a problem. Colonel Dax inspects the soldiers and the trenches. A small group will reconnoiter the German lines at night. [We see problems in the command structure.] The next morning the attack begins over the top and across the shell holes. The rolling barrage advances. One company did not leave their trenches as ordered; General Mireau orders their position shelled! The attack fails, the troops fall back. General Mireau wants to shoot ten men from every company for their failure. Plea bargaining cuts the number down to three men. [Does shifting the blame to those who followed orders remind you of "Dilbert Land"?] Do the actions of the General suggest senility or megalomania? Whatever the reason for the selection, the accused have no excuses.
The accused are questioned by the court, but can say nothing. The trial seems to be fixed to arrive at a foregone conclusion. Defense attorney Colonel Dax protests the failure to follow the rules. He pleads for mercy for the men. It is useless. A priest comes to console the men. We see the characters of the condemned. The Colonel learns that criticism of the General Staff and the Government may have created a need for an attack, even if hopeless. Even with the depositions of the Artillery Commander it has no effect. And so the events continue to its conclusion.
The top General dines with General Mireau, and tells of an inquiry into his actions (ordering the shelling of his troops). Colonel refuses a promotion to General. The ending shows the troops being entertained by a singer of a German sentimental song. Then they are ordered back to the front. This imagined story is dramatic, but implausible in parts. The offer of a promotion reminds me of Ibsen's "An Enemy of the People". Events are rigged for dramatic effect. But in a few short years we learn of the U-2 incident, where a pilot who follows orders gets blamed for being shot down! Life imitating art? Read a history book to get the real facts about the 1917 mutinies in France, or the 1918 mutinies in Germany that ended The Great War. [The lesson learned here is that the French soldiers needed a good union.] | 1 | neutral | [
"The film opens on an army camp in 1916 France.",
"It tells how trench warfare created a stalemate.",
"Now there is a new plan to capture a German stronghold, but there is a problem.",
"Colonel Dax inspects the soldiers and the trenches.",
"A small group will reconnoiter the German lines at night.",
"[We see problems in the command structure.",
"] The next morning the attack begins over the top and across the shell holes.",
"The rolling barrage advances.",
"One company did not leave their trenches as ordered; General Mireau orders their position shelled!",
"The attack fails, the troops fall back.",
"General Mireau wants to shoot ten men from every company for their failure.",
"Plea bargaining cuts the number down to three men.",
"[Does shifting the blame to those who followed orders remind you of \"Dilbert Land\"?",
"] Do the actions of the General suggest senility or megalomania?",
"Whatever the reason for the selection, the accused have no excuses.",
"The accused are questioned by the court, but can say nothing.",
"The trial seems to be fixed to arrive at a foregone conclusion.",
"Defense attorney Colonel Dax protests the failure to follow the rules.",
"He pleads for mercy for the men.",
"It is useless.",
"A priest comes to console the men.",
"We see the characters of the condemned.",
"The Colonel learns that criticism of the General Staff and the Government may have created a need for an attack, even if hopeless.",
"Even with the depositions of the Artillery Commander it has no effect.",
"And so the events continue to its conclusion.",
"The top General dines with General Mireau, and tells of an inquiry into his actions (ordering the shelling of his troops).",
"Colonel refuses a promotion to General.",
"The ending shows the troops being entertained by a singer of a German sentimental song.",
"Then they are ordered back to the front.",
"This imagined story is dramatic, but implausible in parts.",
"The offer of a promotion reminds me of Ibsen's \"An Enemy of the People\".",
"Events are rigged for dramatic effect.",
"But in a few short years we learn of the U-2 incident, where a pilot who follows orders gets blamed for being shot down!",
"Life imitating art?",
"Read a history book to get the real facts about the 1917 mutinies in France, or the 1918 mutinies in Germany that ended The Great War.",
"[The lesson learned here is that the French soldiers needed a good union.",
"]"
] |
I must admit I was surprised to enjoy this book. To begin with, I didn't think I could root for an Arab protagonist...they are so rare in this genre. Having lived abroad for many years and feared for my life from different Ethnic groups other than my own, and having lived in an Arab country and felt little more than a stray, flea infested dog in their eyes, I must admit how biaised I have become. It was quite interesting to see the author show the multitude of Muslim flaws - as I have witnessed such behavior in plain view and in daylight. They don't even bother to dress like regular people...they just go ahead and go drinking the forbidden alcohol in hotels at whatever hour and barter for virgins to play with, without any shame whatsoever. And so here I am, to bare my soul and say that this author has captured my interest till the end. And, yes, I did root for Ash. Well worth the read at this very low cost. | 1 | neutral | [
"I must admit I was surprised to enjoy this book.",
"To begin with, I didn't think I could root for an Arab protagonist...",
"they are so rare in this genre.",
"Having lived abroad for many years and feared for my life from different Ethnic groups other than my own, and having lived in an Arab country and felt little more than a stray, flea infested dog in their eyes, I must admit how biaised I have become.",
"It was quite interesting to see the author show the multitude of Muslim flaws - as I have witnessed such behavior in plain view and in daylight.",
"They don't even bother to dress like regular people...",
"they just go ahead and go drinking the forbidden alcohol in hotels at whatever hour and barter for virgins to play with, without any shame whatsoever.",
"And so here I am, to bare my soul and say that this author has captured my interest till the end.",
"And, yes, I did root for Ash.",
"Well worth the read at this very low cost."
] |
So I LOVE Melissa and Doug, and was psyched to buy this for my 3 year old boy. The materials are nice and sturdy, just like you'd expect from Melissa and Doug.
I was a little surprised though that the design was so weak. The nails were very hard to nail into the side of the box - and crazy hard to remove. Certainly my son couldn't do it without my help, and I struggled a little too. As for the screws - you can't use them in the box at all! You can only screw in the screws in the enclosed bolts, so that part has nothing to do with the actual box (I thought it would be cool for my son to build something ON the box, but he couldn't do that with the current design.
So my son doesn't play with this toy. Now my problem is that it's so nice that I feel guilty to throw it out, but not designed smartly enough for him to really get use out of it. #decisionsdecisions | 1 | neutral | [
"So I LOVE Melissa and Doug, and was psyched to buy this for my 3 year old boy.",
"The materials are nice and sturdy, just like you'd expect from Melissa and Doug.",
"I was a little surprised though that the design was so weak.",
"The nails were very hard to nail into the side of the box - and crazy hard to remove.",
"Certainly my son couldn't do it without my help, and I struggled a little too.",
"As for the screws - you can't use them in the box at all!",
"You can only screw in the screws in the enclosed bolts, so that part has nothing to do with the actual box (I thought it would be cool for my son to build something ON the box, but he couldn't do that with the current design.",
"So my son doesn't play with this toy.",
"Now my problem is that it's so nice that I feel guilty to throw it out, but not designed smartly enough for him to really get use out of it.",
"#decisionsdecisions"
] |
I like this device. The only part I don't like is how bulky the part that goes behind the ears is. While it doesn't make my ears stick out too much, they do stick out more when I put them on and I hate that I get self-conscious because of it. Other than the bulkiness they are really convenient to have. I love that there's no wires attached. In fact, I almost forget my iPhone on the machines at the gym because of it, so be careful with that gym members. The best part about these bluetooth headphones is that i can get calls and talk with them on with no problems. Another thing though is that when I workout with them, the do slip out my ears a little cause of the sweat. I have found myself pushing them back in. They won't fall off though. At least not on an elliptical. If you don't mind ur ears just sticking out a little then I would say these are pretty good headphones for the price. | 1 | neutral | [
"I like this device.",
"The only part I don't like is how bulky the part that goes behind the ears is.",
"While it doesn't make my ears stick out too much, they do stick out more when I put them on and I hate that I get self-conscious because of it.",
"Other than the bulkiness they are really convenient to have.",
"I love that there's no wires attached.",
"In fact, I almost forget my iPhone on the machines at the gym because of it, so be careful with that gym members.",
"The best part about these bluetooth headphones is that i can get calls and talk with them on with no problems.",
"Another thing though is that when I workout with them, the do slip out my ears a little cause of the sweat.",
"I have found myself pushing them back in.",
"They won't fall off though.",
"At least not on an elliptical.",
"If you don't mind ur ears just sticking out a little then I would say these are pretty good headphones for the price."
] |
This is a bootleg copy from VHS, and I'd normally be really upset that I actually paid money to support thieves, but I consider this recording "abandoned art". This is probably my favorite live recording, and has been for more than twenty years, and it still hasn't been released on DVD. Used VHS copies are available if you look. I don't know if the ones you'll find these days are also bootleg, but there was an official VHS release (and also a laserdisc release). As much as I dislike bootleggers, I can't really fault them for keeping this recording available.
The video is really low quality, the audio is marginal, and the audio and video are out of sync. Make sure you check out the alternate audio tracks, because the default track is bad.
Cyndi's goofy and doesn't connect well with the French audience, and Rick Derringer is a dork here, but the performance is very good. Look for the 1987 NY Times review. It's a 1987 recording, so don't expect recent songs.
All the stars I'm giving this are for the performance, which would rate 5-star if it was a quality, official release.
Edited to add: This review was for the Brazilian DVD bootleg of the 1987 live Paris show that aired on HBO in the 80's and was available on VHS and laserdisc. Amazon seems to have attached it to something different now that the Paris DVD is no longer available. | 1 | neutral | [
"This is a bootleg copy from VHS, and I'd normally be really upset that I actually paid money to support thieves, but I consider this recording \"abandoned art\".",
"This is probably my favorite live recording, and has been for more than twenty years, and it still hasn't been released on DVD.",
"Used VHS copies are available if you look.",
"I don't know if the ones you'll find these days are also bootleg, but there was an official VHS release (and also a laserdisc release).",
"As much as I dislike bootleggers, I can't really fault them for keeping this recording available.",
"The video is really low quality, the audio is marginal, and the audio and video are out of sync.",
"Make sure you check out the alternate audio tracks, because the default track is bad.",
"Cyndi's goofy and doesn't connect well with the French audience, and Rick Derringer is a dork here, but the performance is very good.",
"Look for the 1987 NY Times review.",
"It's a 1987 recording, so don't expect recent songs.",
"All the stars I'm giving this are for the performance, which would rate 5-star if it was a quality, official release.",
"Edited to add: This review was for the Brazilian DVD bootleg of the 1987 live Paris show that aired on HBO in the 80's and was available on VHS and laserdisc.",
"Amazon seems to have attached it to something different now that the Paris DVD is no longer available."
] |
I received my Freud Super Dado blade set and had the need to use it right away. The blades worked just fine. I was able to stack the whole set on my Delta Contractor's saw but the outer shim had to be left off as per the saw instructions. Nice smooth and sharp cuts, sure beats multiple passes with the single blade I was doing. As others have mentioned the case is a flimsy light weight plastic outer case with an unsure snap latch, I carry it from underneath and not by the handle since it seems like it will come undone easily. The inside cushioning is blow molded plastic film and will easily be cut by the blades. For this investment I expected more than a $1.25 case. I do not expect the case to last as long - I plan on having to build a good wooden case for this blade set. You will not be disappointed in the blade set - just the carrying case. | 1 | neutral | [
"I received my Freud Super Dado blade set and had the need to use it right away.",
"The blades worked just fine.",
"I was able to stack the whole set on my Delta Contractor's saw but the outer shim had to be left off as per the saw instructions.",
"Nice smooth and sharp cuts, sure beats multiple passes with the single blade I was doing.",
"As others have mentioned the case is a flimsy light weight plastic outer case with an unsure snap latch, I carry it from underneath and not by the handle since it seems like it will come undone easily.",
"The inside cushioning is blow molded plastic film and will easily be cut by the blades.",
"For this investment I expected more than a $1.",
"25 case.",
"I do not expect the case to last as long - I plan on having to build a good wooden case for this blade set.",
"You will not be disappointed in the blade set - just the carrying case."
