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An update 12/27/09....The week before Christmas I received a replacement knife. After Henkle examining the knife, it was determined to be a manufacturing issue. Excess pressure on rivet caused a fisure crack allowing moisture to slowly migrate into handle ultimatly causing failure. I am glad to have the knife, however it did cost me $40 bucks to buy a replacement to use while I waited for the determination.
Original post.......I purchased this knife in March of 2005. I have taken exceptional care of this knife. It's always been hand washed, professionally shapened and cared for. It's a $50 knife afterall...not cheap.
The handle literally fell off of each side of the knife while slicing vegetables. I wasn't injured but could have been. The interior steel had rusted and corroded screws that held the handle together. I thought it was riveted. It wasn't properly done..
I contacted J.A. Henckels, via email, sending a copy of Amazon's invoice, detailed photos and copy of product description. First I got an Out-of-Office response directing me to email a different address. Both times, I requested a replacement, or a pre paid label so that I might return the knife.
They responded with a computer generated pre-formed email: "Thank you for your recent e-mail inquiry concerning Zwilling J.A. Henckels products. You will be pleased to know that all of our products are fully guaranteed against manufacturer's defects in materials and / or craftsmanship. The warranty does not cover wear from normal use, bends, nicks, dents, chips, or any damage resulting from use other than the intended purpose of the item. Wood products, including wood handled knives, are not covered by the Zwilling JA Henckels warranty, as wood is a natural element and thus cannot be guaranteed. We will evaluate your product and should it be under warranty, we will gladly replace the product at no charge. We cannot guarantee that the same line or size will be available therefore it will be replaced under our discretion, with a comparable item or an upgrade." ....verbatum of the warranty statement on their website.
It would be nice to actually work with a real person about this issue instead of a computer generated response. I don't think I was asking too much for contact from a person and a pre-paid label sent to me, as I have to package, go to post office and wait in line, mail, and then wait another 4-6 weeks for them to decide my fate with this knife.
If you want this knife, buy local so that you can work with an actual person to resolve your problems otherwise, be prepared to wait should it have a manufacturer defect. | 1 | neutral | [
"An update 12/27/09....",
"The week before Christmas I received a replacement knife.",
"After Henkle examining the knife, it was determined to be a manufacturing issue.",
"Excess pressure on rivet caused a fisure crack allowing moisture to slowly migrate into handle ultimatly causing failure.",
"I am glad to have the knife, however it did cost me $40 bucks to buy a replacement to use while I waited for the determination.",
"Original post....",
"...",
"I purchased this knife in March of 2005.",
"I have taken exceptional care of this knife.",
"It's always been hand washed, professionally shapened and cared for.",
"It's a $50 knife afterall...",
"not cheap.",
"The handle literally fell off of each side of the knife while slicing vegetables.",
"I wasn't injured but could have been.",
"The interior steel had rusted and corroded screws that held the handle together.",
"I thought it was riveted.",
"It wasn't properly done..",
"I contacted J.",
"A. Henckels, via email, sending a copy of Amazon's invoice, detailed photos and copy of product description.",
"First I got an Out-of-Office response directing me to email a different address.",
"Both times, I requested a replacement, or a pre paid label so that I might return the knife.",
"They responded with a computer generated pre-formed email: \"Thank you for your recent e-mail inquiry concerning Zwilling J.",
"A. Henckels products.",
"You will be pleased to know that all of our products are fully guaranteed against manufacturer's defects in materials and / or craftsmanship.",
"The warranty does not cover wear from normal use, bends, nicks, dents, chips, or any damage resulting from use other than the intended purpose of the item.",
"Wood products, including wood handled knives, are not covered by the Zwilling JA Henckels warranty, as wood is a natural element and thus cannot be guaranteed.",
"We will evaluate your product and should it be under warranty, we will gladly replace the product at no charge.",
"We cannot guarantee that the same line or size will be available therefore it will be replaced under our discretion, with a comparable item or an upgrade.",
"\"....",
"verbatum of the warranty statement on their website.",
"It would be nice to actually work with a real person about this issue instead of a computer generated response.",
"I don't think I was asking too much for contact from a person and a pre-paid label sent to me, as I have to package, go to post office and wait in line, mail, and then wait another 4-6 weeks for them to decide my fate with this knife.",
"If you want this knife, buy local so that you can work with an actual person to resolve your problems otherwise, be prepared to wait should it have a manufacturer defect."
] |
It is with great trepidation that I write this review, knowing that the great majority of readers will likely not agree with me. I consider myself a fairly well-read individual, and I am well aware of Tolkiens legacy as the Father of Fantasy Fiction, however, I struggled through this novel.
In no way am I minimizing his contribution to English literature, as I realize that his imagination is above reproach, his rhetoric, impressive. However, I truly detest monotony, and this novel is laden with it. I trudged through the overly-detailed descriptions of the geography. The characters seemed to languish during the prolonged events, and very little progress was made through the entire novel. Also, the ever-growing list of names for the same character or location was exhausting! I just cant understand why so many aliases were necessary, other than to create complete confusion.
To some degree, I truly feel that the same effect could have been accomplished (even to adequately set the elaborate scene), in or less of its current length.
When all is said and done, I cannot, in good conscience, rate this novel less than 3 stars; the impact of his work on literature, and as previously mentioned, his extraordinary imagination, are priceless. | 1 | neutral | [
"It is with great trepidation that I write this review, knowing that the great majority of readers will likely not agree with me.",
"I consider myself a fairly well-read individual, and I am well aware of Tolkiens legacy as the Father of Fantasy Fiction, however, I struggled through this novel.",
"In no way am I minimizing his contribution to English literature, as I realize that his imagination is above reproach, his rhetoric, impressive.",
"However, I truly detest monotony, and this novel is laden with it.",
"I trudged through the overly-detailed descriptions of the geography.",
"The characters seemed to languish during the prolonged events, and very little progress was made through the entire novel.",
"Also, the ever-growing list of names for the same character or location was exhausting!",
"I just cant understand why so many aliases were necessary, other than to create complete confusion.",
"To some degree, I truly feel that the same effect could have been accomplished (even to adequately set the elaborate scene), in or less of its current length.",
"When all is said and done, I cannot, in good conscience, rate this novel less than 3 stars; the impact of his work on literature, and as previously mentioned, his extraordinary imagination, are priceless."
] |
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Chaos Bleeds plays, well, much like an episode of the TV show. The scripting is sharp and the characters lovable, but in terms of a video game, the mechanics and progression of this game are just about rock-bottom.
First the good points: With the involvement of Joss Whedon and a large number of cast members from the show (including Eliza Dushku, James Marsters, Nicholas Brendon and Anthony Stewart Head), it's not surprising that the script and acting are substantially more enjoyable than that of most video games. The voice actress standing in for the absent Sarah Michelle Gellar does a fine job, though Alyson Hannigan's replacement just can't nail that elusive Willow charm. Perhaps they should have tried approaching Amy Acker (Fred in the show Angel) for the role instead? However, I agree with a previous reviewer -- the dialogue is very poorly paced. Huge gaps of air permeate the lines, in direct contrast to the brisk and enjoyable comic timing of the show. I suspect this was because of the overly slow subtitles, which are routinely one to two seconds behind the spoken dialogue.
But if I was having fun watching this game, playing it was another matter. Yep, we have another franchise game whose mechanics were underdeveloped. The camera in this game is horrible, whizzing around and around, blasting 180-degree axial shifts so that your controls get completely reversed. The designers don't seem to realize that in a 3rd-person fighting game, you can't have moves that require both analog-stick and button combinations because the game engine becomes constantly confusing. For example, to execute the multi-hit flying kick, you have to hold up and then hit a button. What if you're facing right instead? This practically means you can only execute this move when you're facing an enemy that's "above" you in the 3-D environment, and with the camera firmly out of your control, that's impossible for the player to orchestrate. And your character moves at about half the speed of your enemies. The moves just don't allow for much player control, and since this game always pits you against at least two (sometimes four or five) enemies at the same time, it feels like every character is fighting like Tara. Oh yeah, and there's no way to break blocking enemies short of using a weapon. So if your weapon broke before a certain fight, you're basically screwed, because later enemies will delightfully block you to death while its comrades beat you to a pulp. Most fights also require that you switch between items in your inventory all the time, and this game has one of the most awkward inventory systems I've seen. Items shift in position as you tap the D-pad, so you always have to look desperately for what you want. Inexcusable.
The levels are overlarge, and incredibly repetitive. I'd thought Syphon Filter: The Omega Strain made you run around a lot, but it's no comparison to this game for backtracking. I finally lost my patience during the "Xander High School" level where after playing the level for an hour and a half collecting UV filters, fumigation bombs, "alien gun" ammo, magic hats, keys, key cards, passwords...only to be unable to beat the final boss of the level. And thanks to the lack of true save points ("continue points" only work until you turn the machine off), I know I'll have to replay the entire dreary level the next time I put this game on. And that is just enough to make me send this game to the second-hand bin.
My last gripe is with the graphics. This game looks like it's one or two generations behind the competition. The cut scenes look cheap and pixellated, as if they'd captured the footage using too low a data rate. To give them some rope, they'd included a good amount of video footage from the making of the game into this disc, so maybe they ran low on storage. The bonus materials, consisting of interviews, voice-over sessions and outtakes of the cast of the game, are a blast and essential viewing for Buffy fans, so perhaps it was a reasonable tradeoff.
So this game really plays more like an unusual edition of the show. While there's fun to be had on that level, as a video game, this one really leaves plenty to be desired. | 1 | neutral | [
"Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Chaos Bleeds plays, well, much like an episode of the TV show.",
"The scripting is sharp and the characters lovable, but in terms of a video game, the mechanics and progression of this game are just about rock-bottom.",
"First the good points: With the involvement of Joss Whedon and a large number of cast members from the show (including Eliza Dushku, James Marsters, Nicholas Brendon and Anthony Stewart Head), it's not surprising that the script and acting are substantially more enjoyable than that of most video games.",
"The voice actress standing in for the absent Sarah Michelle Gellar does a fine job, though Alyson Hannigan's replacement just can't nail that elusive Willow charm.",
"Perhaps they should have tried approaching Amy Acker (Fred in the show Angel) for the role instead?",
"However, I agree with a previous reviewer -- the dialogue is very poorly paced.",
"Huge gaps of air permeate the lines, in direct contrast to the brisk and enjoyable comic timing of the show.",
"I suspect this was because of the overly slow subtitles, which are routinely one to two seconds behind the spoken dialogue.",
"But if I was having fun watching this game, playing it was another matter.",
"Yep, we have another franchise game whose mechanics were underdeveloped.",
"The camera in this game is horrible, whizzing around and around, blasting 180-degree axial shifts so that your controls get completely reversed.",
"The designers don't seem to realize that in a 3rd-person fighting game, you can't have moves that require both analog-stick and button combinations because the game engine becomes constantly confusing.",
"For example, to execute the multi-hit flying kick, you have to hold up and then hit a button.",
"What if you're facing right instead?",
"This practically means you can only execute this move when you're facing an enemy that's \"above\" you in the 3-D environment, and with the camera firmly out of your control, that's impossible for the player to orchestrate.",
"And your character moves at about half the speed of your enemies.",
"The moves just don't allow for much player control, and since this game always pits you against at least two (sometimes four or five) enemies at the same time, it feels like every character is fighting like Tara.",
"Oh yeah, and there's no way to break blocking enemies short of using a weapon.",
"So if your weapon broke before a certain fight, you're basically screwed, because later enemies will delightfully block you to death while its comrades beat you to a pulp.",
"Most fights also require that you switch between items in your inventory all the time, and this game has one of the most awkward inventory systems I've seen.",
"Items shift in position as you tap the D-pad, so you always have to look desperately for what you want.",
"Inexcusable.",
"The levels are overlarge, and incredibly repetitive.",
"I'd thought Syphon Filter: The Omega Strain made you run around a lot, but it's no comparison to this game for backtracking.",
"I finally lost my patience during the \"Xander High School\" level where after playing the level for an hour and a half collecting UV filters, fumigation bombs, \"alien gun\" ammo, magic hats, keys, key cards, passwords...",
"only to be unable to beat the final boss of the level.",
"And thanks to the lack of true save points (\"continue points\" only work until you turn the machine off), I know I'll have to replay the entire dreary level the next time I put this game on.",
"And that is just enough to make me send this game to the second-hand bin.",
"My last gripe is with the graphics.",
"This game looks like it's one or two generations behind the competition.",
"The cut scenes look cheap and pixellated, as if they'd captured the footage using too low a data rate.",
"To give them some rope, they'd included a good amount of video footage from the making of the game into this disc, so maybe they ran low on storage.",
"The bonus materials, consisting of interviews, voice-over sessions and outtakes of the cast of the game, are a blast and essential viewing for Buffy fans, so perhaps it was a reasonable tradeoff.",
"So this game really plays more like an unusual edition of the show.",
"While there's fun to be had on that level, as a video game, this one really leaves plenty to be desired."
] |
Although this game is "fun" to play, those of you who are serious Texas Hold-em poker players will need to adjust your mindset while playing. Any serious money player would never bet, raise or go all in on some of the cards dealt these programed characters. It's unbelievable how often the "characters" pull out their win, especially if your play has everyone beat from the flop. Example: I flopped trip queens, raised the pot moderately and a "character" came back and raised 230,000 to put me all in. Of course, I played my hand...and 'lost' to a character who went all in on a 7/4 off suit and pulled a full house on the turn and river card. The character had a pair of 4's on the flop, and pulled a 7/4 on the turn and river. What are the odds of that, let alone a real person raising the pot with that kind of money on a pair of fours. Another time I pulled a nut flush on the flop, king high, and three out of the four characters just kept raising and raising with their hands. Of course, I followed the betting. Long story short, I again lost to an unbelievable and ridiculous hand of a character who started out with a 2/6 off suit and pulled a full house. I could go on and on about this kind of "programing" for this game, but I'll save you from all that. These character players are programed to go "all in" or totally overbet on ridiculous cards that an amatuer money player with experience wouldn't even think about.
It's a frustrating game, to say the least. Now, when I play this game, I play very aggressive against the "characters". That seems to be the only way to beat "the program", which again, is unrealistic compared to a real life table. Even then, being the aggressor, many of the characters will follow the program and just keep calling you with nothing, and then end up beating you on the river. It's not the losing that frustrates me about this game, it's only play money numbers, so no big deal. It's the idiotic way these characters have been programed to play in an unrealistic world.
I'm glad this game was a free download, because I would have been very disappointed and probably upset a bit, had I paid hard earned money for a game so illogical in its presentation and format. | 1 | neutral | [
"Although this game is \"fun\" to play, those of you who are serious Texas Hold-em poker players will need to adjust your mindset while playing.",
"Any serious money player would never bet, raise or go all in on some of the cards dealt these programed characters.",
"It's unbelievable how often the \"characters\" pull out their win, especially if your play has everyone beat from the flop.",
"Example: I flopped trip queens, raised the pot moderately and a \"character\" came back and raised 230,000 to put me all in.",
"Of course, I played my hand...",
"and 'lost' to a character who went all in on a 7/4 off suit and pulled a full house on the turn and river card.",
"The character had a pair of 4's on the flop, and pulled a 7/4 on the turn and river.",
"What are the odds of that, let alone a real person raising the pot with that kind of money on a pair of fours.",
"Another time I pulled a nut flush on the flop, king high, and three out of the four characters just kept raising and raising with their hands.",
"Of course, I followed the betting.",
"Long story short, I again lost to an unbelievable and ridiculous hand of a character who started out with a 2/6 off suit and pulled a full house.",
"I could go on and on about this kind of \"programing\" for this game, but I'll save you from all that.",
"These character players are programed to go \"all in\" or totally overbet on ridiculous cards that an amatuer money player with experience wouldn't even think about.",
"It's a frustrating game, to say the least.",
"Now, when I play this game, I play very aggressive against the \"characters\".",
"That seems to be the only way to beat \"the program\", which again, is unrealistic compared to a real life table.",
"Even then, being the aggressor, many of the characters will follow the program and just keep calling you with nothing, and then end up beating you on the river.",
"It's not the losing that frustrates me about this game, it's only play money numbers, so no big deal.",
"It's the idiotic way these characters have been programed to play in an unrealistic world.",
"I'm glad this game was a free download, because I would have been very disappointed and probably upset a bit, had I paid hard earned money for a game so illogical in its presentation and format."
] |
If you use these decorative scissors on 80 lb. card stock or paper of a lesser weight, you should be fine, but when I attempted to cut an edge on <a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Petaloo-Glitter-Paper-Sheets-Red-White-Pink-and-Chocolate/dp/B002FW8EPO/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Petaloo - Glitter Paper Sheets - Red White Pink and Chocolate</a> these scissors chewed the paper, but didn't cut an edge. If I tried to use extra pressure on the scissors, they locked up and wouldn't cut at all.
Another not-so-great feature is the short length of the cutting blades on the Fiskars Paper Edgers. They will only cut 2.5" at a time, so you have to keep lining up blades to the cut edge, if you want to cut a longer length.
The decorative-edge scissors that I use most often are <a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Fiskars-98987097-Softgrip-Pinking-Fabric-Shears/dp/B000B7OSSW/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Fiskars 98987097 Softgrip Pinking Fabric Shears</a>, which are quite a bit more expensive, but they cut a longer edge, and you can use them on heavier paper or cloth. Unfortunately, there isn't a large variety of edge designs in this product line. | 1 | neutral | [
"If you use these decorative scissors on 80 lb.",
"card stock or paper of a lesser weight, you should be fine, but when I attempted to cut an edge on <a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/Petaloo-Glitter-Paper-Sheets-Red-White-Pink-and-Chocolate/dp/B002FW8EPO/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">Petaloo - Glitter Paper Sheets - Red White Pink and Chocolate</a> these scissors chewed the paper, but didn't cut an edge.",
"If I tried to use extra pressure on the scissors, they locked up and wouldn't cut at all.",
"Another not-so-great feature is the short length of the cutting blades on the Fiskars Paper Edgers.",
"They will only cut 2.",
"5\" at a time, so you have to keep lining up blades to the cut edge, if you want to cut a longer length.",
"The decorative-edge scissors that I use most often are <a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/Fiskars-98987097-Softgrip-Pinking-Fabric-Shears/dp/B000B7OSSW/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">Fiskars 98987097 Softgrip Pinking Fabric Shears</a>, which are quite a bit more expensive, but they cut a longer edge, and you can use them on heavier paper or cloth.",
"Unfortunately, there isn't a large variety of edge designs in this product line."
] |
Maybe it's just me, but I had a very difficult time figuring out what was happening in the story. In fact, Mandy's visions -- which are written in italics -- made no sense to me at all until I was in the third chapter. Even then, showing bits of the future along with warnings from the "grandmothers" who I couldn't tell whether they were actual wise women or spirits, made it difficult to figure out the plot and the characters. There is a man in black who might be an embodiment of evil...or not, as the case may be. Mandy's best friend, Meg or Meagan, is probably in love with Cord, the mercantile owner and he with her but some undisclosed reason is keeping them apart. I can only assume that these and other puzzling characters and events will become clear in a sequel. I found these unknowns to be very annoying. Also, I still haven't figured out the villain's reasons and reasoning for all the terrible things that he did. If the book cost money, I'd probably advise you not to read it, but since it's free and at least two people thought it is a terrific story, I suggest you take a chance on it. | 1 | neutral | [
"Maybe it's just me, but I had a very difficult time figuring out what was happening in the story.",
"In fact, Mandy's visions -- which are written in italics -- made no sense to me at all until I was in the third chapter.",
"Even then, showing bits of the future along with warnings from the \"grandmothers\" who I couldn't tell whether they were actual wise women or spirits, made it difficult to figure out the plot and the characters.",
"There is a man in black who might be an embodiment of evil...",
"or not, as the case may be.",
"Mandy's best friend, Meg or Meagan, is probably in love with Cord, the mercantile owner and he with her but some undisclosed reason is keeping them apart.",
"I can only assume that these and other puzzling characters and events will become clear in a sequel.",
"I found these unknowns to be very annoying.",
"Also, I still haven't figured out the villain's reasons and reasoning for all the terrible things that he did.",
"If the book cost money, I'd probably advise you not to read it, but since it's free and at least two people thought it is a terrific story, I suggest you take a chance on it."
] |
It's a pretty fun GTA clone. It's a lot like the free roaming mode in Mafia if you don't pay any attention to the story.. and if you're as big a fan of the Godfather movies as I am, I strongly suggest that you don't pay much attention to the story.
The best thing this game has going for it is the combat. There are a million different ways to kill and maim people. You can use your typical array of weapons from pistols to machine guns to explosives, or you can grab people and throw them through windows or off bridges and buildings, strangle them until you break their necks, head [...] them to death, throw them in front of cars, slam them into walls or other nearby objects.. etc.
If you want to waste an hour being a total psychopath, this really is quite a fun way to do it.
But that's about all there is to this game. Sure, there's the "story", but I just can't recommend that part of it. It's quite amazing the lengths to which the developers went in order to wedge you into the events of the book/movie. Every single major event of the movie, your character is there to witness, and often has a big part in accomplishing.
For instance: You're there to witness Don Vito's assassination attempt, and must drive him to the hospital... You're there to see Luca Brasi get whacked and must kill his assassin... You're the guy who plants Michael's gun in the bathroom and must drive him to the docks afterwards... You're there when Sonny is whacked and must chase down and kill his assassins... You're the guy who whacks Paulie... You're the guy who whacks Tessio... etc.. etc.. etc..
With all this madness revolving around you, you'd think the Corleones would have had you whacked on page 4. It really is supremely stupid, and is an absolute disgrace to the beautifully complex and multi-layered story of the film.
All that aside, there is a good bit of fun to be had here. I suggest sticking to the sidequests and doing the story last only if you have nothing else to do.
I've also heard that they're going to be making two more games to go along with the other two films. YAY! I predict that in part 2, you will play two roles: your character from this game and his father. Get ready to help Vito whack Don Fanucci and help Al Neri whack Fredo all before lunch. In part 3, you get to poison the Pope! Good times! | 1 | neutral | [
"It's a pretty fun GTA clone.",
"It's a lot like the free roaming mode in Mafia if you don't pay any attention to the story..",
"and if you're as big a fan of the Godfather movies as I am, I strongly suggest that you don't pay much attention to the story.",
"The best thing this game has going for it is the combat.",
"There are a million different ways to kill and maim people.",
"You can use your typical array of weapons from pistols to machine guns to explosives, or you can grab people and throw them through windows or off bridges and buildings, strangle them until you break their necks, head [...",
"] them to death, throw them in front of cars, slam them into walls or other nearby objects..",
"etc.",
"If you want to waste an hour being a total psychopath, this really is quite a fun way to do it.",
"But that's about all there is to this game.",
"Sure, there's the \"story\", but I just can't recommend that part of it.",
"It's quite amazing the lengths to which the developers went in order to wedge you into the events of the book/movie.",
"Every single major event of the movie, your character is there to witness, and often has a big part in accomplishing.",
"For instance: You're there to witness Don Vito's assassination attempt, and must drive him to the hospital...",
"You're there to see Luca Brasi get whacked and must kill his assassin...",
"You're the guy who plants Michael's gun in the bathroom and must drive him to the docks afterwards...",
"You're there when Sonny is whacked and must chase down and kill his assassins...",
"You're the guy who whacks Paulie...",
"You're the guy who whacks Tessio...",
"etc..",
"etc..",
"etc..",
"With all this madness revolving around you, you'd think the Corleones would have had you whacked on page 4.",
"It really is supremely stupid, and is an absolute disgrace to the beautifully complex and multi-layered story of the film.",
"All that aside, there is a good bit of fun to be had here.",
"I suggest sticking to the sidequests and doing the story last only if you have nothing else to do.",
"I've also heard that they're going to be making two more games to go along with the other two films.",
"YAY!",
"I predict that in part 2, you will play two roles: your character from this game and his father.",
"Get ready to help Vito whack Don Fanucci and help Al Neri whack Fredo all before lunch.",
"In part 3, you get to poison the Pope!",
"Good times!"
] |
"Mask of Eternity" has thoroughly exemplified how _not_ to do a King's Quest. Sierra has left the beaten track to which we have become accustomed and have strayed into a jungle, in which they have hopelessly lost their way.
When did KQ become Lara Croft?? Though Roberta Williams did not call this #8 in the series in an attempt to not betray the fans, it has become known as such, but it doesn't matter. KQ is definitely ended here and with good reason. It is a weak, straggling story, badly constructed and throwing away many a good chance. The entire premise is too thin, the puzzles too slight, the construction and animation too crude, the music too dull and uninspired (though it has a couple nice tracks).
For years we were taught to solve puzzles through non-violent solutions, and resort to violence only when necessary. This game flies in the face of the established vogue and is a total disappointment. It's really a shame that what became the last of the series was the last because it wasn't true to form. The puzzles consist mostly of "look at the object and then figure out how to manipulate". The hero instantly resorts to theivery, justifies it and doesn't develop at all. He doesn't even have an ending; when the story is over, there is no ending where everything gets tied up and we talk about what it meant. It just ...ends, like an antique video game. As if the programmers didn't give this any thought. What becomes of Connor? Of Sarah? Of anyone? We don't know.
But by the end, we don't care anymore. This game should not have been released under the guise of a "King's Quest". | 1 | neutral | [
"\"Mask of Eternity\" has thoroughly exemplified how _not_ to do a King's Quest.",
"Sierra has left the beaten track to which we have become accustomed and have strayed into a jungle, in which they have hopelessly lost their way.",
"When did KQ become Lara Croft??",
"Though Roberta Williams did not call this #8 in the series in an attempt to not betray the fans, it has become known as such, but it doesn't matter.",
"KQ is definitely ended here and with good reason.",
"It is a weak, straggling story, badly constructed and throwing away many a good chance.",
"The entire premise is too thin, the puzzles too slight, the construction and animation too crude, the music too dull and uninspired (though it has a couple nice tracks).",
"For years we were taught to solve puzzles through non-violent solutions, and resort to violence only when necessary.",
"This game flies in the face of the established vogue and is a total disappointment.",
"It's really a shame that what became the last of the series was the last because it wasn't true to form.",
"The puzzles consist mostly of \"look at the object and then figure out how to manipulate\".",
"The hero instantly resorts to theivery, justifies it and doesn't develop at all.",
"He doesn't even have an ending; when the story is over, there is no ending where everything gets tied up and we talk about what it meant.",
"It just...",
"ends, like an antique video game.",
"As if the programmers didn't give this any thought.",
"What becomes of Connor?",
"Of Sarah?",
"Of anyone?",
"We don't know.",
"But by the end, we don't care anymore.",
"This game should not have been released under the guise of a \"King's Quest\"."
] |
I ordered this on August 23, and it just arrived. Part of the problem was that I didn't realize that it would take that long to get here. That being said, when I went to check on my account to see where it was (after about a week of waiting), I then realized that it was going to take several weeks to arrive. So if I look at those estimated delivery dates - between September 20 and October something - I guess you can say that it arrived early.
The case is very sturdy and well made. I can text easily through the protective screen, and my home key and dim key operate with no problem, despite the case's thickness. I feel that if I dropped it, the phone would be undamaged. The camo pattern is pretty cool and exactly what I wanted. I'm pleased with the fit and finish which maintained even after the rather complex steps it takes to fit it on the phone. The holster/holder is a heavier plastic than I thought, and of surprisingly good quality. Those are the good parts.
The bad part is that the earphone jack and volume buttons don't line up. This is supposed to be for an iPhone 4S ... are the buttons slightly different on a 4?
Right now I'm debating as to whether I want to keep it. As I said, it's very sturdy and well made. Plus it's the only cover I've found that will allow me to charge it on just about anything because of the generous size of the plug area. But since I'm happy with the phone and won't be able to upgrade for at least another year, I am looking at something for the long haul, and with the buttons/plug being "off," I'm not sure that I will keep it.
So if you have a 4S, avoid this one and check to see if maybe another seller has a *true* 4S cover. If you have a 4, this will probably work perfectly. Understand that if the buttons had lined up, I would have given it a 5 star rating, wait time notwithstanding. | 1 | neutral | [
"I ordered this on August 23, and it just arrived.",
"Part of the problem was that I didn't realize that it would take that long to get here.",
"That being said, when I went to check on my account to see where it was (after about a week of waiting), I then realized that it was going to take several weeks to arrive.",
"So if I look at those estimated delivery dates - between September 20 and October something - I guess you can say that it arrived early.",
"The case is very sturdy and well made.",
"I can text easily through the protective screen, and my home key and dim key operate with no problem, despite the case's thickness.",
"I feel that if I dropped it, the phone would be undamaged.",
"The camo pattern is pretty cool and exactly what I wanted.",
"I'm pleased with the fit and finish which maintained even after the rather complex steps it takes to fit it on the phone.",
"The holster/holder is a heavier plastic than I thought, and of surprisingly good quality.",
"Those are the good parts.",
"The bad part is that the earphone jack and volume buttons don't line up.",
"This is supposed to be for an iPhone 4S...",
"are the buttons slightly different on a 4?",
"Right now I'm debating as to whether I want to keep it.",
"As I said, it's very sturdy and well made.",
"Plus it's the only cover I've found that will allow me to charge it on just about anything because of the generous size of the plug area.",
"But since I'm happy with the phone and won't be able to upgrade for at least another year, I am looking at something for the long haul, and with the buttons/plug being \"off,\" I'm not sure that I will keep it.",
"So if you have a 4S, avoid this one and check to see if maybe another seller has a *true* 4S cover.",
"If you have a 4, this will probably work perfectly.",
"Understand that if the buttons had lined up, I would have given it a 5 star rating, wait time notwithstanding."
] |
They OK. When I attached one of these to my zapper with a plastic tie, it seem to work very well the 1st night. No good during the day. After 1st night, the mosquito suicide seem to die down. Each day after that, seems to get less mosquitoes. Great for June bugs. After 14 days of this, I attached another cartridge leaving the 1st one attached. Wow, The mosquito suicide started up again, after dusk. Again, after about the 3rd night. Less suicides. That's all I can say about these cartridges. In about 14 days, I will replace a 3rd one in place with the 1st one. I will continue to rotate the cartridges in this order. This way seems to work better. The price with Amazon seem to be cheaper then the store. Because they do seem to work somewhat vs nothing at all, I will continue to use them. Without the cartridge, my zapper makes a good yard light. I hope this helps. These cartridges will work with any zapper, but get the plastic ties to attach them. The sticky stick on's are junk | 1 | neutral | [
"They OK.",
"When I attached one of these to my zapper with a plastic tie, it seem to work very well the 1st night.",
"No good during the day.",
"After 1st night, the mosquito suicide seem to die down.",
"Each day after that, seems to get less mosquitoes.",
"Great for June bugs.",
"After 14 days of this, I attached another cartridge leaving the 1st one attached.",
"Wow, The mosquito suicide started up again, after dusk.",
"Again, after about the 3rd night.",
"Less suicides.",
"That's all I can say about these cartridges.",
"In about 14 days, I will replace a 3rd one in place with the 1st one.",
"I will continue to rotate the cartridges in this order.",
"This way seems to work better.",
"The price with Amazon seem to be cheaper then the store.",
"Because they do seem to work somewhat vs nothing at all, I will continue to use them.",
"Without the cartridge, my zapper makes a good yard light.",
"I hope this helps.",
"These cartridges will work with any zapper, but get the plastic ties to attach them.",
"The sticky stick on's are junk"
] |
This game is just another basic survival horror game like Resident Evil or Silent Hill. If it wasn't the fact it was The X-Files, this game could have gone down the drain. But seeing the old characters of the series and how it ties in with the storylines makes it very exciting for the fans. The scenarios and puzzles of the game really relate to the series and that makes it a more fun game to play. You actually get the feel that you are watching an episode of the X-Files and a part of it as well.
With these facts involved, I would have given a better review; however, I found the camera angles and controls very annoying. It's the type of game where if you push upward, the character moves in that direction according to the current camera angle rather than the concept where you push upward and your character is always moving in a forward direction. I hate this especially when you are running from 'boss' monsters and at a certain aspect point the camera view switches two to three times. This causes your character's movement to go haywire, running in all different directions while the monsters are eating you alive.
Maybe some may not agree, but I think the character movement should have been assigned in one way where UP is forward, LEFT moves left, and so on. The constant shifting of the camera angles makes it difficult to control. Of course, after a while you get a hang of it, but the fact this conditioning has to take place made it difficult to enjoy the first few hours of the game.
Luckily, you get to play two different versions of the game in a sense (you get to choose to play as Scully or Mulder), which is a big plus. The storyline may be the same, but you still get to see it in another person's view, based on the "character's character" in the show. | 1 | neutral | [
"This game is just another basic survival horror game like Resident Evil or Silent Hill.",
"If it wasn't the fact it was The X-Files, this game could have gone down the drain.",
"But seeing the old characters of the series and how it ties in with the storylines makes it very exciting for the fans.",
"The scenarios and puzzles of the game really relate to the series and that makes it a more fun game to play.",
"You actually get the feel that you are watching an episode of the X-Files and a part of it as well.",
"With these facts involved, I would have given a better review; however, I found the camera angles and controls very annoying.",
"It's the type of game where if you push upward, the character moves in that direction according to the current camera angle rather than the concept where you push upward and your character is always moving in a forward direction.",
"I hate this especially when you are running from 'boss' monsters and at a certain aspect point the camera view switches two to three times.",
"This causes your character's movement to go haywire, running in all different directions while the monsters are eating you alive.",
"Maybe some may not agree, but I think the character movement should have been assigned in one way where UP is forward, LEFT moves left, and so on.",
"The constant shifting of the camera angles makes it difficult to control.",
"Of course, after a while you get a hang of it, but the fact this conditioning has to take place made it difficult to enjoy the first few hours of the game.",
"Luckily, you get to play two different versions of the game in a sense (you get to choose to play as Scully or Mulder), which is a big plus.",
"The storyline may be the same, but you still get to see it in another person's view, based on the \"character's character\" in the show."
] |
Good book, fairly entertaining. There were some funny moments, but not hysterical. The stripper scene was ok..I felt like I was wearing a mask. Didn't know what was really happening until it was over and had to be explained. Still not sure why she was so popular with the patrons. The one thing I do like about Lexi is she isn't stupid and doesn't get into stupid situations because she's stubborn or has an over rated ego. Kind of tired of the heroines that do stuff 'cuz their hero tells them to "stay out of it" or "let the police handle it". Lexi is smart, just very insecure with her sexuality (must be the nerd in her). Every other aspect she seems pretty confident. I do hope she learns to get over her insecurities enough that she gets to take advantage of the hotties around her whether it be Ranger (oops, Slash) or Morelli (oops, Finn). A good read and yes, I will read the next one (when it comes down in Kindle price). | 1 | neutral | [
"Good book, fairly entertaining.",
"There were some funny moments, but not hysterical.",
"The stripper scene was ok..",
"I felt like I was wearing a mask.",
"Didn't know what was really happening until it was over and had to be explained.",
"Still not sure why she was so popular with the patrons.",
"The one thing I do like about Lexi is she isn't stupid and doesn't get into stupid situations because she's stubborn or has an over rated ego.",
"Kind of tired of the heroines that do stuff 'cuz their hero tells them to \"stay out of it\" or \"let the police handle it\".",
"Lexi is smart, just very insecure with her sexuality (must be the nerd in her).",
"Every other aspect she seems pretty confident.",
"I do hope she learns to get over her insecurities enough that she gets to take advantage of the hotties around her whether it be Ranger (oops, Slash) or Morelli (oops, Finn).",
"A good read and yes, I will read the next one (when it comes down in Kindle price)."
] |
I began reading For Whom The Bell Tolls directly after finishing a particularly bad modern novel. At first, For Whom... was a breath of fresh air: no long, run-on sentences; no excessive adverbs in the dialog tags; not a whole lot of meaningless adjectives, etc. The dialog was crisp and terse and enjoyable, and the setting was captivating.