] |
2 months after installing this First Alert smoke alarm, the alarm went off for no reason. I tried a new battery and same problem, the alarm goes off and will not stop. I called First Alert and after waiting a long time, finally reached someone. I was told to clean the alarm with air and a vacuum. The unit was clean, like new but was told that dust or spider web could trigger it. I used a can of compressed clean air to clean off the sensor of any dust and then the alarm worked ok. So every few months we are going to have to remember to blow dry and vacuum the unit, not what I expected as I had never heard of having to do routine maintenance on a smoke alarm other than batteries. Even though this unit has a 10 year warranty, it will cost you $6.50 after the first year to have it replaced. However, the warranty that came with the unit does NOT say anything about having to pay for replacement after 1 year, it says the unit has a 10 year warranty. I've looked for alternative dual sensor smoke and fire alarms but could not find any that would be significantly better. They all seem to suffer from similar problems or are unreliable, doesn't matter which manufacturer, so I'm stuck with this First Alert alarm for now. | 1 | neutral | [
"2 months after installing this First Alert smoke alarm, the alarm went off for no reason.",
"I tried a new battery and same problem, the alarm goes off and will not stop.",
"I called First Alert and after waiting a long time, finally reached someone.",
"I was told to clean the alarm with air and a vacuum.",
"The unit was clean, like new but was told that dust or spider web could trigger it.",
"I used a can of compressed clean air to clean off the sensor of any dust and then the alarm worked ok.",
"So every few months we are going to have to remember to blow dry and vacuum the unit, not what I expected as I had never heard of having to do routine maintenance on a smoke alarm other than batteries.",
"Even though this unit has a 10 year warranty, it will cost you $6.",
"50 after the first year to have it replaced.",
"However, the warranty that came with the unit does NOT say anything about having to pay for replacement after 1 year, it says the unit has a 10 year warranty.",
"I've looked for alternative dual sensor smoke and fire alarms but could not find any that would be significantly better.",
"They all seem to suffer from similar problems or are unreliable, doesn't matter which manufacturer, so I'm stuck with this First Alert alarm for now."
] |
First off, the strap looks great, is priced fair, seems very durable, and adjusting the length is a breeze. My gripe (and one I've seen other mention too) is that the leather is too thick to properly fit over the strap buttons--It is on there so awkwardly that it will eventually fall off. The leather is so thick that I can't even get rubber washers over it to circumvent this issue. It seems to fit slightly better over a different guitar because the buttons are longer... it still doesn't fit right, but I will be able to put rubber washers to prevent slipping. I wouldn't dare use this strap on my super spendy Taylor. It's too bad. I really like the strap.... and I can still use it so it's not a total loss. They just need to model their leather ends after the many other companies that have seemed to figure this out. | 1 | neutral | [
"First off, the strap looks great, is priced fair, seems very durable, and adjusting the length is a breeze.",
"My gripe (and one I've seen other mention too) is that the leather is too thick to properly fit over the strap buttons--It is on there so awkwardly that it will eventually fall off.",
"The leather is so thick that I can't even get rubber washers over it to circumvent this issue.",
"It seems to fit slightly better over a different guitar because the buttons are longer...",
"it still doesn't fit right, but I will be able to put rubber washers to prevent slipping.",
"I wouldn't dare use this strap on my super spendy Taylor.",
"It's too bad.",
"I really like the strap....",
"and I can still use it so it's not a total loss.",
"They just need to model their leather ends after the many other companies that have seemed to figure this out."
] |
...heads. Yes, that roundish thing that caps off my body does me in yet again. But I'm stuck with it so what can I do?
I picked this up at a certain big box electronics store (fact is, they're about the ONLY big box electronics store these days). The Halo paired easily with my iPod Touch, T-Mobile G1 and Sony Walkman NWZ-A829. Its sound quality was quite good, both via Bluetooth and via the corded option, although the only way I could achieve this given the size of my noggin was to use both hands to press both earpieces against my ears to get them to position correctly for the best sound. Obviously personally looking akin to something out of Edvard Munch's painting 'The Scream' really isn't a workable solution for me or anyone else with a head close to my own's physical size. Which is a shame because Jabra otherwise has created a really nice, minimalist slick-looking LITTLE headset (a fitting irony in that last bit of description) that for the bulk of the population probably won't have any fitment issues. But as I lamented earlier I'm stuck with the head I've got so alas, this particular Halo sadly isn't ever again going to find itself around my scalp.
Other observations: Its rechargeable design is a definite plus. Its volume and track advance controls are rather touchy and seem to me to have a bit of a learning curve. The hinges for collapsing the earpiece sections during storage seem rather cheapish and fragile to me; I'd tend to question how long they would last with repeated folding actions, and although the obvious workaround is to leave then unfolded and ready for use most of the time...except that the only way to shut them off is to fold them closed. | 1 | neutral | [
"...",
"heads.",
"Yes, that roundish thing that caps off my body does me in yet again.",
"But I'm stuck with it so what can I do?",
"I picked this up at a certain big box electronics store (fact is, they're about the ONLY big box electronics store these days).",
"The Halo paired easily with my iPod Touch, T-Mobile G1 and Sony Walkman NWZ-A829.",
"Its sound quality was quite good, both via Bluetooth and via the corded option, although the only way I could achieve this given the size of my noggin was to use both hands to press both earpieces against my ears to get them to position correctly for the best sound.",
"Obviously personally looking akin to something out of Edvard Munch's painting 'The Scream' really isn't a workable solution for me or anyone else with a head close to my own's physical size.",
"Which is a shame because Jabra otherwise has created a really nice, minimalist slick-looking LITTLE headset (a fitting irony in that last bit of description) that for the bulk of the population probably won't have any fitment issues.",
"But as I lamented earlier I'm stuck with the head I've got so alas, this particular Halo sadly isn't ever again going to find itself around my scalp.",
"Other observations: Its rechargeable design is a definite plus.",
"Its volume and track advance controls are rather touchy and seem to me to have a bit of a learning curve.",
"The hinges for collapsing the earpiece sections during storage seem rather cheapish and fragile to me; I'd tend to question how long they would last with repeated folding actions, and although the obvious workaround is to leave then unfolded and ready for use most of the time...",
"except that the only way to shut them off is to fold them closed."
] |
My 1st biggest disappointment with this box set is that it needed about double the number of sheets. There's 10 sheets and they are double-sided, but most of the "other" side aren't very imaginative. In fact, most of them are plain cement tiles. There are some cool useful tiles, but only one of each. Such as a bookshelf that's 2x4 but there's only 1 tile like this. There should have been more doubles of these kind of tiles. There's a web that's 2x2 but only 1 again. Really disappointing. There definitely should have been twice this many sheets.
So if you've got nothing else to decorate your mat this is a good start but if you've already got plenty of decorative tiles you should pass on this. | 1 | neutral | [
"My 1st biggest disappointment with this box set is that it needed about double the number of sheets.",
"There's 10 sheets and they are double-sided, but most of the \"other\" side aren't very imaginative.",
"In fact, most of them are plain cement tiles.",
"There are some cool useful tiles, but only one of each.",
"Such as a bookshelf that's 2x4 but there's only 1 tile like this.",
"There should have been more doubles of these kind of tiles.",
"There's a web that's 2x2 but only 1 again.",
"Really disappointing.",
"There definitely should have been twice this many sheets.",
"So if you've got nothing else to decorate your mat this is a good start but if you've already got plenty of decorative tiles you should pass on this."
] |
Since I was curious after reading all the great reviews, I borrowed this book from the library. It is a pretty good book, but not worth the high prices they're asking on the used market unless it's autographed.
Good Points: Empasizes paring down your closet so that every piece you have works; lets you know it's okay to have a favorite outfit in more than one color or fabric (i.e. a "uniform" so to speak). Comes down on the fashion industry as part of the reason women don't look as good as they could in clothing (wouldn't be surprised at all if this is the reason the book is out of print). Emphasizes putting together "outfits" in your closet, as opposed to hanging your separates in sections (although if you do this paring down right, thinking of your entire closet as a travel wardrobe, then everything should go with everything, regardless of what you pull out). Great section on how to take care of your clothes.
Bad: No pictures, unless you count caricatures of the authors. No real descriptions on how to dress to cover figure flaws, just an occasional mention of some of the camouflage dressing of the authors.
It's a small, mass-market paperback and almost half of the book is repetition and/or fluff. One example is when they say that one reason to shop is to replace a proven (i.e. "workhorse") wardrobe item. An entire paragraph is spent explaining why one of the authors replaced a black turtleneck with a cashmere one after being dissatisfied with cheaper ones. Who cares?
Even though this book talks about personal style, as do other books, the authors seem to think that everyone is passionate about style--believe me, not everyone is. Some of us want to look good, but have better things to do with our time and money than spend it on clothing. Some things like comfort and ease of care are important to us.
Bottom line: 95% of what is in this book (including "capsule" or outfit dressing" is in other books, although this one does a decent job of condensing it into a compact form (but it could be smaller and then even more useful). I think the title is a misnomer, because none of their exercises is difficult to do. Get it from your library, if you can.
Until this book is back in print, I would suggest the following books:
Does This Make Me Look Fat? by Leah Feldon
Brenda's Wardrobe Companion by Brenda Kinsel
I Don't Have a Thing to Wear by Judie Taggart, Jackie Walker
Ready to Wear by Mary Lou Andre
and if you need color pictures:
The Lucky Shopping Manual by Andrea Linett | 1 | neutral | [
"Since I was curious after reading all the great reviews, I borrowed this book from the library.",
"It is a pretty good book, but not worth the high prices they're asking on the used market unless it's autographed.",
"Good Points: Empasizes paring down your closet so that every piece you have works; lets you know it's okay to have a favorite outfit in more than one color or fabric (i.",
"e. a \"uniform\" so to speak).",
"Comes down on the fashion industry as part of the reason women don't look as good as they could in clothing (wouldn't be surprised at all if this is the reason the book is out of print).",
"Emphasizes putting together \"outfits\" in your closet, as opposed to hanging your separates in sections (although if you do this paring down right, thinking of your entire closet as a travel wardrobe, then everything should go with everything, regardless of what you pull out).",
"Great section on how to take care of your clothes.",
"Bad: No pictures, unless you count caricatures of the authors.",
"No real descriptions on how to dress to cover figure flaws, just an occasional mention of some of the camouflage dressing of the authors.",
"It's a small, mass-market paperback and almost half of the book is repetition and/or fluff.",
"One example is when they say that one reason to shop is to replace a proven (i.",
"e. \"workhorse\") wardrobe item.",
"An entire paragraph is spent explaining why one of the authors replaced a black turtleneck with a cashmere one after being dissatisfied with cheaper ones.",
"Who cares?",
"Even though this book talks about personal style, as do other books, the authors seem to think that everyone is passionate about style--believe me, not everyone is.",
"Some of us want to look good, but have better things to do with our time and money than spend it on clothing.",
"Some things like comfort and ease of care are important to us.",
"Bottom line: 95% of what is in this book (including \"capsule\" or outfit dressing\" is in other books, although this one does a decent job of condensing it into a compact form (but it could be smaller and then even more useful).",
"I think the title is a misnomer, because none of their exercises is difficult to do.",
"Get it from your library, if you can.",
"Until this book is back in print, I would suggest the following books:\n\nDoes This Make Me Look Fat?",
"by Leah Feldon\n\nBrenda's Wardrobe Companion by Brenda Kinsel\n\nI Don't Have a Thing to Wear by Judie Taggart, Jackie Walker\n\nReady to Wear by Mary Lou Andre\n\nand if you need color pictures:\n\nThe Lucky Shopping Manual by Andrea Linett"
] |
I have always enjoyed the shifter theme, and love the idea that the shift is based on conscious thought rather than the phase of the moon.
This book should not have been stated as a standalone it is part of a series, though I don't know which one. I had a hard time following the characters because they had a past that wasn't explained it was inferred that the reader knew the characters from the prior series and now a new series is breaking off from it.
SPOILERS
Dover an owl shifter (hero) is asked to research trouble in Baniff, it seems Leopards, and wolves are causing trouble. He is asked to take Dana with him, a Leopard shifter who wants to get away from competing males. As they arrive in town tension is high and not everyone is happy to see an Owl and Leopard together even if they are just friends. The sexual tension is high with Dover and Dana, though Dover is refusing Dana's advances believing spices should stay with their own - friendship ok, mates NO.
They see a group of owls and one Lana (H) makes a pass at Dover never believing he was going to call her on it.
Lana is the youngest of her family and is well protected. The owls are being pushed out by the Leopards, but as a passive species they start to manipulate the Leopards, Wolves, and humans around them.
Lana and Dover meet and begin a steamy relationship, Dover believes he has found his mate while Lana believes he is being pressured by her brothers to be with her. Dover discovers the trouble in Baniff, is all about a new Leopard pride moving in on Owl land, with more Leopards than Owls the Owls will lose the home that has been part of them for several generations. Lana's brothers confess that yes they manipulated the Leopards and wolves but to save the lands for their families. Lana doesn't believe it was in the best interest as some have died and many more harmed because of the lies.
Dover is able to prove that the Leopards were trying to push the Owls out he is able to convince the Leopard to move on to another town with more land, and available property.
He and Lana make-up and he plans to take her to his home to show her to his friends and family.
This is great start to an exciting new series, Lorie O'Clare never seems to miss, and I only wish they weren't so short. Though this was a free download, I would caution readers in purchasing as the next in the series at $5.80 and less than 200pgs.
I would recommend Shelly Laurenston - Pack Challenge, Magnus, and Pride series all are with Alpha Males and down and dirty Alpha Females.
Enjoy and Keep Reading !!! | 1 | neutral | [
"I have always enjoyed the shifter theme, and love the idea that the shift is based on conscious thought rather than the phase of the moon.",
"This book should not have been stated as a standalone it is part of a series, though I don't know which one.",
"I had a hard time following the characters because they had a past that wasn't explained it was inferred that the reader knew the characters from the prior series and now a new series is breaking off from it.",
"SPOILERS\n\nDover an owl shifter (hero) is asked to research trouble in Baniff, it seems Leopards, and wolves are causing trouble.",
"He is asked to take Dana with him, a Leopard shifter who wants to get away from competing males.",
"As they arrive in town tension is high and not everyone is happy to see an Owl and Leopard together even if they are just friends.",
"The sexual tension is high with Dover and Dana, though Dover is refusing Dana's advances believing spices should stay with their own - friendship ok, mates NO.",
"They see a group of owls and one Lana (H) makes a pass at Dover never believing he was going to call her on it.",
"Lana is the youngest of her family and is well protected.",
"The owls are being pushed out by the Leopards, but as a passive species they start to manipulate the Leopards, Wolves, and humans around them.",
"Lana and Dover meet and begin a steamy relationship, Dover believes he has found his mate while Lana believes he is being pressured by her brothers to be with her.",
"Dover discovers the trouble in Baniff, is all about a new Leopard pride moving in on Owl land, with more Leopards than Owls the Owls will lose the home that has been part of them for several generations.",
"Lana's brothers confess that yes they manipulated the Leopards and wolves but to save the lands for their families.",
"Lana doesn't believe it was in the best interest as some have died and many more harmed because of the lies.",
"Dover is able to prove that the Leopards were trying to push the Owls out he is able to convince the Leopard to move on to another town with more land, and available property.",
"He and Lana make-up and he plans to take her to his home to show her to his friends and family.",
"This is great start to an exciting new series, Lorie O'Clare never seems to miss, and I only wish they weren't so short.",
"Though this was a free download, I would caution readers in purchasing as the next in the series at $5.",
"80 and less than 200pgs.",
"I would recommend Shelly Laurenston - Pack Challenge, Magnus, and Pride series all are with Alpha Males and down and dirty Alpha Females.",
"Enjoy and Keep Reading!!!"
] |
Resident Evil will probably never win any awards for subtly, acting or writing but it does satisfy the urge to watch an interesting horror movie. The original game was really a knock off of the concept from a number of previous movies (Night of the Living Dead, Warning Sign among many others). It's lack of originality is more than made up for with an imaginative production design and nicely paced narrative.
The plot is as simple as the game. There's dangerous research going on in the Hive. Someone has stolen a lethal virus that turns whomever it kills into flesh eating zombies. A crew is sent in to discover what's happened to the Hive when the computer shuts it down killing the infected staff of 500 workers.
It's clear that Paul Anderson's film owes a huge debt to Night of the Living Dead, Dawn of the Dead and Day of the Dead. While George Romero chose to inject an element of savage satire into his trio of films, Anderson plays his film as a straight ahead thriller. There's lots of close ups of gruesome things. The most clever and original element in this film is making the persona of the central computer into a little girl.
This isn't anything heartwarming or original about Resident Evil but it's a fun thrill ride for fans of the original game. It's a pity that Anderson chose not to add any additional subtext to the film as it would have given him and his performers more to work with given the thin narrative. This superbit edition has improved resolution (particularly noticable on a progressive DVD player and HDTV) when compared to the previous, regular editon. Is it worth buying again and paying more money for? Frankly, given the film itself probably not. It's not a surprise to see this film released in the superbit format (vs. more deserving films)as Hollywood has learning to fleece customers many times for "new improved" product. | 1 | neutral | [
"Resident Evil will probably never win any awards for subtly, acting or writing but it does satisfy the urge to watch an interesting horror movie.",
"The original game was really a knock off of the concept from a number of previous movies (Night of the Living Dead, Warning Sign among many others).",
"It's lack of originality is more than made up for with an imaginative production design and nicely paced narrative.",
"The plot is as simple as the game.",
"There's dangerous research going on in the Hive.",
"Someone has stolen a lethal virus that turns whomever it kills into flesh eating zombies.",
"A crew is sent in to discover what's happened to the Hive when the computer shuts it down killing the infected staff of 500 workers.",
"It's clear that Paul Anderson's film owes a huge debt to Night of the Living Dead, Dawn of the Dead and Day of the Dead.",
"While George Romero chose to inject an element of savage satire into his trio of films, Anderson plays his film as a straight ahead thriller.",
"There's lots of close ups of gruesome things.",
"The most clever and original element in this film is making the persona of the central computer into a little girl.",
"This isn't anything heartwarming or original about Resident Evil but it's a fun thrill ride for fans of the original game.",
"It's a pity that Anderson chose not to add any additional subtext to the film as it would have given him and his performers more to work with given the thin narrative.",
"This superbit edition has improved resolution (particularly noticable on a progressive DVD player and HDTV) when compared to the previous, regular editon.",
"Is it worth buying again and paying more money for?",
"Frankly, given the film itself probably not.",
"It's not a surprise to see this film released in the superbit format (vs.",
"more deserving films)as Hollywood has learning to fleece customers many times for \"new improved\" product."
] |
This sandbox is a little small. It's perfect for one child but not two as some of the reviews said. My one-year-old daughter had a friend over and the two of them could barely fit in there together with a few toys. The worst part of this sandbox is the top. Since it is attached it is awkward and in the way when the sandbox is open. Also, it would be nice if it was a tight fitting top. Instead the top just sits on top of the box. Unfortunately it is loose enough that the neighborhood cats can just push it off if they want. You need to put something heavy on top if you want to avoid unwanted visitors. But despite all that, it is a nice little sandbox that my daughter enjoys. It serves the purpose that it was purchased for. | 1 | neutral | [
"This sandbox is a little small.",
"It's perfect for one child but not two as some of the reviews said.",
"My one-year-old daughter had a friend over and the two of them could barely fit in there together with a few toys.",
"The worst part of this sandbox is the top.",
"Since it is attached it is awkward and in the way when the sandbox is open.",
"Also, it would be nice if it was a tight fitting top.",
"Instead the top just sits on top of the box.",
"Unfortunately it is loose enough that the neighborhood cats can just push it off if they want.",
"You need to put something heavy on top if you want to avoid unwanted visitors.",
"But despite all that, it is a nice little sandbox that my daughter enjoys.",
"It serves the purpose that it was purchased for."
] |
Technically they perform as expected. Cutting the string is a bit of an overrated gimmick. It works just fine but... the quality is about average. The Cosmetics are kind of tacky and the screw hole is straight down, not angled, so you may end up putting a second hole into your guitar for each of them. Be sure to drill a pilot hole.
The guy who claimed they are not the right size hole for electrics is mistaken. They fit fine in that regard.
In the overall (and for the money,) I wish I had bought Gotoh tuners. Far classier, better gears and quality. Luckily I was putting these on a low end Esp LTD so they will do. If you have a decent guitar go for a better set of tuners. | 1 | neutral | [
"Technically they perform as expected.",
"Cutting the string is a bit of an overrated gimmick.",
"It works just fine but...",
"the quality is about average.",
"The Cosmetics are kind of tacky and the screw hole is straight down, not angled, so you may end up putting a second hole into your guitar for each of them.",
"Be sure to drill a pilot hole.",
"The guy who claimed they are not the right size hole for electrics is mistaken.",
"They fit fine in that regard.",
"In the overall (and for the money,) I wish I had bought Gotoh tuners.",
"Far classier, better gears and quality.",
"Luckily I was putting these on a low end Esp LTD so they will do.",
"If you have a decent guitar go for a better set of tuners."
] |
Had this knife since Sept, 2015. I bought this because of the Cuisinart name and the fact that I did not want to buy a cheap knife. We use it regularly, but not for an excessively long time. It has never been dropped or abused. We keep it in the holder as pictured protected under the cabinets so nothing could have dropped on it.. I can only speculate that the plastic overheated from the internal motor and that caused a stress fracture of the material. For 2-3 times the cost of the lower priced electric carving knifes available, I expected better. I'm going to see how Cuisinart handles this defect and will update my review.
Update Mar 19, 2016: Called Customer Service they sent me a replacement for $5 shipping. I had to send old one back my cost, but at least they were good enough to stand behind the product. Still disappointed that it cracked, but it sure slices bread well. Upgrade a star for good customer care.
Update 8/15/2016 Used replacement knife from March until about a week ago. Went to pick it up from the counter and a tiangular piece broke out of the left side under my thumb. Very surprised that the case broke this easily. Use has been regular, but light, perhaps slicing two-three loaves of bread a week. Maybe 6-8 slices at a time. Spoke with CS again and they agreed to send out another replacement. Will see if the new one holds up better. The Hamilton Beach Electric Carving Knife with Case (74275) that I got as a back up for $17.80 has given me no problems,<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Hamilton-Beach-Electric-Carving-Knife-with-Case-74275/dp/B00065XWO0/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Hamilton Beach Electric Carving Knife with Case (74275)</a> | 1 | neutral | [
"Had this knife since Sept, 2015.",
"I bought this because of the Cuisinart name and the fact that I did not want to buy a cheap knife.",
"We use it regularly, but not for an excessively long time.",
"It has never been dropped or abused.",
"We keep it in the holder as pictured protected under the cabinets so nothing could have dropped on it..",
"I can only speculate that the plastic overheated from the internal motor and that caused a stress fracture of the material.",
"For 2-3 times the cost of the lower priced electric carving knifes available, I expected better.",
"I'm going to see how Cuisinart handles this defect and will update my review.",
"Update Mar 19, 2016: Called Customer Service they sent me a replacement for $5 shipping.",
"I had to send old one back my cost, but at least they were good enough to stand behind the product.",
"Still disappointed that it cracked, but it sure slices bread well.",
"Upgrade a star for good customer care.",
"Update 8/15/2016 Used replacement knife from March until about a week ago.",
"Went to pick it up from the counter and a tiangular piece broke out of the left side under my thumb.",
"Very surprised that the case broke this easily.",
"Use has been regular, but light, perhaps slicing two-three loaves of bread a week.",
"Maybe 6-8 slices at a time.",
"Spoke with CS again and they agreed to send out another replacement.",
"Will see if the new one holds up better.",
"The Hamilton Beach Electric Carving Knife with Case (74275) that I got as a back up for $17.",
"80 has given me no problems,<a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/Hamilton-Beach-Electric-Carving-Knife-with-Case-74275/dp/B00065XWO0/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">Hamilton Beach Electric Carving Knife with Case (74275)</a>"
] |
I actually got this AFTER I bought LocoRoco 2. I got stuck in the 2nd version but I missed the little bouncy blobs so I decided to get the older version.
It was OK. There were some differences between both, nothing major, but it greatly affected the quality of gameplay. Understandably, this version has less features for the LocoRoco - like there is no "high jump" feature. The way the World Map is laid out is not as nice as LR2's, and the worlds don't have features such as a Map that shows where the LocoRoco's "food" is hidden, so you have to blindly search around to get at all those food.
Also, I didn't enjoy the MuiMui house feature for this version. It's not as cute as LR2 - here you pretty much have to put in components of the house haphazardly to get some sort of prize at one location of the house. While it's somewhat a puzzle you can try to solve, I think I like the interactive-ness of the LR2's MuiMui house - adding furniture, guests, items, and seeing the MuiMui playing and using them is WAY cuter.
It's OK - but if you really want to try out LocoRoco for the first time, I would recommend the LocoRoco 2 instead. You won't miss anything. | 1 | neutral | [
"I actually got this AFTER I bought LocoRoco 2.",
"I got stuck in the 2nd version but I missed the little bouncy blobs so I decided to get the older version.",
"It was OK.",
"There were some differences between both, nothing major, but it greatly affected the quality of gameplay.",
"Understandably, this version has less features for the LocoRoco - like there is no \"high jump\" feature.",
"The way the World Map is laid out is not as nice as LR2's, and the worlds don't have features such as a Map that shows where the LocoRoco's \"food\" is hidden, so you have to blindly search around to get at all those food.",
"Also, I didn't enjoy the MuiMui house feature for this version.",
"It's not as cute as LR2 - here you pretty much have to put in components of the house haphazardly to get some sort of prize at one location of the house.",
"While it's somewhat a puzzle you can try to solve, I think I like the interactive-ness of the LR2's MuiMui house - adding furniture, guests, items, and seeing the MuiMui playing and using them is WAY cuter.",
"It's OK - but if you really want to try out LocoRoco for the first time, I would recommend the LocoRoco 2 instead.",
"You won't miss anything."