But then... nothing happens. For a really long time. And all of the flashbacks via thought and story start to get confusing. At times, I wasn't sure if the story was in the present or past; in the thoughts of the protagonist or the speech of another character. And speaking of characters, four of them are strong and compelling: Robert Jordan (the protagonist), Maria (his love interest), Pilar (a tough old woman), and Pablo (a once-great but now tarnished soldier). A fifth character of note is the Gypsy, but the other characters in this ensemble cast are largely indistinguishable from one another.
One more criticism: I was really hoping to get a better understanding of the Spanish Civil War and its politics. Maybe I did. But Robert Jordan and his cadre are not hardline Communists nor anarchists (they have special contempt for the latter) but "republicans" in their fight against the Fascists. Not a lot of background is given as to the roots of this conflict or the underlying motivations of each camp.
Overall, I feel I have been enriched by reading this book, and I like Hemingway's writing style (this is my first Hemingway since reading <a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/The-Old-Man-and-the-Sea/dp/0743564367/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">The Old Man and the Sea</a> in 9th grade), but all in all, I understand why this has been called one of the "10 Books Not to Read in your Lifetime." Also: Did I have an edited version? What was with all of this "I 'obscenity' in your milk," etc.? | 1 | neutral | [
"I began reading For Whom The Bell Tolls directly after finishing a particularly bad modern novel.",
"At first, For Whom...",
"was a breath of fresh air: no long, run-on sentences; no excessive adverbs in the dialog tags; not a whole lot of meaningless adjectives, etc.",
"The dialog was crisp and terse and enjoyable, and the setting was captivating.",
"But then...",
"nothing happens.",
"For a really long time.",
"And all of the flashbacks via thought and story start to get confusing.",
"At times, I wasn't sure if the story was in the present or past; in the thoughts of the protagonist or the speech of another character.",
"And speaking of characters, four of them are strong and compelling: Robert Jordan (the protagonist), Maria (his love interest), Pilar (a tough old woman), and Pablo (a once-great but now tarnished soldier).",
"A fifth character of note is the Gypsy, but the other characters in this ensemble cast are largely indistinguishable from one another.",
"One more criticism: I was really hoping to get a better understanding of the Spanish Civil War and its politics.",
"Maybe I did.",
"But Robert Jordan and his cadre are not hardline Communists nor anarchists (they have special contempt for the latter) but \"republicans\" in their fight against the Fascists.",
"Not a lot of background is given as to the roots of this conflict or the underlying motivations of each camp.",
"Overall, I feel I have been enriched by reading this book, and I like Hemingway's writing style (this is my first Hemingway since reading <a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/The-Old-Man-and-the-Sea/dp/0743564367/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">The Old Man and the Sea</a> in 9th grade), but all in all, I understand why this has been called one of the \"10 Books Not to Read in your Lifetime.",
"\" Also: Did I have an edited version?",
"What was with all of this \"I 'obscenity' in your milk,\" etc.?"
] |
March 2012 I purchased 3 of these coils for my 1999 Camaro and around the same time I purchased the DIS-4 Ignition system (about $1100 total for everything). For the first 6 months everything worked perfectly until one night driving home from work the car just died. When trying to restart the car it acted as though it didn't know the timing of the car anymore (firing cylinders out of order). I eventually used the MSD supplied bypass plug for the DIS-4 box and the car started. I sent in the DIS-4 for RMA a few weeks later and they tested it saying it was good.
Long story short we eventually determined that it was a bad coil. But what caused the coil to burn out is the subject of this review.
These coils have 2 bolt holes, one on each end. The one you can see in the picture (between the 2 plug wire towers) has a plastic insert while the one on the other end has a brass insert. The problem with this is that is where the plugs for the coil power connections are. There are 2 plugs (one on each side of the bolt hole) that come up from underneath and plug into the coil. These 2 plugs supply the power and ground to the coil. The problem with this design is that when you bolt it down the brass insert becomes conductive (because the bolt is grounded and in contact with the brass) and causes a short to eventually happen between the positive side of the coil and the grounded brass insert. This is what occurred on my car. The higher voltage and longer spark times generated by the DIS-4 ignition eventually burned a hole in the plastic surrounding the brass insert. Then when I tried to start it the power would short to the brass insert and cause the system to lose the cylinder firing times.
I had to reinstall the stock coils so the car would run while I sent in the bad coil for RMA.
MSD did RMA the bad coil but the original poor design remains. Right now I cannot run the DIS-4 ignition or the same issue will arise again as The new coil still has the brass insert.
Now I am forced to either abandon using the coils, DIS-4 or modify the MSD coils to prevent this from occurring again. Since the coils are basically useless unless modified I will try drilling the brass insert out and replacing it with a piece of plastic tubing to prevent the power connections from shorting to the bolt.
It is pretty sad that a performance ignition company with the reputation of MSD would create a product with such flaws. It really makes no sense at all for them to use a plastic insert on one side and then a conductive brass insert on the side with the power connections. I am beginning to wonder if Larry, Moe and Curly are working in their R&D division.
Final Conclusion is if you are going to run a DIS-4 or any other aftermarket ignition system then be aware you WILL have problems with these coils eventually.
I ended up giving them a 3 star rating as the coil itself is good and seems to work as intended but the design is piss-poor. | 1 | neutral | [
"March 2012 I purchased 3 of these coils for my 1999 Camaro and around the same time I purchased the DIS-4 Ignition system (about $1100 total for everything).",
"For the first 6 months everything worked perfectly until one night driving home from work the car just died.",
"When trying to restart the car it acted as though it didn't know the timing of the car anymore (firing cylinders out of order).",
"I eventually used the MSD supplied bypass plug for the DIS-4 box and the car started.",
"I sent in the DIS-4 for RMA a few weeks later and they tested it saying it was good.",
"Long story short we eventually determined that it was a bad coil.",
"But what caused the coil to burn out is the subject of this review.",
"These coils have 2 bolt holes, one on each end.",
"The one you can see in the picture (between the 2 plug wire towers) has a plastic insert while the one on the other end has a brass insert.",
"The problem with this is that is where the plugs for the coil power connections are.",
"There are 2 plugs (one on each side of the bolt hole) that come up from underneath and plug into the coil.",
"These 2 plugs supply the power and ground to the coil.",
"The problem with this design is that when you bolt it down the brass insert becomes conductive (because the bolt is grounded and in contact with the brass) and causes a short to eventually happen between the positive side of the coil and the grounded brass insert.",
"This is what occurred on my car.",
"The higher voltage and longer spark times generated by the DIS-4 ignition eventually burned a hole in the plastic surrounding the brass insert.",
"Then when I tried to start it the power would short to the brass insert and cause the system to lose the cylinder firing times.",
"I had to reinstall the stock coils so the car would run while I sent in the bad coil for RMA.",
"MSD did RMA the bad coil but the original poor design remains.",
"Right now I cannot run the DIS-4 ignition or the same issue will arise again as The new coil still has the brass insert.",
"Now I am forced to either abandon using the coils, DIS-4 or modify the MSD coils to prevent this from occurring again.",
"Since the coils are basically useless unless modified I will try drilling the brass insert out and replacing it with a piece of plastic tubing to prevent the power connections from shorting to the bolt.",
"It is pretty sad that a performance ignition company with the reputation of MSD would create a product with such flaws.",
"It really makes no sense at all for them to use a plastic insert on one side and then a conductive brass insert on the side with the power connections.",
"I am beginning to wonder if Larry, Moe and Curly are working in their R&D division.",
"Final Conclusion is if you are going to run a DIS-4 or any other aftermarket ignition system then be aware you WILL have problems with these coils eventually.",
"I ended up giving them a 3 star rating as the coil itself is good and seems to work as intended but the design is piss-poor."
] |
My Rating:3.5 stars: Liked it a lot - recommend (B+)
The story opens with our vampire heroine, Angela, infiltrating a werewolf stronghold to rescue her BFF just weeks before a historic peace accord between the two species. Angela is cunning and quick, but once she makes it to the mansion where she knows her friend is being held, she receives a shock: her once lover is this pack's Alpha. Angela had run from Knox almost a century ago when she was turned into a vampire because she knew how much he and his kind detested vampires.
Knox is immediately attracted to his lost love. He gets all Alpha on her and forces her to stay after she finds out her friend snuck away from their coven when their leader forbade her to mate with a werewolf. He tries to balance his lust for Angela and taking the time to tell her how he really feels.
Destined Mate is an enjoyable novella-length, stand alone story. (If it's attached to a series, I couldn't find it.) Due to the shortened length, there isn't much background on the two primary species: werewolves and vampires. However, Ms. Reus sprinkles the story with facts about her creations (like Angela is a daywalker, which is rare, or Knox heals faster than his pack, which is partly why he is the alpha), giving the tale a enough complexity to keep up interest and feed my curiosity. Of course with that said, I'd love to find out more.... like what is the history of the two species' feuding, etc.
The story has two major conflicts, first when Angela confronts her coven leader and must choose to go home with the vampires or stay with the wolves. But it doesn't end there, which is what gives this novella a plus in my book. Next, Angela and Knox must deal with the outfall of the Alpha wolf mating a vampire. It's amazing that such a short story can adequately address both issues in a satisfying manner.
The attraction between the pair is immediate and intense, but both have been in love with the other for over 90 years. The smex is steamy and I really enjoy the interesting ramifications of a were and vamp mating.
My biggest complaint about the story is that I wish it was longer. Although it isn't lacking because of its length, Ms. Reus has created a world that left me wanting to know more. This is a good little story to fit in between novels or, if you are like me, to read while in line at the grocery story, waiting at the doctor's office, etc. | 1 | neutral | [
"My Rating:3.",
"5 stars: Liked it a lot - recommend (B+)\n\nThe story opens with our vampire heroine, Angela, infiltrating a werewolf stronghold to rescue her BFF just weeks before a historic peace accord between the two species.",
"Angela is cunning and quick, but once she makes it to the mansion where she knows her friend is being held, she receives a shock: her once lover is this pack's Alpha.",
"Angela had run from Knox almost a century ago when she was turned into a vampire because she knew how much he and his kind detested vampires.",
"Knox is immediately attracted to his lost love.",
"He gets all Alpha on her and forces her to stay after she finds out her friend snuck away from their coven when their leader forbade her to mate with a werewolf.",
"He tries to balance his lust for Angela and taking the time to tell her how he really feels.",
"Destined Mate is an enjoyable novella-length, stand alone story.",
"(If it's attached to a series, I couldn't find it.",
") Due to the shortened length, there isn't much background on the two primary species: werewolves and vampires.",
"However, Ms.",
"Reus sprinkles the story with facts about her creations (like Angela is a daywalker, which is rare, or Knox heals faster than his pack, which is partly why he is the alpha), giving the tale a enough complexity to keep up interest and feed my curiosity.",
"Of course with that said, I'd love to find out more....",
"like what is the history of the two species' feuding, etc.",
"The story has two major conflicts, first when Angela confronts her coven leader and must choose to go home with the vampires or stay with the wolves.",
"But it doesn't end there, which is what gives this novella a plus in my book.",
"Next, Angela and Knox must deal with the outfall of the Alpha wolf mating a vampire.",
"It's amazing that such a short story can adequately address both issues in a satisfying manner.",
"The attraction between the pair is immediate and intense, but both have been in love with the other for over 90 years.",
"The smex is steamy and I really enjoy the interesting ramifications of a were and vamp mating.",
"My biggest complaint about the story is that I wish it was longer.",
"Although it isn't lacking because of its length, Ms.",
"Reus has created a world that left me wanting to know more.",
"This is a good little story to fit in between novels or, if you are like me, to read while in line at the grocery story, waiting at the doctor's office, etc."
] |
I've been bathing my son in the infant tub inside the regular bathtub for the past month or so. I figured it was time to switch to a larger baby-tub so I bought this. To be honest, I'm a little disappointed - i thought the inside part (where he actually sits) would be larger. I actually think this is SMALLER than the infant tub and more annoying to use since he turns around in it.
Also, I thought the duck's head would be a nice back-rest but it's exactly the opposite. If I put him with his back towards the duck-head, he ends up slouching and leaning forward because of the shape.
I like that the tub has a drain in it, and the plastic material seems to be good (it's the same thickness as an inflatable pool) but that's about it.
It has a suction cup on the bottom to hang it up to dry but even when it's completely dry, the suction cup isn't strong enough to hold it up.
Oh, and as others mentioned, the "white hot" indicator is useless. The water can be lukewarm or even a little on the cold side and it'll show that it's too hot.
Too bad. | 1 | neutral | [
"I've been bathing my son in the infant tub inside the regular bathtub for the past month or so.",
"I figured it was time to switch to a larger baby-tub so I bought this.",
"To be honest, I'm a little disappointed - i thought the inside part (where he actually sits) would be larger.",
"I actually think this is SMALLER than the infant tub and more annoying to use since he turns around in it.",
"Also, I thought the duck's head would be a nice back-rest but it's exactly the opposite.",
"If I put him with his back towards the duck-head, he ends up slouching and leaning forward because of the shape.",
"I like that the tub has a drain in it, and the plastic material seems to be good (it's the same thickness as an inflatable pool) but that's about it.",
"It has a suction cup on the bottom to hang it up to dry but even when it's completely dry, the suction cup isn't strong enough to hold it up.",
"Oh, and as others mentioned, the \"white hot\" indicator is useless.",
"The water can be lukewarm or even a little on the cold side and it'll show that it's too hot.",
"Too bad."
] |
I enjoyed the book to an extent. I love the idea of the love letters and how they were actually read aloud. I love how the hero slowly came to fall in love, it wasn't quick and obvious. I also enjoyed finally being able to read a book where the heroine isn't totally against loving him or she is fighting it to the point it's annoying...but they slowly became friends and lovers. The chemistry was a good build up. I even liked the snobbish girl Purdence. So all in all, a good read. I didn't regret it. Of course this is no where near as good as "Again The Magic" & "Devil In Winter". | 1 | neutral | [
"I enjoyed the book to an extent.",
"I love the idea of the love letters and how they were actually read aloud.",
"I love how the hero slowly came to fall in love, it wasn't quick and obvious.",
"I also enjoyed finally being able to read a book where the heroine isn't totally against loving him or she is fighting it to the point it's annoying...",
"but they slowly became friends and lovers.",
"The chemistry was a good build up.",
"I even liked the snobbish girl Purdence.",
"So all in all, a good read.",
"I didn't regret it.",
"Of course this is no where near as good as \"Again The Magic\" & \"Devil In Winter\"."
] |
my son bought this game. Ive been in constant contact with tech support for 4 days trying to get this resolved. 2 of the 4 games will not play. At first they said it was because I have vista, so i then installed it on my pc with XP, still 2 won't play, play screen comes up, but then doesnt recognize the disk. I don't know what to tell my son, he worked very hard to save his money for this game, and lucas arts isn't resolving the issue. He loves the games that will play, but is very disappointed Jedi outcast and Knights OTOR will not.
UPDATE: Well its months later, never did get any satisfaction with Lucus Arts, their attitude was it must be my computers! 2 different OS, I might add........too bad so sad was the kiss off. One person even suggested I didn't know how to work my computer! Ive been using computers since 1979!! Id be causous about buying compilations, if one of the games works and the other/s don't they will say its your fault. They wouldnt even send me a replacement disk. I got nothing! Actually my son got nothing, hes only 10. His Dad and I felt badly for him, he worked so hard to save his money for them. In the end we gave him back his money and took the loss ourselves, since Lucus arts wouldnt honor their product. | 1 | neutral | [
"my son bought this game.",
"Ive been in constant contact with tech support for 4 days trying to get this resolved.",
"2 of the 4 games will not play.",
"At first they said it was because I have vista, so i then installed it on my pc with XP, still 2 won't play, play screen comes up, but then doesnt recognize the disk.",
"I don't know what to tell my son, he worked very hard to save his money for this game, and lucas arts isn't resolving the issue.",
"He loves the games that will play, but is very disappointed Jedi outcast and Knights OTOR will not.",
"UPDATE: Well its months later, never did get any satisfaction with Lucus Arts, their attitude was it must be my computers!",
"2 different OS, I might add....",
"....",
"too bad so sad was the kiss off.",
"One person even suggested I didn't know how to work my computer!",
"Ive been using computers since 1979!!",
"Id be causous about buying compilations, if one of the games works and the other/s don't they will say its your fault.",
"They wouldnt even send me a replacement disk.",
"I got nothing!",
"Actually my son got nothing, hes only 10.",
"His Dad and I felt badly for him, he worked so hard to save his money for them.",
"In the end we gave him back his money and took the loss ourselves, since Lucus arts wouldnt honor their product."
] |
I have played both this game and the previous Volleyball title and I have to say that this one is better, at least from a one player point of view. Not having an exhibition mode that two people can play is a downer and subtracts from the overall rating.
The good news is that are quite a bit of additional stuff to do besides play volleyball (which is why the word 'volleyball' never shows up in the title.) There are a variety of mini games. Such as tug of war and the infamous 'butt battle' neither of which I am any good at. The volleyball play is pretty hard. Sometimes you can lose two or three games in a row right from the get go and your partner will dump you. That's a bummer.
Recruiting new lady friends is hard because most of the girls are picky about what gifts they will accept. (On a side note this game is like a really bad relationship game. Give your girl flowers so she'll go out with you...I mean play volleyball with you. What do you want Christie? What do you want?!) Well, anyway. The graphics are nice of course if a bit much at times. Whoever designed the physics of the girls really leaned on the whammy bar when making the breasts bounce. I mean, it looks a little silly at times. The slightest move sends the things zigging and zagging, sometimes in opposite directions like a pair of water balloons. Gravity defying cleavage aside the game looks very realistic.
If you can tolerate getting dumped by girls and then not being able to woo any new ones then you can still have a decent time, unless you suck at riding in a jet ski and bumping other girls with your butt. That makes this a pretty good game. But I might rent it first and see how much you like it. | 1 | neutral | [
"I have played both this game and the previous Volleyball title and I have to say that this one is better, at least from a one player point of view.",
"Not having an exhibition mode that two people can play is a downer and subtracts from the overall rating.",
"The good news is that are quite a bit of additional stuff to do besides play volleyball (which is why the word 'volleyball' never shows up in the title.",
") There are a variety of mini games.",
"Such as tug of war and the infamous 'butt battle' neither of which I am any good at.",
"The volleyball play is pretty hard.",
"Sometimes you can lose two or three games in a row right from the get go and your partner will dump you.",
"That's a bummer.",
"Recruiting new lady friends is hard because most of the girls are picky about what gifts they will accept.",
"(On a side note this game is like a really bad relationship game.",
"Give your girl flowers so she'll go out with you...",
"I mean play volleyball with you.",
"What do you want Christie?",
"What do you want?!",
") Well, anyway.",
"The graphics are nice of course if a bit much at times.",
"Whoever designed the physics of the girls really leaned on the whammy bar when making the breasts bounce.",
"I mean, it looks a little silly at times.",
"The slightest move sends the things zigging and zagging, sometimes in opposite directions like a pair of water balloons.",
"Gravity defying cleavage aside the game looks very realistic.",
"If you can tolerate getting dumped by girls and then not being able to woo any new ones then you can still have a decent time, unless you suck at riding in a jet ski and bumping other girls with your butt.",
"That makes this a pretty good game.",
"But I might rent it first and see how much you like it."
] |
This is a good product but it does not stick as well as I would like. Some of the edges do separate from the envelope you are attaching it too. Unfortunately this is the only company I can find that makes this size. Amazon is the BEST BUY you can find with a fantastic return policy. It is my opinion that the Best Buy Store has a terrible return policy and may soon be going out of business. They want your Photo ID when you return any item. If you are returning an item purchased on your Credit/Debit card and the return is being applied to your Credit/Debit card you should not have to show any ID. This is an invasion of privacy. They are collecting information from your photo ID that is beneficial too their agenda. This information could be sold, bartered, traded or given to any organization. It is also my opinion that the so-called Best Buy Store will go out of business within 3-5 years. Good luck and Thank You Amazon for letting me post this review. | 1 | neutral | [
"This is a good product but it does not stick as well as I would like.",
"Some of the edges do separate from the envelope you are attaching it too.",
"Unfortunately this is the only company I can find that makes this size.",
"Amazon is the BEST BUY you can find with a fantastic return policy.",
"It is my opinion that the Best Buy Store has a terrible return policy and may soon be going out of business.",
"They want your Photo ID when you return any item.",
"If you are returning an item purchased on your Credit/Debit card and the return is being applied to your Credit/Debit card you should not have to show any ID.",
"This is an invasion of privacy.",
"They are collecting information from your photo ID that is beneficial too their agenda.",
"This information could be sold, bartered, traded or given to any organization.",
"It is also my opinion that the so-called Best Buy Store will go out of business within 3-5 years.",
"Good luck and Thank You Amazon for letting me post this review."
] |
It fits flush in the port. Works flawlessly with my 4S phone. The person on the other end can hear my just fine. To me it is as good as an OEM bluetooth you would get with a car. I now prefer it over my $150 bluetooth headset. I am getting another for my wife! Update: Dropped to 3 stars because people really do have a hard time hearing you unless it is quiet in you vehicle. Unless you have a quiet luxury car or you are sitting at a light or in your drive way forget it. Great for bluetooth music to your can. I use it more for that and the voice commands to my device work ok. I now use it in conjunction with my $150 headset. I can hear the call through the speakers and when I connect with my headset it switches to it. I guess that is worth 3 stars. | 1 | neutral | [
"It fits flush in the port.",
"Works flawlessly with my 4S phone.",
"The person on the other end can hear my just fine.",
"To me it is as good as an OEM bluetooth you would get with a car.",
"I now prefer it over my $150 bluetooth headset.",
"I am getting another for my wife!",
"Update: Dropped to 3 stars because people really do have a hard time hearing you unless it is quiet in you vehicle.",
"Unless you have a quiet luxury car or you are sitting at a light or in your drive way forget it.",
"Great for bluetooth music to your can.",
"I use it more for that and the voice commands to my device work ok.",
"I now use it in conjunction with my $150 headset.",
"I can hear the call through the speakers and when I connect with my headset it switches to it.",
"I guess that is worth 3 stars."
] |
Pros:
1. excellent noise cancellation by virtue of the design.
2. Classic design, and very high build quality. These have that "back in the day" sort of heft that you don't see often anymore.
3. Nice length on the cord, and coiled.
4. They feel.."cozy". If you like headphones that make you feel enclosed and cut off from the surroundings, these are great.
Cons:
1. All the reports ear fatigue are correct. I tried to wear these at work, but can't get more than two hours of use without pressure induced pain in my earlobes. After about three hours the pain is significant enough that I have to discontinue using the phones. The issue is the very shallow padding and the strong tension in the set, as well as the fact that the pads rest directly on the earlobe. After extended use I continue to have pain in the ears for hours afterwards... not good. This is the #1 reason these could not be daily wear for me, despite how much I love the look and coziness.
2. They don't hold up well to modern music. The sound is great for country, classical, jazz, etc, but if you try these with electronic music (think chet faker style stuff, as an example), it breaks up pretty badly at the high end.
3. I find that I have to use a portable amp with these, otherwise they just can't get powered enough for normal use with an iphone. I have one already, so it's not a big con for me, but if you don't it would be disappointing. They sound much better amped.
Overall, I love the style and the build quality, but the ear pressure issue makes these absolutely unfit for anything more than 30 minutes at a time. I own an original pair of these from the early 80's I bought at a thrift store years ago, and they work just as well as this new pair. after 30 years or so of sitting around, that's impressive... The quality of the new ones have not diminished either, so I expect them to last just the same. Unfortunately I think they will end up hanging on my album shelf for decoration just like the originals. | 1 | neutral | [
"Pros:\n1.",
"excellent noise cancellation by virtue of the design.",
"2.",
"Classic design, and very high build quality.",
"These have that \"back in the day\" sort of heft that you don't see often anymore.",
"3.",
"Nice length on the cord, and coiled.",
"4.",
"They feel..",
"\"cozy\".",
"If you like headphones that make you feel enclosed and cut off from the surroundings, these are great.",
"Cons:\n1.",
"All the reports ear fatigue are correct.",
"I tried to wear these at work, but can't get more than two hours of use without pressure induced pain in my earlobes.",
"After about three hours the pain is significant enough that I have to discontinue using the phones.",
"The issue is the very shallow padding and the strong tension in the set, as well as the fact that the pads rest directly on the earlobe.",
"After extended use I continue to have pain in the ears for hours afterwards...",
"not good.",
"This is the #1 reason these could not be daily wear for me, despite how much I love the look and coziness.",
"2.",
"They don't hold up well to modern music.",
"The sound is great for country, classical, jazz, etc, but if you try these with electronic music (think chet faker style stuff, as an example), it breaks up pretty badly at the high end.",
"3.",
"I find that I have to use a portable amp with these, otherwise they just can't get powered enough for normal use with an iphone.",
"I have one already, so it's not a big con for me, but if you don't it would be disappointing.",
"They sound much better amped.",
"Overall, I love the style and the build quality, but the ear pressure issue makes these absolutely unfit for anything more than 30 minutes at a time.",
"I own an original pair of these from the early 80's I bought at a thrift store years ago, and they work just as well as this new pair.",
"after 30 years or so of sitting around, that's impressive...",
"The quality of the new ones have not diminished either, so I expect them to last just the same.",
"Unfortunately I think they will end up hanging on my album shelf for decoration just like the originals."
] |
This kit is OEM and all the parts are OEM quality. Problem is the charging plug or wiring inside the holder/mount goes dead within a couple of uses. Too bad. It is a decent set up. I simply ripped out the hinged charging plug on the phone mounting clip itself which leaves a nice rectangular hole to plug the charging cord plug right into the phone without going through the internal wiring of the main mounting assembly.
The mount itself is kinda PITA to adjust as the pivots let you adjust only so much and certain directions only... until you figure out how to compensate/how much you have to turn to lock the suction cup to end up how you want it; you need to figure this out before sticking on the windshield. It works for me but I wish the adjustable pivots swing completely to every direction... I don't know why they are designed to move only certain way.
This kit was still a good deal (for $2.60 = $4.99 shipping - that's what I paid) as you get a nice OEM car cigarette lighter charger plug with 2 USB ports and a long OEM USB charging cord with a sliding suction cup (I use the cord at home because I need the length and I use the home charge cord in the car with the mount as it has the perfect length) besides the main windshield mount. If it is still the same price I paid, I'd buy a couple more; one for my work table and one for my bedside table. | 1 | neutral | [
"This kit is OEM and all the parts are OEM quality.",
"Problem is the charging plug or wiring inside the holder/mount goes dead within a couple of uses.",
"Too bad.",
"It is a decent set up.",
"I simply ripped out the hinged charging plug on the phone mounting clip itself which leaves a nice rectangular hole to plug the charging cord plug right into the phone without going through the internal wiring of the main mounting assembly.",
"The mount itself is kinda PITA to adjust as the pivots let you adjust only so much and certain directions only...",
"until you figure out how to compensate/how much you have to turn to lock the suction cup to end up how you want it; you need to figure this out before sticking on the windshield.",
"It works for me but I wish the adjustable pivots swing completely to every direction...",
"I don't know why they are designed to move only certain way.",
"This kit was still a good deal (for $2.",
"60 = $4.",
"99 shipping - that's what I paid) as you get a nice OEM car cigarette lighter charger plug with 2 USB ports and a long OEM USB charging cord with a sliding suction cup (I use the cord at home because I need the length and I use the home charge cord in the car with the mount as it has the perfect length) besides the main windshield mount.",
"If it is still the same price I paid, I'd buy a couple more; one for my work table and one for my bedside table."
] |
I bought this one from Amazon in December, 2017. At the end of January, I put on it on my dog Icee and...so far it's working as the label indicated which I am really HAPPY about. It's expensive, but I feel if it last three or four months, I'm ahead of the game, cost wise.
The reason I didn't give it more then 3 stars is because... I bought another one for my other dog Miles, same brand name but from a major pet store not to far from me. This one I'm struggling to get thru it's second month. Pretty pricey for two months protection...wished I still had the receipt for it. Nice thing about buying from Amazon, is that they have records of your orders which eliminates that problem. | 1 | neutral | [
"I bought this one from Amazon in December, 2017.",
"At the end of January, I put on it on my dog Icee and...",
"so far it's working as the label indicated which I am really HAPPY about.",
"It's expensive, but I feel if it last three or four months, I'm ahead of the game, cost wise.",
"The reason I didn't give it more then 3 stars is because...",
"I bought another one for my other dog Miles, same brand name but from a major pet store not to far from me.",
"This one I'm struggling to get thru it's second month.",
"Pretty pricey for two months protection...",
"wished I still had the receipt for it.",
"Nice thing about buying from Amazon, is that they have records of your orders which eliminates that problem."
] |
Globalist Mag: Trump Will âGame Paychecksâ To Win Tax Cut Support » Alex Jones' Infowars: There's a war on for your mind!
The Trump administration will âartificiallyâ put more money in paychecks to gain support for 2018 midterms according to globalist publication The Nation.
âTrumpâs team could artificially goose US paychecks in 2018 to make the tax cut look bigger for the working class in advance of midterm elections â wrote David Dayen of The Nation.
All about midterms â How Trump Administration Could Game Paychecks to Win Support for the Tax Bill via @thenation https://t.co/MoDxMNIlhY â Katrina vandenHeuvel (@KatrinaNation) December 27 2017
Trump and Republican leadership are âweirdly confidentâ a shift in public opinion over the tax cut bill will occur once the cuts take effect in February Dayen said.
âMaybe itâs because the person ultimately responsible for those withholding tables is a Trump political appointee serving as the âactingâ commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service.â
The article goes on to say the reason Trump wants the cuts to go into effect February is to prime voters to support Republicans in the 2018 elections.
Itâs clear the left is preparing for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Actâs success and is attempting to downplay that by suggesting any tax breaks the American people see in their paychecks are only attributed to corrupt activity by the Trump administration.
After all thatâs what they said about Trumpâs election victory â alleging his win was only due to criminal collusion with the Russian government not with the support of the American people backed by 306 Electoral College votes.
Thatâs also what they said about Trumpâs travel ban despite the fact it was declared constitutional by the Supreme Court. | 1 | neutral | [
"Globalist Mag: Trump Will âGame Paychecksâ To Win Tax Cut Support » Alex Jones' Infowars: There's a war on for your mind!",
"The Trump administration will âartificiallyâ put more money in paychecks to gain support for 2018 midterms according to globalist publication The Nation.",
"âTrumpâs team could artificially goose US paychecks in 2018 to make the tax cut look bigger for the working class in advance of midterm elections â wrote David Dayen of The Nation.",
"All about midterms â How Trump Administration Could Game Paychecks to Win Support for the Tax Bill via @thenation https://t.",
"co/MoDxMNIlhY â Katrina vandenHeuvel (@KatrinaNation) December 27 2017\n Trump and Republican leadership are âweirdly confidentâ a shift in public opinion over the tax cut bill will occur once the cuts take effect in February Dayen said.",
"âMaybe itâs because the person ultimately responsible for those withholding tables is a Trump political appointee serving as the âactingâ commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service.",
"â\nThe article goes on to say the reason Trump wants the cuts to go into effect February is to prime voters to support Republicans in the 2018 elections.",
"Itâs clear the left is preparing for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Actâs success and is attempting to downplay that by suggesting any tax breaks the American people see in their paychecks are only attributed to corrupt activity by the Trump administration.",
"After all thatâs what they said about Trumpâs election victory â alleging his win was only due to criminal collusion with the Russian government not with the support of the American people backed by 306 Electoral College votes.",
"Thatâs also what they said about Trumpâs travel ban despite the fact it was declared constitutional by the Supreme Court."
] |
I suppose I'm probably not the person who should be reviewing this, as I probably wear makeup 6 times a year, and most of those are either on or near Halloween for my Halloween costume. But even though I'm not a woman who feels obligated to slather a bunch of color on her face to make herself presentable daily, I still occasionally like to wear makeup.
One of the neat things about this kit is that it is basically a "one stop shop". It has makeup for eyes, lips, and cheeks. And the colors are pretty neat! I was afraid the blush would be too dark on my skin and make me look like Raggedy Ann, but it actually blended well with my skin. The weird thing is how many shades there are for eyes, while you get stuck with only one blush. Hope you like that blush shade, ladies and gents, because that's all ya got!
Also, hope you don't mind turning over this kit all the time to see which colors are what product. Some you can make good guesses (the big round one in the middle is blush). And don't expect to see a style guide - I guess you are supposed to check that out on Michelle Phan's YouTube channel?
The brush is awful. Number one: there is NO place to clip it or attach it to the makeup kit. So this is going to get lost in my purse in 2 seconds flat. Number two: the brushes are pretty dreadful at applying any makeup. Okay, that's not fair: the firmer brush was okay at lip gloss. Just don't expect to use the other brush for either eyes or blush - awful. It did a terrible job of blending my eye shadow - in fact, I ended up blending with my finger! As for the blush, I tried once to use it, saw how terrible it did, and promptly pulled out my powder brush.
Right now, the asking price for this is $35, which is way too rich for my blood. I don't think I would even spend half that - not with the shoddy brush, no instructions, and a case that requires you to look at the back to figure out which colors are what product (and no liner to keep the product from smearing on the mirror). But the colors themselves are pretty decent, and I'm guessing if you know makeup and how to blend and all that rot from Michelle's videos, you'll probably get a very nice look.
Brought to you by:
*C.S. Light* | 1 | neutral | [
"I suppose I'm probably not the person who should be reviewing this, as I probably wear makeup 6 times a year, and most of those are either on or near Halloween for my Halloween costume.",
"But even though I'm not a woman who feels obligated to slather a bunch of color on her face to make herself presentable daily, I still occasionally like to wear makeup.",
"One of the neat things about this kit is that it is basically a \"one stop shop\".",
"It has makeup for eyes, lips, and cheeks.",
"And the colors are pretty neat!",
"I was afraid the blush would be too dark on my skin and make me look like Raggedy Ann, but it actually blended well with my skin.",
"The weird thing is how many shades there are for eyes, while you get stuck with only one blush.",
"Hope you like that blush shade, ladies and gents, because that's all ya got!",
"Also, hope you don't mind turning over this kit all the time to see which colors are what product.",
"Some you can make good guesses (the big round one in the middle is blush).",
"And don't expect to see a style guide - I guess you are supposed to check that out on Michelle Phan's YouTube channel?",
"The brush is awful.",
"Number one: there is NO place to clip it or attach it to the makeup kit.",
"So this is going to get lost in my purse in 2 seconds flat.",
"Number two: the brushes are pretty dreadful at applying any makeup.",
"Okay, that's not fair: the firmer brush was okay at lip gloss.",
"Just don't expect to use the other brush for either eyes or blush - awful.",
"It did a terrible job of blending my eye shadow - in fact, I ended up blending with my finger!",
"As for the blush, I tried once to use it, saw how terrible it did, and promptly pulled out my powder brush.",
"Right now, the asking price for this is $35, which is way too rich for my blood.",
"I don't think I would even spend half that - not with the shoddy brush, no instructions, and a case that requires you to look at the back to figure out which colors are what product (and no liner to keep the product from smearing on the mirror).",
"But the colors themselves are pretty decent, and I'm guessing if you know makeup and how to blend and all that rot from Michelle's videos, you'll probably get a very nice look.",
"Brought to you by:\n*C.",
"S. Light*"
] |
I've become a bit of a mascara junkie lately. I wear glasses and the bridge of my nose is pretty flat, so I'm always looking for a good volumizing mascara that won't leave my lashes spindly and spidery. This mascara? Eh.
It's not bad, really. It does volumize pretty well, and I haven't noticed a lot of clumping, but it does tend to cling to the tips of my lashes and get spidery. This then hits my glasses lens, and ta dah! Smudges. I've found, though, that if I pinch the tips of my lashes lightly with either my fingertips or a tissue, it gets rid of the excess. The mascara also removes easily, as it's not waterproof. You don't need to rub the crap out of your eyes to get it off, so that's nice.
However... would I pay $25 for this mascara? Nope. I have a drug store brand mascara that actually gives better volumizing results, and I got it for under $10. | 1 | neutral | [
"I've become a bit of a mascara junkie lately.",
"I wear glasses and the bridge of my nose is pretty flat, so I'm always looking for a good volumizing mascara that won't leave my lashes spindly and spidery.",
"This mascara?",
"Eh.",
"It's not bad, really.",
"It does volumize pretty well, and I haven't noticed a lot of clumping, but it does tend to cling to the tips of my lashes and get spidery.",
"This then hits my glasses lens, and ta dah!",
"Smudges.",
"I've found, though, that if I pinch the tips of my lashes lightly with either my fingertips or a tissue, it gets rid of the excess.",
"The mascara also removes easily, as it's not waterproof.",
"You don't need to rub the crap out of your eyes to get it off, so that's nice.",
"However...",
"would I pay $25 for this mascara?",
"Nope.",
"I have a drug store brand mascara that actually gives better volumizing results, and I got it for under $10."
] |
I have loved Stash since they started. I used to have friends from Pacific NW send it to me. I think there are many more outstanding tea companies now so it is no longer the treat that it once was 20 yrs ago when all we had was Lipton or Bigelow. I like my Chai hot, richly spiced, fragrant, sweet and milky smooth as it is intended. My favorite OTC chai is Oregon Chai liquid but it's not portable and the powdered version is not as yummy and at twice the sugar content doesn't have the same delicious sweetness of the liquid.
I decided to go healthy and try this green version. I am not sure that green tea can stand up to intense Chai spices. If steeped too long/hot the green tea gets bitter but if not long enough full flavor of the spices don't develop. It's not workable and won't satisfy a die-hard Chai lover. But if you want a milder green tea version and have not learned to love the real deal, this might be worth a try. . | 1 | neutral | [
"I have loved Stash since they started.",
"I used to have friends from Pacific NW send it to me.",
"I think there are many more outstanding tea companies now so it is no longer the treat that it once was 20 yrs ago when all we had was Lipton or Bigelow.",
"I like my Chai hot, richly spiced, fragrant, sweet and milky smooth as it is intended.",
"My favorite OTC chai is Oregon Chai liquid but it's not portable and the powdered version is not as yummy and at twice the sugar content doesn't have the same delicious sweetness of the liquid.",
"I decided to go healthy and try this green version.",
"I am not sure that green tea can stand up to intense Chai spices.",
"If steeped too long/hot the green tea gets bitter but if not long enough full flavor of the spices don't develop.",
"It's not workable and won't satisfy a die-hard Chai lover.",
"But if you want a milder green tea version and have not learned to love the real deal, this might be worth a try.",
"."
] |
I don't believe RPGs should be held to the same scale as most other games. Yes, entertainment value is wonderful but if you play the game, beat it, and then don't have your world view at least shaken a bit by the game it's just an empty shell with pretty visuals.
That said, Final Fantasy XII is a fun game. It has some interesting side quests such as the hunting quests (you're given a task to hunt down some beast which is generally much harder than normal beasts) and it all around keeps you somewhat interested from the get-go.
The characters, however, are rubbish. The only really interesting character is the pirate character who seems to have a larger part in the story than even Vaan who is is the main character. Vaan's character in general will remind you somewhat of Tidus from Final Fantasy X although he whines a lot less. His whole character motivation, and this doesn't change at all throughout the story, he wants to leave the town and be the captain of a ship. The leading man in this story is a boy who whines from time to time but has no real impact on the story.
The story is also very predictable and while there are lots of interesting things to do and places to explore you'll find yourself guessing what's to come prior to it happening.
Graphics and sound are wonderful and so is the gameplay so the game is not a huge loss. It's a very pretty game and perhaps it worth playing if only for the innovative parts of it but, again, you won't walk away feeling like the game was a huge addition to the series.
The battle system is perhaps the most unique piece of the game though. Instead of pulling you away from the world map or forcing you to face random enemies as historically done by the franchise the game has real time fighting with a semi turn based core. You still have the same menu you've historically had but you'll just have to select the enemy and your attacks will hit as it's your turn again. There are two drawbacks to this system, in my opinion, however.
The first is that the fighting, at times, seems to be a lot less frantic as in the other games in the series. From time to time I'd die, yes, but in the former games in the series there were always battles where the enemy would unleash something devastating across my whole party but with this system it's usually avoidable and less dramatic.
The second is that the game feels like a MMORPG at times (if that was the intent?). I just thought it was kind of weird but some people may enjoy that feeling.
The rest generally has been said in other reviews so I'll leave this at this. All in all, it's a fun game with lots of innovative new changes on the core Final Fantasy system. It's nothing too great, however, story wise so while I do suggest playing it I just want to warn it's nothing on the level of the other Final Fantasy games in the series. | 1 | neutral | [
"I don't believe RPGs should be held to the same scale as most other games.",
"Yes, entertainment value is wonderful but if you play the game, beat it, and then don't have your world view at least shaken a bit by the game it's just an empty shell with pretty visuals.",
"That said, Final Fantasy XII is a fun game.",
"It has some interesting side quests such as the hunting quests (you're given a task to hunt down some beast which is generally much harder than normal beasts) and it all around keeps you somewhat interested from the get-go.",
"The characters, however, are rubbish.",
"The only really interesting character is the pirate character who seems to have a larger part in the story than even Vaan who is is the main character.",
"Vaan's character in general will remind you somewhat of Tidus from Final Fantasy X although he whines a lot less.",
"His whole character motivation, and this doesn't change at all throughout the story, he wants to leave the town and be the captain of a ship.",
"The leading man in this story is a boy who whines from time to time but has no real impact on the story.",
"The story is also very predictable and while there are lots of interesting things to do and places to explore you'll find yourself guessing what's to come prior to it happening.",
"Graphics and sound are wonderful and so is the gameplay so the game is not a huge loss.",
"It's a very pretty game and perhaps it worth playing if only for the innovative parts of it but, again, you won't walk away feeling like the game was a huge addition to the series.",
"The battle system is perhaps the most unique piece of the game though.",
"Instead of pulling you away from the world map or forcing you to face random enemies as historically done by the franchise the game has real time fighting with a semi turn based core.",
"You still have the same menu you've historically had but you'll just have to select the enemy and your attacks will hit as it's your turn again.",
"There are two drawbacks to this system, in my opinion, however.",
"The first is that the fighting, at times, seems to be a lot less frantic as in the other games in the series.",
"From time to time I'd die, yes, but in the former games in the series there were always battles where the enemy would unleash something devastating across my whole party but with this system it's usually avoidable and less dramatic.",
"The second is that the game feels like a MMORPG at times (if that was the intent?",
").",
"I just thought it was kind of weird but some people may enjoy that feeling.",
"The rest generally has been said in other reviews so I'll leave this at this.",
"All in all, it's a fun game with lots of innovative new changes on the core Final Fantasy system.",
"It's nothing too great, however, story wise so while I do suggest playing it I just want to warn it's nothing on the level of the other Final Fantasy games in the series."
] |
This review is for the Vichy Quenching Mineral Facial Mask for Dry Skin:
When I purchased this, it's labeled as a Mask, so I thought it was the type that you leave on for 10-15 min & then take off. So as I was reading the instructions, I was kind of confused as to what it does?
The bottle contains 2.54 oz & the gel is a translucent pale blue. Its a pretty bottle, but the lettering on the back of the bottle is almost impossible to read. The box says to use: apply & let sit for 5 minutes, then massage the excess in. Use 1-3 times a week as needed. Avoid eye & lip areas. Rinse them in case of contact. (It never specifies how long to leave this on or what amount of time works best? Is it apply at night & leave overnight?).
The gel goes on gooey & sticky. It makes your skin appear shiny when its applied. It has a light scent of Jasmine water & bamboo that lingers until you wash it off. The scent is nice, very subtle, & non-flowery. At first use, I tested it on my forehead & a small patch on my hand to make sure there wasn't a reaction. It did not seem to dry all that fast, so I think if you were placing all over your face, then laying down to sleep, it make a slight mess on your pillowcase. In regards to softening dry skin, it seemed to just be more sticky than actually helping the dryness. I only used it a few times because I did not like how sticky it was. I used it at night before bed. Never tried it in the morning before applying makeup.
Likes:
Pleasant Smell
No Parabens
Dislikes:
Sticky
Overall, I gave it 3 stars. While it didn't work for me, someone who like gel type products may enjoy. I did like that it was a pleasant scent & not overpowering. | 1 | neutral | [
"This review is for the Vichy Quenching Mineral Facial Mask for Dry Skin:\n\nWhen I purchased this, it's labeled as a Mask, so I thought it was the type that you leave on for 10-15 min & then take off.",
"So as I was reading the instructions, I was kind of confused as to what it does?",
"The bottle contains 2.",
"54 oz & the gel is a translucent pale blue.",
"Its a pretty bottle, but the lettering on the back of the bottle is almost impossible to read.",
"The box says to use: apply & let sit for 5 minutes, then massage the excess in.",
"Use 1-3 times a week as needed.",
"Avoid eye & lip areas.",
"Rinse them in case of contact.",
"(It never specifies how long to leave this on or what amount of time works best?",
"Is it apply at night & leave overnight?",
").",
"The gel goes on gooey & sticky.",
"It makes your skin appear shiny when its applied.",
"It has a light scent of Jasmine water & bamboo that lingers until you wash it off.",
"The scent is nice, very subtle, & non-flowery.",
"At first use, I tested it on my forehead & a small patch on my hand to make sure there wasn't a reaction.",
"It did not seem to dry all that fast, so I think if you were placing all over your face, then laying down to sleep, it make a slight mess on your pillowcase.",
"In regards to softening dry skin, it seemed to just be more sticky than actually helping the dryness.",
"I only used it a few times because I did not like how sticky it was.",
"I used it at night before bed.",
"Never tried it in the morning before applying makeup.",
"Likes:\nPleasant Smell\nNo Parabens\n\nDislikes:\nSticky\n\nOverall, I gave it 3 stars.",
"While it didn't work for me, someone who like gel type products may enjoy.",
"I did like that it was a pleasant scent & not overpowering."
] |
This movie was a remake of the Japanese Horror film Ju-On: The Grudge. In fact, it even has the same director. However, I think there are a lot of things taken for granted in Japan that Americans don't really understand.
So at the end of the movie I was left scratching my head thinking, "What did I just watch?" I understand how the killings started, so maybe a better question was, "What was the point of this?" The ending is not an ending at all, but more an opening for a possible sequel.
The strongest aspect of this movie was that the bulk of the gore was left to the imagination of the viewer. You don't see people getting killed, you see it coming and then the rest is up to you. I think this actually makes it more scary than seeing what actually does happen.
The best part is that it lowers the rating from an 'R' rating to a 'PG-13' so more people can see it. With an 'R' rating, this movie would not have made as much as it actually did.
However, if you like a scary movie then go ahead and watch this. If you don't like them as they keep you up for weeks with nightmares (and you don't want this) then stick with Mary Poppins. This movie will have you jumping a couple of times. | 1 | neutral | [
"This movie was a remake of the Japanese Horror film Ju-On: The Grudge.",
"In fact, it even has the same director.",
"However, I think there are a lot of things taken for granted in Japan that Americans don't really understand.",
"So at the end of the movie I was left scratching my head thinking, \"What did I just watch?",
"\" I understand how the killings started, so maybe a better question was, \"What was the point of this?",
"\" The ending is not an ending at all, but more an opening for a possible sequel.",
"The strongest aspect of this movie was that the bulk of the gore was left to the imagination of the viewer.",
"You don't see people getting killed, you see it coming and then the rest is up to you.",
"I think this actually makes it more scary than seeing what actually does happen.",
"The best part is that it lowers the rating from an 'R' rating to a 'PG-13' so more people can see it.",
"With an 'R' rating, this movie would not have made as much as it actually did.",
"However, if you like a scary movie then go ahead and watch this.",
"If you don't like them as they keep you up for weeks with nightmares (and you don't want this) then stick with Mary Poppins.",
"This movie will have you jumping a couple of times."
] |
For the record, "A Perfect Murder" is a remake of "Dial M for Murder," Alfred Hitchcock's maliciously clever but hopelessly stagebound adaptation of the popular play by Frederick Knott. But it is great deal more fun to view the new movie as a sequel to "Wall Street," with Michael Douglas once again in top form as a ruthlessly manipulative financial whiz. Imagine Gordon Gekko just a few years past his prime as a high-flying corporate raider, with a trophy wife who's just beginning to tarnish, and you'll get the idea. The big difference is, this time, instead of extolling the virtues of greed, Douglas' character is willing to consider the benefits of an even deadlier sin.
In "A Perfect Murder," which Andrew Davis ("The Fugitive") has directed from a screenplay by Patrick Smith Kelly, Douglas is Steven Taylor, a Manhattan-based millionaire industrialist who has over-extended himself while playing the international money markets. Worse, he knows that his most prized possession -- Emily (Gwyneth Paltrow), his radiantly beautiful and conspicuously younger wife -- is drifting out of his jealously tight grip.
Right from the start, the audience knows that Emily is having an affair with David (Viggo Mortensen), a broodingly hunky artist who invites her to his fashionably seedy downtown loft for afternoon delights. Trouble is, Steven also knows about the affair. This, too, is made clear very early in the story, as Steven and Emily share a drink in their luxurious apartment before attending a gallery opening. Despite all their polite chit-chat, there is an edge of menace in the air. When Steven abruptly suggests that she wear another dress to the occasion, his words have the unmistakable sound of a command. Not surprisingly, Emily does as she's told.
At the gallery opening, Steven is effortlessly gracious as his wife introduces him to David, whom she identifies as a casual acquaintance. Of course, he's much more than that -- much more, in fact, than even Emily realizes.
After inviting himself to David's loft, Steven reverts to his natural state. He knows that David is an ex-convict who taught himself to paint in prison -- and, more important, has mastered the art of seducing, then robbing, rich women. Sounding very much like a hard-bargaining businessman, Steven wastes little time in making his pitch: He offers David $500,000 to kill Emily. For a few minutes, David rejects the offer. But the money -- coupled with the threat of exposure -- is too tempting to resist.
It would be difficult to say more about what happens next without running the risk of spilling some beans. Even if you've already seen Hitchcock's 1954 original, or one of the many revivals of Knott's play, you are in for a few surprises. Davis and Kelly treat "Dial M for Murder" more as a source of inspiration than a classic worthy of replication. They take the play's basic set-up -- the husband concocts a tricky murder scheme that hinges on the placement of a latchkey and the ringing of a telephone -- but go off in a different, far more intriguing direction.
Perhaps the most striking difference between Hitchcock's film and Davis' update is the casually amoral cynicism that informs "A Perfect Murder." In the 1954 thriller, the wife's lover was a boyishly buoyant mystery writer, affably played by Robert Cummings, while the wife -- played by Hitchcock's favorite leading lady, Grace Kelly -- was a relatively innocent adulteress who generated sympathy while paying for her sins. Even the cuckolded husband, played by Ray Milland, came across as genial rogue who was motivated by love as much as money.
Welcome to the 1990s: In "A Perfect Murder," the lover is a con man with a gift for blackmail, the husband has lust in his heart for his wife's trust fund, and even the wife is a strong believer in enlightened self-interest. You won't feel excessive sympathy for any of these characters as they hatch their plots and counter-plots. In fact, you may think one of them gets off far too easily in the end. But with the lead roles cast so effectively, and the plot twisting so cleverly, you likely will wind up feeling that, unlike Steven, you've gotten your money's worth. | 1 | neutral | [
"For the record, \"A Perfect Murder\" is a remake of \"Dial M for Murder,\" Alfred Hitchcock's maliciously clever but hopelessly stagebound adaptation of the popular play by Frederick Knott.",
"But it is great deal more fun to view the new movie as a sequel to \"Wall Street,\" with Michael Douglas once again in top form as a ruthlessly manipulative financial whiz.",
"Imagine Gordon Gekko just a few years past his prime as a high-flying corporate raider, with a trophy wife who's just beginning to tarnish, and you'll get the idea.",
"The big difference is, this time, instead of extolling the virtues of greed, Douglas' character is willing to consider the benefits of an even deadlier sin.",
"In \"A Perfect Murder,\" which Andrew Davis (\"The Fugitive\") has directed from a screenplay by Patrick Smith Kelly, Douglas is Steven Taylor, a Manhattan-based millionaire industrialist who has over-extended himself while playing the international money markets.",
"Worse, he knows that his most prized possession -- Emily (Gwyneth Paltrow), his radiantly beautiful and conspicuously younger wife -- is drifting out of his jealously tight grip.",
"Right from the start, the audience knows that Emily is having an affair with David (Viggo Mortensen), a broodingly hunky artist who invites her to his fashionably seedy downtown loft for afternoon delights.",
"Trouble is, Steven also knows about the affair.",
"This, too, is made clear very early in the story, as Steven and Emily share a drink in their luxurious apartment before attending a gallery opening.",
"Despite all their polite chit-chat, there is an edge of menace in the air.",
"When Steven abruptly suggests that she wear another dress to the occasion, his words have the unmistakable sound of a command.",
"Not surprisingly, Emily does as she's told.",
"At the gallery opening, Steven is effortlessly gracious as his wife introduces him to David, whom she identifies as a casual acquaintance.",
"Of course, he's much more than that -- much more, in fact, than even Emily realizes.",
"After inviting himself to David's loft, Steven reverts to his natural state.",
"He knows that David is an ex-convict who taught himself to paint in prison -- and, more important, has mastered the art of seducing, then robbing, rich women.",
"Sounding very much like a hard-bargaining businessman, Steven wastes little time in making his pitch: He offers David $500,000 to kill Emily.",
"For a few minutes, David rejects the offer.",
"But the money -- coupled with the threat of exposure -- is too tempting to resist.",
"It would be difficult to say more about what happens next without running the risk of spilling some beans.",
"Even if you've already seen Hitchcock's 1954 original, or one of the many revivals of Knott's play, you are in for a few surprises.",
"Davis and Kelly treat \"Dial M for Murder\" more as a source of inspiration than a classic worthy of replication.",
"They take the play's basic set-up -- the husband concocts a tricky murder scheme that hinges on the placement of a latchkey and the ringing of a telephone -- but go off in a different, far more intriguing direction.",
"Perhaps the most striking difference between Hitchcock's film and Davis' update is the casually amoral cynicism that informs \"A Perfect Murder.",
"\" In the 1954 thriller, the wife's lover was a boyishly buoyant mystery writer, affably played by Robert Cummings, while the wife -- played by Hitchcock's favorite leading lady, Grace Kelly -- was a relatively innocent adulteress who generated sympathy while paying for her sins.",
"Even the cuckolded husband, played by Ray Milland, came across as genial rogue who was motivated by love as much as money.",
"Welcome to the 1990s: In \"A Perfect Murder,\" the lover is a con man with a gift for blackmail, the husband has lust in his heart for his wife's trust fund, and even the wife is a strong believer in enlightened self-interest.",
"You won't feel excessive sympathy for any of these characters as they hatch their plots and counter-plots.",
"In fact, you may think one of them gets off far too easily in the end.",
"But with the lead roles cast so effectively, and the plot twisting so cleverly, you likely will wind up feeling that, unlike Steven, you've gotten your money's worth."
] |
Not too long ago, I got the AmazonBasics silicon protective case for the iPod Touch, and it was a great product. It fit my iPod perfectly, it was sturdy and offered good protection, and the volume and sleep buttons were easily accessible. Sadly, a small tear in the bottom of it caused me to retire the poor thing, but by some stroke of luck, this leather case was offered by the Vine program just a few days later. I've only been using it for the last three days, but I strongly recommend this for people who want to keep their iPod on them but don't want to risk breaking it by keeping it in their back pocket, but for those looking for a case to have on their iPod at all times, I recommend the silicon one instead.
First off, the case closes with a light magnetic closure. I mean 'light' in the sense that it doesn't hold the case closed with much force and can easily be opened. The design is just right, holding the iPod snugly- there's absolutely no worry of it falling out no matter how hard you shake the case. I really like how the case feels, especially the inside. There's even a little pocket on the inside of the flap to hold...well, not much since it's so small, but it's there. And you know what else is there? A great price. I'll gladly pay for another one of these when/if something happens to mine.
Now for the things that bring it down to an average score. The hole for the camera on the back of the case seems to be too far over, and a lot of adjusting is needed if you want to be taking pictures with the iPod still in the case. It might not seem like a big problem, but how handy is it to just whip out your iPod and take a picture without having to take it out of a snug case like this, which takes a few seconds. The case is a little on the heavy side too, so if you're looking for a clip-on case to use while jogging, look elsewhere or go with the simple arm bands. I also didn't care for how far the clip sticks out, but maybe that's just because I'm not used to things like this.
If I could, I'd give this 3.5 stars instead of 'just' 3. It's sturdy and seems like it'll hold up for a while, but the weight and odd placement of the camera hole held it back. Still, this is one of the better protective cases available at this price.
Even with those little problems, this case gives your iPod top protection if you don't like the hard plastic ones. I can't wait to see how AmazonBaiscs tops this. | 1 | neutral | [
"Not too long ago, I got the AmazonBasics silicon protective case for the iPod Touch, and it was a great product.",
"It fit my iPod perfectly, it was sturdy and offered good protection, and the volume and sleep buttons were easily accessible.",
"Sadly, a small tear in the bottom of it caused me to retire the poor thing, but by some stroke of luck, this leather case was offered by the Vine program just a few days later.",
"I've only been using it for the last three days, but I strongly recommend this for people who want to keep their iPod on them but don't want to risk breaking it by keeping it in their back pocket, but for those looking for a case to have on their iPod at all times, I recommend the silicon one instead.",
"First off, the case closes with a light magnetic closure.",
"I mean 'light' in the sense that it doesn't hold the case closed with much force and can easily be opened.",
"The design is just right, holding the iPod snugly- there's absolutely no worry of it falling out no matter how hard you shake the case.",
"I really like how the case feels, especially the inside.",
"There's even a little pocket on the inside of the flap to hold...",
"well, not much since it's so small, but it's there.",
"And you know what else is there?",
"A great price.",
"I'll gladly pay for another one of these when/if something happens to mine.",
"Now for the things that bring it down to an average score.",
"The hole for the camera on the back of the case seems to be too far over, and a lot of adjusting is needed if you want to be taking pictures with the iPod still in the case.",
"It might not seem like a big problem, but how handy is it to just whip out your iPod and take a picture without having to take it out of a snug case like this, which takes a few seconds.",
"The case is a little on the heavy side too, so if you're looking for a clip-on case to use while jogging, look elsewhere or go with the simple arm bands.",
"I also didn't care for how far the clip sticks out, but maybe that's just because I'm not used to things like this.",
"If I could, I'd give this 3.",
"5 stars instead of 'just' 3.",
"It's sturdy and seems like it'll hold up for a while, but the weight and odd placement of the camera hole held it back.",
"Still, this is one of the better protective cases available at this price.",
"Even with those little problems, this case gives your iPod top protection if you don't like the hard plastic ones.",
"I can't wait to see how AmazonBaiscs tops this."
] |
The premise, while novel, isn't as well developed as it could be. Past the initial leap, Sora doesn't seem too intrigued or elated to be world-hopping though it has been his fondest wish for as long as he can remember (besides getting closer to Kairi)and what's stranger is that he nor the inhabitants of the Disney themed parrallel dimensions don't freak out when they meet Donald Duck or Goofy the dog as both the title character and the humans did in Howard the Duck the movie even though they've never seen talking animals before(with the exception of Alice and Belle).Even Kairi's absence shouldn't detract from the effect by that much. The Final Fantasy character relations are completely inaccurate or outright wrong, leading me to believe that they were dropped into the roles which any character at all could have filled by staffers who had only read of Cloud or Squall or perhaps seen someone playing games featuring them, even Ergheiz. Even in the colliseum, Cloud and Sephiroth use moves never even hinted at in FF7 while ignoring the enmity between them. I wouldn't have been surprised if Cloud asked, "What's a Sephiroth? The lead guitarist in a hair/glam rock band?" Why exactly does Cloud have a single wing like Sephiroth? The whole "Sephiroth Clone" thing was a ruse by Seph to get the weak-minded Cloud to do his bidding as per standard BadGuy protocol. Read the runes, foolish mortal! Anyway, that isn't important nor is the fairly routine battle against the 'Darkness' without the whole "not all Darkness is bad, not all Light is good" philosophy of Grandia 2. What else should one expect from Disney (or even SquareSoft minus the XenoSaga team)? The gameplay experience is all important here and much like other recent SquareSoft/Square-Enix releases it really delivers the goods. If there is an ability that a Disney character had that you ever wanted to use, it might be here and if not, wait for the sequel. The same goes for meeting your favorite Disney stars and fighting alongside them. I'd have prefered the Disney TV characters from DuckTales, DarkWing Duck, TailSpin and best of all, Gargoyles, but the second part probably deals extensively with exploring the TV characters and Square-Enix worlds. If not, that's unfortunate. The gameplay itself is somewhere between Phantasy Star Online and Super Mario 64/SunShine, party-based combat and menu use on the fly but lots of platforming and special abilities that aid in traversing the terrain but with Disney-esque twists. Why settle for a wingcap with temporary flight when you can fly free while fighting side-by-side with Peter Pan against Captain Hook and the Heartless (No pirates. Drag.)or on a magic carpet with Aladdin or vine swinging and tree-surfing with Tarzan. The team ups are worth the price of admission alone...which now is signifigantly less than I got it for. That having been said, the repetitive hack-slash-spell casting game play gets tiresome after a while without the banter between live human teammates that online RPGs provide(well, the internet connection, servers and other players provide it)but that's why there's a save system. Play some now, save the rest for later. The graphics aren't up to snuff with Final Fantasy:Crystal Cronicles but in their own way equal to its system mates, favoring large colorful exaggeratedly expressive character features and nicely modeled interactive environments with certain objects being excessively flat and unconvincing(just check out the WonderLand stage's bowls though that may be an intentional distortion to match the theme. Some resident possibly just painted it on the wall.)rather than going for life-like visuals. The spell effects are no better or worse than the usual multiplayer RPG but topped by FF:CC on the GC, but that's not a fair comparison anyway. I might as well compare SteamBoat Willie to The Lion King or 101 Dalmations to Finding Nemo. It only costs as much as a Disney DVD and it beats the red shorts with white buttons off of most of them so get it. It's magical. | 1 | neutral | [
"The premise, while novel, isn't as well developed as it could be.",
"Past the initial leap, Sora doesn't seem too intrigued or elated to be world-hopping though it has been his fondest wish for as long as he can remember (besides getting closer to Kairi)and what's stranger is that he nor the inhabitants of the Disney themed parrallel dimensions don't freak out when they meet Donald Duck or Goofy the dog as both the title character and the humans did in Howard the Duck the movie even though they've never seen talking animals before(with the exception of Alice and Belle).",
"Even Kairi's absence shouldn't detract from the effect by that much.",
"The Final Fantasy character relations are completely inaccurate or outright wrong, leading me to believe that they were dropped into the roles which any character at all could have filled by staffers who had only read of Cloud or Squall or perhaps seen someone playing games featuring them, even Ergheiz.",
"Even in the colliseum, Cloud and Sephiroth use moves never even hinted at in FF7 while ignoring the enmity between them.",
"I wouldn't have been surprised if Cloud asked, \"What's a Sephiroth?",
"The lead guitarist in a hair/glam rock band?",
"\" Why exactly does Cloud have a single wing like Sephiroth?",
"The whole \"Sephiroth Clone\" thing was a ruse by Seph to get the weak-minded Cloud to do his bidding as per standard BadGuy protocol.",
"Read the runes, foolish mortal!",
"Anyway, that isn't important nor is the fairly routine battle against the 'Darkness' without the whole \"not all Darkness is bad, not all Light is good\" philosophy of Grandia 2.",
"What else should one expect from Disney (or even SquareSoft minus the XenoSaga team)?",
"The gameplay experience is all important here and much like other recent SquareSoft/Square-Enix releases it really delivers the goods.",
"If there is an ability that a Disney character had that you ever wanted to use, it might be here and if not, wait for the sequel.",
"The same goes for meeting your favorite Disney stars and fighting alongside them.",
"I'd have prefered the Disney TV characters from DuckTales, DarkWing Duck, TailSpin and best of all, Gargoyles, but the second part probably deals extensively with exploring the TV characters and Square-Enix worlds.",
"If not, that's unfortunate.",
"The gameplay itself is somewhere between Phantasy Star Online and Super Mario 64/SunShine, party-based combat and menu use on the fly but lots of platforming and special abilities that aid in traversing the terrain but with Disney-esque twists.",
"Why settle for a wingcap with temporary flight when you can fly free while fighting side-by-side with Peter Pan against Captain Hook and the Heartless (No pirates.",
"Drag.",
")or on a magic carpet with Aladdin or vine swinging and tree-surfing with Tarzan.",
"The team ups are worth the price of admission alone...",
"which now is signifigantly less than I got it for.",
"That having been said, the repetitive hack-slash-spell casting game play gets tiresome after a while without the banter between live human teammates that online RPGs provide(well, the internet connection, servers and other players provide it)but that's why there's a save system.",
"Play some now, save the rest for later.",
"The graphics aren't up to snuff with Final Fantasy:Crystal Cronicles but in their own way equal to its system mates, favoring large colorful exaggeratedly expressive character features and nicely modeled interactive environments with certain objects being excessively flat and unconvincing(just check out the WonderLand stage's bowls though that may be an intentional distortion to match the theme.",
"Some resident possibly just painted it on the wall.",
")rather than going for life-like visuals.",
"The spell effects are no better or worse than the usual multiplayer RPG but topped by FF:CC on the GC, but that's not a fair comparison anyway.",
"I might as well compare SteamBoat Willie to The Lion King or 101 Dalmations to Finding Nemo.",
"It only costs as much as a Disney DVD and it beats the red shorts with white buttons off of most of them so get it.",
"It's magical."
] |
Like others have stated, if you liked 'Main Course' by The Bee Gees, you will like this cd too. The music on this disc is great and I bought this group of songs enough in different formats, so I must love it. Yes, I still have the 8-track, the LP and the original cd version. I also had it in cassette, but it is long gone. You obviously like the music of this disc or you would not be here and since so many others have commented on the music, I want to comment on the sound quality, in everyday terms.
Like so many of you, when it came out on cd, I snapped it up. I hope I can now save many of you the disappointment I felt in purchasing this cd all over again for the sole reason of it being - REMASTERED.
I am not going to say it is not Remastered, but I do have my doubts. I transferred the songs to WAV files and matched it against the original cd put out years ago. The changes I could see in the graphs were very minimal at best and volume level was about the same, very low. It is almost as if they may have added a small bit of volume and called it Remastered.
When I listen to selections from 'Children Of The World' on either the Remastered 'Greatest Hits' or Remastered 'Mythology' or Remastered 'The Record', the songs sound vibrant and fresh as if they were made to today's standards. 'Children Of The World' disc sounds like it was copied from a cheap source and not the quality sound you'd expect from The Bee Gees and Reprise. The other Remasters sound clear, full and crisp. The WAV files of these songs also are very noticeably fuller than those from 'Children Of The World'.
When I compare the cd inlay and cover, they are very identical and the cover is actually a folded cover with no pages like a booklet would have. The inside is basiaclly the same although they added about 6 lines of written text from the title song to a picture. When you read the credits, they are the same word for word and nothing is written about it being a 'Remastered' disc as it is advertised here and other places.
All and all, if you have the original cd, there is no need to waste your money on this one as you will not notice any written or sound differences. If you do not have this disc and like it or like the Bee Gees from the 70's, it is a great disc. For quality Remastered Bee Gees though, stick to the compilation discs I mentioned. Reprise blew it on this one. I just hope that someone will come out with a truly Remastered 'Children Of The World' and 'Main Course'. Hope this helps you.<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Children-of-the-World/dp/B000001FAW/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Children of the World</a> | 1 | neutral | [
"Like others have stated, if you liked 'Main Course' by The Bee Gees, you will like this cd too.",
"The music on this disc is great and I bought this group of songs enough in different formats, so I must love it.",
"Yes, I still have the 8-track, the LP and the original cd version.",
"I also had it in cassette, but it is long gone.",
"You obviously like the music of this disc or you would not be here and since so many others have commented on the music, I want to comment on the sound quality, in everyday terms.",
"Like so many of you, when it came out on cd, I snapped it up.",
"I hope I can now save many of you the disappointment I felt in purchasing this cd all over again for the sole reason of it being - REMASTERED.",
"I am not going to say it is not Remastered, but I do have my doubts.",
"I transferred the songs to WAV files and matched it against the original cd put out years ago.",
"The changes I could see in the graphs were very minimal at best and volume level was about the same, very low.",
"It is almost as if they may have added a small bit of volume and called it Remastered.",
"When I listen to selections from 'Children Of The World' on either the Remastered 'Greatest Hits' or Remastered 'Mythology' or Remastered 'The Record', the songs sound vibrant and fresh as if they were made to today's standards.",
"'Children Of The World' disc sounds like it was copied from a cheap source and not the quality sound you'd expect from The Bee Gees and Reprise.",
"The other Remasters sound clear, full and crisp.",
"The WAV files of these songs also are very noticeably fuller than those from 'Children Of The World'.",
"When I compare the cd inlay and cover, they are very identical and the cover is actually a folded cover with no pages like a booklet would have.",
"The inside is basiaclly the same although they added about 6 lines of written text from the title song to a picture.",
"When you read the credits, they are the same word for word and nothing is written about it being a 'Remastered' disc as it is advertised here and other places.",
"All and all, if you have the original cd, there is no need to waste your money on this one as you will not notice any written or sound differences.",
"If you do not have this disc and like it or like the Bee Gees from the 70's, it is a great disc.",
"For quality Remastered Bee Gees though, stick to the compilation discs I mentioned.",
"Reprise blew it on this one.",
"I just hope that someone will come out with a truly Remastered 'Children Of The World' and 'Main Course'.",
"Hope this helps you.",
"<a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/Children-of-the-World/dp/B000001FAW/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">Children of the World</a>"
] |
As someone who was addicted to Pokemon in my early teens, I occasionally feel drawn to monster collection and fighting games like this. Invizimals mixes the classic "catch-em-all" gameplay with the relatively new technology of Augmented Reality (AR) to move the story and battles away from imaginary far off places. Instead, the story takes place in the real world, and the battles are on the table, desk, or floor in front of you.
I've been playing with AR demos for some time, so when this finally came out in the US (almost a year after it released in EU and Japan) I picked it up.
Invizimals is clearly aimed at a much younger audience. The acting is a bit cheesy and the interface is rather simplistic.
Unfortunately the developers didn't think to add subtitles to the videos. My brother is the only other adult I know with a PSP who would be likely to enjoy this game, but he is deaf which prevents him from hearing any of the story and important information on capturing the Invizimals. So a word of warning to deaf gamers and the parents of deaf children, this game is not deaf friendly.
As a hearing person I also would have greatly appreciated subtitles due to the fact that all of the actors have prominent accents and are occasionally difficult to understand.
Invizimals are unlocked for capture by completing the main story. Unfortunately you must also capture one of each unlocked Invizimal in order to continue the story. If you have difficulty capturing an Invizimal for any reason you will be stuck until you are successful.
The battles are presented in real-time rather than being turn based. As long as your Invizimal has enough stamina you can attack or block repeatedly, and so can your opponent, which makes for some interesting changes in strategy.
Overall this game is fun, but it has some limitations that could reduce its lasting appeal. | 1 | neutral | [
"As someone who was addicted to Pokemon in my early teens, I occasionally feel drawn to monster collection and fighting games like this.",
"Invizimals mixes the classic \"catch-em-all\" gameplay with the relatively new technology of Augmented Reality (AR) to move the story and battles away from imaginary far off places.",
"Instead, the story takes place in the real world, and the battles are on the table, desk, or floor in front of you.",
"I've been playing with AR demos for some time, so when this finally came out in the US (almost a year after it released in EU and Japan) I picked it up.",
"Invizimals is clearly aimed at a much younger audience.",
"The acting is a bit cheesy and the interface is rather simplistic.",
"Unfortunately the developers didn't think to add subtitles to the videos.",
"My brother is the only other adult I know with a PSP who would be likely to enjoy this game, but he is deaf which prevents him from hearing any of the story and important information on capturing the Invizimals.",
"So a word of warning to deaf gamers and the parents of deaf children, this game is not deaf friendly.",
"As a hearing person I also would have greatly appreciated subtitles due to the fact that all of the actors have prominent accents and are occasionally difficult to understand.",
"Invizimals are unlocked for capture by completing the main story.",
"Unfortunately you must also capture one of each unlocked Invizimal in order to continue the story.",
"If you have difficulty capturing an Invizimal for any reason you will be stuck until you are successful.",
"The battles are presented in real-time rather than being turn based.",
"As long as your Invizimal has enough stamina you can attack or block repeatedly, and so can your opponent, which makes for some interesting changes in strategy.",
"Overall this game is fun, but it has some limitations that could reduce its lasting appeal."