] |
Brave New World is one of the great dystopic novels, in the same company as 1984, Clockwork Orange and Logan's Run. It is set in the future, where we are placed in the middle of a society gone haywire. The moral values and behavior of the world's citizens of the future are vastly different from what we might expect. Drugs are used to regulate how everyone feels. No one is concerned about marriage (babies are born in labs) but rather enjoying themselves and associating within their group. Society has been divided into a rigid hierarchy. The class system (Alphas, Betas, etc.) determines everyone's occupation, height, potential sex partners and much more before anyone is even born. Just like in 1984's proletarian areas, there are lawless zones on the fringe of society where some of the action in the story takes place. Our hero is Bernard Marx who goes searching for something more.
While I was happy to read this book I found it very difficult to finish. Huxley's style is extremely descriptive to the point that it is hard to discern what is happening in the book. Brave New World is raw, powerful and compelling. It is very dense, heavy reading. On the one hand you do feel Huxley has actually visited the future and is describing it to you. However, it becomes a bit much as we explore Huxley's intricately detailed stream of consciousness. Huxley is obviously a philosophical thinker who gives you a lot to consider. This novel is about certain themes being explored as opposed to a normal sci-fi story and plot. Is it about loss of individualism? Loss of freedom? Over-reliance on technology? There is much to ponder in this complicated, detailed thriller. | 1 | neutral | [
"Brave New World is one of the great dystopic novels, in the same company as 1984, Clockwork Orange and Logan's Run.",
"It is set in the future, where we are placed in the middle of a society gone haywire.",
"The moral values and behavior of the world's citizens of the future are vastly different from what we might expect.",
"Drugs are used to regulate how everyone feels.",
"No one is concerned about marriage (babies are born in labs) but rather enjoying themselves and associating within their group.",
"Society has been divided into a rigid hierarchy.",
"The class system (Alphas, Betas, etc.",
") determines everyone's occupation, height, potential sex partners and much more before anyone is even born.",
"Just like in 1984's proletarian areas, there are lawless zones on the fringe of society where some of the action in the story takes place.",
"Our hero is Bernard Marx who goes searching for something more.",
"While I was happy to read this book I found it very difficult to finish.",
"Huxley's style is extremely descriptive to the point that it is hard to discern what is happening in the book.",
"Brave New World is raw, powerful and compelling.",
"It is very dense, heavy reading.",
"On the one hand you do feel Huxley has actually visited the future and is describing it to you.",
"However, it becomes a bit much as we explore Huxley's intricately detailed stream of consciousness.",
"Huxley is obviously a philosophical thinker who gives you a lot to consider.",
"This novel is about certain themes being explored as opposed to a normal sci-fi story and plot.",
"Is it about loss of individualism?",
"Loss of freedom?",
"Over-reliance on technology?",
"There is much to ponder in this complicated, detailed thriller."
] |
I would rent this game before buying! If you are an big ff fan, like me try it out first.
I have to say the graphics are by far the best I've seen in a ff game yet. It is a very visual beautiful game.
However, I think they kinda forgot about the quality of the story. I felt the same way with ff12, great music, graphics, etc. But the story itself lacked that sense of being apart with the characters. I know I may be wrong to some fans, but for me I got attached to the characters of 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10.
My Husband plays it more than I do. I don't hate this game, It's just missing a few parts to put it all together story wise.
I am crossing my fingers for Verses to be like the past games.
Don't hate, I did you tube the ending of 13 and I liked it. I don't mind to watch the cut scenes when my husband plays it. Overall, rent it and form your own thoughts. Thank ff fans! xo~ | 1 | neutral | [
"I would rent this game before buying!",
"If you are an big ff fan, like me try it out first.",
"I have to say the graphics are by far the best I've seen in a ff game yet.",
"It is a very visual beautiful game.",
"However, I think they kinda forgot about the quality of the story.",
"I felt the same way with ff12, great music, graphics, etc.",
"But the story itself lacked that sense of being apart with the characters.",
"I know I may be wrong to some fans, but for me I got attached to the characters of 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10.",
"My Husband plays it more than I do.",
"I don't hate this game, It's just missing a few parts to put it all together story wise.",
"I am crossing my fingers for Verses to be like the past games.",
"Don't hate, I did you tube the ending of 13 and I liked it.",
"I don't mind to watch the cut scenes when my husband plays it.",
"Overall, rent it and form your own thoughts.",
"Thank ff fans!",
"xo~"
] |
Having recently sold my Sony MDR-V6 headphones (good cans but no longer practical for my purposes), I succumbed to the frequent hype surrounding the Koss PortaPros and ordered a pair, as a back-up to my Sennheiser PX100s and, if necessary, as a replacement.
They certainly are no replacement, and I have yet to decide whether to keep them as a back-up. Headphone judgments can be highly subjective, but here's one consumer's observations:
1. The PortaPros have a reputation as "retro-stylish" but providing cutting-edge, compensating sound quality. My first impression upon wearing them, even before connecting them to a CD player, was that the comfort level is not equal to the PX100s. I was highly conscious of an awkward tin band around my head and frankly baffled by the resistant 3-level "Comfort Zone" switch. Admittedly, the initial sense of discomfort dissipated once the sounds of my player were picked up by the headphones. They're indeed high efficiency (demanding less volume than the PX100s), producing an open, "non-canned" and transparent sound in the mid-range and offering impressive detailing of the acoustic double bass on the low end as well as the drummer's ride cymbal on the upper end.
2. I began doing numerous A-B comparisons, noting that the PortaPros were immediately more arresting, producing bright, "forward" and "instant" reproduction of all frequencies, at times making me wonder if the PX100s weren't just a trifle muddy. But soon the PortaPros began to sound slightly "edgy" and "aggressive"-- less balanced in their overall sound compared to the ever-pleasing Sennheisers. Then an Achilles heel became unmistakable on a CD on which the PortaPros began to break up on the notes of the double bass unless I backed off on the volume by 50%. With the PX100s the same CD produced only the slightest hint of distortion, which vanished when I cut back on the volume by a mere 10%. Soon I wearied of the comparison: the PX100s had won the argument, and rather convincingly at that. They're slightly more cumbersome to fold up and reinsert in their hard case than the PortaPro's (at least without practice), but that slight downside had never seemed more insignificant.
3. Neither of the above headphones would be ideal for monitoring or DJ work near a microphone, the PortaPros more so because of their extreme sensitivity, which would certainly invite feedback. For that sort of work, I depend on the largely overlooked Koss UR40s. For comfort, frequency range, balance, and long-term wearability I would take these full-sized (but extremely lightweight) headphones over not only the PortaPro and PX100 but the Sony phones mentioned above. The UR40s handled the overly "hot" bass with absolutely no incident or rollback requirement. Their weakness is shoddy workmanship (I'm on my 2nd pair): the head webbing came detached after a couple of months' use and the conducting wire is both excessively thin and short. (If you purchase either Koss, be sure to save all of the order materials to be able to avail yourself of Koss' famous lifetime guarantee). | 1 | neutral | [
"Having recently sold my Sony MDR-V6 headphones (good cans but no longer practical for my purposes), I succumbed to the frequent hype surrounding the Koss PortaPros and ordered a pair, as a back-up to my Sennheiser PX100s and, if necessary, as a replacement.",
"They certainly are no replacement, and I have yet to decide whether to keep them as a back-up.",
"Headphone judgments can be highly subjective, but here's one consumer's observations:\n\n1.",
"The PortaPros have a reputation as \"retro-stylish\" but providing cutting-edge, compensating sound quality.",
"My first impression upon wearing them, even before connecting them to a CD player, was that the comfort level is not equal to the PX100s.",
"I was highly conscious of an awkward tin band around my head and frankly baffled by the resistant 3-level \"Comfort Zone\" switch.",
"Admittedly, the initial sense of discomfort dissipated once the sounds of my player were picked up by the headphones.",
"They're indeed high efficiency (demanding less volume than the PX100s), producing an open, \"non-canned\" and transparent sound in the mid-range and offering impressive detailing of the acoustic double bass on the low end as well as the drummer's ride cymbal on the upper end.",
"2.",
"I began doing numerous A-B comparisons, noting that the PortaPros were immediately more arresting, producing bright, \"forward\" and \"instant\" reproduction of all frequencies, at times making me wonder if the PX100s weren't just a trifle muddy.",
"But soon the PortaPros began to sound slightly \"edgy\" and \"aggressive\"-- less balanced in their overall sound compared to the ever-pleasing Sennheisers.",
"Then an Achilles heel became unmistakable on a CD on which the PortaPros began to break up on the notes of the double bass unless I backed off on the volume by 50%.",
"With the PX100s the same CD produced only the slightest hint of distortion, which vanished when I cut back on the volume by a mere 10%.",
"Soon I wearied of the comparison: the PX100s had won the argument, and rather convincingly at that.",
"They're slightly more cumbersome to fold up and reinsert in their hard case than the PortaPro's (at least without practice), but that slight downside had never seemed more insignificant.",
"3.",
"Neither of the above headphones would be ideal for monitoring or DJ work near a microphone, the PortaPros more so because of their extreme sensitivity, which would certainly invite feedback.",
"For that sort of work, I depend on the largely overlooked Koss UR40s.",
"For comfort, frequency range, balance, and long-term wearability I would take these full-sized (but extremely lightweight) headphones over not only the PortaPro and PX100 but the Sony phones mentioned above.",
"The UR40s handled the overly \"hot\" bass with absolutely no incident or rollback requirement.",
"Their weakness is shoddy workmanship (I'm on my 2nd pair): the head webbing came detached after a couple of months' use and the conducting wire is both excessively thin and short.",
"(If you purchase either Koss, be sure to save all of the order materials to be able to avail yourself of Koss' famous lifetime guarantee)."
] |
**A 3.5 Review**
Do you ever have those days where you want to do absolutely nothing; sit in bed and gorge out on bon-bons while the rest of the world does amazingly productive things? (Please nod your head because I don't want to feel like the only loser on the planet) Today was one of those days for me. Long story short, yesterday (the day I have formally dubbed "The Nursing Home Debacle of 2011') sucked. I spent hours (HOURS!) stuck in a Dr's office surrounded by people who (despite my killer glare and several inconspicuous coughing fits) did NOT get the hint that all I wanted to do was pretend I was on a cruise to Tahiti and read my book. As a result...I woke up in a crabby mood with the motivation of a pot smoking snail, (<- that's slang for "none") Since my motivation was pretty much as low as it can get, I came to the realization that zombie thrillers, psychological who-ta-do's and anything of the fantasy variety probably wasn't a good idea, (they require brain function...no pun intended.) So instead I opted for this, "Blind Sided" by Cheryl Leigh. A no thought required, could pop up on ABC Family at any moment romance novel. (Fist pump for romance!)
"Jenna Rainey can turn the reality of the bitter northeastern winter wind into a daydream of her childhood summers in Texas just by sinking to the bottom of the pool. It's only a brief respite from the climate that she detests, but it's the only one she'll get after relocating from her southern home to Baltimore to live with her cousins, Rowdy and Laura. A tragic drunk driving accident has robbed Jenna of her mother and damaged her eyes, transforming a successful college graduate into a lonely, disabled dependant. "
"After finding employment as a spin instructor and volunteer at the local school for blind children, she begins to gain confidence and independence in her new surroundings. When Jenna meets Rick Bentley, a swimming coach and accomplished athlete, her feelings of uncertainty and vulnerability mask her kindness leaving him rightly offended and their first two encounters threaten to be their last. It will take forgiveness, loving families, and a debilitating migraine to take their two broken hearts and make them into one great everlasting love."
So first...lets start with what this book IS NOT. It is NOT a YA novel. It is NOT a Harlequin (the sweaty sailor saved me from a man-eating octopus) novel. It is NOT erotica. It is NOT depressing (though it does have a few tear worthy moments) and it is NOT for everyone.
What this book is, is a nicely written CLEAN romance with a few (and I do mean FEW) religious undertones and a pleasant plot.
The characters are believable, and flawed (which makes them wonderfully realistic.) Especially Rick, who (like most of us) jumps to conclusions, has demons in his past and has a hard time swallowing his pride. These traits mixed with Jenna's southern charm make for a delightfully charismatic couple.
As for the plot, it's nice. Yes, it can be a bit hokey at times (think Valerie Bertinelli ala the Hallmark Channel) but the simpleness of it is what makes the book work. (Sometimes less really is more.)
Overall, I thought it was a cute book, with a few great moments of depth, and glimpses of unexpected sparkle. It may not be for everyone, but it will definitely call to those of you that are into romance for more than heavy petting and 1 night stands.