] |
At the beginning of the play, Macbeth is a brave and loyal Thane to King Duncan. After hearing a prophecy that he will become king himself, Macbeth is overcome by ambition and greed. He decides to kill the king of Scotland because of the witches prophecy and his wifes encouragement of him drives him to commit terrible deeds to get the power. During the story, Lady Macbeth shows us how determined she can be, and how she is able to keep her decision to commit the murders. Macbeth takes the throne. Afterwards, Macbeths guilt, fear, and paranoia lead him to commit even more murders to secure his power. Shakespeare demonstrates how the country of Scotland experienced many difficulties during Macbeths reign, such as invasions and many people dying. His confidence in the witches prophecies eventually leads to his downfall and he is overthrown and killed by those he has wronged.
In my opinion this is a good book that makes people reflect upon the relationship between gender and power, and how ambition leads people to commit the worst things to obtain what they want. The text is very difficult to read because the english of the book is Shakespearean English, also I felt it difficult to understand it because Shakespeare uses a lot of figurate language, mainly metaphors. In the play one of the main symbol is blood because symbolizes all the murders that Macbeth did during his power. I liked the book and I enjoyed because keep you up with the reading, every chapter makes you feel more interesting about the story and see until where Macbeths ambition lead him to kill a lot of innocent people.
Significant quotes:
Is this dagger which I see before me, the handle toward my hand? Let me clutch it.
If it were done when its done, then twere well. It were done quickly.
Whats done cant be undone.
Fair is foul, and foul is fair; Hover through the fog and filthy air.
Go to get some water and wash my filthy witness from your hand. | 1 | neutral | [
"At the beginning of the play, Macbeth is a brave and loyal Thane to King Duncan.",
"After hearing a prophecy that he will become king himself, Macbeth is overcome by ambition and greed.",
"He decides to kill the king of Scotland because of the witches prophecy and his wifes encouragement of him drives him to commit terrible deeds to get the power.",
"During the story, Lady Macbeth shows us how determined she can be, and how she is able to keep her decision to commit the murders.",
"Macbeth takes the throne.",
"Afterwards, Macbeths guilt, fear, and paranoia lead him to commit even more murders to secure his power.",
"Shakespeare demonstrates how the country of Scotland experienced many difficulties during Macbeths reign, such as invasions and many people dying.",
"His confidence in the witches prophecies eventually leads to his downfall and he is overthrown and killed by those he has wronged.",
"In my opinion this is a good book that makes people reflect upon the relationship between gender and power, and how ambition leads people to commit the worst things to obtain what they want.",
"The text is very difficult to read because the english of the book is Shakespearean English, also I felt it difficult to understand it because Shakespeare uses a lot of figurate language, mainly metaphors.",
"In the play one of the main symbol is blood because symbolizes all the murders that Macbeth did during his power.",
"I liked the book and I enjoyed because keep you up with the reading, every chapter makes you feel more interesting about the story and see until where Macbeths ambition lead him to kill a lot of innocent people.",
"Significant quotes:\n\nIs this dagger which I see before me, the handle toward my hand?",
"Let me clutch it.",
"If it were done when its done, then twere well.",
"It were done quickly.",
"Whats done cant be undone.",
"Fair is foul, and foul is fair; Hover through the fog and filthy air.",
"Go to get some water and wash my filthy witness from your hand."
] |
I waited several months after purchasing this laser printer before reviewing it to more accurately gauge its performance. So far, I have not had any trouble with paper jams, but expect to pay the price when it comes to replacing the drum. All in all, this is a capable machine that produces high-quality black and white images and text.
The printing speed is much faster than that of my old HP, although newer and more expensive models will have increased print speeds. I like that the paper tray can hold a whole ream of paper without jamming, and that communication between computer and printer seems reasonably efficient. Printing web pages does not take long, as I did on my HP. Best of all for me, this printer is Mac OS X compatible with no additional hardware needed; older Macs should also have no trouble. I have been able to print more than a hundred pages in one session without jamming or other issues. The print itself is high quality, as one would expect from a laser printer.
I do get annoyed with the power saver feature, which I haven't yet figured out how to turn off. After approximately ten minutes of non-use, the printer turns off, requiring the user to flip the power switch off and then back on. Rebooting takes approximately 30 seconds.
I give this model three stars instead of four primarily because the manual is explicit about eventually requiring drum replacement, a necessity that will cost almost as much as the printer itself. If you look at this printer as a relatively short term solution to printing high-quality black and white documents, then you will be happy. | 1 | neutral | [
"I waited several months after purchasing this laser printer before reviewing it to more accurately gauge its performance.",
"So far, I have not had any trouble with paper jams, but expect to pay the price when it comes to replacing the drum.",
"All in all, this is a capable machine that produces high-quality black and white images and text.",
"The printing speed is much faster than that of my old HP, although newer and more expensive models will have increased print speeds.",
"I like that the paper tray can hold a whole ream of paper without jamming, and that communication between computer and printer seems reasonably efficient.",
"Printing web pages does not take long, as I did on my HP.",
"Best of all for me, this printer is Mac OS X compatible with no additional hardware needed; older Macs should also have no trouble.",
"I have been able to print more than a hundred pages in one session without jamming or other issues.",
"The print itself is high quality, as one would expect from a laser printer.",
"I do get annoyed with the power saver feature, which I haven't yet figured out how to turn off.",
"After approximately ten minutes of non-use, the printer turns off, requiring the user to flip the power switch off and then back on.",
"Rebooting takes approximately 30 seconds.",
"I give this model three stars instead of four primarily because the manual is explicit about eventually requiring drum replacement, a necessity that will cost almost as much as the printer itself.",
"If you look at this printer as a relatively short term solution to printing high-quality black and white documents, then you will be happy."
] |
Released in 1993, Leprechaun is a low-budget horror/comedy about a father and daughter (John Sanderford & Jennifer Aniston) who move to a small, old house in North Dakota where they and some painters (Ken Olandt, Mark Holton & Robert Hy Gorman) encounter a devilish little leprechaun obsessed with his pot of gold coins (Warwick Davis).
Ive only seen the first four Leprechaun movies and this is easily the least of em. While the cast, locations and leprechaun are good theres only enough material here for half the movies runtime, like maybe 45 minutes. The second half goes on and on with the leprechauns zany antics and attacks on the cast. Being low-budget, the location is limited to the ranch house and a couple of visits into town, such as the hospital and diner. It just gets monotonous and theres simply not enough to keep the viewers interest. The next three movies make up for this by changing the location and upping the ante with the entertainment on all fronts. Leprechaun is worth seeing, particularly to catch a glimpse of young Jennifer in her first theatrical movie, but its humdrum after the first 40-45 minutes and nothing exceptional up to that point.
The film runs 92 minutes and was shot in Saugus, California, near Santa Clarita.
GRADE: C- | 1 | neutral | [
"Released in 1993, Leprechaun is a low-budget horror/comedy about a father and daughter (John Sanderford & Jennifer Aniston) who move to a small, old house in North Dakota where they and some painters (Ken Olandt, Mark Holton & Robert Hy Gorman) encounter a devilish little leprechaun obsessed with his pot of gold coins (Warwick Davis).",
"Ive only seen the first four Leprechaun movies and this is easily the least of em.",
"While the cast, locations and leprechaun are good theres only enough material here for half the movies runtime, like maybe 45 minutes.",
"The second half goes on and on with the leprechauns zany antics and attacks on the cast.",
"Being low-budget, the location is limited to the ranch house and a couple of visits into town, such as the hospital and diner.",
"It just gets monotonous and theres simply not enough to keep the viewers interest.",
"The next three movies make up for this by changing the location and upping the ante with the entertainment on all fronts.",
"Leprechaun is worth seeing, particularly to catch a glimpse of young Jennifer in her first theatrical movie, but its humdrum after the first 40-45 minutes and nothing exceptional up to that point.",
"The film runs 92 minutes and was shot in Saugus, California, near Santa Clarita.",
"GRADE: C-"
] |
Mounting hole pattern doesn't accurately enough line up with the NEMA17 hole pattern. No washer to act as a spacer for the idler bearing. Missing hardware meant no actual way to mount it to a motor in the first place. Poor finish, ugly color. Don't bother with this. Get one of the red and black ones from one of the chinese sellers on ebay.
Update (4/27/2016): After leaving my initial review the seller contacted me and let me know that they had recently tweaked the dimensions slightly and that the issue with the mounting holes not lining up was resolved. They sent me out a replacement free of charge. I'm happy to say that the new extruder does indeed properly line up with the NEMA 17 mounting holes just fine. This means that this is indeed a functional product and as such I've increased my rating slightly. However I still can't give it 5 stars because it does not come with any kind of mounting hardware to actually secure the extruder to the motor. And you can't assemble it without securing it to the motor so it really should be included. It also doesn't come with any bowden couplers and to make that worse it uses a non-standard threading. So you have to make absolutely sure you buy the RIGHT ones to go along with it. All in all I think even given the great price I would still go with something else in the future. | 1 | neutral | [
"Mounting hole pattern doesn't accurately enough line up with the NEMA17 hole pattern.",
"No washer to act as a spacer for the idler bearing.",
"Missing hardware meant no actual way to mount it to a motor in the first place.",
"Poor finish, ugly color.",
"Don't bother with this.",
"Get one of the red and black ones from one of the chinese sellers on ebay.",
"Update (4/27/2016): After leaving my initial review the seller contacted me and let me know that they had recently tweaked the dimensions slightly and that the issue with the mounting holes not lining up was resolved.",
"They sent me out a replacement free of charge.",
"I'm happy to say that the new extruder does indeed properly line up with the NEMA 17 mounting holes just fine.",
"This means that this is indeed a functional product and as such I've increased my rating slightly.",
"However I still can't give it 5 stars because it does not come with any kind of mounting hardware to actually secure the extruder to the motor.",
"And you can't assemble it without securing it to the motor so it really should be included.",
"It also doesn't come with any bowden couplers and to make that worse it uses a non-standard threading.",
"So you have to make absolutely sure you buy the RIGHT ones to go along with it.",
"All in all I think even given the great price I would still go with something else in the future."
] |
+ Nice size & weight
+ Good frame
+ The controller buttons are responsive
+ Triggers/Bumpers are responsive
+ Analog is good
- Home button works but lacks a spring
- The D-Pad is mushy & doesnt have any type of spring.
- The triggers aren't flat, they are built on an angle. So if your index fingers get to high on the triggers after use they will pinch them.
In closing playing 2D fighters won't be happining with this controller. As most fighting games D-pads are the best command option. You don't get a good feel using the D-Pad. So analog games are your best options.
Not a bad 3rd party controller but not all that good either. Its passable if you need a spare controller around & if you want to save a few bucks.
6/10 | 1 | neutral | [
"+ Nice size & weight\n+ Good frame\n+ The controller buttons are responsive\n+ Triggers/Bumpers are responsive\n+ Analog is good\n\n- Home button works but lacks a spring\n- The D-Pad is mushy & doesnt have any type of spring.",
"- The triggers aren't flat, they are built on an angle.",
"So if your index fingers get to high on the triggers after use they will pinch them.",
"In closing playing 2D fighters won't be happining with this controller.",
"As most fighting games D-pads are the best command option.",
"You don't get a good feel using the D-Pad.",
"So analog games are your best options.",
"Not a bad 3rd party controller but not all that good either.",
"Its passable if you need a spare controller around & if you want to save a few bucks.",
"6/10"
] |
Love the series and Flavia, but the ending, or actually the non ending, demoted this from 4 stars to three ( and probably should have been 2). So many loose ends were left hanging. So many characters ( like Greta), whose storylines were just dropped. What was the significance of her poetry book? Huh? Or the circus crowd? And we are supposed to believe that Orlando was killed because of lack of funeral business? And what blackmail could be extracted from a penniless Orlando? And these are just a few of many other examples of sloppiness. Bradley's loyal readers deserve better than this. Waiting until the next book to wrap these up? Doubtful and too late. | 1 | neutral | [
"Love the series and Flavia, but the ending, or actually the non ending, demoted this from 4 stars to three ( and probably should have been 2).",
"So many loose ends were left hanging.",
"So many characters ( like Greta), whose storylines were just dropped.",
"What was the significance of her poetry book?",
"Huh?",
"Or the circus crowd?",
"And we are supposed to believe that Orlando was killed because of lack of funeral business?",
"And what blackmail could be extracted from a penniless Orlando?",
"And these are just a few of many other examples of sloppiness.",
"Bradley's loyal readers deserve better than this.",
"Waiting until the next book to wrap these up?",
"Doubtful and too late."
] |
It's getting harder and harder to forgive the little things, but here we go again.
Crackdown is a great game that gets bogged down way to much in sub-par controls and unimaginative progression. It's a great idea - you're a cop in a city full of crime, only you're awesome! You can, like, jump on roofs and throw cars and stuff! You start up as only sort of awesome but as you blow up guys and gather randomly placed orbs (orbs of awesome?) your powers get better. Which works well enough because there's a progression and you get to earn your awesomeness. And who doesn't want to become a pure truck-tossing baddass, right? But not long into your journey to super-agent status - about the fifth time your little guy locks onto a passing car for no reason - you realize it's going to be an uphill trip.
Your super cool looking agent can do lots of heroic things - drive cars fast, shoot guns, punch people into next tuesday - but he can't do any of them well. Driving, even at the highest "skill level" is blocky and un-fun. Shooting is unrewarding and there's no real difference in weapons; there's no reason to use the pistols over the machine guns, for example, even though there's a couple to collect. And don't even get me started on the lock-on feature - it's unreliable and yet COMPLETELY necessary. Good luck firing from the hip, you'll be lucky to hit the building the bad-guys are standing on. Also, why the hell does pulling the trigger sometimes make me swing the butt of the gun? And usually into the railing or piece of wall I'm tyring to take cover behind? I've got a dedicated punch-in-the-face button, I'll use it when I need it, stop trying to force it on me, and STOP HITTING THE WALL! Oh, and good luck with that punch button by the way. Sure, when you connect with the bad-guy(or even the car they're hiding in)and they go flying, it's pretty satisfying. But that usual only comes after a riduculous amount "turn around- no, turn around- no, turn, turn- there I got him- oh, I'm dead again". Being able to leap tall buildings in a single bound is cool, but the frustrating and overly-touchy controls murder even that bit of fun. Aiming your landing is dodgy at best and when trying to jump you have two options - not enough to clear the curb and SUPER HIGH! The imprecision of it is severly limiting, especially in a game where the enemy is so effective and numerous that it makes fighting them in the steet abosolute suicide. It goes beyond making it "challenging": the bad guys with the crazy, heat-seaking guns are challenging enough. This is about making the controls freaking broken.
Forgive the rant, but with each generation of console, it's getting harder and harder to forgive these basic gameplay problems.
But it's not all bad news. The visuals abosolutely need to be praise. Going in the opposite direction of photo-realism, they've still managed to make a city that clean and precise and visually stimulating. And the distance you can see is marvalous - not just buildings but collectibles and cars and targetable enemies pop in and a vast distance. It's really satisfying and immersive and shows the power of scaling graphics away from photo-realism and towards something much more artistically even and functional.
So here we are, with lousy controls and interesting visuals (God, this intersection's starting to feel familiar). What's needed to push this game into something worthwhile is a good-darn story. Something compelling to keep my interest while I try to make my stubborn avatar do what I tell him to do. But... no, not gonna happen. You're fighting three different gangs (latins, asians and russians - groundbreaking!) in three modest sized sections of a city. Each gang has lieutenants and then a general to hunt down (mini-bosses and a boss in video game parlance) in order to eliminate the faction. But there's only a handful of each and finding them feels less like "Succesful hunting" and more like "blind, stupid luck". To be honest I'm not entirely sure what grants you access to the boss locations. Is it wandering near them? Is it unlocking more skills? The game doesn't tell me and I was never able to piece it out?
What happened to the days of <a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Mercenaries/dp/B00020BV0Q/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Mercenaries</a>? Four chapters! Fifty-two targets! Sprawling levels! Remember those days?
And yes, the city is nice (Champion City? Capital City? What the hell was it called?) but it really lacks personality. It's described as this gang-ridden, crime polluted, horrible place than needs to cleaned up with rocket launchers... but it actually looks really clean. And functional. People live there, they drive around like normal. If there's any shooting in the street it's all at or because of ME. So... what am I cleaning up? It feels like a small thing, but some grime in the city, or a change because of my actions would have felt rewarding after all of my jumping into walls and driving over civilians by mistake (again).
At the end of the day, Crackdown is a decent game, I suppose. Thing blow up, you jump over stuff. But, ugh... just ugh... | 1 | neutral | [
"It's getting harder and harder to forgive the little things, but here we go again.",
"Crackdown is a great game that gets bogged down way to much in sub-par controls and unimaginative progression.",
"It's a great idea - you're a cop in a city full of crime, only you're awesome!",
"You can, like, jump on roofs and throw cars and stuff!",
"You start up as only sort of awesome but as you blow up guys and gather randomly placed orbs (orbs of awesome?",
") your powers get better.",
"Which works well enough because there's a progression and you get to earn your awesomeness.",
"And who doesn't want to become a pure truck-tossing baddass, right?",
"But not long into your journey to super-agent status - about the fifth time your little guy locks onto a passing car for no reason - you realize it's going to be an uphill trip.",
"Your super cool looking agent can do lots of heroic things - drive cars fast, shoot guns, punch people into next tuesday - but he can't do any of them well.",
"Driving, even at the highest \"skill level\" is blocky and un-fun.",
"Shooting is unrewarding and there's no real difference in weapons; there's no reason to use the pistols over the machine guns, for example, even though there's a couple to collect.",
"And don't even get me started on the lock-on feature - it's unreliable and yet COMPLETELY necessary.",
"Good luck firing from the hip, you'll be lucky to hit the building the bad-guys are standing on.",
"Also, why the hell does pulling the trigger sometimes make me swing the butt of the gun?",
"And usually into the railing or piece of wall I'm tyring to take cover behind?",
"I've got a dedicated punch-in-the-face button, I'll use it when I need it, stop trying to force it on me, and STOP HITTING THE WALL!",
"Oh, and good luck with that punch button by the way.",
"Sure, when you connect with the bad-guy(or even the car they're hiding in)and they go flying, it's pretty satisfying.",
"But that usual only comes after a riduculous amount \"turn around- no, turn around- no, turn, turn- there I got him- oh, I'm dead again\".",
"Being able to leap tall buildings in a single bound is cool, but the frustrating and overly-touchy controls murder even that bit of fun.",
"Aiming your landing is dodgy at best and when trying to jump you have two options - not enough to clear the curb and SUPER HIGH!",
"The imprecision of it is severly limiting, especially in a game where the enemy is so effective and numerous that it makes fighting them in the steet abosolute suicide.",
"It goes beyond making it \"challenging\": the bad guys with the crazy, heat-seaking guns are challenging enough.",
"This is about making the controls freaking broken.",
"Forgive the rant, but with each generation of console, it's getting harder and harder to forgive these basic gameplay problems.",
"But it's not all bad news.",
"The visuals abosolutely need to be praise.",
"Going in the opposite direction of photo-realism, they've still managed to make a city that clean and precise and visually stimulating.",
"And the distance you can see is marvalous - not just buildings but collectibles and cars and targetable enemies pop in and a vast distance.",
"It's really satisfying and immersive and shows the power of scaling graphics away from photo-realism and towards something much more artistically even and functional.",
"So here we are, with lousy controls and interesting visuals (God, this intersection's starting to feel familiar).",
"What's needed to push this game into something worthwhile is a good-darn story.",
"Something compelling to keep my interest while I try to make my stubborn avatar do what I tell him to do.",
"But...",
"no, not gonna happen.",
"You're fighting three different gangs (latins, asians and russians - groundbreaking!",
") in three modest sized sections of a city.",
"Each gang has lieutenants and then a general to hunt down (mini-bosses and a boss in video game parlance) in order to eliminate the faction.",
"But there's only a handful of each and finding them feels less like \"Succesful hunting\" and more like \"blind, stupid luck\".",
"To be honest I'm not entirely sure what grants you access to the boss locations.",
"Is it wandering near them?",
"Is it unlocking more skills?",
"The game doesn't tell me and I was never able to piece it out?",
"What happened to the days of <a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/Mercenaries/dp/B00020BV0Q/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">Mercenaries</a>?",
"Four chapters!",
"Fifty-two targets!",
"Sprawling levels!",
"Remember those days?",
"And yes, the city is nice (Champion City?",
"Capital City?",
"What the hell was it called?",
") but it really lacks personality.",
"It's described as this gang-ridden, crime polluted, horrible place than needs to cleaned up with rocket launchers...",
"but it actually looks really clean.",
"And functional.",
"People live there, they drive around like normal.",
"If there's any shooting in the street it's all at or because of ME.",
"So...",
"what am I cleaning up?",
"It feels like a small thing, but some grime in the city, or a change because of my actions would have felt rewarding after all of my jumping into walls and driving over civilians by mistake (again).",
"At the end of the day, Crackdown is a decent game, I suppose.",
"Thing blow up, you jump over stuff.",
"But, ugh...",
"just ugh..."
] |
It was surprising to me that I saw this album in my local music store without hearing a song on the radio, or hearing one word mentioned about its release. I wondered how that could be, when I considered "No Name Face" one of the best 25 albums of all-time.
Anyway, this album is good. It's no "No Name Face", but it's good. I wish I could say it was great, but I can't. There's too many holes in the album, and too many weak songs. But there are a good number of quality songs, and a few very good ones, including "Spin", "Wash", "Am I Ever Gonna Find Out", and "Just Another Name".
The only major problem I have with this album is track number 7, called "Out of Breath". This song sounds identical to "Hanging by a Moment" in every way. The music is almost karaoke. I can't understand why Lifehouse would make a song sound identical to their only smash hit song.
All in all, a good effort from Lifehouse, but something was missing here. It's like a jigsaw puzzle with a few pieces missing. It just isn't complete. | 1 | neutral | [
"It was surprising to me that I saw this album in my local music store without hearing a song on the radio, or hearing one word mentioned about its release.",
"I wondered how that could be, when I considered \"No Name Face\" one of the best 25 albums of all-time.",
"Anyway, this album is good.",
"It's no \"No Name Face\", but it's good.",
"I wish I could say it was great, but I can't.",
"There's too many holes in the album, and too many weak songs.",
"But there are a good number of quality songs, and a few very good ones, including \"Spin\", \"Wash\", \"Am I Ever Gonna Find Out\", and \"Just Another Name\".",
"The only major problem I have with this album is track number 7, called \"Out of Breath\".",
"This song sounds identical to \"Hanging by a Moment\" in every way.",
"The music is almost karaoke.",
"I can't understand why Lifehouse would make a song sound identical to their only smash hit song.",
"All in all, a good effort from Lifehouse, but something was missing here.",
"It's like a jigsaw puzzle with a few pieces missing.",
"It just isn't complete."
] |
The only thing that I didn't like about the original was that it was too short. This game is longer, but the levels aren't nearly as fun as they used to be. They no longer have some of the best weapons either, such as the M1A1 Carbine. The graphics are about the same as the original though. Another thing I loved about the original was that you never felt like you were fighting the war all by yourself, as you always went into battle with lots of allies. In Call of Duty: Finest Hour, you rarely find yourself fighting alongside more than five other troops (except in the first mission). My biggest complaint about this game is the AI. In Medal of Honor: Frontline, the enemy troops will kick a thrown grenade back at you or sprint for cover. In Finest Hour, the enemy troops just go prone and cover their heads, even when the grenade lands only a few inches away from them. There was one time where I threw a grenade through a window of a house with an enemy soldier standing at the front door. He had the right idea, as this time he actually tried to find cover. He decided that the house was the best protection from a grenade, so he ran inside and met his doom. Right idea, wrong time. As for the missions themselves, they are all devided up into sections: The Russian campaign, the British campaign, and the American campaign. The Russian campaign, being the first, is the easiest. However, this campaign is made up largely of tank battles, which are very frustrating and not really much fun. Your tank is difficult to control and the missions are the same thing every time. You just drive around in your tank, mowing down endless waves of infantry with a machine gun and destroying enemy tanks with two good hits from your big gun. It is also very difficult to spot anti-tank units hiding in bombed out buildings. I often found myself scanning every building for up to three minutes searching for an elusive tank killer sitting in a window, taking pot shots at me every few seconds. The British campaign, which is definitely my favorate one, has interesting mission objectives as you play as a member as a British special forces team, but it's only a few missions long. The American campaign is the final set of missions. Most of these missions have you following a bunch of tanks around a city, so they can blow up some important buildings. Fuuuuun... Then you go down into the sewers and root out the rest of the enemy hideouts. All of the environments in the American campaign are also very dull. The sky is gray, the buildings are gray, the enemys uniforms are gray... The last mission isn't nearly passable as an amazing finish either. You trudgh across a VERY long bridge, take out lots of MG42 nests along the way. Then you go to the top of a tower, get on a AA gun and shoot down some Stukas. The end. I found myself shouting "Thats it?!" when the credits started rolling. There isn't really any reason to play through the game again once you beat it. As for multiplayer... there is XBOX Live and system link, but no split screen. For those of you who have XBOX Live, have fun. If not, you might as well just rent the game. You can finish it in a few days. If you want a lasting WWII FPS, get the original for PC. That one has free online play anyway. | 1 | neutral | [
"The only thing that I didn't like about the original was that it was too short.",
"This game is longer, but the levels aren't nearly as fun as they used to be.",
"They no longer have some of the best weapons either, such as the M1A1 Carbine.",
"The graphics are about the same as the original though.",
"Another thing I loved about the original was that you never felt like you were fighting the war all by yourself, as you always went into battle with lots of allies.",
"In Call of Duty: Finest Hour, you rarely find yourself fighting alongside more than five other troops (except in the first mission).",
"My biggest complaint about this game is the AI.",
"In Medal of Honor: Frontline, the enemy troops will kick a thrown grenade back at you or sprint for cover.",
"In Finest Hour, the enemy troops just go prone and cover their heads, even when the grenade lands only a few inches away from them.",
"There was one time where I threw a grenade through a window of a house with an enemy soldier standing at the front door.",
"He had the right idea, as this time he actually tried to find cover.",
"He decided that the house was the best protection from a grenade, so he ran inside and met his doom.",
"Right idea, wrong time.",
"As for the missions themselves, they are all devided up into sections: The Russian campaign, the British campaign, and the American campaign.",
"The Russian campaign, being the first, is the easiest.",
"However, this campaign is made up largely of tank battles, which are very frustrating and not really much fun.",
"Your tank is difficult to control and the missions are the same thing every time.",
"You just drive around in your tank, mowing down endless waves of infantry with a machine gun and destroying enemy tanks with two good hits from your big gun.",
"It is also very difficult to spot anti-tank units hiding in bombed out buildings.",
"I often found myself scanning every building for up to three minutes searching for an elusive tank killer sitting in a window, taking pot shots at me every few seconds.",
"The British campaign, which is definitely my favorate one, has interesting mission objectives as you play as a member as a British special forces team, but it's only a few missions long.",
"The American campaign is the final set of missions.",
"Most of these missions have you following a bunch of tanks around a city, so they can blow up some important buildings.",
"Fuuuuun...",
"Then you go down into the sewers and root out the rest of the enemy hideouts.",
"All of the environments in the American campaign are also very dull.",
"The sky is gray, the buildings are gray, the enemys uniforms are gray...",
"The last mission isn't nearly passable as an amazing finish either.",
"You trudgh across a VERY long bridge, take out lots of MG42 nests along the way.",
"Then you go to the top of a tower, get on a AA gun and shoot down some Stukas.",
"The end.",
"I found myself shouting \"Thats it?!",
"\" when the credits started rolling.",
"There isn't really any reason to play through the game again once you beat it.",
"As for multiplayer...",
"there is XBOX Live and system link, but no split screen.",
"For those of you who have XBOX Live, have fun.",
"If not, you might as well just rent the game.",
"You can finish it in a few days.",
"If you want a lasting WWII FPS, get the original for PC.",
"That one has free online play anyway."
] |
Trump targets book threatens ex
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump’s lawyer said on Thursday he would try to stop publication of a book that portrays an inept president in a fumbling White House and threatened legal action against former top aide Steve Bannon over “defamatory” comments in the book.
Harder also told Reuters “legal action is imminent” against Bannon .
Trump cut ties with Bannon on Wednesday saying his former adviser had “lost his mind ” in a blistering statement issued after comments attributed to Bannon in the book were made public.
Trump lawyers sent a cease-and-desist letter to Bannon on Wednesday asking him not to disclose any confidential information. They said Bannon had breached an agreement by communicating with Wolff about Trump his family and the campaign and made “disparaging statements and in some cases outright defamatory statements” about them.
In the book Bannon was quoted as describing a June 2016 meeting with a group of Russians at Trump Tower in New York as “treasonous” and “unpatriotic.” The meeting held after the Russians promised damaging information on Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton was attended by Donald Trump Jr. Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and Paul Manafort who was Trump’s campaign manager at the time.
Trump’s statement also diminished Bannon ’s role in the election victory and accused him of leaking to the media. Before joining the campaign Bannon had headed conservative Breitbart News website and he proved to be a divisive figure in the White House. He returned to Breitbart after being fired although he reportedly continued to talk with Trump.
FILE PHOTO: White House Chief Strategist Stephen Bannon (L) attends a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and congressional leaders to discuss trade deals at the at the Roosevelt room of the White House in Washington U.S. February 2 2017. REUTERS/Carlos Barria/File Photo
Bannon ’s reaction to the book controversy has been muted. In interviews with Breitbart News after the news broke he called Trump a “great man” and pledged continued support for his agenda.
Bradley Moss a Washington lawyer specializing in national security law said any non-disclosure agreement would not apply to Bannon once he became a government employee. The government has far less power to limit speech by employees than private companies Moss said.
A lawsuit could hurt Trump because Bannon ’s lawyers would be entitled to interview White House officials and collect potentially damaging documents from them in his defense Moss said.
On Thursday the White House said no personal devices including cellphones would be allowed in the West Wing beginning next week for security purposes. The moves followed the Bannon split but had been considered for some time.
Bannon helped Trump shape a populist anti-establishment message and had been the president’s link to his hard-line conservative base of support which is often at odds with the Republican Party establishment. | 1 | neutral | [
"Trump targets book threatens ex\nWASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump’s lawyer said on Thursday he would try to stop publication of a book that portrays an inept president in a fumbling White House and threatened legal action against former top aide Steve Bannon over “defamatory” comments in the book.",
"Harder also told Reuters “legal action is imminent” against Bannon.",
"Trump cut ties with Bannon on Wednesday saying his former adviser had “lost his mind ” in a blistering statement issued after comments attributed to Bannon in the book were made public.",
"Trump lawyers sent a cease-and-desist letter to Bannon on Wednesday asking him not to disclose any confidential information.",
"They said Bannon had breached an agreement by communicating with Wolff about Trump his family and the campaign and made “disparaging statements and in some cases outright defamatory statements” about them.",
"In the book Bannon was quoted as describing a June 2016 meeting with a group of Russians at Trump Tower in New York as “treasonous” and “unpatriotic.",
"” The meeting held after the Russians promised damaging information on Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton was attended by Donald Trump Jr.",
"Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and Paul Manafort who was Trump’s campaign manager at the time.",
"Trump’s statement also diminished Bannon ’s role in the election victory and accused him of leaking to the media.",
"Before joining the campaign Bannon had headed conservative Breitbart News website and he proved to be a divisive figure in the White House.",
"He returned to Breitbart after being fired although he reportedly continued to talk with Trump.",
"FILE PHOTO: White House Chief Strategist Stephen Bannon (L) attends a meeting between U.",
"S. President Donald Trump and congressional leaders to discuss trade deals at the at the Roosevelt room of the White House in Washington U.",
"S. February 2 2017.",
"REUTERS/Carlos Barria/File Photo\n Bannon ’s reaction to the book controversy has been muted.",
"In interviews with Breitbart News after the news broke he called Trump a “great man” and pledged continued support for his agenda.",
"Bradley Moss a Washington lawyer specializing in national security law said any non-disclosure agreement would not apply to Bannon once he became a government employee.",
"The government has far less power to limit speech by employees than private companies Moss said.",
"A lawsuit could hurt Trump because Bannon ’s lawyers would be entitled to interview White House officials and collect potentially damaging documents from them in his defense Moss said.",
"On Thursday the White House said no personal devices including cellphones would be allowed in the West Wing beginning next week for security purposes.",
"The moves followed the Bannon split but had been considered for some time.",
"Bannon helped Trump shape a populist anti-establishment message and had been the president’s link to his hard-line conservative base of support which is often at odds with the Republican Party establishment."
] |
Bose Bluetooth Series 2 vs. Plantronics Voyager PRO HD vs. Motorola ELITE Silver vs. Motorola FLIP
Cost:
1. FLIP: $60-$75
2. Elite Silver: $80-$100
3. Plantronics HD: $75-$100
4. Bose: Hard to find for less than $130-$150 (check fleabay or your cell provider)
Conclusion: Elite Silver has been dropping in price rapidly. Bose is hard to find discounted.
Ease of use:
1. FLIP: Open it up, it's on, close the flap, it's off. Great for saving battery power.
2. Elite Silver: Turn the ear piece, it's on, turn back, it's off. A little tricky, as sometimes not sure which direction to turn it.
3. Bose: Switch to turn on and off. Answers quickly. Hard to put it on ear quickly. Buttons a little non-intuitive.
4. Plantronics: Hold button down to turn on and off. Has 4 seconds ever felt so long?
Conclusion: Why o why don't more companies adopt the Motorola flip design. I love having a headset that I can sit down next to me, and then when someone calls, pick it up, put it on easily. AND save battery power. Who wants to charge a headset every day?
Features:
1. Flip: Super easy to turn on and off. Best design ever.
2. Elite Silver comes with cool storage case that doubles as a recharger for up to 3 charges. Tells you battery life left over when you put on.
3. Bose: Easy on and off switch (why don't more companies go back to switches)?
4. Plantronics automatically answers the phone when you put it on your ear. However, it doesn't turn it on and off when you do this, so no battery savings. Also tells you how much battery left when you put on.
Conclusion: Love the storage case on the Elite Silver that doubles as a charging station. Love the switch on the BOSE for on/off. But nothing beats the Motorola flip boom mikes for ease/battery savings.
Comfort:
1. Elite Silver: Is lightweight, fit comfortably on ear. Once you figure it out, goes on quick and secure.
2. Bose: Has unique inside earpiece that seems like it won't work, but does.
3. Plantronics: I like the heaviness of this item and love the boom mike (surprisingly, the boom mike didn't help sound quality).
4. Elite Flip: I'm not a big fan of the small string earpieces. It felt lightweight and fragile and non-secure.
Conclusion: I like the secure feel of the Plantronics. It's heavy, locks in on the ear, quick to put on and off, but the boom mike adds little to the sound quality.
Sound Quality: This is a tough category as always. I use mine in the car (road noise) and have a larger head (harder for mike to pick up sounds around my cheeks). Your experience may differ depending on your signal, location, face shape, and usage.
1. Bose: By far the most clear. Loud volume. People could hear me. I could hear them.
2. Plantronics: People could make out my voice (when driving) if I spoke very slowly and carefully. Boom mike did not seem to help.