Happy Reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: it's not stalking if they don't catch you. Right? | 1 | neutral | [
"**A 3.",
"5 Review**\n\nDo you ever have those days where you want to do absolutely nothing; sit in bed and gorge out on bon-bons while the rest of the world does amazingly productive things?",
"(Please nod your head because I don't want to feel like the only loser on the planet) Today was one of those days for me.",
"Long story short, yesterday (the day I have formally dubbed \"The Nursing Home Debacle of 2011') sucked.",
"I spent hours (HOURS!",
") stuck in a Dr's office surrounded by people who (despite my killer glare and several inconspicuous coughing fits) did NOT get the hint that all I wanted to do was pretend I was on a cruise to Tahiti and read my book.",
"As a result...",
"I woke up in a crabby mood with the motivation of a pot smoking snail, (<- that's slang for \"none\") Since my motivation was pretty much as low as it can get, I came to the realization that zombie thrillers, psychological who-ta-do's and anything of the fantasy variety probably wasn't a good idea, (they require brain function...",
"no pun intended.",
") So instead I opted for this, \"Blind Sided\" by Cheryl Leigh.",
"A no thought required, could pop up on ABC Family at any moment romance novel.",
"(Fist pump for romance!",
")\n\n \"Jenna Rainey can turn the reality of the bitter northeastern winter wind into a daydream of her childhood summers in Texas just by sinking to the bottom of the pool.",
"It's only a brief respite from the climate that she detests, but it's the only one she'll get after relocating from her southern home to Baltimore to live with her cousins, Rowdy and Laura.",
"A tragic drunk driving accident has robbed Jenna of her mother and damaged her eyes, transforming a successful college graduate into a lonely, disabled dependant.",
"\"\n\n \"After finding employment as a spin instructor and volunteer at the local school for blind children, she begins to gain confidence and independence in her new surroundings.",
"When Jenna meets Rick Bentley, a swimming coach and accomplished athlete, her feelings of uncertainty and vulnerability mask her kindness leaving him rightly offended and their first two encounters threaten to be their last.",
"It will take forgiveness, loving families, and a debilitating migraine to take their two broken hearts and make them into one great everlasting love.",
"\"\n\nSo first...",
"lets start with what this book IS NOT.",
"It is NOT a YA novel.",
"It is NOT a Harlequin (the sweaty sailor saved me from a man-eating octopus) novel.",
"It is NOT erotica.",
"It is NOT depressing (though it does have a few tear worthy moments) and it is NOT for everyone.",
"What this book is, is a nicely written CLEAN romance with a few (and I do mean FEW) religious undertones and a pleasant plot.",
"The characters are believable, and flawed (which makes them wonderfully realistic.",
") Especially Rick, who (like most of us) jumps to conclusions, has demons in his past and has a hard time swallowing his pride.",
"These traits mixed with Jenna's southern charm make for a delightfully charismatic couple.",
"As for the plot, it's nice.",
"Yes, it can be a bit hokey at times (think Valerie Bertinelli ala the Hallmark Channel) but the simpleness of it is what makes the book work.",
"(Sometimes less really is more.",
")\n\nOverall, I thought it was a cute book, with a few great moments of depth, and glimpses of unexpected sparkle.",
"It may not be for everyone, but it will definitely call to those of you that are into romance for more than heavy petting and 1 night stands.",
"Happy Reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: it's not stalking if they don't catch you.",
"Right?"
] |
As with most of the Behringer stuff, the price is surprisingly low, and that's the draw. The unit's plastic construction isn't a problem for me - I don't gig. Works fine with no noted PSU noise (no hum/buzz/60Hz...) from my pedalboard power supply.
I've been fiddling with it for a few months, and it just doesn't have a sweet spot. I don't like it enough that I ever want it on.
You can get short-delay doubling, but the control the delay-time knob gives you is not fine enough to get it just right. You can max it out to full delay and it sounds not so much like a large hall as it does a cheap pedal. That and I'd like about twice the maximum delay out of this thing. C'mon, charge $5 more and make it more useful.
When I engage this thing, whatever clarity and bite I had seems to disappear - not just due to reverb muddying things up; that I expect - but the original and delayed sounds just don't seem to retain the clarity I want.
I'm assuming the insides of this pedal are something like the "bucket-brigade line" delay pedals that started to come out in the early 80s. This pedal reproduces the feel of those - including the not-so-great fidelity. (Happily, I can't hear clock signals, nor aliasing, so we've come a little way forward in 30 years).
I'm guessing there are not many people pining for the sound of the old Electro-Harmonix delay lines - what you're likely coming to this pedal for is one of two things: 1. a cheap, crisp digital delay - and this pedal is NOT that on either count. 2. a tape echo (like an Echoplex), but in a more convenient solid-state form. This pedal tries a little bit to be that, but it doesn't have the fine control you need to work it as you would an Echoplex, and the knobs are tiny and down on the floor.
I think I'd move along and try something else next time. | 1 | neutral | [
"As with most of the Behringer stuff, the price is surprisingly low, and that's the draw.",
"The unit's plastic construction isn't a problem for me - I don't gig.",
"Works fine with no noted PSU noise (no hum/buzz/60Hz...",
") from my pedalboard power supply.",
"I've been fiddling with it for a few months, and it just doesn't have a sweet spot.",
"I don't like it enough that I ever want it on.",
"You can get short-delay doubling, but the control the delay-time knob gives you is not fine enough to get it just right.",
"You can max it out to full delay and it sounds not so much like a large hall as it does a cheap pedal.",
"That and I'd like about twice the maximum delay out of this thing.",
"C'mon, charge $5 more and make it more useful.",
"When I engage this thing, whatever clarity and bite I had seems to disappear - not just due to reverb muddying things up; that I expect - but the original and delayed sounds just don't seem to retain the clarity I want.",
"I'm assuming the insides of this pedal are something like the \"bucket-brigade line\" delay pedals that started to come out in the early 80s.",
"This pedal reproduces the feel of those - including the not-so-great fidelity.",
"(Happily, I can't hear clock signals, nor aliasing, so we've come a little way forward in 30 years).",
"I'm guessing there are not many people pining for the sound of the old Electro-Harmonix delay lines - what you're likely coming to this pedal for is one of two things: 1.",
"a cheap, crisp digital delay - and this pedal is NOT that on either count.",
"2.",
"a tape echo (like an Echoplex), but in a more convenient solid-state form.",
"This pedal tries a little bit to be that, but it doesn't have the fine control you need to work it as you would an Echoplex, and the knobs are tiny and down on the floor.",
"I think I'd move along and try something else next time."
] |
I'm mid-30's with combo, sometimes very dry skin. I don't wear a lot of makeup, usually just mascara and BB cream. There are a lot of things I like about this BB cream. I love that it has sunscreen. Has a light feeling but also feels moisturizing. It goes on smoothly and melts into skin. Nice texture. Looks beautiful, though this seems light dependent. In certain harsh sunlight it seemed to exacerbate fine lines because of the mica in it. I also didn't like the fragrance which seemed floral to me. Lastly, I think this light color would be best in the dead of winter, for me it was a bit too light with the last hints of tan from summer time. Personally I prefer a mica free(for me this means shiny-free) BB cream but some might really like that quality. I've actually just started using it more as a highlighter with my regular BB cream underneath and that's working well. | 1 | neutral | [
"I'm mid-30's with combo, sometimes very dry skin.",
"I don't wear a lot of makeup, usually just mascara and BB cream.",
"There are a lot of things I like about this BB cream.",
"I love that it has sunscreen.",
"Has a light feeling but also feels moisturizing.",
"It goes on smoothly and melts into skin.",
"Nice texture.",
"Looks beautiful, though this seems light dependent.",
"In certain harsh sunlight it seemed to exacerbate fine lines because of the mica in it.",
"I also didn't like the fragrance which seemed floral to me.",
"Lastly, I think this light color would be best in the dead of winter, for me it was a bit too light with the last hints of tan from summer time.",
"Personally I prefer a mica free(for me this means shiny-free) BB cream but some might really like that quality.",
"I've actually just started using it more as a highlighter with my regular BB cream underneath and that's working well."
] |
Fact check: The controversy over Trump's inauguration crowd size
CLOSE White House Spokesman Sean Spicer doubled down on his claim that President Trump's inauguration was the most watched in history. He also said his intention is to "always tell the truth " but said there may be disagreement over the facts. (Jan. 23) AP
White House counselor Kellyanne Conway claimed that âalternative factsâ were employed by Press Secretary Sean Spicer when he tried to make the case that âthis was the largest audience to ever witness an inauguration period both in person and around the globe.â Actually Spicer got several facts wrong.
Spicer then read a prepared statement later that day further criticizing the media for âdishonesty.â
Spicer Jan. 21: "Secondly photographs of the inaugural proceedings were intentionally framed in a way in one particular tweet to minimize the enormous support that had gathered on the National Mall. ⦠We know that from the platform where the president was sworn in to 4th Street it holds about 250 000 people. From 4th Street to the media tent is about another 220 000. And from the media tent to the Washington Monument another 250 000 people. All of this space was full when the president took the oath of office. We know that 420 000 people used the D.C. Metro public transit yesterday which actually compares to 317 000 that used it for President Obamaâs last inaugural. This was the largest audience to ever witness an inauguration â period â both in person and around the globe."
At a Jan. 23 press conference Spicer made an alternative argument saying the number of people watching the inauguration on TV online and in person had to be the largest ever.
âI have a right to say if you add up the network streaming numbers Facebook YouTube all of the various live streaming that we have information on so far I donât think thereâs any question it was the largest watched inauguration ever â Spicer said.
On that point Spicer may be correct. While Nielsen TV ratings were higher in past years some data suggests online viewership was up compared with 2009. But there is no comprehensive measurement available that would prove or disprove this claim.
On NBCâs Meet the Press host Chuck Todd asked White House counselor Kellyanne Conway â[W]hy the president asked the White House press secretary to come out in front of the podium for the first time and utter a falsehood?â Conway responded: âDonât be so overly dramatic about it Chuck. What â Youâre saying itâs a falsehood. And theyâre giving Sean Spicer our press secretary gave alternative facts to that.â
PBSâ âNewsHourâ also posted a timelapse video of the crowd throughout Inauguration Day which shows it didnât quite stretch back to the Washington Monument as Trump and Spicer said. And as our fact-checking colleagues at The Washington Postpointed out other journalists had more photographic evidence on Twitter.
Metro ridership. At the press conference Spicer also gave inaccurate numbers for those taking the Washington D.C. Metro system for Trumpâs inauguration compared with Obamaâs.
But thatâs not what Metro said and Spicer acknowledged that during his Jan. 23 press conference.
Spicer âs 317 000 figure was the number Metro gave for riders as of 11 a.m. on Inauguration Day 2013. The comparable number for 11 a.m. for Trumpâs inauguration was 193 000.
Crowd-size experts. Spicer was right about one thing: It appears as he said that no one has scientifically calculated estimates of the crowd size for Trumpâs inauguration. Congress has prohibited the National Park Service from making official estimates after it produced an official estimate that 460 000 turned out for the so-called âMillion Man Marchâ in 1995 prompting organizers to threaten a lawsuit.
Spicer argued that floor coverings over the grass on the National Mall âhighlight[ed] where people were not standing while in years past the grass eliminated this visual.â
âI donât know how [Spicer] kept a straight face when he said that â Doig said.