3. ELITE Silver: I loved the sound of this, but people could not hear me when I spoke. My cheeks too big? The mike too far from my mouth?
4. Elite Flip: Didn't test this one as much, but people struggled to hear me.
Conclusion (ALL). I wish the Elite Silver had better sound quality when driving, because I liked most of the features. If I could design a perfect headset, it would have the flip boom mike of the FLIP. Have the comfort and charging features of the ELITE SLIVER. Have the sound quality of the BOSE. And the easy/on and off of the Plantronics.
Final Assessment:
Bose: Best sound quality. Great fit. Expensive.
Plantronics: Rugged design, nice boom mike. Not good enough vocal quality. Annoying on/off.
Motorola Elite Silver: Great innovations, great comfort. Need to work on their sound quality.
Motorola Flip: LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the flip mike. Very lightweight (pro or con?), unsecure, not good enough sound quality. | 1 | neutral | [
"Bose Bluetooth Series 2 vs.",
"Plantronics Voyager PRO HD vs.",
"Motorola ELITE Silver vs.",
"Motorola FLIP\n\nCost:\n1.",
"FLIP: $60-$75\n2.",
"Elite Silver: $80-$100\n3.",
"Plantronics HD: $75-$100\n4.",
"Bose: Hard to find for less than $130-$150 (check fleabay or your cell provider)\nConclusion: Elite Silver has been dropping in price rapidly.",
"Bose is hard to find discounted.",
"Ease of use:\n1.",
"FLIP: Open it up, it's on, close the flap, it's off.",
"Great for saving battery power.",
"2.",
"Elite Silver: Turn the ear piece, it's on, turn back, it's off.",
"A little tricky, as sometimes not sure which direction to turn it.",
"3.",
"Bose: Switch to turn on and off.",
"Answers quickly.",
"Hard to put it on ear quickly.",
"Buttons a little non-intuitive.",
"4.",
"Plantronics: Hold button down to turn on and off.",
"Has 4 seconds ever felt so long?",
"Conclusion: Why o why don't more companies adopt the Motorola flip design.",
"I love having a headset that I can sit down next to me, and then when someone calls, pick it up, put it on easily.",
"AND save battery power.",
"Who wants to charge a headset every day?",
"Features:\n1.",
"Flip: Super easy to turn on and off.",
"Best design ever.",
"2.",
"Elite Silver comes with cool storage case that doubles as a recharger for up to 3 charges.",
"Tells you battery life left over when you put on.",
"3.",
"Bose: Easy on and off switch (why don't more companies go back to switches)?",
"4.",
"Plantronics automatically answers the phone when you put it on your ear.",
"However, it doesn't turn it on and off when you do this, so no battery savings.",
"Also tells you how much battery left when you put on.",
"Conclusion: Love the storage case on the Elite Silver that doubles as a charging station.",
"Love the switch on the BOSE for on/off.",
"But nothing beats the Motorola flip boom mikes for ease/battery savings.",
"Comfort:\n1.",
"Elite Silver: Is lightweight, fit comfortably on ear.",
"Once you figure it out, goes on quick and secure.",
"2.",
"Bose: Has unique inside earpiece that seems like it won't work, but does.",
"3.",
"Plantronics: I like the heaviness of this item and love the boom mike (surprisingly, the boom mike didn't help sound quality).",
"4.",
"Elite Flip: I'm not a big fan of the small string earpieces.",
"It felt lightweight and fragile and non-secure.",
"Conclusion: I like the secure feel of the Plantronics.",
"It's heavy, locks in on the ear, quick to put on and off, but the boom mike adds little to the sound quality.",
"Sound Quality: This is a tough category as always.",
"I use mine in the car (road noise) and have a larger head (harder for mike to pick up sounds around my cheeks).",
"Your experience may differ depending on your signal, location, face shape, and usage.",
"1.",
"Bose: By far the most clear.",
"Loud volume.",
"People could hear me.",
"I could hear them.",
"2.",
"Plantronics: People could make out my voice (when driving) if I spoke very slowly and carefully.",
"Boom mike did not seem to help.",
"3.",
"ELITE Silver: I loved the sound of this, but people could not hear me when I spoke.",
"My cheeks too big?",
"The mike too far from my mouth?",
"4.",
"Elite Flip: Didn't test this one as much, but people struggled to hear me.",
"Conclusion (ALL).",
"I wish the Elite Silver had better sound quality when driving, because I liked most of the features.",
"If I could design a perfect headset, it would have the flip boom mike of the FLIP.",
"Have the comfort and charging features of the ELITE SLIVER.",
"Have the sound quality of the BOSE.",
"And the easy/on and off of the Plantronics.",
"Final Assessment:\nBose: Best sound quality.",
"Great fit.",
"Expensive.",
"Plantronics: Rugged design, nice boom mike.",
"Not good enough vocal quality.",
"Annoying on/off.",
"Motorola Elite Silver: Great innovations, great comfort.",
"Need to work on their sound quality.",
"Motorola Flip: LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the flip mike.",
"Very lightweight (pro or con?",
"), unsecure, not good enough sound quality."
] |
I sincerely believe that Spielberg had honest intentions to make statements about racism in this, but somehow, he gets just too caught up in making a spectacular movie.
There are good elements in this movie, but they unfortunately are exterior elements, details like the dress of the characters, spectacular cinematography, and some very insightful acting, especially Anthony Hopkins as President John Quincy Adams. All this adds to the entertainment aspect of the film but not to the essence. He doesn't really force us to look at the morals and the ethics of the situation. Instead, there's a superficiality throughout.
I do believe that this story is worth telling, and the resulting movie is worth seeing because through the superficial entertainment the discerning viewer may be somewhat stimulated into thinking about the issues that could have been better tackled here.
As in SCHINDLER'S LIST, Spielberg is looking at racism, but through different eyes. Somehow, there is a condescending tone here, and he is not tuned in completely to the complexities of the situation portrayed.
There's no way that I can trash this film. On the other hand, I can not hold it up as an important film that must be seen. For entertainment and for a partial look at the subject, this is OK. For a deeper questioning, look elsewhere. I've just reviewed a TV adaptation of AN OUTPOST OF PROGRESS, and while that is hardly spectacular, it gives far deeper insight. | 1 | neutral | [
"I sincerely believe that Spielberg had honest intentions to make statements about racism in this, but somehow, he gets just too caught up in making a spectacular movie.",
"There are good elements in this movie, but they unfortunately are exterior elements, details like the dress of the characters, spectacular cinematography, and some very insightful acting, especially Anthony Hopkins as President John Quincy Adams.",
"All this adds to the entertainment aspect of the film but not to the essence.",
"He doesn't really force us to look at the morals and the ethics of the situation.",
"Instead, there's a superficiality throughout.",
"I do believe that this story is worth telling, and the resulting movie is worth seeing because through the superficial entertainment the discerning viewer may be somewhat stimulated into thinking about the issues that could have been better tackled here.",
"As in SCHINDLER'S LIST, Spielberg is looking at racism, but through different eyes.",
"Somehow, there is a condescending tone here, and he is not tuned in completely to the complexities of the situation portrayed.",
"There's no way that I can trash this film.",
"On the other hand, I can not hold it up as an important film that must be seen.",
"For entertainment and for a partial look at the subject, this is OK.",
"For a deeper questioning, look elsewhere.",
"I've just reviewed a TV adaptation of AN OUTPOST OF PROGRESS, and while that is hardly spectacular, it gives far deeper insight."
] |
Interesting but nonsensical plot revolving on misunderstandings. There are actually three story lines in this book that are intertwined. It can get a little confusing at times but, on the whole, was interesting. The 'misunderstanding' between the hero and heroine was dragged out far too long. I did like the both of them, but felt Sophie's 'innocence' bordered on stupidity at times. One side couple, George and Amelia, I did not like at all. I just wanted to bang their heads together and tell them to grow up. Ms Madison has a deft hand with humor. I found myself chuckling out loud at times and that is what kept me reading to the end. I will definitely try the next book in the series. | 1 | neutral | [
"Interesting but nonsensical plot revolving on misunderstandings.",
"There are actually three story lines in this book that are intertwined.",
"It can get a little confusing at times but, on the whole, was interesting.",
"The 'misunderstanding' between the hero and heroine was dragged out far too long.",
"I did like the both of them, but felt Sophie's 'innocence' bordered on stupidity at times.",
"One side couple, George and Amelia, I did not like at all.",
"I just wanted to bang their heads together and tell them to grow up.",
"Ms Madison has a deft hand with humor.",
"I found myself chuckling out loud at times and that is what kept me reading to the end.",
"I will definitely try the next book in the series."
] |
I am torn with what to say about this one. I recall being on the edge of my seat at the end of Captivate as it ended on somewhat of a cliffhanger. I felt kind of disappointed in this book. Overall, I found it to be slow paced, but at the same time, I felt like some aspects of the story were rushed through. The focus of this book was Zara's quest to get Nick back and the author literally took the whole book to reach that goal. I think that is why it felt so slow moving to me. If you are expecting to see much of Nick in this book, you will be very disappointed. He does not appear until the end, and even then, it is not much to speak of. Zara's relationship and feelings for Astley are explored a little more, but I felt like this too could have been flushed out better. Some funny pop culture references break up the monotony. If you read the 2 previous books, it is still worth your time to read this one. The end is obviously set up for another book in the series as well. | 1 | neutral | [
"I am torn with what to say about this one.",
"I recall being on the edge of my seat at the end of Captivate as it ended on somewhat of a cliffhanger.",
"I felt kind of disappointed in this book.",
"Overall, I found it to be slow paced, but at the same time, I felt like some aspects of the story were rushed through.",
"The focus of this book was Zara's quest to get Nick back and the author literally took the whole book to reach that goal.",
"I think that is why it felt so slow moving to me.",
"If you are expecting to see much of Nick in this book, you will be very disappointed.",
"He does not appear until the end, and even then, it is not much to speak of.",
"Zara's relationship and feelings for Astley are explored a little more, but I felt like this too could have been flushed out better.",
"Some funny pop culture references break up the monotony.",
"If you read the 2 previous books, it is still worth your time to read this one.",
"The end is obviously set up for another book in the series as well."
] |
Its a simple plastic case for a couple of dollars. Its "medium" hardness. Its not soft like some really soft cases, nor is it super hard. If you press with your fingernail, you can feel it push in slightly. I'm not saying its flimsy, just trying to give a sense of the material.
I liked that its see through as I had a custom photo wrap around my phone so you could see the pictures underneath. The only reason I got this as its hard to find clear protectors that aren't too flimsy. It has a circular pattern so its wasn't perfectly transparent. The edges are angled so its not a rounded feel.
It comes with a screen protector but its cheap. If you want a good one, invest in one from Zagg or Skinomi. | 1 | neutral | [
"Its a simple plastic case for a couple of dollars.",
"Its \"medium\" hardness.",
"Its not soft like some really soft cases, nor is it super hard.",
"If you press with your fingernail, you can feel it push in slightly.",
"I'm not saying its flimsy, just trying to give a sense of the material.",
"I liked that its see through as I had a custom photo wrap around my phone so you could see the pictures underneath.",
"The only reason I got this as its hard to find clear protectors that aren't too flimsy.",
"It has a circular pattern so its wasn't perfectly transparent.",
"The edges are angled so its not a rounded feel.",
"It comes with a screen protector but its cheap.",
"If you want a good one, invest in one from Zagg or Skinomi."
] |
Yeah George, I know; writing is really hard to do well. And I am a huge fan. I mostly only review books that I liked. I LOVED the first three. I read this and it didn't give me that feeling of satisfaction that I get from a really good feast. I'm trying to figure out how this one advanced the story. Maybe these were set ups for later stuff? Who knows? WHEN "A Dance With Dragons" comes out, I have faith that it will be on par with, and maybe even better than the first three. But where does that leave the "Feast". Let's face it, if your read the first three and then read the fifth (WHEN it's out), you have to read the fourth, just to know what was in it. It did have its moments. After all, the author is one of the greatest writers in the world. Even Shakespeare probably wrote something that wasn't as good as everything else he wrote. Ummmm... I am trying to be supportive of the author here, because I really want to read the next book. That is, whenever he feels that it is READY to be shared. I hope it is not another feast for crows. | 1 | neutral | [
"Yeah George, I know; writing is really hard to do well.",
"And I am a huge fan.",
"I mostly only review books that I liked.",
"I LOVED the first three.",
"I read this and it didn't give me that feeling of satisfaction that I get from a really good feast.",
"I'm trying to figure out how this one advanced the story.",
"Maybe these were set ups for later stuff?",
"Who knows?",
"WHEN \"A Dance With Dragons\" comes out, I have faith that it will be on par with, and maybe even better than the first three.",
"But where does that leave the \"Feast\".",
"Let's face it, if your read the first three and then read the fifth (WHEN it's out), you have to read the fourth, just to know what was in it.",
"It did have its moments.",
"After all, the author is one of the greatest writers in the world.",
"Even Shakespeare probably wrote something that wasn't as good as everything else he wrote.",
"Ummmm...",
"I am trying to be supportive of the author here, because I really want to read the next book.",
"That is, whenever he feels that it is READY to be shared.",
"I hope it is not another feast for crows."
] |
Abortion Could Be Deal
For some Alabama voters supporting abortion rights may be a sin worse than some of the sexual misdeeds Alabama GOP Senate nominee Roy Moore has been accused of — allegations Moore has denied.
That's the conundrum facing the state's conservative deeply religious electorate: Embrace Democrat Doug Jones despite his liberal stance on abortion and other social issues or vote for Moore anyway even if they believe there is some truth to the sexual assault allegations against him.
"The abortion issue alone is enough to buy [ Moore ] a win " predicted Brent Buchanan an Alabama GOP pollster and consultant. "That's the one nonnegotiable for social conservatives. You're not as hardcore on taxes. 'I can give up on that ' some voters might think. But when you're talking about somebody else's life that's a whole different ballgame. And I think that's the big difference."
Moore has underscored that major divide frequently at his campaign events where he 's continued to deny the accusations against him but also refused to answer questions from the media about the swirling scandals. Multiple women have accused the former Alabama Supreme Court chief justice of pursuing them romantically decades ago when they were teenagers and he was in his 30s and one woman has said he initiated sexual contact with her when she was just 14.
Moore 's allies have also doubled down on the abortion issue in the race's final stretch. America First PAC a pro-President Trump superPAC that's supporting Moore in the race released an ad this week calling Jones's position on abortion "unforgivable " showing an ultrasound and a heartbeat that then flatlines.
Moore spokeswoman Jane Porter was even less subtle when she appeared on CNN Tuesday talking to pregnant anchor Poppy Harlow and congratulating her on her "unborn child."
But Moore has seized upon the initial comments to MSNBC with his wife Kayla claiming that Jones supports "full-term abortion." PolitiFact rated that claim as false since there is no such thing as "full-term abortion."
Steven Taylor a political science professor at Alabama's Troy University agreed that social issues may be a sticking point that many conservative voters aren't able to overcome in voting for Jones. In addition to abortion Moore has hammered home his opposition to same-sex marriage and transgender rights.
"I think that without a doubt the social issues will motivate voters even if they are skeptical of the allegations against Moore " Taylor said. "Quite clearly abortion is probably the most salient issue in the race and more generally social issues."
The fact that Moore is seen as a champion on social issues is nothing new. It's what propelled him to national political stardom — and into plenty of controversy. In 2003 he was first removed from the state bench when he erected a statue of the Ten Commandments in the Alabama Judicial Building and refused to remove it even when ordered to do so by a federal court. He was elected again in 2012 but then subsequently suspended when he ordered state judges to defy the U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized gay marriage nationwide under the federal Constitution.
To Moore and his supporters that defiance is a badge of honor. And it's a big reason why many voters are likely reluctant to believe the sexual misconduct and sexual assault allegations against him too given the Christian nationalist positions he's wholeheartedly embraced in the past. And at the crux of that is a stringent opposition to abortion. | 1 | neutral | [
"Abortion Could Be Deal\nFor some Alabama voters supporting abortion rights may be a sin worse than some of the sexual misdeeds Alabama GOP Senate nominee Roy Moore has been accused of — allegations Moore has denied.",
"That's the conundrum facing the state's conservative deeply religious electorate: Embrace Democrat Doug Jones despite his liberal stance on abortion and other social issues or vote for Moore anyway even if they believe there is some truth to the sexual assault allegations against him.",
"\"The abortion issue alone is enough to buy [ Moore ] a win \" predicted Brent Buchanan an Alabama GOP pollster and consultant.",
"\"That's the one nonnegotiable for social conservatives.",
"You're not as hardcore on taxes.",
"'I can give up on that ' some voters might think.",
"But when you're talking about somebody else's life that's a whole different ballgame.",
"And I think that's the big difference.",
"\"\n Moore has underscored that major divide frequently at his campaign events where he 's continued to deny the accusations against him but also refused to answer questions from the media about the swirling scandals.",
"Multiple women have accused the former Alabama Supreme Court chief justice of pursuing them romantically decades ago when they were teenagers and he was in his 30s and one woman has said he initiated sexual contact with her when she was just 14.",
"Moore 's allies have also doubled down on the abortion issue in the race's final stretch.",
"America First PAC a pro-President Trump superPAC that's supporting Moore in the race released an ad this week calling Jones's position on abortion \"unforgivable \" showing an ultrasound and a heartbeat that then flatlines.",
"Moore spokeswoman Jane Porter was even less subtle when she appeared on CNN Tuesday talking to pregnant anchor Poppy Harlow and congratulating her on her \"unborn child.",
"\"\nBut Moore has seized upon the initial comments to MSNBC with his wife Kayla claiming that Jones supports \"full-term abortion.",
"\" PolitiFact rated that claim as false since there is no such thing as \"full-term abortion.",
"\"\nSteven Taylor a political science professor at Alabama's Troy University agreed that social issues may be a sticking point that many conservative voters aren't able to overcome in voting for Jones.",
"In addition to abortion Moore has hammered home his opposition to same-sex marriage and transgender rights.",
"\"I think that without a doubt the social issues will motivate voters even if they are skeptical of the allegations against Moore \" Taylor said.",
"\"Quite clearly abortion is probably the most salient issue in the race and more generally social issues.",
"\"\nThe fact that Moore is seen as a champion on social issues is nothing new.",
"It's what propelled him to national political stardom — and into plenty of controversy.",
"In 2003 he was first removed from the state bench when he erected a statue of the Ten Commandments in the Alabama Judicial Building and refused to remove it even when ordered to do so by a federal court.",
"He was elected again in 2012 but then subsequently suspended when he ordered state judges to defy the U.",
"S. Supreme Court decision that legalized gay marriage nationwide under the federal Constitution.",
"To Moore and his supporters that defiance is a badge of honor.",
"And it's a big reason why many voters are likely reluctant to believe the sexual misconduct and sexual assault allegations against him too given the Christian nationalist positions he's wholeheartedly embraced in the past.",
"And at the crux of that is a stringent opposition to abortion."
] |
Everyone loves a good police thriller, and this one starts off well enough. A female police officer is forced to shoot a perp in self defense, while her training officer woozily slumps in an alcoholic haze. Five years later the tables are turned when Mac Stryker sobers up and returns to the force, only to find that his new training officer is the same Jade Donovan that he had nearly gotten killed before his departure from the force.
Tensions run high between them, fueled by the hostility of her supervisor, but the real terror begins when Jade begins receiving dead roses in gold colored boxes, starting with a dozen, and then decreasing daily, one by one, in a twisted count down.
A single parent, she relies heavily on her father and his female companion, both recovering alcoholics, to help look after her son Donnie.
This is the intriguing set up, but unfortunately the story goes off kilter from about the half way mark. The machinations of her supervisors leading to her refusal to seek help even from those closest to her is simply not plausible, and the cheesy flavor of the romance bits detracts from the gist of the story.
Even ignoring the aforementioned story-killers, the grand revelation of the source of the dead roses falls flat, as this character simply does not fit the crime.
On the good side, this is a relatively good effort from a new author, and the suspense/action sections ring true, obviously drawing from real-life experience.
Amanda Richards, October 20, 2011 | 1 | neutral | [
"Everyone loves a good police thriller, and this one starts off well enough.",
"A female police officer is forced to shoot a perp in self defense, while her training officer woozily slumps in an alcoholic haze.",
"Five years later the tables are turned when Mac Stryker sobers up and returns to the force, only to find that his new training officer is the same Jade Donovan that he had nearly gotten killed before his departure from the force.",
"Tensions run high between them, fueled by the hostility of her supervisor, but the real terror begins when Jade begins receiving dead roses in gold colored boxes, starting with a dozen, and then decreasing daily, one by one, in a twisted count down.",
"A single parent, she relies heavily on her father and his female companion, both recovering alcoholics, to help look after her son Donnie.",
"This is the intriguing set up, but unfortunately the story goes off kilter from about the half way mark.",
"The machinations of her supervisors leading to her refusal to seek help even from those closest to her is simply not plausible, and the cheesy flavor of the romance bits detracts from the gist of the story.",
"Even ignoring the aforementioned story-killers, the grand revelation of the source of the dead roses falls flat, as this character simply does not fit the crime.",
"On the good side, this is a relatively good effort from a new author, and the suspense/action sections ring true, obviously drawing from real-life experience.",
"Amanda Richards, October 20, 2011"
] |
I have always heard the Jawbone is the top of the line for bluetooths. I was happy that I would be able to get one for a price much less than the $99 they are in the store. First of all the shipper was way off on their opinion as to when I would receive. It took close to 15 days to get. I had to keep trying to track the package down.
Secondly, the battery life on this is TERRIBLE! It says 4 hours, more like 2 IF YOUR LUCKY. I always have to keep another bluetooth (not Icon) on hand ready for when this one dies. I have several different types of bluetooths, (one is a very cheap LG that the battery lasts way longer than the Icon battery) Somehow this does not seem right. It pairs nicely, but so does the $13 LG. If I had paid the $99 for it, it would have gone back to the store. It is not bad, but not as good as advertised. | 1 | neutral | [
"I have always heard the Jawbone is the top of the line for bluetooths.",
"I was happy that I would be able to get one for a price much less than the $99 they are in the store.",
"First of all the shipper was way off on their opinion as to when I would receive.",
"It took close to 15 days to get.",
"I had to keep trying to track the package down.",
"Secondly, the battery life on this is TERRIBLE!",
"It says 4 hours, more like 2 IF YOUR LUCKY.",
"I always have to keep another bluetooth (not Icon) on hand ready for when this one dies.",
"I have several different types of bluetooths, (one is a very cheap LG that the battery lasts way longer than the Icon battery) Somehow this does not seem right.",
"It pairs nicely, but so does the $13 LG.",
"If I had paid the $99 for it, it would have gone back to the store.",
"It is not bad, but not as good as advertised."
] |
I don't see why people think Star Wars is the best epic ever. I mean they are enjoyable movies, but nothing spectacular. Maybe it is because I was not around when they first came out. Maybe they are like the LotR of today, and people in 20 years will wonder what we found so great about LotR. Not to mention I for one prefer the Prequel Trilogy.
Anyway, after owning and watching the DVD set, I must say, these are definitely the best versions you will ever see. The video quality is just so goregous, and the 5.1 audio just makes the movies so much more enjoyable than they were the past few times I have watched them, especially the Empire Strikes Back. The improvements do not take anything away from the movies' story, and there aren't too many. Not to mention Lucas even said the original version were the unifinished versions. Even having Hayden at the end of Return of the Jedi was no big deal because it makes sense, and it is only like fifteen seconds of footage. Then you have other changes to make it fit better with the superior prequel trilogy such as Jango's voice for Boba, and it sounds a lot better. Some people, like my dad, could not even tell what was added into the movie since he only watched them once in a while. Also, those of you that complained about Hayden's acting in AotC should realize that none of the Skywalker's had great actors. Luke (Hamill) and Leia (Fisher) were not that great in the acting department either, especially in the first movie. They did improve throughout the series, but not that much.
As for the extras, well you have the Empire of Dreams 2 1/2 hour documentary that goes into a lot of details on the making of the movies, and also mentions how Lucas was not happy with the way the original movie went due to issues with Fox and his crew members. There are also documentaries on the evolution of the characters, the success of SW, really bad trailers, a video game trailer and demo, and a few other items.
I highly recommended these you like story and space battles, but don't go in expecting the best thing ever made, because there is better out there.
I give the DVDs a 5/5 stars
A New Hope a 2.5/5
Empire Strikes Back 4/5
Return of the Jedi 3.5/5 | 1 | neutral | [
"I don't see why people think Star Wars is the best epic ever.",
"I mean they are enjoyable movies, but nothing spectacular.",
"Maybe it is because I was not around when they first came out.",
"Maybe they are like the LotR of today, and people in 20 years will wonder what we found so great about LotR.",
"Not to mention I for one prefer the Prequel Trilogy.",
"Anyway, after owning and watching the DVD set, I must say, these are definitely the best versions you will ever see.",
"The video quality is just so goregous, and the 5.",
"1 audio just makes the movies so much more enjoyable than they were the past few times I have watched them, especially the Empire Strikes Back.",
"The improvements do not take anything away from the movies' story, and there aren't too many.",
"Not to mention Lucas even said the original version were the unifinished versions.",
"Even having Hayden at the end of Return of the Jedi was no big deal because it makes sense, and it is only like fifteen seconds of footage.",
"Then you have other changes to make it fit better with the superior prequel trilogy such as Jango's voice for Boba, and it sounds a lot better.",
"Some people, like my dad, could not even tell what was added into the movie since he only watched them once in a while.",
"Also, those of you that complained about Hayden's acting in AotC should realize that none of the Skywalker's had great actors.",
"Luke (Hamill) and Leia (Fisher) were not that great in the acting department either, especially in the first movie.",
"They did improve throughout the series, but not that much.",
"As for the extras, well you have the Empire of Dreams 2 1/2 hour documentary that goes into a lot of details on the making of the movies, and also mentions how Lucas was not happy with the way the original movie went due to issues with Fox and his crew members.",
"There are also documentaries on the evolution of the characters, the success of SW, really bad trailers, a video game trailer and demo, and a few other items.",
"I highly recommended these you like story and space battles, but don't go in expecting the best thing ever made, because there is better out there.",
"I give the DVDs a 5/5 stars\nA New Hope a 2.",
"5/5\nEmpire Strikes Back 4/5\nReturn of the Jedi 3.",
"5/5"
] |
This game (and the follow-on expansion) were touted as the next generation in Star Wars Games. Well, there's alot left to be desired from a game.
Initially, the game is fun because it's new but pretty soon, you realize that it's just the same thing over and over again...you build fleets, destroy enemy fleets, fight land battle and move on. The thing is that the land battles are all the same really. Your enemies have their base structures spread around the map and you spend most of your time looking for that last soldier or barracks to destroy before you win.
The best strategy of the game is basically just conquer planets as fast as you can right from the start...once you have a good collection, money is really no problem. Some planets provide bonuses like reduced cost for tanks but you don't really build your strategy based on these bonuses. If you play as the Empire or in the expansion as the Consortium, you'll be annoyed at the Rebels because of their pointless raids. When the Rebels raid a planet, they bipass any fleets and you go directly to land battles...the catch is that the Rebels have only 3 units or less...usually a hero, some tanks and something else depending on what the Rebels have. These raids usually require you to personally see to the defenses because if you don't, they'll somehow knock out your base and win.
The AI's strategy is lacking. In battles, don't be surprised to see rebel units build an insane amount of artillery units and nothing else.
The game is fun and you really play it just to beat it. Once you conquer your first few planets, you have an odd sense of having been there before...because while the maps look different, they're really the same.
The Campaign missions bring a little more variety to the game but not enough to bring you back for a second time.
As for the expansion...I found that the heroes have been tweeked with a little too much. Heroes often play little role in ground combat and since heroes like Darth Vader take up 3 population costs, it's not even worth it bringing him in.
As for Vader in space, I looked forward to using the Executor in space combat but it really doesn't provide much of a bonus. It is far to slow and is really just a sitting duck for enemy bombers though they never destroy it.
The additions of new units such as Tie Interceptors and B-Wings are fun, they hardly bring any real change to the game.
New heroes are interesting but don't bring much to the game. Yoda might as well just be another soldier as he dies pretty easy, as do the other heroes. The Consortium as a new faction brings some new aspects such as corruption and there are different ways you can corrupt a planet but after a while you learn that it's just as easy to build a fleet and an army and take the planet instead.
Overall, I had hoped for a better game; I'm not sure what I had hoped for but this wasn't it. Space Combat and Ground Combat are limited and very repetitive. Just build the Death Star and don't worry about fighting any more ground battles...that is if you play as the Empire. | 1 | neutral | [
"This game (and the follow-on expansion) were touted as the next generation in Star Wars Games.",
"Well, there's alot left to be desired from a game.",
"Initially, the game is fun because it's new but pretty soon, you realize that it's just the same thing over and over again...",
"you build fleets, destroy enemy fleets, fight land battle and move on.",
"The thing is that the land battles are all the same really.",
"Your enemies have their base structures spread around the map and you spend most of your time looking for that last soldier or barracks to destroy before you win.",
"The best strategy of the game is basically just conquer planets as fast as you can right from the start...",
"once you have a good collection, money is really no problem.",
"Some planets provide bonuses like reduced cost for tanks but you don't really build your strategy based on these bonuses.",
"If you play as the Empire or in the expansion as the Consortium, you'll be annoyed at the Rebels because of their pointless raids.",
"When the Rebels raid a planet, they bipass any fleets and you go directly to land battles...",
"the catch is that the Rebels have only 3 units or less...",
"usually a hero, some tanks and something else depending on what the Rebels have.",
"These raids usually require you to personally see to the defenses because if you don't, they'll somehow knock out your base and win.",
"The AI's strategy is lacking.",
"In battles, don't be surprised to see rebel units build an insane amount of artillery units and nothing else.",
"The game is fun and you really play it just to beat it.",
"Once you conquer your first few planets, you have an odd sense of having been there before...",
"because while the maps look different, they're really the same.",
"The Campaign missions bring a little more variety to the game but not enough to bring you back for a second time.",
"As for the expansion...",
"I found that the heroes have been tweeked with a little too much.",
"Heroes often play little role in ground combat and since heroes like Darth Vader take up 3 population costs, it's not even worth it bringing him in.",
"As for Vader in space, I looked forward to using the Executor in space combat but it really doesn't provide much of a bonus.",
"It is far to slow and is really just a sitting duck for enemy bombers though they never destroy it.",
"The additions of new units such as Tie Interceptors and B-Wings are fun, they hardly bring any real change to the game.",
"New heroes are interesting but don't bring much to the game.",
"Yoda might as well just be another soldier as he dies pretty easy, as do the other heroes.",
"The Consortium as a new faction brings some new aspects such as corruption and there are different ways you can corrupt a planet but after a while you learn that it's just as easy to build a fleet and an army and take the planet instead.",
"Overall, I had hoped for a better game; I'm not sure what I had hoped for but this wasn't it.",
"Space Combat and Ground Combat are limited and very repetitive.",
"Just build the Death Star and don't worry about fighting any more ground battles...",
"that is if you play as the Empire."
] |
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"
] |
Darius Rucker might be best likened to a `chameleon' - he changes musical styles and directions almost flawlessly like a chameleon changes colors. 2008's <a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Learn-To-Live/dp/B001CJOHCU/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Learn To Live</a> found the former Hootie and the Blowfish frontman (often asked if he is `Hootie') leaning in a country direction. While that should sound extreme, Rucker is easily able to adapt and with his natural soulful grit and folksy-roots laden sound, it was no stretch to hear Rucker play the role of Charlie Pride. <a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Charleston-SC-1966/dp/B003PON2GM/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Charleston, SC 1966</a> treads no new ground, but I highly doubt that is unfortunate in Rucker's case. Here, Rucker smartly sticks to the formula that helped Learn To Live become one of few platinum selling country albums (or albums in general) in this dismal music economy. Why not stick to what you know as opposed to alienate fans, right? 'Charleston, SC 1966,' with that said, is not a spectacular album, but a solid one that is enjoyable for the most part.
"This" opens the album a bit clunky from my perspective, where Rucker's quick paced lyrics come over as a bit clumsy given the fast pace. Rucker's usually soulful and distinct voice sound a bit tamer here than expected, which is surprising. "This" is not a bad cut, but it is a bit odd given what the listener has come to expect from the talented singer-songwriter. The production helps to redeem it, but the real redemption comes with top-rate cut "Come Back Song," which is indeed a `comeback' from a bit of false-start on 'Charleston.' "Come Back Song" features superb production work with acoustic guitars intact with superb riffs throughout. The songwriting overall is much better here than "This" and suits Rucker much better. Here, Rucker's soulful distinctive vocals shine and it is much easier to `get into' this tune. The refrain is pop/country gold and just may be the best written one of the album.
"Might Get Lucky" is by no means second rate, even if it is not quite as solid as the valedictory "Come Back Song." What I like about "Might Get Lucky" is here Rucker perfects the `country twang,' something lacking in both "This" and "Come Back Song." "Whiskey and You" gives "Come Back Song" a run for its money as one of the albums best cuts, finding the tempo slowing down and more restrained production supporting Rucker. While the refrain ("whiskey and you/ain't nothing I can do/but come crawling back to you/whiskey and you") may not be the most substance-laden set of lyrics given the somewhat serious tone of this ballad, it is enjoyable and there is a `rousing' sense about it. "Southern State of Mind" keeps up the momentum with a nice contrast of tempo and nice clear vocals by Rucker. The chorus is not as simple or `tried-and-true' as say "Come Back Song" or "Whiskey and You," but it is still enjoyable.
"Love Will Do That" is an uptempo cut possessing a different sound from other cuts; it places great reliance on an acoustic timbre, which is very nice. Here, Rucker goes for more of an adult-alternative sound, which is different from the country numbers, but this track feels second rate compared to the previous ones. The instrumental section is a superb touch, nonetheless. "The Craziest Thing" features a `tried-and-true' formulaic approach, but it is enjoyable. It does not come over as revolutionary, which is the general issue I would note with this album as a whole.
"Things I'd Never Do" and "We Fall Down" are solid, but not distinctive. "Things I'd Never Do" finds beautiful vocals by Rucker and an awesome, anthemic country refrain. The problem is that as much as you appreciate Rucker's emotion, it is a bit melodramatic perhaps. "We Fall Down" has a nice cool vibe about it, which differentiates it from other cuts; despite this, it still is not incredibly distinctive.
"I Don't Care," which features country standout Brad Paisley is a better cut and restores some lost momentum to the album. The production is typical country, but after a few `B' cuts, that's appreciated. This track could have easily appeared on a new Brad Paisley album. "She's Beautiful" is solid, though not memorable. "I Got Nothin'" falls into the same boat, but closing cut "In A Big Way" resurrects some lost energy, ending the album on a high note.
Overall, this album is solid, though not revolutionary. There are good moments, but the album seems to be `mute' of innovations or new tricks. Despite this lack to take the album `to the next level,' I understand and respect Rucker's thinking. Next time out, I would like to hear him extend himself even more - he is MORE than capable. | 1 | neutral | [
"Darius Rucker might be best likened to a `chameleon' - he changes musical styles and directions almost flawlessly like a chameleon changes colors.",
"2008's <a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/Learn-To-Live/dp/B001CJOHCU/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">Learn To Live</a> found the former Hootie and the Blowfish frontman (often asked if he is `Hootie') leaning in a country direction.",
"While that should sound extreme, Rucker is easily able to adapt and with his natural soulful grit and folksy-roots laden sound, it was no stretch to hear Rucker play the role of Charlie Pride.",
" <a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/Charleston-SC-1966/dp/B003PON2GM/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">Charleston, SC 1966</a> treads no new ground, but I highly doubt that is unfortunate in Rucker's case.",
"Here, Rucker smartly sticks to the formula that helped Learn To Live become one of few platinum selling country albums (or albums in general) in this dismal music economy.",
"Why not stick to what you know as opposed to alienate fans, right?",
"'Charleston, SC 1966,' with that said, is not a spectacular album, but a solid one that is enjoyable for the most part.",
"\"This\" opens the album a bit clunky from my perspective, where Rucker's quick paced lyrics come over as a bit clumsy given the fast pace.",
"Rucker's usually soulful and distinct voice sound a bit tamer here than expected, which is surprising.",
"\"This\" is not a bad cut, but it is a bit odd given what the listener has come to expect from the talented singer-songwriter.",
"The production helps to redeem it, but the real redemption comes with top-rate cut \"Come Back Song,\" which is indeed a `comeback' from a bit of false-start on 'Charleston.",
"' \"Come Back Song\" features superb production work with acoustic guitars intact with superb riffs throughout.",
"The songwriting overall is much better here than \"This\" and suits Rucker much better.",
"Here, Rucker's soulful distinctive vocals shine and it is much easier to `get into' this tune.",
"The refrain is pop/country gold and just may be the best written one of the album.",
"\"Might Get Lucky\" is by no means second rate, even if it is not quite as solid as the valedictory \"Come Back Song.",
"\" What I like about \"Might Get Lucky\" is here Rucker perfects the `country twang,' something lacking in both \"This\" and \"Come Back Song.",
"\" \"Whiskey and You\" gives \"Come Back Song\" a run for its money as one of the albums best cuts, finding the tempo slowing down and more restrained production supporting Rucker.",
"While the refrain (\"whiskey and you/ain't nothing I can do/but come crawling back to you/whiskey and you\") may not be the most substance-laden set of lyrics given the somewhat serious tone of this ballad, it is enjoyable and there is a `rousing' sense about it.",
"\"Southern State of Mind\" keeps up the momentum with a nice contrast of tempo and nice clear vocals by Rucker.",
"The chorus is not as simple or `tried-and-true' as say \"Come Back Song\" or \"Whiskey and You,\" but it is still enjoyable.",
"\"Love Will Do That\" is an uptempo cut possessing a different sound from other cuts; it places great reliance on an acoustic timbre, which is very nice.",
"Here, Rucker goes for more of an adult-alternative sound, which is different from the country numbers, but this track feels second rate compared to the previous ones.",
"The instrumental section is a superb touch, nonetheless.",
"\"The Craziest Thing\" features a `tried-and-true' formulaic approach, but it is enjoyable.",
"It does not come over as revolutionary, which is the general issue I would note with this album as a whole.",
"\"Things I'd Never Do\" and \"We Fall Down\" are solid, but not distinctive.",
"\"Things I'd Never Do\" finds beautiful vocals by Rucker and an awesome, anthemic country refrain.",
"The problem is that as much as you appreciate Rucker's emotion, it is a bit melodramatic perhaps.",
"\"We Fall Down\" has a nice cool vibe about it, which differentiates it from other cuts; despite this, it still is not incredibly distinctive.",
"\"I Don't Care,\" which features country standout Brad Paisley is a better cut and restores some lost momentum to the album.",
"The production is typical country, but after a few `B' cuts, that's appreciated.",
"This track could have easily appeared on a new Brad Paisley album.",
"\"She's Beautiful\" is solid, though not memorable.",
"\"I Got Nothin'\" falls into the same boat, but closing cut \"In A Big Way\" resurrects some lost energy, ending the album on a high note.",
"Overall, this album is solid, though not revolutionary.",
"There are good moments, but the album seems to be `mute' of innovations or new tricks.",
"Despite this lack to take the album `to the next level,' I understand and respect Rucker's thinking.",
"Next time out, I would like to hear him extend himself even more - he is MORE than capable."
] |
...the final Jacksons album was 2300 JACKSON STREET (1989), NOT VICTORY. It featured Janet, Rebbie and Jermaine Jackson along with their brothers and was being promoted as a family reunion-type album, but this was not the case. Except for one song, 2300 was recorded without the participation of both Michael and Marlon, who were disenchanted with all the drama surrounding the 1984 Victory Tour. 1984 seemed to be the beginning of the end for them. All these things happened that year:
*Michael's accident with his hair catching on fire during the filming of a Pepsi commercial with his brothers that January;
*The recording of the VICTORY album which even long-time Jackson fans thought was inferior to their earlier works;
*High ticket prices for the promotional tour (courtesy of Don King, who was the promoter) and as a result, the Jacksons were accused of being greedy;
*Reports of violent arguments amongst the brothers;
*And finally, Michael announced onstage during the very last concert on that tour in Los Angeles that he was leaving the group, and later vowed he would never work with his brothers again. A couple of years afterward, Marlon exited as well, having tired of the many disagreements in the group.
When 2300 JACKSON STREET came along in 1989, it didn't sell very well, but not because it was terrible - it was listenable, but nothing on it really grabbed at you and made you say, "Hey, this is really hot." The solo careers of Michael and Janet were so phenomenal at the time, they simply overshadowed anything else the other family members were trying to do musically. This is not to discount the talents of the other brothers, because they ARE talented, but face it - they didn't have the spectacular appeal that Michael did. This CD featured the remaining Jacksons (Jackie, Tito, Randy and Jermaine) going into New Jack Swing territory. Except for the title song, which all the Jacksons (save for LaToya) sang on and New Jack Swing king Teddy Riley had a hand in, and "Nothin' That Compares 2 U" (an L.A. & Babyface offering), it's pretty much forgettable. To be totally honest, I have been a fan of these guys since they first came out in the late '60s and this is the only album of theirs that I can't even name any of the other songs, simply because they weren't worth remembering. In 1990, after 27 years as a group, the Jacksons officially disbanded.
On the subject of VICTORY (1984), it is probably the next-to-the-weakest album in the Jacksons catalog, but it still has some tracks worth hearing, so don't dismiss it altogether. Jermaine rejoins his brothers here for the first time since 1975, so there is some historic relevance to this album, plus the talents of the other brothers are finally showcased. Michael, by choice, had limited his involvement. Obviously he had other things on his mind (like the groundbreaking success of his THRILLER album and being on the fast track to becoming the biggest star in the world), so collaborating with his brothers again wasn't exactly what he wanted - and it shows.
The best cuts are "Torture", one of the three hit singles from VICTORY, written by Jackie and featuring Michael and Jermaine; "Wait", another uptempo song written by Jackie where he also has the lead; Randy's easy solo on the ballad "One More Chance", and Marlon out in front on the funky dance number, "Body", which is my favorite song on this album. Okay, so it does sound like "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'", but it's just as appealing. "State of Shock", the funk/rock duet between Mike and Rolling Stones' frontman Mick Jagger, is just alright, nothing groundbreaking but listenable. It doesn't sound like it even belongs on this album, nor on ANY Jacksons album at all! I agree with another reviewer - it was probably something Michael was working on independently with Jagger and as a "favor" to his brothers, he decided to let them have the song and call it a Jacksons release to help boost the album sales. That way he couldn't be accused of being selfish and not being down for the family cause. As for everything else on VICTORY, there are no gray areas - you either love it or hate it, pure and simple. If you love the Jacksons, odds are that you have all their other releases and this is one you'll want to add to your collection. But if you're a casual fan, you might want to pass this by and settle for THE ESSENTIAL JACKSONS instead. | 1 | neutral | [
"...",
"the final Jacksons album was 2300 JACKSON STREET (1989), NOT VICTORY.",
"It featured Janet, Rebbie and Jermaine Jackson along with their brothers and was being promoted as a family reunion-type album, but this was not the case.",
"Except for one song, 2300 was recorded without the participation of both Michael and Marlon, who were disenchanted with all the drama surrounding the 1984 Victory Tour.",
"1984 seemed to be the beginning of the end for them.",
"All these things happened that year:\n\n*Michael's accident with his hair catching on fire during the filming of a Pepsi commercial with his brothers that January;\n\n*The recording of the VICTORY album which even long-time Jackson fans thought was inferior to their earlier works;\n\n*High ticket prices for the promotional tour (courtesy of Don King, who was the promoter) and as a result, the Jacksons were accused of being greedy;\n\n*Reports of violent arguments amongst the brothers;\n\n*And finally, Michael announced onstage during the very last concert on that tour in Los Angeles that he was leaving the group, and later vowed he would never work with his brothers again.",
"A couple of years afterward, Marlon exited as well, having tired of the many disagreements in the group.",
"When 2300 JACKSON STREET came along in 1989, it didn't sell very well, but not because it was terrible - it was listenable, but nothing on it really grabbed at you and made you say, \"Hey, this is really hot.",
"\" The solo careers of Michael and Janet were so phenomenal at the time, they simply overshadowed anything else the other family members were trying to do musically.",
"This is not to discount the talents of the other brothers, because they ARE talented, but face it - they didn't have the spectacular appeal that Michael did.",
"This CD featured the remaining Jacksons (Jackie, Tito, Randy and Jermaine) going into New Jack Swing territory.",
"Except for the title song, which all the Jacksons (save for LaToya) sang on and New Jack Swing king Teddy Riley had a hand in, and \"Nothin' That Compares 2 U\" (an L.",
"A. & Babyface offering), it's pretty much forgettable.",
"To be totally honest, I have been a fan of these guys since they first came out in the late '60s and this is the only album of theirs that I can't even name any of the other songs, simply because they weren't worth remembering.",
"In 1990, after 27 years as a group, the Jacksons officially disbanded.",
"On the subject of VICTORY (1984), it is probably the next-to-the-weakest album in the Jacksons catalog, but it still has some tracks worth hearing, so don't dismiss it altogether.",
"Jermaine rejoins his brothers here for the first time since 1975, so there is some historic relevance to this album, plus the talents of the other brothers are finally showcased.",
"Michael, by choice, had limited his involvement.",
"Obviously he had other things on his mind (like the groundbreaking success of his THRILLER album and being on the fast track to becoming the biggest star in the world), so collaborating with his brothers again wasn't exactly what he wanted - and it shows.",
"The best cuts are \"Torture\", one of the three hit singles from VICTORY, written by Jackie and featuring Michael and Jermaine; \"Wait\", another uptempo song written by Jackie where he also has the lead; Randy's easy solo on the ballad \"One More Chance\", and Marlon out in front on the funky dance number, \"Body\", which is my favorite song on this album.",
"Okay, so it does sound like \"Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'\", but it's just as appealing.",
"\"State of Shock\", the funk/rock duet between Mike and Rolling Stones' frontman Mick Jagger, is just alright, nothing groundbreaking but listenable.",
"It doesn't sound like it even belongs on this album, nor on ANY Jacksons album at all!",
"I agree with another reviewer - it was probably something Michael was working on independently with Jagger and as a \"favor\" to his brothers, he decided to let them have the song and call it a Jacksons release to help boost the album sales.",
"That way he couldn't be accused of being selfish and not being down for the family cause.",
"As for everything else on VICTORY, there are no gray areas - you either love it or hate it, pure and simple.",
"If you love the Jacksons, odds are that you have all their other releases and this is one you'll want to add to your collection.",
"But if you're a casual fan, you might want to pass this by and settle for THE ESSENTIAL JACKSONS instead."
] |
I needed to get a copies of Access and Publisher for my new laptop which was running 2003 Office Standard. After Googling around a bit I determined that Office Professional would give me these plus the upgraded to 2007 Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook applications with a host of other features including Business Contact Manager for about the same cost. The install was reasonably painless and the software activated and registered without any problems - not always the case with Microsoft but this time they seemed to get it right. After using the applications for a couple of weeks I am still trying to get used to the "Ribbon Bar" which is markedly different, somewhat intuitive and decidedly more comprehensive. The applications take longer to initialize and Outlook has become painfully slower but works. I am running it on a Sony SZ230P with Intel Centrino Duo T2400 1.83 GHz running XP Pro with 2 gigs of RAM so maybe it is underpowered. I did uninstall the desktop search agent which seemed to make the system more sluggish and have now improved performance a bit. I am reasonably proficient in the Office applications but probably only use 5-10% of the functionality embedded - but I carry the overhead on the system which, I believe, bogs the system down overall. Would be nice if MS would allow the configuration of various levels of sophistication during the install process depending on the needs of the user. In summary, I will continue to use the Suite and become more proficient in using the "Ribbon Bars" and hoping that MS will issue some upgrades that speed up the system overall until I can afford to upgrade the laptop to a faster processor. | 1 | neutral | [
"I needed to get a copies of Access and Publisher for my new laptop which was running 2003 Office Standard.",
"After Googling around a bit I determined that Office Professional would give me these plus the upgraded to 2007 Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook applications with a host of other features including Business Contact Manager for about the same cost.",
"The install was reasonably painless and the software activated and registered without any problems - not always the case with Microsoft but this time they seemed to get it right.",
"After using the applications for a couple of weeks I am still trying to get used to the \"Ribbon Bar\" which is markedly different, somewhat intuitive and decidedly more comprehensive.",
"The applications take longer to initialize and Outlook has become painfully slower but works.",
"I am running it on a Sony SZ230P with Intel Centrino Duo T2400 1.",
"83 GHz running XP Pro with 2 gigs of RAM so maybe it is underpowered.",
"I did uninstall the desktop search agent which seemed to make the system more sluggish and have now improved performance a bit.",
"I am reasonably proficient in the Office applications but probably only use 5-10% of the functionality embedded - but I carry the overhead on the system which, I believe, bogs the system down overall.",
"Would be nice if MS would allow the configuration of various levels of sophistication during the install process depending on the needs of the user.",
"In summary, I will continue to use the Suite and become more proficient in using the \"Ribbon Bars\" and hoping that MS will issue some upgrades that speed up the system overall until I can afford to upgrade the laptop to a faster processor."
] |
Democrat Adam Schiff Fell for Russian Prankster Spoof Promising Compromising Dirt on Donald Trump
Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) the ranking member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI) fell for a spoof by Russian pranksters who promised in a call with the top House Democrat to furnish him withâkompromatââcompromising dirtâon President Donald Trump.
The notorious Russian pranksters who the Daily Mailâs Alana Goodman notes are âcomedians nicknamed âVovanâ and âLexusââ who have become famous for âtheir phony calls to high-ranking American officials and celebrities including UN Ambassador Nikki Haley and Elton John â posed as leading Ukrainian officials in their call to Schiff in early 2017.
âOn an audio recording of the prank call posted online Adam Schiff can be heard discussing the committeeâs Russia investigation and increasingly bizarre allegations about Trump with a man who claimed to be Andriy Parubiy the chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament â Goodman wrote in the Daily Mail.
On April 10 2017 an assistant to Adam Schiff the ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee which is investigating Donald Trumpâs campaign for possible collusion with the Kremlin patched in a long-planned call from Andriy Parubiy the speaker of the Rada the Ukrainian parliament. Parubiy said he had some potentially explosive information about Trumpâs visit to Moscow for the Miss Universe pageant in 2013.
The call per the audio available on YouTube begins with platitudes and introductions and Schiff thanks the man he thinks is Parubiy for his time addressing him as âMr. Chairman.â
The man then pitches that he wants to provide materials to Schiff for his committeeâs investigation on âTrumpâ and the âRussian government â to which Schiff cautions him that the Russians were likely listening to the call.
âI would just caution that our Russian friends may be listening to the conversation so I wouldnât share anything over the phone that you donât want them to hear â Schiff said.
After the Russian prankster posing as the Ukrainian official said he had no concerns with what the Russians may or may not hear he proceeded to tell Schiff about what would have been explosive allegations against the now-sitting president of the United States if they were true.
Sobchak has extensive ties to Putin the prankster told Schiff adding that she is âalso known as a person who provides girls for escort for oligarchs. And she met with Trump and she brought him one Russian girl celebrity Olga Buzova.â The prankster even told Schiff that Sobchak is a âspecial agent of Russian secret service.â
In reality Sobchak is actually anti-Putinâan ex-Playboy model running against the Russian president on an anti-corruption platform after her time as a television anchor. But no matter to Schiff ; he was entranced by the possibility of âkompromatâ on Trump.
After per the Russian pranksters posing as Ukrainian officials in their conversation with Schiff Sobchak introduced Trump to Buzova Buzova âgot compromising materials on Trump after their short relations.â
Schiff per the Atlantic report âbetrayed no emotion.â
âAnd so Putin was made aware of the availability of the compromising material?â Schiff asked the man he thought was a Ukrainian leader.
Adding insult to injury the pranksters convinced Schiff that they had a recording of Sobchak and Buzov discussing this during a recent visit to Ukraine and that the Ukrainian officials would provide said recording to the FBI and the House Intelligence Committeeâs Democratic minority staff.
But thatâs not all. The pranksters told Schiff that Trumpâs ex-National Security Adviser Michael Flynn met with Russians in Brighton Beach in Brooklyn speaking in code words. From the Atlantic piece here is more:
He told Schiff about meetings that Trumpâs former national-security adviser Michael Flynn had had with a Russian pop singer who served as an intermediary for the Kremlin. Theyâd met at a café in Brighton Beach a Russian-immigrant enclave in Brooklyn where Parubiy said âthey used a special password before their meetings.â One would say âWeather is good on Deribasovskaya.â The right response was âIt rains again on Brighton Beach.â | 1 | neutral | [
"Democrat Adam Schiff Fell for Russian Prankster Spoof Promising Compromising Dirt on Donald Trump\nRep.",
"Adam Schiff (D-CA) the ranking member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI) fell for a spoof by Russian pranksters who promised in a call with the top House Democrat to furnish him withâkompromatââcompromising dirtâon President Donald Trump.",
"The notorious Russian pranksters who the Daily Mailâs Alana Goodman notes are âcomedians nicknamed âVovanâ and âLexusââ who have become famous for âtheir phony calls to high-ranking American officials and celebrities including UN Ambassador Nikki Haley and Elton John â posed as leading Ukrainian officials in their call to Schiff in early 2017.",
"âOn an audio recording of the prank call posted online Adam Schiff can be heard discussing the committeeâs Russia investigation and increasingly bizarre allegations about Trump with a man who claimed to be Andriy Parubiy the chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament â Goodman wrote in the Daily Mail.",
"On April 10 2017 an assistant to Adam Schiff the ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee which is investigating Donald Trumpâs campaign for possible collusion with the Kremlin patched in a long-planned call from Andriy Parubiy the speaker of the Rada the Ukrainian parliament.",
"Parubiy said he had some potentially explosive information about Trumpâs visit to Moscow for the Miss Universe pageant in 2013.",
"The call per the audio available on YouTube begins with platitudes and introductions and Schiff thanks the man he thinks is Parubiy for his time addressing him as âMr.",
"Chairman.",
"â\nThe man then pitches that he wants to provide materials to Schiff for his committeeâs investigation on âTrumpâ and the âRussian government â to which Schiff cautions him that the Russians were likely listening to the call.",
"âI would just caution that our Russian friends may be listening to the conversation so I wouldnât share anything over the phone that you donât want them to hear â Schiff said.",
"After the Russian prankster posing as the Ukrainian official said he had no concerns with what the Russians may or may not hear he proceeded to tell Schiff about what would have been explosive allegations against the now-sitting president of the United States if they were true.",
"Sobchak has extensive ties to Putin the prankster told Schiff adding that she is âalso known as a person who provides girls for escort for oligarchs.",
"And she met with Trump and she brought him one Russian girl celebrity Olga Buzova.",
"â The prankster even told Schiff that Sobchak is a âspecial agent of Russian secret service.",
"â\nIn reality Sobchak is actually anti-Putinâan ex-Playboy model running against the Russian president on an anti-corruption platform after her time as a television anchor.",
"But no matter to Schiff ; he was entranced by the possibility of âkompromatâ on Trump.",
"After per the Russian pranksters posing as Ukrainian officials in their conversation with Schiff Sobchak introduced Trump to Buzova Buzova âgot compromising materials on Trump after their short relations.",
"â\n Schiff per the Atlantic report âbetrayed no emotion.",
"â\nâAnd so Putin was made aware of the availability of the compromising material?",
"â Schiff asked the man he thought was a Ukrainian leader.",
"Adding insult to injury the pranksters convinced Schiff that they had a recording of Sobchak and Buzov discussing this during a recent visit to Ukraine and that the Ukrainian officials would provide said recording to the FBI and the House Intelligence Committeeâs Democratic minority staff.",
"But thatâs not all.",
"The pranksters told Schiff that Trumpâs ex-National Security Adviser Michael Flynn met with Russians in Brighton Beach in Brooklyn speaking in code words.",
"From the Atlantic piece here is more:\n He told Schiff about meetings that Trumpâs former national-security adviser Michael Flynn had had with a Russian pop singer who served as an intermediary for the Kremlin.",
"Theyâd met at a café in Brighton Beach a Russian-immigrant enclave in Brooklyn where Parubiy said âthey used a special password before their meetings.",
"â One would say âWeather is good on Deribasovskaya.",
"â The right response was âIt rains again on Brighton Beach.",
"â"
] |
I don't care what the box says-Advantage does NOT last a month. In two weeks the fleas will return. I found that flea protection is best when you use HALF DOSE (0.4 ml per cat-this contains 0.8 ml per bottle), applied twice a month. For me this has worked perfectly. Now if you have indoor cats, you most likely will not need to treat your cat all the time. Use a FLEA COMB a few times a week to monitor the presence of fleas. If you see one single flea, get them all treated, but use HALF DOSE. That may all your indoor cat needs.
Once in a blue moon my indoor cats need to be treated, and this works well.
Also please vacuum your house. The flea eggs and fleas cannot and will not survive in vacuum cleaner bags, and is the best way to deflea your house, and include your furniture :-) | 1 | neutral | [
"I don't care what the box says-Advantage does NOT last a month.",
"In two weeks the fleas will return.",
"I found that flea protection is best when you use HALF DOSE (0.",
"4 ml per cat-this contains 0.",
"8 ml per bottle), applied twice a month.",
"For me this has worked perfectly.",
"Now if you have indoor cats, you most likely will not need to treat your cat all the time.",
"Use a FLEA COMB a few times a week to monitor the presence of fleas.",
"If you see one single flea, get them all treated, but use HALF DOSE.",
"That may all your indoor cat needs.",
"Once in a blue moon my indoor cats need to be treated, and this works well.",
"Also please vacuum your house.",
"The flea eggs and fleas cannot and will not survive in vacuum cleaner bags, and is the best way to deflea your house, and include your furniture :-)"
] |
I've only had this for a week and have only made a few loaves of bread, so this is not a full, comprehensive review...BUT...every bread machine recipe book I have (except for the instructions that come with the bread maker), list the recipes by the weight of the loaf - 1 lb loaf, 1.5 lbs, 2 lbs etc. The Panasonic instructions refer to the sizes as M, L & XL. NO WHERE in the instructions or on their website do they tell you how much the M, L & XL sizes weigh. Kinda important information... I find the instructions not very detailed and there is no window, which I didn't think would bother me but does. The two loaves of bread I made (a 1.5 lb & a 2 lb) tasted good, but where very tall, and difficult to cut...and floppy until toasted. Not sure how to fix that yet. Will write more after I get more experience with it. | 1 | neutral | [
"I've only had this for a week and have only made a few loaves of bread, so this is not a full, comprehensive review...",
"BUT...",
"every bread machine recipe book I have (except for the instructions that come with the bread maker), list the recipes by the weight of the loaf - 1 lb loaf, 1.",
"5 lbs, 2 lbs etc.",
"The Panasonic instructions refer to the sizes as M, L & XL.",
"NO WHERE in the instructions or on their website do they tell you how much the M, L & XL sizes weigh.",
"Kinda important information...",
"I find the instructions not very detailed and there is no window, which I didn't think would bother me but does.",
"The two loaves of bread I made (a 1.",
"5 lb & a 2 lb) tasted good, but where very tall, and difficult to cut...",
"and floppy until toasted.",
"Not sure how to fix that yet.",
"Will write more after I get more experience with it."
] |
Six years in the making; over a thousand pages in length: while A Dance with Dragons has gone on to become an instant super bestseller (as well as the hardcover outselling the eBook edition), sadly the best thing about this book is really that fantastically mesmerizing cover. This mighty tome falls more in line with its less well received and not so well reviewed predecessor, A Feast for Crows, than with the groundbreaking first three books of A Song of Ice and Fire. It seems that time may not be the best thing for George R. R. Martin when it comes to writing his epic series, as he seems to enjoy spending more time describing scenery, and food, and anything gruesome or unpleasant than moving the story along. He goes on tangents, taking trips with new characters that appear to have little bearing on the main plot; or spends literally hundreds of pages with characters readers have come to know so well and love . . . and nothing bloody happens! Martin is becoming what can only really be truthfully described as Jordanian; no he's not immigrating to Jordan, but writing in the style of the man who became the true master of the "massive mass market," Robert Jordan.
Warning: here be spoilers.
In the North, around the Wall, King Stannis Baratheon seems to spend a lot of time trying to decide what to do with no real power or army to use, while listening to Lady Melisandre, who continues to spout enigmatic prophecies that make little sense; yet readers do get to enjoy a chapter from her viewpoint for the first time. Meanwhile, Jon Snow is elected as the 998th Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, as he must deal with not just enemies beyond the Wall, but also amongst the very men he leads and is in charge of. He works with the wildlings, bringing them south of the wall to bolster his forces in preparation for a possible attack from the Others; it seems to be an interesting act of diplomacy, but goes on for far too many pages, with little action or continuing story taking place.
Much of the rest of the book takes place to the far east. Martin has provided a couple of new maps, but nothing so clearly defined and comprehendible as the great continent of Westeros. Tyrion flees to Pentos, drowning himself in wine. He is forced to join with a group traveling to Meereen, along with the apparently not so dead prince Aegon Targaryen. Tyrion - as he always does - manages to get involved in a whole variety of adventures, including the meeting of another dwarf, and a female no less!
Daenerys is the character that seems most put through the ringer in this book; much like Cercei was in A Feast for Crows. She is no longer the tough, proud, defiant woman that everyone feared, and not just because she has three growing dragons. Having conquered Meereen, she should be the unstoppable, unquestionable queen that she is, and yet insurrection is afoot and Daenerys cannot seem to decide what to do; perhaps it is because she has become obsessed and besotted with one of her soldiers and seems to be able to think of little else when he is nearby, and yet he is of lower class and cannot possibly be her husband. The black dragon, Drogon, meanwhile is running rampant through the countryside as growing "teenage" dragons do, and Daenerys has no idea how to control him.
Finally there is Quentyn Martell, Prince of Dorne, whose story comes from nowhere as we follow his trek across the lands to Meereen, where he hopes to woo Daenerys by enslaving one of her dragons. It does not end well for him. Interspersed throughout the lengthy book are other POV chapters from the likes of Bran Stark, Davos Seaworth, Reek (who is in fact the very not dead Theon Greyjoy), Arya Stark, Victarion Greyjoy, as well as some surprise cameos from Jaime and Cercei Lannister. These appearances may not have be so incomprehensible if their storylines were allowed to go somewhere, and yet many of them barely get one chapter, leaving the reader wondering why they were ever added to this book in the first place. What was the point? Especially when many hundreds of pages are spent on other main characters, with very little happening with them, other than plenty of description of what they're wearing, what they're eating, and what the scenery looks like. Pure Jordanian!
At a recent signing, George R. R. Martin briefly brought up one of his most tumultuous periods in the six-year writing saga of A Dance with Dragons, saying that in a year or two who would discuss it in greater detail once everyone had read the book, but confessing that he had sacrificed at least a year at what he refers to as his "Meereenese Knot," in trying to decide how events were to transpire and what characters and POVs were to be involved, featuring rewrite after rewrite after rewrite. It seems Martin may have in fact written himself into a deep, dark pit of despair that he hasn't really been able to write himself out of. Perhaps he should've scrapped everything and started again? After sacrificing over a half a decade of his life and the reader's impatient waiting, he couldn't exactly do that. Instead, the result is a book that is too long, has too little going on, and falls behind A Feast for Crows in that it is that much longer with less important story happening.
There may be a number of readers under the same delusion suffered by those who professed the excellence and genius of the Star Wars prequels, starting with A Phantom Menace; but over time have come to realize the error of their ways and the true reality of the situation. A Dance with Dragons just simply isn't that good of a book, but does serve to further the story somewhat, and fill in the details with many words and many pages and little action. At the end readers will certainly be left unsatisfied, as they ponder on the possibilities of the penultimate book in the seven-book series (assuming it will stay at this number) with The Winds of Winter, where winter will supposedly have finally arrived. The question remains: if winter is finally here, how long will it be before readers actually get to read about it?
Originally written on August 9, 2011 Alex C. Telander.
For more reviews, go to [...] | 1 | neutral | [
"Six years in the making; over a thousand pages in length: while A Dance with Dragons has gone on to become an instant super bestseller (as well as the hardcover outselling the eBook edition), sadly the best thing about this book is really that fantastically mesmerizing cover.",
"This mighty tome falls more in line with its less well received and not so well reviewed predecessor, A Feast for Crows, than with the groundbreaking first three books of A Song of Ice and Fire.",
"It seems that time may not be the best thing for George R.",
"R.",
"Martin when it comes to writing his epic series, as he seems to enjoy spending more time describing scenery, and food, and anything gruesome or unpleasant than moving the story along.",
"He goes on tangents, taking trips with new characters that appear to have little bearing on the main plot; or spends literally hundreds of pages with characters readers have come to know so well and love.",
".",
".",
"and nothing bloody happens!",
"Martin is becoming what can only really be truthfully described as Jordanian; no he's not immigrating to Jordan, but writing in the style of the man who became the true master of the \"massive mass market,\" Robert Jordan.",
"Warning: here be spoilers.",
"In the North, around the Wall, King Stannis Baratheon seems to spend a lot of time trying to decide what to do with no real power or army to use, while listening to Lady Melisandre, who continues to spout enigmatic prophecies that make little sense; yet readers do get to enjoy a chapter from her viewpoint for the first time.",
"Meanwhile, Jon Snow is elected as the 998th Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, as he must deal with not just enemies beyond the Wall, but also amongst the very men he leads and is in charge of.",
"He works with the wildlings, bringing them south of the wall to bolster his forces in preparation for a possible attack from the Others; it seems to be an interesting act of diplomacy, but goes on for far too many pages, with little action or continuing story taking place.",
"Much of the rest of the book takes place to the far east.",
"Martin has provided a couple of new maps, but nothing so clearly defined and comprehendible as the great continent of Westeros.",
"Tyrion flees to Pentos, drowning himself in wine.",
"He is forced to join with a group traveling to Meereen, along with the apparently not so dead prince Aegon Targaryen.",
"Tyrion - as he always does - manages to get involved in a whole variety of adventures, including the meeting of another dwarf, and a female no less!",
"Daenerys is the character that seems most put through the ringer in this book; much like Cercei was in A Feast for Crows.",
"She is no longer the tough, proud, defiant woman that everyone feared, and not just because she has three growing dragons.",
"Having conquered Meereen, she should be the unstoppable, unquestionable queen that she is, and yet insurrection is afoot and Daenerys cannot seem to decide what to do; perhaps it is because she has become obsessed and besotted with one of her soldiers and seems to be able to think of little else when he is nearby, and yet he is of lower class and cannot possibly be her husband.",
"The black dragon, Drogon, meanwhile is running rampant through the countryside as growing \"teenage\" dragons do, and Daenerys has no idea how to control him.",
"Finally there is Quentyn Martell, Prince of Dorne, whose story comes from nowhere as we follow his trek across the lands to Meereen, where he hopes to woo Daenerys by enslaving one of her dragons.",
"It does not end well for him.",
"Interspersed throughout the lengthy book are other POV chapters from the likes of Bran Stark, Davos Seaworth, Reek (who is in fact the very not dead Theon Greyjoy), Arya Stark, Victarion Greyjoy, as well as some surprise cameos from Jaime and Cercei Lannister.",
"These appearances may not have be so incomprehensible if their storylines were allowed to go somewhere, and yet many of them barely get one chapter, leaving the reader wondering why they were ever added to this book in the first place.",
"What was the point?",
"Especially when many hundreds of pages are spent on other main characters, with very little happening with them, other than plenty of description of what they're wearing, what they're eating, and what the scenery looks like.",
"Pure Jordanian!",
"At a recent signing, George R.",
"R.",
"Martin briefly brought up one of his most tumultuous periods in the six-year writing saga of A Dance with Dragons, saying that in a year or two who would discuss it in greater detail once everyone had read the book, but confessing that he had sacrificed at least a year at what he refers to as his \"Meereenese Knot,\" in trying to decide how events were to transpire and what characters and POVs were to be involved, featuring rewrite after rewrite after rewrite.",
"It seems Martin may have in fact written himself into a deep, dark pit of despair that he hasn't really been able to write himself out of.",
"Perhaps he should've scrapped everything and started again?",
"After sacrificing over a half a decade of his life and the reader's impatient waiting, he couldn't exactly do that.",
"Instead, the result is a book that is too long, has too little going on, and falls behind A Feast for Crows in that it is that much longer with less important story happening.",
"There may be a number of readers under the same delusion suffered by those who professed the excellence and genius of the Star Wars prequels, starting with A Phantom Menace; but over time have come to realize the error of their ways and the true reality of the situation.",
"A Dance with Dragons just simply isn't that good of a book, but does serve to further the story somewhat, and fill in the details with many words and many pages and little action.",
"At the end readers will certainly be left unsatisfied, as they ponder on the possibilities of the penultimate book in the seven-book series (assuming it will stay at this number) with The Winds of Winter, where winter will supposedly have finally arrived.",
"The question remains: if winter is finally here, how long will it be before readers actually get to read about it?",
"Originally written on August 9, 2011 Alex C.",
"Telander.",
"For more reviews, go to [...",
"]"
] |
They fit fine. I really liked these pants. They have some stretch, are soft and comfortable, but once washed the cuffs seem to have lost their crease, and the cuffs don't seem to be hemmed well either. I fully expect the cuffs to come unhemmed in the next few wearings, so I'll have them re-stitched minus the cuffs if they can do it. At present, I feel "ripped off", but we'll see how they wear.
The pants must have had a lot of filler in them because after washing they seem rather shapeless and overall, I would say that I will never order another pair of these Dockers. If future wearing proves that they hold up, I will amend this review but at present, I'm disappointed in the quality and stitching of this pair of pants. I have other Docker pants that seem much better made.
Unfortunately, I didn't get around to wearing them before the warranty ran out. My other Dockers have been fine, so I didn't think I needed to worry about the quality. Surprise, surprise! | 1 | neutral | [
"They fit fine.",
"I really liked these pants.",
"They have some stretch, are soft and comfortable, but once washed the cuffs seem to have lost their crease, and the cuffs don't seem to be hemmed well either.",
"I fully expect the cuffs to come unhemmed in the next few wearings, so I'll have them re-stitched minus the cuffs if they can do it.",
"At present, I feel \"ripped off\", but we'll see how they wear.",
"The pants must have had a lot of filler in them because after washing they seem rather shapeless and overall, I would say that I will never order another pair of these Dockers.",
"If future wearing proves that they hold up, I will amend this review but at present, I'm disappointed in the quality and stitching of this pair of pants.",
"I have other Docker pants that seem much better made.",
"Unfortunately, I didn't get around to wearing them before the warranty ran out.",
"My other Dockers have been fine, so I didn't think I needed to worry about the quality.",
"Surprise, surprise!"
] |
Originally I had purchased Supertooth II which had a powerful speaker but died within 3 weeks. Blueant customer service told me that they were aware of the problems with Supertooth II and had discontinued it and they replaced it with Supertooth Light, which I have used for about 4 months.
The voice quality of Blueant Supertooth Light is better than my factory installed Cadillac Bluetooth phone. Speakerphone is fairly powerful for such a small package but the sound is not always crystal clear. Listeners at the other end sometimes complain of muffled voice. Still, it is better than using the cell phone itself next to your ear.