TV and online viewership. But at the Jan. 23 press conference Spicer emphasized the combined audience â in person watching on TV and watching online â was the highest in history. Asked if he was now saying that it was the largest in-person crowd for an inauguration Spicer said âI am not. I am saying that it was the total largest audience witnessed in person and around the globe.â | 1 | neutral | [
"Fact check: The controversy over Trump's inauguration crowd size\nCLOSE White House Spokesman Sean Spicer doubled down on his claim that President Trump's inauguration was the most watched in history.",
"He also said his intention is to \"always tell the truth \" but said there may be disagreement over the facts.",
"(Jan.",
"23) AP\nWhite House counselor Kellyanne Conway claimed that âalternative factsâ were employed by Press Secretary Sean Spicer when he tried to make the case that âthis was the largest audience to ever witness an inauguration period both in person and around the globe.",
"â Actually Spicer got several facts wrong.",
"Spicer then read a prepared statement later that day further criticizing the media for âdishonesty.",
"â\n Spicer Jan.",
"21: \"Secondly photographs of the inaugural proceedings were intentionally framed in a way in one particular tweet to minimize the enormous support that had gathered on the National Mall.",
"⦠We know that from the platform where the president was sworn in to 4th Street it holds about 250 000 people.",
"From 4th Street to the media tent is about another 220 000.",
"And from the media tent to the Washington Monument another 250 000 people.",
"All of this space was full when the president took the oath of office.",
"We know that 420 000 people used the D.",
"C. Metro public transit yesterday which actually compares to 317 000 that used it for President Obamaâs last inaugural.",
"This was the largest audience to ever witness an inauguration â period â both in person and around the globe.",
"\"\nAt a Jan.",
"23 press conference Spicer made an alternative argument saying the number of people watching the inauguration on TV online and in person had to be the largest ever.",
"âI have a right to say if you add up the network streaming numbers Facebook YouTube all of the various live streaming that we have information on so far I donât think thereâs any question it was the largest watched inauguration ever â Spicer said.",
"On that point Spicer may be correct.",
"While Nielsen TV ratings were higher in past years some data suggests online viewership was up compared with 2009.",
"But there is no comprehensive measurement available that would prove or disprove this claim.",
"On NBCâs Meet the Press host Chuck Todd asked White House counselor Kellyanne Conway â[W]hy the president asked the White House press secretary to come out in front of the podium for the first time and utter a falsehood?",
"â Conway responded: âDonât be so overly dramatic about it Chuck.",
"What â Youâre saying itâs a falsehood.",
"And theyâre giving Sean Spicer our press secretary gave alternative facts to that.",
"â\nPBSâ âNewsHourâ also posted a timelapse video of the crowd throughout Inauguration Day which shows it didnât quite stretch back to the Washington Monument as Trump and Spicer said.",
"And as our fact-checking colleagues at The Washington Postpointed out other journalists had more photographic evidence on Twitter.",
"Metro ridership.",
"At the press conference Spicer also gave inaccurate numbers for those taking the Washington D.",
"C. Metro system for Trumpâs inauguration compared with Obamaâs.",
"But thatâs not what Metro said and Spicer acknowledged that during his Jan.",
"23 press conference.",
"Spicer âs 317 000 figure was the number Metro gave for riders as of 11 a.",
"m. on Inauguration Day 2013.",
"The comparable number for 11 a.",
"m. for Trumpâs inauguration was 193 000.",
"Crowd-size experts.",
"Spicer was right about one thing: It appears as he said that no one has scientifically calculated estimates of the crowd size for Trumpâs inauguration.",
"Congress has prohibited the National Park Service from making official estimates after it produced an official estimate that 460 000 turned out for the so-called âMillion Man Marchâ in 1995 prompting organizers to threaten a lawsuit.",
"Spicer argued that floor coverings over the grass on the National Mall âhighlight[ed] where people were not standing while in years past the grass eliminated this visual.",
"â\nâI donât know how [Spicer] kept a straight face when he said that â Doig said.",
"TV and online viewership.",
"But at the Jan.",
"23 press conference Spicer emphasized the combined audience â in person watching on TV and watching online â was the highest in history.",
"Asked if he was now saying that it was the largest in-person crowd for an inauguration Spicer said âI am not.",
"I am saying that it was the total largest audience witnessed in person and around the globe.",
"â"
] |
I've edited yesterday's review because I think I was a little too hard on TurboTax. I've added a star (now at three). If I was to rate how Turbo worked well for me for many years, I would have given it 4 to 5 stars. I never had a very complicated filing so others might rate differently. I rated it 2 to 3 stars now because they've let me down this year. There is plenty of chaos in the world, so I am happy when there is stability and reliability in something, especially MY MONEY! I've switched to H&R Block.
Over time, Turbo has gradually ratcheted up their price which I could have lived with. Instead of paying the usual $50 (everywhere you look) for Deluxe, I would wait until about now and buy at a Club store or on Amazon if there was a deal for about $40.
As I read about the changes this year, I got concerned. I don't think I would really have a problem with this year's version, but what if I did! I think H&R Block saw an opening and I bought it for about $16 from Amazon. Why not try it this year? I see that Turbo has "backtracked" on the extra charges. But, it's too late for me. Who wants the extra aggravation trying to get your money back? If H&R works ok for me this year, I won't be returning to Turbo unless they're giving it away!
Turbo is made by Intuit, the SAME company that makes Quicken. Intuit means "understand or work out by instinct". This is not always the case with either Turbo or Quicken. Like Turbo, I used Quicken for many, many years. Every year, they'd come out with a new version, apparently just to generate revenue. They would totally change the GUI (kind of like what Turbo does). They would introduce so many errors that it would take the rest of the year to fix them. Finally, I couldn't take it anymore and simply use my bank's "on-line banking" function which is free, saving me $10 a month AND the cost of the yearly upgrade.
At least Turbo doesn't seem very buggy. However, they do do "dumb" things, like always printing Estimated Tax forms for the next year. They're never correct because Turbo doesn't know about other income I may have the following year. But, okay. I just throw away 4 sheets of paper. I also don't like having to clear a screen every time I start where they want to know if I want to buy more Turbo service.
I think this is serious for Turbo. All of the sharks, like H&R, are going to be looking for a way to get a larger share of the tax market. This could be good for us by driving down prices. | 1 | neutral | [
"I've edited yesterday's review because I think I was a little too hard on TurboTax.",
"I've added a star (now at three).",
"If I was to rate how Turbo worked well for me for many years, I would have given it 4 to 5 stars.",
"I never had a very complicated filing so others might rate differently.",
"I rated it 2 to 3 stars now because they've let me down this year.",
"There is plenty of chaos in the world, so I am happy when there is stability and reliability in something, especially MY MONEY!",
"I've switched to H&R Block.",
"Over time, Turbo has gradually ratcheted up their price which I could have lived with.",
"Instead of paying the usual $50 (everywhere you look) for Deluxe, I would wait until about now and buy at a Club store or on Amazon if there was a deal for about $40.",
"As I read about the changes this year, I got concerned.",
"I don't think I would really have a problem with this year's version, but what if I did!",
"I think H&R Block saw an opening and I bought it for about $16 from Amazon.",
"Why not try it this year?",
"I see that Turbo has \"backtracked\" on the extra charges.",
"But, it's too late for me.",
"Who wants the extra aggravation trying to get your money back?",
"If H&R works ok for me this year, I won't be returning to Turbo unless they're giving it away!",
"Turbo is made by Intuit, the SAME company that makes Quicken.",
"Intuit means \"understand or work out by instinct\".",
"This is not always the case with either Turbo or Quicken.",
"Like Turbo, I used Quicken for many, many years.",
"Every year, they'd come out with a new version, apparently just to generate revenue.",
"They would totally change the GUI (kind of like what Turbo does).",
"They would introduce so many errors that it would take the rest of the year to fix them.",
"Finally, I couldn't take it anymore and simply use my bank's \"on-line banking\" function which is free, saving me $10 a month AND the cost of the yearly upgrade.",
"At least Turbo doesn't seem very buggy.",
"However, they do do \"dumb\" things, like always printing Estimated Tax forms for the next year.",
"They're never correct because Turbo doesn't know about other income I may have the following year.",
"But, okay.",
"I just throw away 4 sheets of paper.",
"I also don't like having to clear a screen every time I start where they want to know if I want to buy more Turbo service.",
"I think this is serious for Turbo.",
"All of the sharks, like H&R, are going to be looking for a way to get a larger share of the tax market.",
"This could be good for us by driving down prices."
] |
This years Turbotax had to have been my worst experience ever!
Every year they change the layout, but this was extreme! Can't find import prior data, & I had the file, it wouldn't import it & I had to hand import it all, it sucked!
I have been using this program since 1991 when it was on 3.5 inch floppy discs & it was cheap back the, like $19.95. I am now hitting almost $100.00 for a CD disc that does not give me the ease of use anymore.
I hate the program, but! I once had a tax service try to do mine with stock & mutual funds & they wanted $800.00 for me to get a $1,200.00 refund. I said no thanks, I'll stick with the pain in the Butt TurboTax for now.
I have also found mathematical errors when you do the final checks & go to the real forms, then try to fix them, baby, have a calculator ready, because these numbers do not compute!
Remember, I said, I have been using this program for a at least 24 years & I have seen some blatant errors in all of those years of use, and Intuit does nothing about it at all.
My true feelings: I may switch to another program that is out there, I am getting tired of Intuit's stuff. | 1 | neutral | [
"This years Turbotax had to have been my worst experience ever!",
"Every year they change the layout, but this was extreme!",
"Can't find import prior data, & I had the file, it wouldn't import it & I had to hand import it all, it sucked!",
"I have been using this program since 1991 when it was on 3.",
"5 inch floppy discs & it was cheap back the, like $19.",
"95.",
"I am now hitting almost $100.",
"00 for a CD disc that does not give me the ease of use anymore.",
"I hate the program, but!",
"I once had a tax service try to do mine with stock & mutual funds & they wanted $800.",
"00 for me to get a $1,200.",
"00 refund.",
"I said no thanks, I'll stick with the pain in the Butt TurboTax for now.",
"I have also found mathematical errors when you do the final checks & go to the real forms, then try to fix them, baby, have a calculator ready, because these numbers do not compute!",
"Remember, I said, I have been using this program for a at least 24 years & I have seen some blatant errors in all of those years of use, and Intuit does nothing about it at all.",
"My true feelings: I may switch to another program that is out there, I am getting tired of Intuit's stuff."
] |
This will be the last screen protector I buy that cost more than $5. Almost every no name brand screen protector I ever purchased usually come with 3 and cost like $1.99 for all 3. I wanted to like this product but I never got it to work right. Unless you install screen protectors for a living or you are really good at it by all means buy it, it works as intended. I followed the directions to the letter making sure i read twice and still had the manual open as I applied it. Unfortunately my first time i was off by a hair, partially covering the mic on the phone. When I tried to adjust it naturally it made the whole thing worse. So I ended up having a good old visible fingerprint that has not gone away...YES I DID WASH MY HANDS, as stated earlier I followed the directions to the teeth. It does come with a warranty and replacements can be sent for free minus shipping cost.
Any normal person who applies screen protectors once or twice a year (depending on how quickly you replace phones) usually will never get it to line up perfectly the first time. You have a 50/50 chance of getting it right the first time. With my luck it is more like 90/10 in favor of getting it wrong. I usually get it right the second time and for some people they may need a third or forth time. Let's face it at $10+ dollars for one of these it is just not worth the effort. Also like other comments it takes a while for the bubbles to go away mine took a couple of days. After 2 months with it I couldn't stand to look at the fingerprint anymore and got a cheap no name protector at the local electronics store.
I never noticed a difference in the amount of protection or visibility compared to the no name brand I purchased. I mean honestly how much more protection do you need when the device itself is gorilla glass scratch resistant and kevlar surroundings out of the box. I believe a simple, cheap, ultra clear protector, is fine to prevent micro scratches over periodic use for the life of the phone which nowadays is like 1 to 2 years. With that I also recommend a thin protective case, the phone is made thin so why add bulkiness to a scratch resistant phone unless you are clumsy and need super protection. | 1 | neutral | [
"This will be the last screen protector I buy that cost more than $5.",
"Almost every no name brand screen protector I ever purchased usually come with 3 and cost like $1.",
"99 for all 3.",
"I wanted to like this product but I never got it to work right.",
"Unless you install screen protectors for a living or you are really good at it by all means buy it, it works as intended.",
"I followed the directions to the letter making sure i read twice and still had the manual open as I applied it.",
"Unfortunately my first time i was off by a hair, partially covering the mic on the phone.",
"When I tried to adjust it naturally it made the whole thing worse.",
"So I ended up having a good old visible fingerprint that has not gone away...",
"YES I DID WASH MY HANDS, as stated earlier I followed the directions to the teeth.",
"It does come with a warranty and replacements can be sent for free minus shipping cost.",
"Any normal person who applies screen protectors once or twice a year (depending on how quickly you replace phones) usually will never get it to line up perfectly the first time.",
"You have a 50/50 chance of getting it right the first time.",
"With my luck it is more like 90/10 in favor of getting it wrong.",
"I usually get it right the second time and for some people they may need a third or forth time.",
"Let's face it at $10+ dollars for one of these it is just not worth the effort.",
"Also like other comments it takes a while for the bubbles to go away mine took a couple of days.",
"After 2 months with it I couldn't stand to look at the fingerprint anymore and got a cheap no name protector at the local electronics store.",
"I never noticed a difference in the amount of protection or visibility compared to the no name brand I purchased.",
"I mean honestly how much more protection do you need when the device itself is gorilla glass scratch resistant and kevlar surroundings out of the box.",
"I believe a simple, cheap, ultra clear protector, is fine to prevent micro scratches over periodic use for the life of the phone which nowadays is like 1 to 2 years.",
"With that I also recommend a thin protective case, the phone is made thin so why add bulkiness to a scratch resistant phone unless you are clumsy and need super protection."
] |
As others have noted, make sure your door fits the required measurements. The most unusual requirement is that the door be of particular width. None of the doors in my house fit the measurements. All of my doors are too narrow. However, the device still works in narrow doors, just wrap a towel around the metal that touches the door frame.
What's not as easy to workaround are the painful hand grips. They're this dense, sticky foam that simply rips into your hands like nothing I've ever felt before. Every part of the hand that contacts this torturous material will be red and burning after you complete a set. I think that because the foam is slightly conforming, it's rubbing against my hands where there are no callouses from a normal metal pull up bar. Ouch! Makes me not want to do pull ups.