Pairing with cell phone is very easy and the animated guides at Blueant's web site are very helpful. Battery life is amazingly long, sometimes lasting a month! It sticks very securely to the magnetic attachment for the visor. Customer service was fairly helpful, but not outstanding, took 3 weeks to replace my dead Supertooth II. Construction is a little bit like cheap like Chinese products but overall it is a product that functions decent most of the time. | 1 | neutral | [
"Originally I had purchased Supertooth II which had a powerful speaker but died within 3 weeks.",
"Blueant customer service told me that they were aware of the problems with Supertooth II and had discontinued it and they replaced it with Supertooth Light, which I have used for about 4 months.",
"The voice quality of Blueant Supertooth Light is better than my factory installed Cadillac Bluetooth phone.",
"Speakerphone is fairly powerful for such a small package but the sound is not always crystal clear.",
"Listeners at the other end sometimes complain of muffled voice.",
"Still, it is better than using the cell phone itself next to your ear.",
"Pairing with cell phone is very easy and the animated guides at Blueant's web site are very helpful.",
"Battery life is amazingly long, sometimes lasting a month!",
"It sticks very securely to the magnetic attachment for the visor.",
"Customer service was fairly helpful, but not outstanding, took 3 weeks to replace my dead Supertooth II.",
"Construction is a little bit like cheap like Chinese products but overall it is a product that functions decent most of the time."
] |
There is definitely an "ick" factor in this book for me. I have 3 daughters who did, do or will babysit and this just hit a "mom worry button" for me personally. Having said that, the babysitter is over 18 and is atypically mature in her dealings with the 3 children, the household responsibilities and her general goal setting/eyes on the future mind set. This is not the expected husband having an affair with the sitter story either. Points for originality in the plot. All of the characters are well developed except for the wife, who could have used a little more fleshing out. There are numerous editing problems; verb tenses, punctuation and misspelled/misused words to name a few. This does at times distract from the story. I'm still not sure if I liked this book, but I did like the babysitter character very much.
**********************************SPOILER ALERT***********************************
The relationship between the husband and the sitter begins with her comforting him after finding him in emotional despair over his marriage. When she also comforts the wife, reassuring her of her husband's love, things start to get a little jiggy. Husband and wife are brought back together emotionally and sexually through the sitter. There is appropriate guilt from both adults for drawing a teen into their marital relationship problems, and efforts made to be sure she didn't feel responsibility for their relationship. The couple express their gratitude for her selfless love that broke through their problems and saved their marriage.
**************************************END SPOILER ALERT****************************
Heat factor hot | 1 | neutral | [
"There is definitely an \"ick\" factor in this book for me.",
"I have 3 daughters who did, do or will babysit and this just hit a \"mom worry button\" for me personally.",
"Having said that, the babysitter is over 18 and is atypically mature in her dealings with the 3 children, the household responsibilities and her general goal setting/eyes on the future mind set.",
"This is not the expected husband having an affair with the sitter story either.",
"Points for originality in the plot.",
"All of the characters are well developed except for the wife, who could have used a little more fleshing out.",
"There are numerous editing problems; verb tenses, punctuation and misspelled/misused words to name a few.",
"This does at times distract from the story.",
"I'm still not sure if I liked this book, but I did like the babysitter character very much.",
"**********************************SPOILER ALERT***********************************\n\nThe relationship between the husband and the sitter begins with her comforting him after finding him in emotional despair over his marriage.",
"When she also comforts the wife, reassuring her of her husband's love, things start to get a little jiggy.",
"Husband and wife are brought back together emotionally and sexually through the sitter.",
"There is appropriate guilt from both adults for drawing a teen into their marital relationship problems, and efforts made to be sure she didn't feel responsibility for their relationship.",
"The couple express their gratitude for her selfless love that broke through their problems and saved their marriage.",
"**************************************END SPOILER ALERT****************************\n\nHeat factor hot"
] |
The basic premise for this short story is that a startlingly handsome new pastor who has been "too busy" to even consider dating anyone meets a homely overweight woman and decides within about an hour that he must marry her becasue she volunteers in the church nursery.
At first, I didn't think I could stomach it (and I'm about as hopeless as the next romantic), but I stuck with it and by the end I was practically in stitches. My apologies to the author if all this was meant to be taken seriously, but she has to know it was way over the top.
On a more serious note, however, is a sort of side plot. Nothing is resolved, it's mostly an excuse to give the characters something to talk about, but this is a lack of volunteers within the church (particularly for the children's programs). I thought this was a good topic since it's a problem for a lot of churches. The discussion has a few well put phrases, but is marred by the author's apparently sexist attitude. Over and over the characters say things like... How can we get the moms to help out? Don't you think the moms should help? Maybe the moms just need a kick in the pants. I would have loved to see the conversation sparked by someone saying, "Here's a brilliant idea. We'd have twice as many potential volunteers if we asked the DADS as well." | 1 | neutral | [
"The basic premise for this short story is that a startlingly handsome new pastor who has been \"too busy\" to even consider dating anyone meets a homely overweight woman and decides within about an hour that he must marry her becasue she volunteers in the church nursery.",
"At first, I didn't think I could stomach it (and I'm about as hopeless as the next romantic), but I stuck with it and by the end I was practically in stitches.",
"My apologies to the author if all this was meant to be taken seriously, but she has to know it was way over the top.",
"On a more serious note, however, is a sort of side plot.",
"Nothing is resolved, it's mostly an excuse to give the characters something to talk about, but this is a lack of volunteers within the church (particularly for the children's programs).",
"I thought this was a good topic since it's a problem for a lot of churches.",
"The discussion has a few well put phrases, but is marred by the author's apparently sexist attitude.",
"Over and over the characters say things like...",
"How can we get the moms to help out?",
"Don't you think the moms should help?",
"Maybe the moms just need a kick in the pants.",
"I would have loved to see the conversation sparked by someone saying, \"Here's a brilliant idea.",
"We'd have twice as many potential volunteers if we asked the DADS as well.",
"\""
] |
Even with the PSP Grip attached, this game kills my thumbs. IMHO it's just too much for the little PSP controllers. This game is MUCH for fun on the PS2. I find myself losing my Prince on the edge of the screen, so i don't know which direction i'm rolling. Plus, you have to remember this game is timed so......... I hardly ever play this. If you want a game similar to this but much more friendly on your fingers, go for locoroco. That one uses only the L & R trigger buttons. | 1 | neutral | [
"Even with the PSP Grip attached, this game kills my thumbs.",
"IMHO it's just too much for the little PSP controllers.",
"This game is MUCH for fun on the PS2.",
"I find myself losing my Prince on the edge of the screen, so i don't know which direction i'm rolling.",
"Plus, you have to remember this game is timed so....",
"....",
".",
"I hardly ever play this.",
"If you want a game similar to this but much more friendly on your fingers, go for locoroco.",
"That one uses only the L & R trigger buttons."
] |
I have really mixed feelings about this movie. On the one hand, many of the action scenes are totally awesome, such as the wedding dances around Jethro's campfire, the Burning Bush, the Exodus, the Splitting of the Sea. And I liked the fact that Jewish music was used in places (even some Hebrew in Miriam's song at the sea.) On the other hand, the attempt to make the story "relevant" through the use of contemporary language in the dialogue sounded lame to me, and will no doubt sound dated in a few years. For example, when Pharoah says, "I won't be the weak link," I almost expected to hear the game show theme. I also thought that the sibling rivalry idea was overplayed. There were obvious shades of Ben Hur and Masala here, too, right down to a reckless chariot race. Ramses comes across as little more than a jerk with an insecurity complex who wants to get even with his brother. In short, I disliked this film for the same reason that I dislike many recent Disney re-makes of the classics. It takes too much poetic license with the story, trivializes serious themes, and tries to be too nicey-nice. Definitely NOT a video I plan to buy. | 1 | neutral | [
"I have really mixed feelings about this movie.",
"On the one hand, many of the action scenes are totally awesome, such as the wedding dances around Jethro's campfire, the Burning Bush, the Exodus, the Splitting of the Sea.",
"And I liked the fact that Jewish music was used in places (even some Hebrew in Miriam's song at the sea.",
") On the other hand, the attempt to make the story \"relevant\" through the use of contemporary language in the dialogue sounded lame to me, and will no doubt sound dated in a few years.",
"For example, when Pharoah says, \"I won't be the weak link,\" I almost expected to hear the game show theme.",
"I also thought that the sibling rivalry idea was overplayed.",
"There were obvious shades of Ben Hur and Masala here, too, right down to a reckless chariot race.",
"Ramses comes across as little more than a jerk with an insecurity complex who wants to get even with his brother.",
"In short, I disliked this film for the same reason that I dislike many recent Disney re-makes of the classics.",
"It takes too much poetic license with the story, trivializes serious themes, and tries to be too nicey-nice.",
"Definitely NOT a video I plan to buy."
] |
I really enjoyed this story, that is until I got to the last chapter. From there everything just felt so phony and not believable at all. There were many things in this story that I felt didn't really need to be there. Certain story-lines weren't necessarily needed and some that weren't fleshed out enough. I felt as if the author just wanted to add things to make conflict but they weren't all needed.
I really enjoyed the characters of Genevieve and Ewan. I understood where they were coming from and I loved watching their relationship as governess and pupil progress into a much strong bond. We were able to see the growth of both characters especially with Ewan.
As for Connor, I never got a real good sense of his character. I was able to get to know him as much as the others and it was hard to see where he was coming from at times. Instead of learning about his character and his behavior from him, we learn all about him from others. I would have liked to have seen him expressing his thoughts and feelings more.
I do appreciate that the author took the time to explain both Connor and Genevieve's shared past. She explored what had occured between them and I didn't feel lost or confused by it at all. I know that at times with shorter stories or novella's authors sometimes skip over these details in an effort to fit everything in but not the case with this author.
All in all, this was an enjoyable story despite the last chapter. Maybe if the story was a little bit longer the author could have fleshed out everything a bit more and I would have enjoyed it all that much more. Regardless, I still liked it. | 1 | neutral | [
"I really enjoyed this story, that is until I got to the last chapter.",
"From there everything just felt so phony and not believable at all.",
"There were many things in this story that I felt didn't really need to be there.",
"Certain story-lines weren't necessarily needed and some that weren't fleshed out enough.",
"I felt as if the author just wanted to add things to make conflict but they weren't all needed.",
"I really enjoyed the characters of Genevieve and Ewan.",
"I understood where they were coming from and I loved watching their relationship as governess and pupil progress into a much strong bond.",
"We were able to see the growth of both characters especially with Ewan.",
"As for Connor, I never got a real good sense of his character.",
"I was able to get to know him as much as the others and it was hard to see where he was coming from at times.",
"Instead of learning about his character and his behavior from him, we learn all about him from others.",
"I would have liked to have seen him expressing his thoughts and feelings more.",
"I do appreciate that the author took the time to explain both Connor and Genevieve's shared past.",
"She explored what had occured between them and I didn't feel lost or confused by it at all.",
"I know that at times with shorter stories or novella's authors sometimes skip over these details in an effort to fit everything in but not the case with this author.",
"All in all, this was an enjoyable story despite the last chapter.",
"Maybe if the story was a little bit longer the author could have fleshed out everything a bit more and I would have enjoyed it all that much more.",
"Regardless, I still liked it."
] |
Philip K. Dick (PKD) certainly wrote a lot of very original science fiction novels and short stories. Unfortunately much of works is decidedly uneven. 'The Pentultimate Truth' is not one of PKD's better works, but it does have its moments.
The story has a great premise. WW III has come, and the populace is driven underground to work as slave labour for the war effort. But after fifteen years the folks underground are being pushed to the limit and the truth comes out about what is happening on the surface ... and it isn't what they thought (of course). PKD does a fine job with the overall plotting and his observations of human greed for power and how the media can distort reality are brilliant. But sadly, PKD clutters up the story with too much techno verbage and confusing banter between the characters.
Bottom line: intriguing, diverting, but often times confusing. For PKD fans only. | 1 | neutral | [
"Philip K.",
"Dick (PKD) certainly wrote a lot of very original science fiction novels and short stories.",
"Unfortunately much of works is decidedly uneven.",
"'The Pentultimate Truth' is not one of PKD's better works, but it does have its moments.",
"The story has a great premise.",
"WW III has come, and the populace is driven underground to work as slave labour for the war effort.",
"But after fifteen years the folks underground are being pushed to the limit and the truth comes out about what is happening on the surface...",
"and it isn't what they thought (of course).",
"PKD does a fine job with the overall plotting and his observations of human greed for power and how the media can distort reality are brilliant.",
"But sadly, PKD clutters up the story with too much techno verbage and confusing banter between the characters.",
"Bottom line: intriguing, diverting, but often times confusing.",
"For PKD fans only."
] |
I know there are a lot of mixed reviews. I am a disappointed consumer who will be returning this game. I love playing one person/multi person shoot 'em up games--like Quake 3 Arena. I like stealth, strategic planning spy/shooting games--like Metal Gear. But Rainbow Six should not have been made for the Dreamcast. It just doesn't suit to go on a console system. Loading time is horrible, the graphics aren't impressive (for DC), the sound is not so good, and the controls are quite hard to maneuver. The gameplay, however, is potentially good. IF you like stealth, slow, strategic game, this would be an okay game to play. But, here's a warning: when you are playing against many enemies, you will get frustrated with how difficult to aim/control the joystick. | 1 | neutral | [
"I know there are a lot of mixed reviews.",
"I am a disappointed consumer who will be returning this game.",
"I love playing one person/multi person shoot 'em up games--like Quake 3 Arena.",
"I like stealth, strategic planning spy/shooting games--like Metal Gear.",
"But Rainbow Six should not have been made for the Dreamcast.",
"It just doesn't suit to go on a console system.",
"Loading time is horrible, the graphics aren't impressive (for DC), the sound is not so good, and the controls are quite hard to maneuver.",
"The gameplay, however, is potentially good.",
"IF you like stealth, slow, strategic game, this would be an okay game to play.",
"But, here's a warning: when you are playing against many enemies, you will get frustrated with how difficult to aim/control the joystick."
] |
Blood, Sweat & Tears were formed by keyboardist Al Kooper as an attempt to marry jazz, soul, rock & pop together. After one mildly successful album, Child Is The Father To Man, Al Kooper split from the group over creative differences. Randy Brecker also split. The band found a new lead singer in the David Clayton-Thomas, whose deep voice was more suited the soulful element of the band. This eponymous release was a monster success upon its release in 1969 hitting the top of the album charts for seven weeks, spawning three number two hits ("Spinning Wheel", "And When I Die" & "You've Made Me So Very Happy") and won the Grammy for album of the year. The album is a solid effort with some dead spots along the way. The album doesn't start off on the right foot with the bombastic "Variations On A Theme", but it settles in on the cover of Traffic's "Smiling Phases". They do a credible version of Billie Holliday's "God Bless The Children" & "Sometimes In Winter" has a nice jazzy feel. "You Made Made Me So Very Happy" is a cover a Motown song original done by Brenda Holloway and is just okay, but "Spinning Wheel" is a fun song and shows a lightheartedness to the band. The album's three closing songs are forgettable at best. Laura Nyro's "And When I Die" is the highlight of the album and a true achievement. The band plays in a pseudo-ragtime style and they practically take you to the shores of the Old Swannee River. BS&T is a solid effort, the band aims high, but unfortunately they often miss the mark. | 1 | neutral | [
"Blood, Sweat & Tears were formed by keyboardist Al Kooper as an attempt to marry jazz, soul, rock & pop together.",
"After one mildly successful album, Child Is The Father To Man, Al Kooper split from the group over creative differences.",
"Randy Brecker also split.",
"The band found a new lead singer in the David Clayton-Thomas, whose deep voice was more suited the soulful element of the band.",
"This eponymous release was a monster success upon its release in 1969 hitting the top of the album charts for seven weeks, spawning three number two hits (\"Spinning Wheel\", \"And When I Die\" & \"You've Made Me So Very Happy\") and won the Grammy for album of the year.",
"The album is a solid effort with some dead spots along the way.",
"The album doesn't start off on the right foot with the bombastic \"Variations On A Theme\", but it settles in on the cover of Traffic's \"Smiling Phases\".",
"They do a credible version of Billie Holliday's \"God Bless The Children\" & \"Sometimes In Winter\" has a nice jazzy feel.",
"\"You Made Made Me So Very Happy\" is a cover a Motown song original done by Brenda Holloway and is just okay, but \"Spinning Wheel\" is a fun song and shows a lightheartedness to the band.",
"The album's three closing songs are forgettable at best.",
"Laura Nyro's \"And When I Die\" is the highlight of the album and a true achievement.",
"The band plays in a pseudo-ragtime style and they practically take you to the shores of the Old Swannee River.",
"BS&T is a solid effort, the band aims high, but unfortunately they often miss the mark."
] |
Destory All Humans has to be one of the most fun games I've ever played. Basically its Grand Theft Auto with an alien. Your character goes around with his assortment of goofy-ass weapons on interesting missions...like nuking a military base...and causes mayhem. Every mission has a bunch of sub-missions where you collect brain stems or destroy the entire area. It's a lot of fun to play and it makes you laugh, which counts for a lot in my book.
However, this game was way too short and not very hard. I rented a copy and beat the storyline in under a week. If you only beat the storyline and ignore the sub-missions, you'll only be 40-something percent finished with the game...but the sub-missions are a lot alike in each of the five areas...you collect x-amount of brain stems, you destroy the area or you go on a timed exploration of the area. Each level has a few unique sub-missions, but they weren't enough to keep my interest.
I recommend renting this game first before going out and buying it. | 1 | neutral | [
"Destory All Humans has to be one of the most fun games I've ever played.",
"Basically its Grand Theft Auto with an alien.",
"Your character goes around with his assortment of goofy-ass weapons on interesting missions...",
"like nuking a military base...",
"and causes mayhem.",
"Every mission has a bunch of sub-missions where you collect brain stems or destroy the entire area.",
"It's a lot of fun to play and it makes you laugh, which counts for a lot in my book.",
"However, this game was way too short and not very hard.",
"I rented a copy and beat the storyline in under a week.",
"If you only beat the storyline and ignore the sub-missions, you'll only be 40-something percent finished with the game...",
"but the sub-missions are a lot alike in each of the five areas...",
"you collect x-amount of brain stems, you destroy the area or you go on a timed exploration of the area.",
"Each level has a few unique sub-missions, but they weren't enough to keep my interest.",
"I recommend renting this game first before going out and buying it."
] |
My goal is to find the smallest Bluetooth headset I can find. This one was dirt cheap and small, so I thought I'd give it a try. Here are my thoughts:
Pros:
Small and light
Switch to turn it on/off
Cons:
Sound compared to my previous headset (jabra) is "tinny" and quite. Sometimes I couldn't turn it loud enough to hear over ambient noise.
Falls out of my ear constantly. I have small ears, so you would think it would be easy to find a headset that stays in, but no. I guess I'm going to need one that has the neoprene inserts. This one just has a speaker insert that doesn't help it stay in the ear.
The over ear loop is hard plastic and tends to hurt after a while.
For the price, it works, but my old headset sounded a lot better. | 1 | neutral | [
"My goal is to find the smallest Bluetooth headset I can find.",
"This one was dirt cheap and small, so I thought I'd give it a try.",
"Here are my thoughts:\n\nPros:\nSmall and light\nSwitch to turn it on/off\n\nCons:\nSound compared to my previous headset (jabra) is \"tinny\" and quite.",
"Sometimes I couldn't turn it loud enough to hear over ambient noise.",
"Falls out of my ear constantly.",
"I have small ears, so you would think it would be easy to find a headset that stays in, but no.",
"I guess I'm going to need one that has the neoprene inserts.",
"This one just has a speaker insert that doesn't help it stay in the ear.",
"The over ear loop is hard plastic and tends to hurt after a while.",
"For the price, it works, but my old headset sounded a lot better."
] |
I had the opportunity to try this product, and I was reluctant at first. My skin has always tended towards oil--even now that I'm in my mid-40s, my face is often shiny by the end of the day, and I still experience occasional breakouts. Given this, I rarely use any products with "oil" in the the name. However, I thoroughly researched L'Occitane Divine Youth Oil, and I was amazed by the glowing reviews, including from those with oily and acne-prone skin. I could find NO negative reviews of this product, which convinced me to give it a try.
I started using the Divine Youth Oil right after Christmas. Upon application, it DOES have slight oily feel to it, but somehow, it vanished into my skin without leaving ANY greasy residue. (Normally, I don't believe when products claim not to leave a greasy residue, as they always seem to, but this really didn't.) When I used this product at night, I did find that some areas of my face would feel slightly oily in the morning. For this reason, I limited my use of the Divine Youth Oil to only at night and stuck with lighter products for during the day. The product has a fairly strong scent to it; I would describe it as akin to rosewater. It didn't bother me, but some may find it irritating.
So, what about results? I used this product daily for about a month. I do think it left my face feeling nicely soft and supple after each use. However, I don't believe that I saw any VISIBLE results. If you look at my attached photos--the first taken just prior to when I started using the product, and the second two taken today--I don't think any changes are noticeable. I was hoping to see a bit more, particularly around the eyes and mouth, where I concentrated my use of the product. I know one month is not much time, but I think users who spend over one hundred dollars on this product are going to have fairly high expectations.
I am tempted to save this product until I am a little older (I'm 46 now), as maybe it would have a great effect on older skin. On the positive side, it did not seem to make me break out, and I don't have anything bad to say about the Divine Youth Oil; I had just been hoping for more results. | 1 | neutral | [
"I had the opportunity to try this product, and I was reluctant at first.",
"My skin has always tended towards oil--even now that I'm in my mid-40s, my face is often shiny by the end of the day, and I still experience occasional breakouts.",
"Given this, I rarely use any products with \"oil\" in the the name.",
"However, I thoroughly researched L'Occitane Divine Youth Oil, and I was amazed by the glowing reviews, including from those with oily and acne-prone skin.",
"I could find NO negative reviews of this product, which convinced me to give it a try.",
"I started using the Divine Youth Oil right after Christmas.",
"Upon application, it DOES have slight oily feel to it, but somehow, it vanished into my skin without leaving ANY greasy residue.",
"(Normally, I don't believe when products claim not to leave a greasy residue, as they always seem to, but this really didn't.",
") When I used this product at night, I did find that some areas of my face would feel slightly oily in the morning.",
"For this reason, I limited my use of the Divine Youth Oil to only at night and stuck with lighter products for during the day.",
"The product has a fairly strong scent to it; I would describe it as akin to rosewater.",
"It didn't bother me, but some may find it irritating.",
"So, what about results?",
"I used this product daily for about a month.",
"I do think it left my face feeling nicely soft and supple after each use.",
"However, I don't believe that I saw any VISIBLE results.",
"If you look at my attached photos--the first taken just prior to when I started using the product, and the second two taken today--I don't think any changes are noticeable.",
"I was hoping to see a bit more, particularly around the eyes and mouth, where I concentrated my use of the product.",
"I know one month is not much time, but I think users who spend over one hundred dollars on this product are going to have fairly high expectations.",
"I am tempted to save this product until I am a little older (I'm 46 now), as maybe it would have a great effect on older skin.",
"On the positive side, it did not seem to make me break out, and I don't have anything bad to say about the Divine Youth Oil; I had just been hoping for more results."
] |
This game is of course awesome because... well, it's Madden! Madden football games have always been the best (except '94 & '95 on SNES). Madden 2k2 has the best graphics, decent gameplay, franchise mode is the best, but the biggest problem with this and every other Madden on PS and PS2 is the passing.
The passing is extremely difficult on every level except rookie. Even as the all-Madden team playing an NFL Europe team, my best receivers could NEVER burn their d-backs which had pathetic ratings of 66 or lower. If there is a defender within 5 yards of the receiver and the receiver makes the catch, HE WILL DROP IT!!! About 90% of the time to be exact. Even if he catches it and moves upfield (which is more of a fumble), he WILL be hit and the ball pops out. It doesn't matter what reciever (Rice, Keyshawn, Rod Smith) anyone and everyone drops the ball nearly everytime they are hit.
Also the computer can be shut down for 99% of the game, but then at random cannot be stopped no matter what you do. They simply run right through any defense you throw at it. The computer seems to cheat on many other occasions with crappy recievers that can burn all-pro corners and so on.
Anyway, it's still good, but I much prefer the college game by EA sports. | 1 | neutral | [
"This game is of course awesome because...",
"well, it's Madden!",
"Madden football games have always been the best (except '94 & '95 on SNES).",
"Madden 2k2 has the best graphics, decent gameplay, franchise mode is the best, but the biggest problem with this and every other Madden on PS and PS2 is the passing.",
"The passing is extremely difficult on every level except rookie.",
"Even as the all-Madden team playing an NFL Europe team, my best receivers could NEVER burn their d-backs which had pathetic ratings of 66 or lower.",
"If there is a defender within 5 yards of the receiver and the receiver makes the catch, HE WILL DROP IT!!!",
"About 90% of the time to be exact.",
"Even if he catches it and moves upfield (which is more of a fumble), he WILL be hit and the ball pops out.",
"It doesn't matter what reciever (Rice, Keyshawn, Rod Smith) anyone and everyone drops the ball nearly everytime they are hit.",
"Also the computer can be shut down for 99% of the game, but then at random cannot be stopped no matter what you do.",
"They simply run right through any defense you throw at it.",
"The computer seems to cheat on many other occasions with crappy recievers that can burn all-pro corners and so on.",
"Anyway, it's still good, but I much prefer the college game by EA sports."
] |
HOW TO STUFF A WILD BIKINI was one of the last 'Beach Party' films to be released (and it was Annette Funicello's last appearance as Dee Dee). The fatigue is evident in this average - but no less enjoyable - outing.
Frankie (Frankie Avalon) is serving his time in the Navy, and worried that some guy back home will steal Dee Dee (Annette Funicello) away from him. A grumpy old witchdoctor (Buster Keaton) conjures up the stunning red-headed Cassandra (Beverly Adams) to distract every self-respecting male on the Malibu Beach! However, down-to-earth Ricky (Dwayne Hickman) is immune to Cassandra's charms, and slowly starts courting Dee Dee...
Then, the dumb-as-sticks Eric Von Zipper (Harvey Lembeck) and his "Rats" come back into town, to teach the others a thing or two...
There are great cameo roles by Mickey Rooney, Brian Donlevy and Bobbi Shaw (repeating her role as Buster Keaton's dizzy sidekick).
Annette Funicello was heavily pregnant with her first child at the time of making what was to be her last 'Beach Party' film. She wears obviously-baggy ponchos and blouses to cover up. You will also notice that she NEVER wears an actual swimsuit on the beach!!
Also starring John Ashley, Jody McCrea, Patti Chandler and Mary Hughes.
The DVD includes both full-frame and widescreen versions of the film as well as the trailer and a trivia booklet. (Double-sided, single-layer disc). | 1 | neutral | [
"HOW TO STUFF A WILD BIKINI was one of the last 'Beach Party' films to be released (and it was Annette Funicello's last appearance as Dee Dee).",
"The fatigue is evident in this average - but no less enjoyable - outing.",
"Frankie (Frankie Avalon) is serving his time in the Navy, and worried that some guy back home will steal Dee Dee (Annette Funicello) away from him.",
"A grumpy old witchdoctor (Buster Keaton) conjures up the stunning red-headed Cassandra (Beverly Adams) to distract every self-respecting male on the Malibu Beach!",
"However, down-to-earth Ricky (Dwayne Hickman) is immune to Cassandra's charms, and slowly starts courting Dee Dee...",
"Then, the dumb-as-sticks Eric Von Zipper (Harvey Lembeck) and his \"Rats\" come back into town, to teach the others a thing or two...",
"There are great cameo roles by Mickey Rooney, Brian Donlevy and Bobbi Shaw (repeating her role as Buster Keaton's dizzy sidekick).",
"Annette Funicello was heavily pregnant with her first child at the time of making what was to be her last 'Beach Party' film.",
"She wears obviously-baggy ponchos and blouses to cover up.",
"You will also notice that she NEVER wears an actual swimsuit on the beach!!",
"Also starring John Ashley, Jody McCrea, Patti Chandler and Mary Hughes.",
"The DVD includes both full-frame and widescreen versions of the film as well as the trailer and a trivia booklet.",
"(Double-sided, single-layer disc)."
] |
This oil and emulsifier based cleanser removes all traces of makeup and does not leave skin feeling stripped. It is an impressive makeup remover.
I have issues with the aesthetics, though. The first time I used it, I kept wondering when it would start to foam because it felt like I was still rubbing oil and water on my skin. I finally opened my eyes and glanced in the mirror to find it was indeed foaming. I can't feel it changing on my face or with my fingertips. I've used it a good two weeks now, and that hasn't changed. I know that after I add water, it will start foaming, but I can't tell when that happens. It is impossible to rinse off unless I use a washcloth. I can see the makeup is gone, but water beads up on my face. I appreciate the softness, but I really don't like leaving cleanser on my face, so I scrape it off with a wash cloth.
Yesterday, I noticed the "Safe For" symbol on the back of the bottle. This symbol looks like a jar, and has a number followed by the letter "M". This symbol is not on all cosmetic and personal care consumables, but I find it more and more often. Unfortunately, according to the "Safe For" symbol on this bottle, the cleanser is safe to use for a mere three months after opening. I think the average consumer will wind up wasting a lot of product. Exceptions would be multi-user households. | 1 | neutral | [
"This oil and emulsifier based cleanser removes all traces of makeup and does not leave skin feeling stripped.",
"It is an impressive makeup remover.",
"I have issues with the aesthetics, though.",
"The first time I used it, I kept wondering when it would start to foam because it felt like I was still rubbing oil and water on my skin.",
"I finally opened my eyes and glanced in the mirror to find it was indeed foaming.",
"I can't feel it changing on my face or with my fingertips.",
"I've used it a good two weeks now, and that hasn't changed.",
"I know that after I add water, it will start foaming, but I can't tell when that happens.",
"It is impossible to rinse off unless I use a washcloth.",
"I can see the makeup is gone, but water beads up on my face.",
"I appreciate the softness, but I really don't like leaving cleanser on my face, so I scrape it off with a wash cloth.",
"Yesterday, I noticed the \"Safe For\" symbol on the back of the bottle.",
"This symbol looks like a jar, and has a number followed by the letter \"M\".",
"This symbol is not on all cosmetic and personal care consumables, but I find it more and more often.",
"Unfortunately, according to the \"Safe For\" symbol on this bottle, the cleanser is safe to use for a mere three months after opening.",
"I think the average consumer will wind up wasting a lot of product.",
"Exceptions would be multi-user households."
] |
I read this book a couple weeks ago, but kept putting off the review because I'm just not sure how to express how I feel about this book. This is the first really dark book that I read, and it really shook me. I suppose a good writer has that effect on readers - makes them feel about a book and think about it long after they finish reading.
I felt terrible for Rachel and the horrible, incomprehensible ways she was treated. I would have liked to learn more about her and Zachary - more about why they were the way they were. I understood how/why she felt the way she did about Zachary - he did try to save her, but I still couldn't wrap my mind around it. I wish there was more closure to the book - I wanted to know what happened between Zachary and Rachel and how they managed to move forward.
I recommend this book for readers who want a quick read and don't mind an incredibly dark, twisted story that takes them to the depths of human evilness and sexuality. This isn't a book where most readers can enjoy the sex scenes because there is so much pain involved.
I think the evil and depravity that was shown in this book is what affected me the most. I know there are people like that in this world, but I feel better not knowing.
I think Skye Warren is a talented writer, and I enjoy most of her books. I just couldn't get on board with this one. I gave it three stars because even though I wish there was more character development so I could understand them more and I would have liked more in the ending, the story and the characters have stayed with me. Plus, this book made me grateful for my relatively safe, sheltered life. I feel so badly for those who are forced to suffer at the hands of devils. I didn't mark down for the various grammatical errors, but this book would've benefited from a thorough editing.
I highly doubt I will read a book such as this again. It is not Skye Warren's fault...this is just such a cruel subject matter that weighs heavily on those who read it. I'm glad I tried it, though. | 1 | neutral | [
"I read this book a couple weeks ago, but kept putting off the review because I'm just not sure how to express how I feel about this book.",
"This is the first really dark book that I read, and it really shook me.",
"I suppose a good writer has that effect on readers - makes them feel about a book and think about it long after they finish reading.",
"I felt terrible for Rachel and the horrible, incomprehensible ways she was treated.",
"I would have liked to learn more about her and Zachary - more about why they were the way they were.",
"I understood how/why she felt the way she did about Zachary - he did try to save her, but I still couldn't wrap my mind around it.",
"I wish there was more closure to the book - I wanted to know what happened between Zachary and Rachel and how they managed to move forward.",
"I recommend this book for readers who want a quick read and don't mind an incredibly dark, twisted story that takes them to the depths of human evilness and sexuality.",
"This isn't a book where most readers can enjoy the sex scenes because there is so much pain involved.",
"I think the evil and depravity that was shown in this book is what affected me the most.",
"I know there are people like that in this world, but I feel better not knowing.",
"I think Skye Warren is a talented writer, and I enjoy most of her books.",
"I just couldn't get on board with this one.",
"I gave it three stars because even though I wish there was more character development so I could understand them more and I would have liked more in the ending, the story and the characters have stayed with me.",
"Plus, this book made me grateful for my relatively safe, sheltered life.",
"I feel so badly for those who are forced to suffer at the hands of devils.",
"I didn't mark down for the various grammatical errors, but this book would've benefited from a thorough editing.",
"I highly doubt I will read a book such as this again.",
"It is not Skye Warren's fault...",
"this is just such a cruel subject matter that weighs heavily on those who read it.",
"I'm glad I tried it, though."
] |
YOu will need hours and hours to have fun in this game. Do not make the mistake of thinking you will play and do well from the get go. This game is wicked hard. The concept is great. yahoo, an offroad 4-wheeler game with jumps and tricks. Unfortunately the execution is tough. It is good. truly it is. But most gamers will never make it over the learning curve. By that time they will have given up in disgust thinking the developer of this game just made the game too hard. Rightfully so. We play games to have fun. Not spend our entire life learning to play a game the right way. Note: to developer: Start fun and move to hard and rewarding.
Bottom Line: Is this game fun? Yes, after you have given up on having any good relationships in your life due to over playing offroad. Will I keep this game: Nope. This game is for losers that want to spent too much time on games. Will this game retain it's resale value? You bet. Everyone will fall for the idea of a fun extreme racer with tricks and jumps. Everyone will think they are just a better gamer so they can handle it. Good luck. I'll be playing a game that is fun from the start. | 1 | neutral | [
"YOu will need hours and hours to have fun in this game.",
"Do not make the mistake of thinking you will play and do well from the get go.",
"This game is wicked hard.",
"The concept is great.",
"yahoo, an offroad 4-wheeler game with jumps and tricks.",
"Unfortunately the execution is tough.",
"It is good.",
"truly it is.",
"But most gamers will never make it over the learning curve.",
"By that time they will have given up in disgust thinking the developer of this game just made the game too hard.",
"Rightfully so.",
"We play games to have fun.",
"Not spend our entire life learning to play a game the right way.",
"Note: to developer: Start fun and move to hard and rewarding.",
"Bottom Line: Is this game fun?",
"Yes, after you have given up on having any good relationships in your life due to over playing offroad.",
"Will I keep this game: Nope.",
"This game is for losers that want to spent too much time on games.",
"Will this game retain it's resale value?",
"You bet.",
"Everyone will fall for the idea of a fun extreme racer with tricks and jumps.",
"Everyone will think they are just a better gamer so they can handle it.",
"Good luck.",
"I'll be playing a game that is fun from the start."
] |
Just ad boiling water, steep for five minutes and pour into a safe bowl. The cup is too unsafe to eat from. But it does make a nice soup. I wouldn't buy it again, as I wanted something I could microwave, and the bowl is too flimsy to use on the go. If one is looking for convenience, this is no more convenient than using the stove. I had wished for something I could just microwave. Also, one must stir the contents of the cup after pouring in the boiling water to get the solids from the bottom to mix with the rest of the contents of the cup, and I wanted something I could just ZAP and then serve. Soup tastes OK...needs to steep for more than five minutes to get the lentils tender. Not buying THIS again. | 1 | neutral | [
"Just ad boiling water, steep for five minutes and pour into a safe bowl.",
"The cup is too unsafe to eat from.",
"But it does make a nice soup.",
"I wouldn't buy it again, as I wanted something I could microwave, and the bowl is too flimsy to use on the go.",
"If one is looking for convenience, this is no more convenient than using the stove.",
"I had wished for something I could just microwave.",
"Also, one must stir the contents of the cup after pouring in the boiling water to get the solids from the bottom to mix with the rest of the contents of the cup, and I wanted something I could just ZAP and then serve.",
"Soup tastes OK...",
"needs to steep for more than five minutes to get the lentils tender.",
"Not buying THIS again."