That said, compared to other door pull up bars, this ones very high quality and solid. I never feel afraid the thing is going to break. | 1 | neutral | [
"As others have noted, make sure your door fits the required measurements.",
"The most unusual requirement is that the door be of particular width.",
"None of the doors in my house fit the measurements.",
"All of my doors are too narrow.",
"However, the device still works in narrow doors, just wrap a towel around the metal that touches the door frame.",
"What's not as easy to workaround are the painful hand grips.",
"They're this dense, sticky foam that simply rips into your hands like nothing I've ever felt before.",
"Every part of the hand that contacts this torturous material will be red and burning after you complete a set.",
"I think that because the foam is slightly conforming, it's rubbing against my hands where there are no callouses from a normal metal pull up bar.",
"Ouch!",
"Makes me not want to do pull ups.",
"That said, compared to other door pull up bars, this ones very high quality and solid.",
"I never feel afraid the thing is going to break."
] |
Macy's And Kohl's Need A Holiday Miracle
There have been better times and worse times for Macy's and Kohlâs .
In the most recent quarter for instance Kohlâs sales dropped 0.90% and Macyâs 5.40% as Amazonâs sales soared 24.80 percentâsee tables.
Company Qtrly Revenue Growth Qtrly Earnings Growth 12-month Equity Performance Kohlâs -0.90% 48.60% -11.10% Walmart 2.10 -23.20% 26.51 Macyâs -5.40 954.40 -48.55 Amazon 24.80 -77.00 +45.00%
Company Qtrly Revenue Growth Qtrly Earnings Growth 12-month Equity Performance Kohlâs 1.20% -15.5% -39.80% Walmart -1.30 -11% -23.99 Macyâs -5.20 -45.60 -36.22 Amazon 21.90 125.0 +44.00%
Wall Street has taken notice sending Macy's shares down 48.5% in the last twelve months and Kohlâs 11% . Thatâs on top of sizable declines last yearâsee tables.
Meanwhile Amazonâs shares have been soaring 45% this year on top of a 44% gain last year. | 1 | neutral | [
"Macy's And Kohl's Need A Holiday Miracle\nThere have been better times and worse times for Macy's and Kohlâs.",
"In the most recent quarter for instance Kohlâs sales dropped 0.",
"90% and Macyâs 5.",
"40% as Amazonâs sales soared 24.",
"80 percentâsee tables.",
"Company Qtrly Revenue Growth Qtrly Earnings Growth 12-month Equity Performance Kohlâs -0.",
"90% 48.",
"60% -11.",
"10% Walmart 2.",
"10 -23.",
"20% 26.",
"51 Macyâs -5.",
"40 954.",
"40 -48.",
"55 Amazon 24.",
"80 -77.",
"00 +45.",
"00%\nCompany Qtrly Revenue Growth Qtrly Earnings Growth 12-month Equity Performance Kohlâs 1.",
"20% -15.",
"5% -39.",
"80% Walmart -1.",
"30 -11% -23.",
"99 Macyâs -5.",
"20 -45.",
"60 -36.",
"22 Amazon 21.",
"90 125.",
"0 +44.",
"00%\nWall Street has taken notice sending Macy's shares down 48.",
"5% in the last twelve months and Kohlâs 11%.",
"Thatâs on top of sizable declines last yearâsee tables.",
"Meanwhile Amazonâs shares have been soaring 45% this year on top of a 44% gain last year."
] |
Well, I give this three stars because it really wouldn't be fair to give it the two stars that my instincts say it deserves. It is afterall a very inexpensive little light, and within the price point that it competes it is probably a four star light...maybe five. But within the scope of me being confident that I might see the winding path in front of me on a moonless night...one star...two stars max.
I find myself really unwilling to go out to ride with this light in truly dark areas because it just doesn't cut it, though it certainly helps to be seen over no light at all. I just ordered a rather lavish lithium-ion Arc Ultra by Light and Motion so that I will actually feel safe riding in the dark. Though my new light will cost me nearly $500, so there really is no fair comparison to be drawn between the two.
If you can only afford a few dollars on a light, this one is probably as good as any. Don't expect to light up the night however, and for your sake wear reflectors and don't rely solely on this light to get you home alive (get a tail light and some blinking leds).
If you can afford a bit more, look into the rechargeable high lumen LEDs or halogens, if you really want to invest in safety consider an HID (high intensity discharge) such as the light and motion models...some of of these various options being far cheaper than the one I am buying, yet all far more effective than the light being reviewed here.
This may be one area where spending a bit more up front can save your life. I am not sure this light (meaning this class of light) should be anyones best choice...but it is better than nothing at all.
All of this notwithstanding, One great thing about Planet Bike as a company is that they donate a full 25% of their profit to bicycle promoting causes. That is well deserving of respect.
Ride safely. | 1 | neutral | [
"Well, I give this three stars because it really wouldn't be fair to give it the two stars that my instincts say it deserves.",
"It is afterall a very inexpensive little light, and within the price point that it competes it is probably a four star light...",
"maybe five.",
"But within the scope of me being confident that I might see the winding path in front of me on a moonless night...",
"one star...",
"two stars max.",
"I find myself really unwilling to go out to ride with this light in truly dark areas because it just doesn't cut it, though it certainly helps to be seen over no light at all.",
"I just ordered a rather lavish lithium-ion Arc Ultra by Light and Motion so that I will actually feel safe riding in the dark.",
"Though my new light will cost me nearly $500, so there really is no fair comparison to be drawn between the two.",
"If you can only afford a few dollars on a light, this one is probably as good as any.",
"Don't expect to light up the night however, and for your sake wear reflectors and don't rely solely on this light to get you home alive (get a tail light and some blinking leds).",
"If you can afford a bit more, look into the rechargeable high lumen LEDs or halogens, if you really want to invest in safety consider an HID (high intensity discharge) such as the light and motion models...",
"some of of these various options being far cheaper than the one I am buying, yet all far more effective than the light being reviewed here.",
"This may be one area where spending a bit more up front can save your life.",
"I am not sure this light (meaning this class of light) should be anyones best choice...",
"but it is better than nothing at all.",
"All of this notwithstanding, One great thing about Planet Bike as a company is that they donate a full 25% of their profit to bicycle promoting causes.",
"That is well deserving of respect.",
"Ride safely."
] |
What a shame, that this really magnificent orchestra was wasted on too often mediocre conducting in the Classical repertoire. Karajan IMHO, really had little affinity for Beethoven, and despite the acclaim for his earliest recordings, he never seems to penetrate to the heart of the music. Now, I listened to this again the other day, and let me extend my remarks. This performance is really, really perplexing-but let's face it, Karajan may have been losing it at his advanced age. Not that he was ever a great Beethoven interpreter-far from it. But in this recording each movement seems to be judged not in relation to the whole but as a separate piece of music. The allegro is simply too fast and doesn't breath. The march funebre while excellent, is too solemn and rigid, although showing wonderful gravitas. The scherzo is also excellent, but makes little sense since it is so much less vibrant than the allegro con brio. The finale, well played, again is rushed, and doesn't breath-there is simply no logic to how each variation relates to one another or to the whole. The Berliners are truly fantastic; alas orchestral execution is simply no substitute for interpretation! Too bad. The best counterpoise to this recording is Horenstein-lousy sound, small ok ensemble-but just a fantastic, meaningful, soulful performance-or you can look to Andre Cluytens, Boult, Krips, and Barenboim with the Dresden. | 1 | neutral | [
"What a shame, that this really magnificent orchestra was wasted on too often mediocre conducting in the Classical repertoire.",
"Karajan IMHO, really had little affinity for Beethoven, and despite the acclaim for his earliest recordings, he never seems to penetrate to the heart of the music.",
"Now, I listened to this again the other day, and let me extend my remarks.",
"This performance is really, really perplexing-but let's face it, Karajan may have been losing it at his advanced age.",
"Not that he was ever a great Beethoven interpreter-far from it.",
"But in this recording each movement seems to be judged not in relation to the whole but as a separate piece of music.",
"The allegro is simply too fast and doesn't breath.",
"The march funebre while excellent, is too solemn and rigid, although showing wonderful gravitas.",
"The scherzo is also excellent, but makes little sense since it is so much less vibrant than the allegro con brio.",
"The finale, well played, again is rushed, and doesn't breath-there is simply no logic to how each variation relates to one another or to the whole.",
"The Berliners are truly fantastic; alas orchestral execution is simply no substitute for interpretation!",
"Too bad.",
"The best counterpoise to this recording is Horenstein-lousy sound, small ok ensemble-but just a fantastic, meaningful, soulful performance-or you can look to Andre Cluytens, Boult, Krips, and Barenboim with the Dresden."
] |
I can definitely say that this story felt real, but the ending was lacking. I assume the author was attempting to give us a look into the world of abuse and the mind of the victim. In that sense, the portrayal is very accurate. Victims do tend to blame themselves and do make the mistake of failing to speak up. However, the last few chapters leave the reader with a bitter taste in their mouth. This was probably done to let us know how bleak this type of situation can seem and encourage us to take some sort of action. Unfortunately it doesn't accomplish that goal.
Why? Because the protagonist (our hero) failed to take action. She failed to report the abuse to the proper authorities, or even to tell her mom or best friend(who repeatedly asked about it!) When the dire time comes to really call out for help, she seeks comfort from the one character LEAST likely to give it to her! I don't know if this forced, so that the author could write a longer book or if the character really was dumb enough to believe that character would come to her aid. My guess is, it was a forced attempt to mention that many people mistakenly believe rape only happens between strangers.
There are better ways to bring attention to such issues. If someone tells you for instance "only strangers can steal from you and it be a REAL theft" you may believe them but only if you have never been robbed by a friend. If you had indeed been recently robbed by a friend, you'd say "BULL! My friend stole something from me just yesterday!" It's only common sense. Having a character lacking such basic common sense really detracts from the story and character development.
I might add also that there isn't character development. I would have liked to see the protagonist learn from her mistakes and begin to gradually stick up for herself and better her life. Instead we get a rushed ending where she FINALLY does something but then slinks back into her silent ways, watching the abuser continue to thrive. It's really bizarre.
Don't give us a "hero" who quietly watches an abuser continue to abuse. Give us a hero who stands up not only for herself but for OTHERS as well. That is the type of hero who calls us to action! | 1 | neutral | [
"I can definitely say that this story felt real, but the ending was lacking.",
"I assume the author was attempting to give us a look into the world of abuse and the mind of the victim.",
"In that sense, the portrayal is very accurate.",
"Victims do tend to blame themselves and do make the mistake of failing to speak up.",
"However, the last few chapters leave the reader with a bitter taste in their mouth.",
"This was probably done to let us know how bleak this type of situation can seem and encourage us to take some sort of action.",
"Unfortunately it doesn't accomplish that goal.",
"Why?",
"Because the protagonist (our hero) failed to take action.",
"She failed to report the abuse to the proper authorities, or even to tell her mom or best friend(who repeatedly asked about it!",
") When the dire time comes to really call out for help, she seeks comfort from the one character LEAST likely to give it to her!",
"I don't know if this forced, so that the author could write a longer book or if the character really was dumb enough to believe that character would come to her aid.",
"My guess is, it was a forced attempt to mention that many people mistakenly believe rape only happens between strangers.",
"There are better ways to bring attention to such issues.",
"If someone tells you for instance \"only strangers can steal from you and it be a REAL theft\" you may believe them but only if you have never been robbed by a friend.",
"If you had indeed been recently robbed by a friend, you'd say \"BULL!",
"My friend stole something from me just yesterday!",
"\" It's only common sense.",
"Having a character lacking such basic common sense really detracts from the story and character development.",
"I might add also that there isn't character development.",
"I would have liked to see the protagonist learn from her mistakes and begin to gradually stick up for herself and better her life.",
"Instead we get a rushed ending where she FINALLY does something but then slinks back into her silent ways, watching the abuser continue to thrive.",
"It's really bizarre.",
"Don't give us a \"hero\" who quietly watches an abuser continue to abuse.",
"Give us a hero who stands up not only for herself but for OTHERS as well.",
"That is the type of hero who calls us to action!"
] |
The software is good for novice to medium-experience computer users. On my PC (WIN 8.1), the software runs silently which is great. I originally installed all of the options (there are a bunch) but ended up disabling everything except antivirus and firewall.
There are a lot of other bells and whistles that I either don't need/want or they didn't work well enough to keep. For example, the feature which helps users know if a website is safe (site advisor) actually caused major instability and sluggishness with my browser (Firefox), so I disabled that option. The software comes with a free mobile app which I tried but uninstalled. I have an Android phone and I was not happy with the mobile app, because it was a resource hog and kind of annoying.
For just antivirus and firewall protection, this product is great, a 4 star. All of the other features might be great for somebody who needs them, but not for me. Given I was not that impressed with the mobile app and the site advisor features, I am lowering my overall rating to 3 stars.
Installation notes
Surprisingly easy to install and use
No installation CD, just download the software from the website and enter the code found on the card which comes with the product.
Log-in or register with McAfee
Enter the serial number
Download the installer
Launch the installer
Pick which components youd like to install (I picked everything)
Download software from site (automatically)
141 MB size. Could take a while on slow computers
VERY fast installation. <1 minute.
Cool feature: email yourself from McAfee a link to protect other computers; simply open the email from other computers and you can easily install the software without entering the serial number.
Vulnerability scanner is useful. Hard to keep up with updates, so this does it for you. | 1 | neutral | [
"The software is good for novice to medium-experience computer users.",
"On my PC (WIN 8.",
"1), the software runs silently which is great.",
"I originally installed all of the options (there are a bunch) but ended up disabling everything except antivirus and firewall.",
"There are a lot of other bells and whistles that I either don't need/want or they didn't work well enough to keep.",
"For example, the feature which helps users know if a website is safe (site advisor) actually caused major instability and sluggishness with my browser (Firefox), so I disabled that option.",
"The software comes with a free mobile app which I tried but uninstalled.",
"I have an Android phone and I was not happy with the mobile app, because it was a resource hog and kind of annoying.",
"For just antivirus and firewall protection, this product is great, a 4 star.",
"All of the other features might be great for somebody who needs them, but not for me.",
"Given I was not that impressed with the mobile app and the site advisor features, I am lowering my overall rating to 3 stars.",
"Installation notes\n Surprisingly easy to install and use\n No installation CD, just download the software from the website and enter the code found on the card which comes with the product.",
"Log-in or register with McAfee\n Enter the serial number\n Download the installer\n Launch the installer\n Pick which components youd like to install (I picked everything)\n Download software from site (automatically)\n 141 MB size.",
"Could take a while on slow computers\n VERY fast installation.",
"<1 minute.",
"Cool feature: email yourself from McAfee a link to protect other computers; simply open the email from other computers and you can easily install the software without entering the serial number.",
"Vulnerability scanner is useful.",
"Hard to keep up with updates, so this does it for you."
] |
this is a different spin on mortal kombat! instead of fighting[which you can still do] you get to go out adventuring as kung low and lou kang.i know i mispelled them but if you don't like it bite it! mortal kombat mispells every word with a c in it.anyhow,these 2 get xps made popular by d and d.if you are any kind of player you don't need this explained to you.but ill bet someones out there going "huh?" and scratching his or her head as the case may be.xps are points you get for defeating evil.these points may be spent on cooler and more complicated manuvers.this game is extremely fast paced! its really cool and quite chaotic at first.but once the chaos and balance harmonize it gets repetitive.like "look! i hit that evil wraith with a spine sucking bone marrow manifold uterus squeeze!" gets old the 23456789th time it happens.oh yeah! i forgot about the easy fatalities.you can just hit them any old time,instantly killing your opponent.another cool idea is the instant death environmental through.[i know scratch scratch].this means you can snatch a dude up and toss his a....... into a spiked wall or off a cliff or into acid or......well you get the idea! out of the 3 new mk games for the x-box this one takes the cake! so eat your cake.wash your hands so you don't grease up and or slime your controller and get them knuckles pumping,dude! | 1 | neutral | [
"this is a different spin on mortal kombat!",
"instead of fighting[which you can still do] you get to go out adventuring as kung low and lou kang.",
"i know i mispelled them but if you don't like it bite it!",
"mortal kombat mispells every word with a c in it.",
"anyhow,these 2 get xps made popular by d and d.",
"if you are any kind of player you don't need this explained to you.",
"but ill bet someones out there going \"huh?",
"\" and scratching his or her head as the case may be.",
"xps are points you get for defeating evil.",
"these points may be spent on cooler and more complicated manuvers.",
"this game is extremely fast paced!",
"its really cool and quite chaotic at first.",
"but once the chaos and balance harmonize it gets repetitive.",
"like \"look!",
"i hit that evil wraith with a spine sucking bone marrow manifold uterus squeeze!",
"\" gets old the 23456789th time it happens.",
"oh yeah!",
"i forgot about the easy fatalities.",
"you can just hit them any old time,instantly killing your opponent.",
"another cool idea is the instant death environmental through.",
"[i know scratch scratch].",
"this means you can snatch a dude up and toss his a....",
"...",
"into a spiked wall or off a cliff or into acid or....",
"..",
"well you get the idea!",
"out of the 3 new mk games for the x-box this one takes the cake!",
"so eat your cake.",
"wash your hands so you don't grease up and or slime your controller and get them knuckles pumping,dude!"
] |
Dark desperate life without power in Puerto Rico
Down the hill past the town's plaza and up another hill 50-year-old Maria Rivera watches her husband and two friends remove broken furniture and soggy sheets from their home which was destroyed by the storm. It is 2 p.m. and the three men toss the debris into a truck one of them owns. City officials never showed up to clear the debris and crews with the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency did not come until this month to assess the damage.
Tears moisten Rivera 's eyes as she gazes at what remains of the home where she lived for 19 years with her husband and three children.
"I haven't been able to assimilate everything that has happened " she says adding that she spends most of the day bracing for darkness. "When night falls you start growing anxious depressed. Everything has changed ... Sometimes I go to places that have power and I tell my husband 'I don't want to go back.'"
By 4 p.m. some generators in Rivera 's neighborhood start rumbling as darkness approaches on the shortest day of the year. A teenager bounces a basketball and takes a couple of shots on a court before heading home while several men wrap up reconstruction efforts at a roofless home that federal crews fitted with a blue tarp just two weeks ago. | 1 | neutral | [
"Dark desperate life without power in Puerto Rico\nDown the hill past the town's plaza and up another hill 50-year-old Maria Rivera watches her husband and two friends remove broken furniture and soggy sheets from their home which was destroyed by the storm.",
"It is 2 p.",
"m. and the three men toss the debris into a truck one of them owns.",
"City officials never showed up to clear the debris and crews with the U.",
"S. Federal Emergency Management Agency did not come until this month to assess the damage.",
"Tears moisten Rivera 's eyes as she gazes at what remains of the home where she lived for 19 years with her husband and three children.",
"\"I haven't been able to assimilate everything that has happened \" she says adding that she spends most of the day bracing for darkness.",
"\"When night falls you start growing anxious depressed.",
"Everything has changed...",
"Sometimes I go to places that have power and I tell my husband 'I don't want to go back.",
"'\"\nBy 4 p.",
"m. some generators in Rivera 's neighborhood start rumbling as darkness approaches on the shortest day of the year.",
"A teenager bounces a basketball and takes a couple of shots on a court before heading home while several men wrap up reconstruction efforts at a roofless home that federal crews fitted with a blue tarp just two weeks ago."
] |
I bought this at the Verizon store for literally three times the price listed here, and that was AFTER a 25% discount.
That aside, I have to say that I am disappointed in the performance of the item. I commute by bus/trolley, so I need my phone handy at nearly all times to check transit schedules and maps. So, I thought this case would be great to clip onto my backpack strap, like with my original case/holster. Nope! The clip either digs into my side or scrapes against the inside of my arm, because it extends WAY past the case when the phone is in a vertical position. It's also nearly impossible to simply slip the phone out of the holster because there is a lip around all sides of the phone. I've actually missed phone calls because I spent too much time struggling with the stupid holster! And lastly, I dropped my phone while in a two-handed struggle to get it out of the holster. The top and bottom edges of the phone aren't protected by the case, so of course the phone landed in such a way that the lower front edge got shredded. The damage is only cosmetic, but still considerable. I had an Otterbox Defender originally, but they don't make a case for the extended battery. After this experience, I'm going back to my Otterbox and will just carry a power pack to charge my phone while I'm on the go. | 1 | neutral | [
"I bought this at the Verizon store for literally three times the price listed here, and that was AFTER a 25% discount.",
"That aside, I have to say that I am disappointed in the performance of the item.",
"I commute by bus/trolley, so I need my phone handy at nearly all times to check transit schedules and maps.",
"So, I thought this case would be great to clip onto my backpack strap, like with my original case/holster.",
"Nope!",
"The clip either digs into my side or scrapes against the inside of my arm, because it extends WAY past the case when the phone is in a vertical position.",
"It's also nearly impossible to simply slip the phone out of the holster because there is a lip around all sides of the phone.",
"I've actually missed phone calls because I spent too much time struggling with the stupid holster!",
"And lastly, I dropped my phone while in a two-handed struggle to get it out of the holster.",
"The top and bottom edges of the phone aren't protected by the case, so of course the phone landed in such a way that the lower front edge got shredded.",
"The damage is only cosmetic, but still considerable.",
"I had an Otterbox Defender originally, but they don't make a case for the extended battery.",
"After this experience, I'm going back to my Otterbox and will just carry a power pack to charge my phone while I'm on the go."
] |
Given the term "cleansing oil" I rather expected this to be a general facial cleanser, but that may just be my mistake. I didn't find it to work well as a general cleanser at all. Although it creates a nice, muted foam that has a laudable texture, it doesn't completely wash off. My skin decidedly felt far too oily after using this, unless I used a different cleanser/soap to wash it off.
That said, it did a pretty good job as just a makeup remover. I could easily see sticking this on your bathroom sink and pumping a little onto a cotton ball or pad at night to wipe off one's makeup with before washing your face. It did a good job of removing mascara, eyeshadow, etc. (though nothing I was wearing was waterproof, so I can't speak to that specifically). It's worth noting that it did not perform better than straight coconut oil in that respect, however, which is much cheaper.
I'm ambivalent about the scent. I usually like L'Occitane's scents, but this one didn't quite work for me. It's not obnoxious or overbearing, but there's something off about it. It seemed okay when I first opened it and gave a sniff, but I noticed when I went to use it at night that it didn't tend to agree with me as much. Just personal preference there, but I think the scent would be enough to dissuade me from picking it up again. It would be worth your while to try to find this in person somewhere and give it a sniff before you invest. | 1 | neutral | [
"Given the term \"cleansing oil\" I rather expected this to be a general facial cleanser, but that may just be my mistake.",
"I didn't find it to work well as a general cleanser at all.",
"Although it creates a nice, muted foam that has a laudable texture, it doesn't completely wash off.",
"My skin decidedly felt far too oily after using this, unless I used a different cleanser/soap to wash it off.",
"That said, it did a pretty good job as just a makeup remover.",
"I could easily see sticking this on your bathroom sink and pumping a little onto a cotton ball or pad at night to wipe off one's makeup with before washing your face.",
"It did a good job of removing mascara, eyeshadow, etc.",
"(though nothing I was wearing was waterproof, so I can't speak to that specifically).",
"It's worth noting that it did not perform better than straight coconut oil in that respect, however, which is much cheaper.",
"I'm ambivalent about the scent.",
"I usually like L'Occitane's scents, but this one didn't quite work for me.",
"It's not obnoxious or overbearing, but there's something off about it.",
"It seemed okay when I first opened it and gave a sniff, but I noticed when I went to use it at night that it didn't tend to agree with me as much.",
"Just personal preference there, but I think the scent would be enough to dissuade me from picking it up again.",
"It would be worth your while to try to find this in person somewhere and give it a sniff before you invest."
] |
I have 2 cell phones. one for work & my personal. I needed a bluetooth device that could handle both phones. I purchased the 520. It works on both cps but ..... It could be louder and its range is short. My other bluetooth is a Motorola H390. Comparing the 2 devices together, I find the Motorola is much louder and has a longer range. I noticed my Blackberry connects to my Motorola as soon as I turn it on,while it may take the 520 longer to connect to my phone I assume the call quality is decent since I haven't heard anybody complain. The 520 fits in my ear fairly secure. The 520 has a wind screen. Ive find the only true wind screen is staying out of the wind. If the 520 were louder and had a longer range I would have added a star. | 1 | neutral | [
"I have 2 cell phones.",
"one for work & my personal.",
"I needed a bluetooth device that could handle both phones.",
"I purchased the 520.",
"It works on both cps but....",
".",
"It could be louder and its range is short.",
"My other bluetooth is a Motorola H390.",
"Comparing the 2 devices together, I find the Motorola is much louder and has a longer range.",
"I noticed my Blackberry connects to my Motorola as soon as I turn it on,while it may take the 520 longer to connect to my phone I assume the call quality is decent since I haven't heard anybody complain.",
"The 520 fits in my ear fairly secure.",
"The 520 has a wind screen.",
"Ive find the only true wind screen is staying out of the wind.",
"If the 520 were louder and had a longer range I would have added a star."
] |
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