] |
First off, this thing came out of the box and it smelled really super horrible like industrial chemicals of somekind. I am not a nitpicker usually about such things, but this was really terrible and it would stink up the room. I finally resorted to soaking it overnight in my utility sink with high powered fragrence crystals, which took a lot of it out, but it was several days later that it finally was odor free.
The pouch has several ways of attaching itself to your body, a metal belt clip, a nylon "veritcal" belt loop, and a "horizontal" nylon belt loop. The clip is riveted to the vertical loop, and the vertical loop is sewed piggyback onto the horizontal loop.
I liked it at first, but shortly after starting to wear it the bottom sewing line on the vertical belt loop started to rip away. It apparently has very shoddy stiching or cheap thread and it just wasn't cutting it. So, not wanting to give up yet, I sewed it myself and fixed it. Then a few days later the entire top sewing line ripped away :( I haven't fixed that yet and have been using the horizontal clip since then which so far has held together, but I'd prefer to use the vertical.
So...
Pros:
Works great (With my Galaxy S2)
Lots of attachment options
Looks nice
Phone is held securely and has a lot of velcro to make sure it stays closed
Cons:
Really shoddy sewing, probably won't last long for you unless you reinforce the stiching... | 1 | neutral | [
"First off, this thing came out of the box and it smelled really super horrible like industrial chemicals of somekind.",
"I am not a nitpicker usually about such things, but this was really terrible and it would stink up the room.",
"I finally resorted to soaking it overnight in my utility sink with high powered fragrence crystals, which took a lot of it out, but it was several days later that it finally was odor free.",
"The pouch has several ways of attaching itself to your body, a metal belt clip, a nylon \"veritcal\" belt loop, and a \"horizontal\" nylon belt loop.",
"The clip is riveted to the vertical loop, and the vertical loop is sewed piggyback onto the horizontal loop.",
"I liked it at first, but shortly after starting to wear it the bottom sewing line on the vertical belt loop started to rip away.",
"It apparently has very shoddy stiching or cheap thread and it just wasn't cutting it.",
"So, not wanting to give up yet, I sewed it myself and fixed it.",
"Then a few days later the entire top sewing line ripped away :( I haven't fixed that yet and have been using the horizontal clip since then which so far has held together, but I'd prefer to use the vertical.",
"So...",
"Pros:\n Works great (With my Galaxy S2)\n Lots of attachment options\n Looks nice\n Phone is held securely and has a lot of velcro to make sure it stays closed\n\nCons:\n Really shoddy sewing, probably won't last long for you unless you reinforce the stiching..."
] |
Besides the actual Bible, The Total Money Makeover is the financial literacy bible that many Christians follow. I've had my share of debt in my life. I had undergraduate and graduate subsidized student loans. I also had a 30 year mortgage, that my husband and I paid off in 6.5 years- well before reading this book, mind you. My husband also had undergraduate student loans and he took a car loan in college. At this time, we have no debt at all. We own our home, contribute to retirement and college savings funds, own our (new) vehicles, and we donate to charitable causes that are meaningful. We live frugally now so that in the future, we won't be tied down to working forever... or will we anyway, in order to have healthcare? But I digress.
I get miffed with people who won't take responsibility for their financial choices. I've done without a lot of things that everybody else my age seems to feel is essential. I use coupons, buy secondhand clothes, we don't take vacations, I don't go to the salon, and I could go on and on. We do this so we can save for our future, our kids' future, and so that I can stay home with our kids- at this point, my whole paycheck would go to childcare anyway.
Ramsey's advice is good for people who have absolutely no financial sense. It can get them on solid financial footing if they have the self-discipline to follow it. However, it's not going to make them rich. Some of the advice might not even be that helpful, say, if they want to buy a home but have cut up their credit cards and thus have no credit history. I know few people who can pay cash for their home... and I live in Ohio, which is not a pricey place to live.
The book also makes a lot of references to Ramsey's other programs, such as Financial Peace University. I think he's trying to double dip by doing that. The book proclaims to be "total" so *all* the information needed to make over your finances should be here. You shouldn't have to spend another couple hundred bucks to get the rest of the pertinent information.
Also, it's not Biblical to get rich, which is something that seems to be glossed over. The idea that everyone can make a killing by following Ramsey's financial advice isn't accurate, either. There are going to be winners and losers in the stock market. I'm going to pass this book along to a family member who declared bankruptcy a few years ago and is considering doing it again. Maybe it will help the family member get a solid footing on what needs to be done without passing the buck.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for writing a review. I received no other compensation. | 1 | neutral | [
"Besides the actual Bible, The Total Money Makeover is the financial literacy bible that many Christians follow.",
"I've had my share of debt in my life.",
"I had undergraduate and graduate subsidized student loans.",
"I also had a 30 year mortgage, that my husband and I paid off in 6.",
"5 years- well before reading this book, mind you.",
"My husband also had undergraduate student loans and he took a car loan in college.",
"At this time, we have no debt at all.",
"We own our home, contribute to retirement and college savings funds, own our (new) vehicles, and we donate to charitable causes that are meaningful.",
"We live frugally now so that in the future, we won't be tied down to working forever...",
"or will we anyway, in order to have healthcare?",
"But I digress.",
"I get miffed with people who won't take responsibility for their financial choices.",
"I've done without a lot of things that everybody else my age seems to feel is essential.",
"I use coupons, buy secondhand clothes, we don't take vacations, I don't go to the salon, and I could go on and on.",
"We do this so we can save for our future, our kids' future, and so that I can stay home with our kids- at this point, my whole paycheck would go to childcare anyway.",
"Ramsey's advice is good for people who have absolutely no financial sense.",
"It can get them on solid financial footing if they have the self-discipline to follow it.",
"However, it's not going to make them rich.",
"Some of the advice might not even be that helpful, say, if they want to buy a home but have cut up their credit cards and thus have no credit history.",
"I know few people who can pay cash for their home...",
"and I live in Ohio, which is not a pricey place to live.",
"The book also makes a lot of references to Ramsey's other programs, such as Financial Peace University.",
"I think he's trying to double dip by doing that.",
"The book proclaims to be \"total\" so *all* the information needed to make over your finances should be here.",
"You shouldn't have to spend another couple hundred bucks to get the rest of the pertinent information.",
"Also, it's not Biblical to get rich, which is something that seems to be glossed over.",
"The idea that everyone can make a killing by following Ramsey's financial advice isn't accurate, either.",
"There are going to be winners and losers in the stock market.",
"I'm going to pass this book along to a family member who declared bankruptcy a few years ago and is considering doing it again.",
"Maybe it will help the family member get a solid footing on what needs to be done without passing the buck.",
"Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for writing a review.",
"I received no other compensation."
] |
There are very few things that cause me to hesitate when accepting a book for review. 1. Animal torture. No, hell no, what it God's name is wrong with you...please go away. 2. Erotica. I have this debilitating inability to properly review naughty bits (if you catch my drift) and 3. Cancer. Why cancer? Well... other then the fact that several members of my immediate family have it, I have a hard to separating fact from fiction. Let me explain. The details needed to make a book about this particular dieses successful make my brain wander. I have, on several occasions, found myself so carried away by my own inner dialogue that I miss EVERYTHING I read. Imagine for a second the time needed to finish a book when you have to read the same 10 pages 5 times. (I'll do the math for you.... FOREVER!)
Anyways, when Elias Anderson emailed me about his novel "Blood and Gasoline" I quickly agreed. (We'll just call this little act masochism.) Not two minutes later, however, I sat rigidly on my couch, staring at my laptop and hoping to all heaven that I could find away to take back my words. I had changed my mind, I DID NOT want to read this book. Of course... my willpower (and by willpower I mean the overwhelming need to not look like a total whack job) won out, and before I knew it, I was diving in...without my floaties on.
What I very quickly discovered (much to my relief) was that Anderson's novel was not so much about the cancer itself, but the struggle in dealing with ones issues; knowing when to start living and stop loathing the hand you were dealt. A search for redemption one might call it.
Cody's father Avery is a total ass. To be more specific he is an abusive, alcoholic, control freak with a horrid temper and now...a terminal case of lung cancer. Sad right? Maybe not, see...Avery has never been a loving man, or a generous one. From a young age he took out his anger on those around him, and drank his family into debt, but despite all of this, his son Cody has come home to take care of him. Cody is the polar opposite of Avery, he is kind, understanding, and though he has piles of built up anger towards his father, he always does the right thing. One night however things change. Avery is once again rushed to the hospital and Cody is faced with the possibility of his fathers death. Is he happy about this? Does he have a right to be? Before he can answer these questions karma steps in and gives Avery another chance. It also gave Cody one...in the form of a beautiful EMT named Perla. Quickly realizing that there is more to life than catering to the demands of a man who hates him; Cody begins his life, and Avery (though still very sick) realizes his time to be a proper father is fading fast. Will Cody be able to forgive the man who for years talked down to him and made him feel worthless? Will Avery finally make peace with the only family he has left, and why exactly is Perla so important to this tiny family's recovery?
Now, before I get to the "goods" let me blurt out the bad, (No worries...there's only 1) This book was a formatting disaster. I'm not certain if it was just my copy or if this is a problem with his published version as well, but oh Holy baby Jesus!!!! Here is the exact problem I had. Every 6 or 7 paragraphs the flow of the book would be interrupted by the word PAGE. That's right... I would find myself, knee deep in emotion when BAM, out of the blue and stuck randomly in the middle of a heartbreaking sentence I would find myself stumbling over a misplaced word. Distracting does not even begin to describe what it did to the story line.
Ok, now on to the good.
The fact that I had an overwhelming urge to punch Avery through-out the read speaks strongly of Anderson's ability as a writer. In what way you ask? I strongly believe that if an author has the ability to invoke strong emotions in their reader then they have done their job of building their characters correctly. I felt sorry for Cody, I wanted to give him a hug. I wanted to knock Avery's oxygen tank off his nose, and punch Perla's uncle in the family jewels. All of these just solidify the fact that I was properly engage in the story I was reading. There is nothing more positive than that.
The plot (though predictable in the beginning,) also left me in awe. (What is that now.... 2 points for Anderson?) While it wasn't the most conventional ending, (and at one point I was almost certain the "twist" had been a grievous mistake,) by the time I flipped to the last page I understood why it had to be written that way, and more importantly, how the book wouldn't have been as successful without it. Maybe next time I'll learn to have more faith in the author and the story he is trying to tell.
All in all, a devastating read, but a good one.
Happy Reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: Our actions shape the people we become, pay close attention to your daily activities. | 1 | neutral | [
"There are very few things that cause me to hesitate when accepting a book for review.",
"1.",
"Animal torture.",
"No, hell no, what it God's name is wrong with you...",
"please go away.",
"2.",
"Erotica.",
"I have this debilitating inability to properly review naughty bits (if you catch my drift) and 3.",
"Cancer.",
"Why cancer?",
"Well...",
"other then the fact that several members of my immediate family have it, I have a hard to separating fact from fiction.",
"Let me explain.",
"The details needed to make a book about this particular dieses successful make my brain wander.",
"I have, on several occasions, found myself so carried away by my own inner dialogue that I miss EVERYTHING I read.",
"Imagine for a second the time needed to finish a book when you have to read the same 10 pages 5 times.",
"(I'll do the math for you....",
"FOREVER!",
")\n\nAnyways, when Elias Anderson emailed me about his novel \"Blood and Gasoline\" I quickly agreed.",
"(We'll just call this little act masochism.",
") Not two minutes later, however, I sat rigidly on my couch, staring at my laptop and hoping to all heaven that I could find away to take back my words.",
"I had changed my mind, I DID NOT want to read this book.",
"Of course...",
"my willpower (and by willpower I mean the overwhelming need to not look like a total whack job) won out, and before I knew it, I was diving in...",
"without my floaties on.",
"What I very quickly discovered (much to my relief) was that Anderson's novel was not so much about the cancer itself, but the struggle in dealing with ones issues; knowing when to start living and stop loathing the hand you were dealt.",
"A search for redemption one might call it.",
"Cody's father Avery is a total ass.",
"To be more specific he is an abusive, alcoholic, control freak with a horrid temper and now...",
"a terminal case of lung cancer.",
"Sad right?",
"Maybe not, see...",
"Avery has never been a loving man, or a generous one.",
"From a young age he took out his anger on those around him, and drank his family into debt, but despite all of this, his son Cody has come home to take care of him.",
"Cody is the polar opposite of Avery, he is kind, understanding, and though he has piles of built up anger towards his father, he always does the right thing.",
"One night however things change.",
"Avery is once again rushed to the hospital and Cody is faced with the possibility of his fathers death.",
"Is he happy about this?",
"Does he have a right to be?",
"Before he can answer these questions karma steps in and gives Avery another chance.",
"It also gave Cody one...",
"in the form of a beautiful EMT named Perla.",
"Quickly realizing that there is more to life than catering to the demands of a man who hates him; Cody begins his life, and Avery (though still very sick) realizes his time to be a proper father is fading fast.",
"Will Cody be able to forgive the man who for years talked down to him and made him feel worthless?",
"Will Avery finally make peace with the only family he has left, and why exactly is Perla so important to this tiny family's recovery?",
"Now, before I get to the \"goods\" let me blurt out the bad, (No worries...",
"there's only 1) This book was a formatting disaster.",
"I'm not certain if it was just my copy or if this is a problem with his published version as well, but oh Holy baby Jesus!!!!",
"Here is the exact problem I had.",
"Every 6 or 7 paragraphs the flow of the book would be interrupted by the word PAGE.",
"That's right...",
"I would find myself, knee deep in emotion when BAM, out of the blue and stuck randomly in the middle of a heartbreaking sentence I would find myself stumbling over a misplaced word.",
"Distracting does not even begin to describe what it did to the story line.",
"Ok, now on to the good.",
"The fact that I had an overwhelming urge to punch Avery through-out the read speaks strongly of Anderson's ability as a writer.",
"In what way you ask?",
"I strongly believe that if an author has the ability to invoke strong emotions in their reader then they have done their job of building their characters correctly.",
"I felt sorry for Cody, I wanted to give him a hug.",
"I wanted to knock Avery's oxygen tank off his nose, and punch Perla's uncle in the family jewels.",
"All of these just solidify the fact that I was properly engage in the story I was reading.",
"There is nothing more positive than that.",
"The plot (though predictable in the beginning,) also left me in awe.",
"(What is that now....",
"2 points for Anderson?",
") While it wasn't the most conventional ending, (and at one point I was almost certain the \"twist\" had been a grievous mistake,) by the time I flipped to the last page I understood why it had to be written that way, and more importantly, how the book wouldn't have been as successful without it.",
"Maybe next time I'll learn to have more faith in the author and the story he is trying to tell.",
"All in all, a devastating read, but a good one.",
"Happy Reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: Our actions shape the people we become, pay close attention to your daily activities."
] |
[I wrote this DVD review of "How the West Was Won" a while ago, but I have added this paragraph to account for a third DVD, released 22 May 2007, as part of a set called "The John Wayne Collection." This third DVD by Warner is the same as MGM's 1998 release. There has been no DVD re-mastering effort. All three DVDs have precisely the same content, and so all the information within my following review about the 2000 Warner release can be applied to "The John Wayne Collection" DVD of Warner in 2007. Of special importance is how it wrongly states the disc is an anamorphic DVD. It is not anamorphic.]
There are two [three] DVDs of "How the West Was Won" (1962) available in the U.S.
MGM Video's earlier disc (released on 28 July 1998) and Warner Video's second disc (released 12 Sept. 2000) [and Warner's third disc of 22 May 2007] have EXACTLY THE SAME DISC CONTENT! Even the menus are the same! They both contain the film's theatrical trailer and contain the same "Making Of" documentary with a run time of 15:30. The only difference is the earlier MGM release also includes an 8-page booklet with large essays filling all but the cover pages, including a section about the "800 pounds" of Cinerama camera equipment used for this spectacle; that plus a plastic DVD box. The later Warner release uses the cardboard case, but even its cover art does not match the disc menu screens as does the earlier MGM release.
This movie with its Cinerama glory deserves a place on the shelf of video collectors involved with American cinema culture. If one wants to buy this movie on DVD, opt for the earlier edition with the booklet. I noticed the DVDs (having the same exact imagery) have four negatives: the extremely wide screen image is only letterboxed and not anamorphic DVD, the theatrical 7-track audio has been degraded to 4-channel matrix-encoded Dolby audio, the DVD picture image suffers from film scratches and dirt, and Ted Turner's logo appears BETWEEN the prologue overture and the beginning of the film. Nevertheless, the great music is worth the price, alone. I was never a fan of the movie, but it was one of the single most ambitious film projects ever and cost a fortune! This film is a crucial landmark of a cultural evolution in American cinema and any collector serious about American film culture needs this DVD. Of course, the great John Ford directed one segment, but also the famous Henry Hathaway and George Marshall directed their segments of this film.
An interesting part of the documentary focuses on the ideas and investments behind the three-camera Cinerama format and three-screen Super Cinerama theater used for this film. Despite the success, only two fictional films used the three-, angled-screen Cinerama format: this movie and "the Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm" (1962), the George Pal stop-motion extravaganza. Cinerama was next re-formulated into a single camera process for a curved screen using a 65mm image on Ultra Panavision 70 film, and these newer camera processes weighed a lot less than the original Cinerama cameras. The first film made in the latter process was a comedy, "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" (1963) and, according to that DVD, the carpet had been laid in the first of the new single curved-screen Super Cinerama theaters only three days before this comedy's release. The re-formulated Cinerama/Ultra Panavision 70 cameras were so light, Director John Frankenheimer had them mounted onto Formula Three racecars (dressed as Formula One cars) for his 1966 film, "Grand Prix."
The most critically acclaimed and remembered film made for Cinerama three-screen OR curved-screen theaters was "2001: a Space Odyssey" (1968). Read Roger Ebert's website reviews of this movie. Both, Ebert's original review from 1968 and the review from its re-release of 1997 appear on his website.
Movies made before 1952 were predominantly black and white. Because studios blamed theater ticket sale diminishment on television, film studios either invented new technologies or reinvented existing ones such as Cinerama, which at least appears very similar to Abel Gance's use of three camera images during the battle scenes of his 1927 silent epic, "Napoleon." Some of the fads blossoming during the `50s and `60s and remaining today are the use of Cinemascope anamorphic lenses, wide-screen panoramic films, color photography, epic plots, large-budget movies, multi-track stereophonic audio, and other artistic special effects. Some of the fads not quite permanent were stop motion animation like the works of Ray Harryhausen, loud musicals, "3-D" movies, and Cinerama.
However, some ideological remnants of the Super Cinerama remain with another distant format: IMAX. Both processes use curved screens about 110-feet wide although an IMAX screen is dome-shaped because it is twice as high, they both use at least 6 discrete tracks of audio, and they both use theaters specifically designed for exhibitions using their processes.
One of Cinerama and IMAX's fundamental differences is that IMAX's fictional movies are usually transferred from pre-existing wide-screen movies into the IMAX format whereas, unlike IMAX, the fictional movies in Cinerama were made FOR their Super Cinerama theaters. For instance, the IMAX production of "Apollo 13" cropped the original Super 35 film images having a length-to-width ratio of 2.39:1 down into a ratio of 1.66:1 enlarged, according to Ebert's website. Although "How the West Was Won" was mostly shot in its system of three images, some of it was actually shot in Ultra Panavision 70, the second Cinerama format, and optically converted into three-image Cinerama, according to Widescreen Review's website. This means that, even when Cinerama originally meant three screens, it still utilized Ultra Panavision 70 photography for part of "How the West Was Won," the first of the two fictional films using three-screen Super Cinerama Theaters.
The studio had researched volumes for "How the West Was Won" and the Cinerama process, which was one of the many efforts to re-invent the cinema during the 1950s and '60s. In 1963, when "How the West Was Won" released into Cinerama theaters, it was a huge hit and played for nearly two years.
Today, no three-screen Super Cinerama theater remains, and almost all (if not yet all) single-, curved-screen Super Cinerama theaters have vanished. For the sake of American culture, the government should do something to protect at least one of these theaters. America needs some history of culture to protect and a Super Cinerama theater seems worth saving since the cinema provides the largest venue of American entertainment today. The Super Cinerama theater is a landmark of American culture. | 1 | neutral | [
"[I wrote this DVD review of \"How the West Was Won\" a while ago, but I have added this paragraph to account for a third DVD, released 22 May 2007, as part of a set called \"The John Wayne Collection.",
"\" This third DVD by Warner is the same as MGM's 1998 release.",
"There has been no DVD re-mastering effort.",
"All three DVDs have precisely the same content, and so all the information within my following review about the 2000 Warner release can be applied to \"The John Wayne Collection\" DVD of Warner in 2007.",
"Of special importance is how it wrongly states the disc is an anamorphic DVD.",
"It is not anamorphic.",
"]\n\nThere are two [three] DVDs of \"How the West Was Won\" (1962) available in the U.",
"S.\n\nMGM Video's earlier disc (released on 28 July 1998) and Warner Video's second disc (released 12 Sept.",
"2000) [and Warner's third disc of 22 May 2007] have EXACTLY THE SAME DISC CONTENT!",
"Even the menus are the same!",
"They both contain the film's theatrical trailer and contain the same \"Making Of\" documentary with a run time of 15:30.",
"The only difference is the earlier MGM release also includes an 8-page booklet with large essays filling all but the cover pages, including a section about the \"800 pounds\" of Cinerama camera equipment used for this spectacle; that plus a plastic DVD box.",
"The later Warner release uses the cardboard case, but even its cover art does not match the disc menu screens as does the earlier MGM release.",
"This movie with its Cinerama glory deserves a place on the shelf of video collectors involved with American cinema culture.",
"If one wants to buy this movie on DVD, opt for the earlier edition with the booklet.",
"I noticed the DVDs (having the same exact imagery) have four negatives: the extremely wide screen image is only letterboxed and not anamorphic DVD, the theatrical 7-track audio has been degraded to 4-channel matrix-encoded Dolby audio, the DVD picture image suffers from film scratches and dirt, and Ted Turner's logo appears BETWEEN the prologue overture and the beginning of the film.",
"Nevertheless, the great music is worth the price, alone.",
"I was never a fan of the movie, but it was one of the single most ambitious film projects ever and cost a fortune!",
"This film is a crucial landmark of a cultural evolution in American cinema and any collector serious about American film culture needs this DVD.",
"Of course, the great John Ford directed one segment, but also the famous Henry Hathaway and George Marshall directed their segments of this film.",
"An interesting part of the documentary focuses on the ideas and investments behind the three-camera Cinerama format and three-screen Super Cinerama theater used for this film.",
"Despite the success, only two fictional films used the three-, angled-screen Cinerama format: this movie and \"the Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm\" (1962), the George Pal stop-motion extravaganza.",
"Cinerama was next re-formulated into a single camera process for a curved screen using a 65mm image on Ultra Panavision 70 film, and these newer camera processes weighed a lot less than the original Cinerama cameras.",
"The first film made in the latter process was a comedy, \"It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World\" (1963) and, according to that DVD, the carpet had been laid in the first of the new single curved-screen Super Cinerama theaters only three days before this comedy's release.",
"The re-formulated Cinerama/Ultra Panavision 70 cameras were so light, Director John Frankenheimer had them mounted onto Formula Three racecars (dressed as Formula One cars) for his 1966 film, \"Grand Prix.",
"\"\n\nThe most critically acclaimed and remembered film made for Cinerama three-screen OR curved-screen theaters was \"2001: a Space Odyssey\" (1968).",
"Read Roger Ebert's website reviews of this movie.",
"Both, Ebert's original review from 1968 and the review from its re-release of 1997 appear on his website.",
"Movies made before 1952 were predominantly black and white.",
"Because studios blamed theater ticket sale diminishment on television, film studios either invented new technologies or reinvented existing ones such as Cinerama, which at least appears very similar to Abel Gance's use of three camera images during the battle scenes of his 1927 silent epic, \"Napoleon.",
"\" Some of the fads blossoming during the `50s and `60s and remaining today are the use of Cinemascope anamorphic lenses, wide-screen panoramic films, color photography, epic plots, large-budget movies, multi-track stereophonic audio, and other artistic special effects.",
"Some of the fads not quite permanent were stop motion animation like the works of Ray Harryhausen, loud musicals, \"3-D\" movies, and Cinerama.",
"However, some ideological remnants of the Super Cinerama remain with another distant format: IMAX.",
"Both processes use curved screens about 110-feet wide although an IMAX screen is dome-shaped because it is twice as high, they both use at least 6 discrete tracks of audio, and they both use theaters specifically designed for exhibitions using their processes.",
"One of Cinerama and IMAX's fundamental differences is that IMAX's fictional movies are usually transferred from pre-existing wide-screen movies into the IMAX format whereas, unlike IMAX, the fictional movies in Cinerama were made FOR their Super Cinerama theaters.",
"For instance, the IMAX production of \"Apollo 13\" cropped the original Super 35 film images having a length-to-width ratio of 2.",
"39:1 down into a ratio of 1.",
"66:1 enlarged, according to Ebert's website.",
"Although \"How the West Was Won\" was mostly shot in its system of three images, some of it was actually shot in Ultra Panavision 70, the second Cinerama format, and optically converted into three-image Cinerama, according to Widescreen Review's website.",
"This means that, even when Cinerama originally meant three screens, it still utilized Ultra Panavision 70 photography for part of \"How the West Was Won,\" the first of the two fictional films using three-screen Super Cinerama Theaters.",
"The studio had researched volumes for \"How the West Was Won\" and the Cinerama process, which was one of the many efforts to re-invent the cinema during the 1950s and '60s.",
"In 1963, when \"How the West Was Won\" released into Cinerama theaters, it was a huge hit and played for nearly two years.",
"Today, no three-screen Super Cinerama theater remains, and almost all (if not yet all) single-, curved-screen Super Cinerama theaters have vanished.",
"For the sake of American culture, the government should do something to protect at least one of these theaters.",
"America needs some history of culture to protect and a Super Cinerama theater seems worth saving since the cinema provides the largest venue of American entertainment today.",
"The Super Cinerama theater is a landmark of American culture."
] |
My husband and I were looking at a number of different kid size pianos for our "Santa" gift for our 2.5 yr old. She loves here little digital Casio keyboard and her Grandma's big piano. Since we want to capitalize on her love of music and get her going, we wanted to get a piano. This is beautifully made and super solid. Unfortunately, we did not understand that it was not going to sound anything like a piano. It sounds clangy and chimy since it is a plastic hammer hitting a thin metal rod. We made the mistake of waiting until Xmas Eve to put it together and try it. Had we more intelligently done it sooner, we would have returned it and spent half the money on the digital one with karaoke mike. Our daughter bangs on it periodically but is not as excited about it as the digital we hoped to say goodbye to and other pianos she's been around. | 1 | neutral | [
"My husband and I were looking at a number of different kid size pianos for our \"Santa\" gift for our 2.",
"5 yr old.",
"She loves here little digital Casio keyboard and her Grandma's big piano.",
"Since we want to capitalize on her love of music and get her going, we wanted to get a piano.",
"This is beautifully made and super solid.",
"Unfortunately, we did not understand that it was not going to sound anything like a piano.",
"It sounds clangy and chimy since it is a plastic hammer hitting a thin metal rod.",
"We made the mistake of waiting until Xmas Eve to put it together and try it.",
"Had we more intelligently done it sooner, we would have returned it and spent half the money on the digital one with karaoke mike.",
"Our daughter bangs on it periodically but is not as excited about it as the digital we hoped to say goodbye to and other pianos she's been around."
] |
With Lorrie Morgan's recent departure from RCA subsidiary BNA, this new seventeen-track set captures the final original recordings of a mostly successful eleven-year tenure. It also serves as a fairly effective sequel to Morgan's eleven-track Greatest Hits collection from 1995. There are two overlaps: her signature recording - the symphonic saga "Something In Red" - and the pedestrian non-hit ballad "Standing Tall." The latter tune should have been dumped in favor of the pretty, top 5 charter "Out Of Your Shoes" (the only significant Morgan recording not found on either anthology).
In the five years since her first collection, the honey-voiced Morgan's track record at radio has become increasingly spotty. Not surprising, about half of the hits included here are recordings made before 1995 that didn't make it onto the first set. These include her hard-shufflin' breakthrough single "Trainwreck Of Emotion" (choo-choo!), the toe-tapping #1 "We Both Walk," and the stirring confession "He Talks To Me." They tend to make more of an impact than the recent rousers "Go Away" or "One Of Those Nights Tonight" and especially, her snoozy duets with ex-hubby Jon Randall ("By My Side") and Sammy Kershaw ("Maybe Not Tonight").
The five new recordings show a great diversity in both musical styles and taste. Morgan's stunning take on the Tammy Wynette classic "Another Lonely Song" is a tribute in every sense of the word and probably her greatest vocal performance to date. Meanwhile, the rap-infested "Whoop-de-do" is definitely her worst (Morgan has never sounded so inane). The remaining new efforts are a pair of pale "Something In Red" imitations ("To Get To You," "If I Cry") and a live recording of the precious Sarah McLachlan hit "Angel." Those last three torchy recordings seem to signal the direction Morgan wants to take her career in the future... what a shame. | 1 | neutral | [
"With Lorrie Morgan's recent departure from RCA subsidiary BNA, this new seventeen-track set captures the final original recordings of a mostly successful eleven-year tenure.",
"It also serves as a fairly effective sequel to Morgan's eleven-track Greatest Hits collection from 1995.",
"There are two overlaps: her signature recording - the symphonic saga \"Something In Red\" - and the pedestrian non-hit ballad \"Standing Tall.",
"\" The latter tune should have been dumped in favor of the pretty, top 5 charter \"Out Of Your Shoes\" (the only significant Morgan recording not found on either anthology).",
"In the five years since her first collection, the honey-voiced Morgan's track record at radio has become increasingly spotty.",
"Not surprising, about half of the hits included here are recordings made before 1995 that didn't make it onto the first set.",
"These include her hard-shufflin' breakthrough single \"Trainwreck Of Emotion\" (choo-choo!",
"), the toe-tapping #1 \"We Both Walk,\" and the stirring confession \"He Talks To Me.",
"\" They tend to make more of an impact than the recent rousers \"Go Away\" or \"One Of Those Nights Tonight\" and especially, her snoozy duets with ex-hubby Jon Randall (\"By My Side\") and Sammy Kershaw (\"Maybe Not Tonight\").",
"The five new recordings show a great diversity in both musical styles and taste.",
"Morgan's stunning take on the Tammy Wynette classic \"Another Lonely Song\" is a tribute in every sense of the word and probably her greatest vocal performance to date.",
"Meanwhile, the rap-infested \"Whoop-de-do\" is definitely her worst (Morgan has never sounded so inane).",
"The remaining new efforts are a pair of pale \"Something In Red\" imitations (\"To Get To You,\" \"If I Cry\") and a live recording of the precious Sarah McLachlan hit \"Angel.",
"\" Those last three torchy recordings seem to signal the direction Morgan wants to take her career in the future...",
"what a shame."
] |
Though I have some great memories playing the game it doesn't live up to the experience of the first. The planets are less interesting, most of the characters are as well. The story is quite a bit more confusing though I do enjoy the darker tone. It's a shame they had to rush this out for the holiday season. If they took a few extra months they could've tightened up the story and bugs and gave a proper ending to this game.
You sit down and put in a good amount of time into the story and characters and then all of a sudden the game just ends. It's essentially a slap in the face. It doesn't have the production values of the first and it shows. The game still gets a recommendation for being a fun Star Wars game but beyond that it's almost not worth playing due to the choppy story, poor level design, and incomplete ending. May the force be with you. | 1 | neutral | [
"Though I have some great memories playing the game it doesn't live up to the experience of the first.",
"The planets are less interesting, most of the characters are as well.",
"The story is quite a bit more confusing though I do enjoy the darker tone.",
"It's a shame they had to rush this out for the holiday season.",
"If they took a few extra months they could've tightened up the story and bugs and gave a proper ending to this game.",
"You sit down and put in a good amount of time into the story and characters and then all of a sudden the game just ends.",
"It's essentially a slap in the face.",
"It doesn't have the production values of the first and it shows.",
"The game still gets a recommendation for being a fun Star Wars game but beyond that it's almost not worth playing due to the choppy story, poor level design, and incomplete ending.",
"May the force be with you."
] |
On a tight budget when I purchased my dRebel almost two years ago - this lens looked very attractive. Since owning it for two years - it seems to go further and further to the back of my equipment bag - and not taken in my backpack at all unless the climate is too harsh for my more expensive lenses.
In fairness to the product - it is very GOOD for what it cost and how it is designed. It makes no pretension to be anything other than an AF f5.6 >75-300mm< telephoto. The construction has remained solid - the zoom (fairly stiff or tight when new)sometimes makes funny noises from grit lodged in the 'nether regions' of the lens barrel (I am a defense contractor who travels to some pretty rotten climates). Dust and dirt do not seem to be a serious problem with regular maintenance of brush and blower around the rotating parts of the lens barrel.
Things I enjoyed with this purchase:
1. Light weight, solid construction
2. Acceptable optical quality in sunny outdoor use
3. Accepts the same filters (58mm) as my dRebel kit lens
4. Affordable for those on a tight budget
5. Compatible with the dRebel autofocus and auto exposure system
6. Expendable (if something bad happens) in harsh climates
7. Draws absolutely no attention from customs inspectors, (or anyone looking to steal your stuff) when clearing security at ports of entry or return. Clears airport security without manual inspection.
Unsatisfactory/annoying qualities that quickly became evident:
1. f4-5.6 limited my use indoors or low light. Plan to spend much time in Photoshop to save your pictures
2. Length of lens made it unusable with the dRebel pop-up flash (lens shadow). Immediate purchase of a 420EX Speedlight ($177+ see my review) cured this problem
3. Front focus rotating lens element limited my filter choices to UV (haze) filter only
4. Annoyingly SLOW auto focus
5. Tripod is almost manditory with lower shutter speeds (see f4- 5.6 limits). The 1.6x magnification factor when seated to the dRebel brings the focal length out to over 450mm making off tripod use risky
* Use of a BGE-1 battery grip ($100+ see my review) with this lens - lowers camera center of gravity-extra counter-weight makes lens use less stressful.
Good price - fair optics - limited overall performance. Limits for the serious photographer make one want to look elsewhere. SIGMA has superior product in this price category, as well as the house brand at Ritz/Wolf Camera chains-while the discriminating photographer who has the resources should look seriously at Canon's "L" series (as I've done) or 'IS' series as suggested by other experienced reviewers. | 1 | neutral | [
"On a tight budget when I purchased my dRebel almost two years ago - this lens looked very attractive.",
"Since owning it for two years - it seems to go further and further to the back of my equipment bag - and not taken in my backpack at all unless the climate is too harsh for my more expensive lenses.",
"In fairness to the product - it is very GOOD for what it cost and how it is designed.",
"It makes no pretension to be anything other than an AF f5.",
"6 >75-300mm< telephoto.",
"The construction has remained solid - the zoom (fairly stiff or tight when new)sometimes makes funny noises from grit lodged in the 'nether regions' of the lens barrel (I am a defense contractor who travels to some pretty rotten climates).",
"Dust and dirt do not seem to be a serious problem with regular maintenance of brush and blower around the rotating parts of the lens barrel.",
"Things I enjoyed with this purchase:\n\n1.",
"Light weight, solid construction\n2.",
"Acceptable optical quality in sunny outdoor use\n3.",
"Accepts the same filters (58mm) as my dRebel kit lens\n4.",
"Affordable for those on a tight budget\n5.",
"Compatible with the dRebel autofocus and auto exposure system\n6.",
"Expendable (if something bad happens) in harsh climates\n7.",
"Draws absolutely no attention from customs inspectors, (or anyone looking to steal your stuff) when clearing security at ports of entry or return.",
"Clears airport security without manual inspection.",
"Unsatisfactory/annoying qualities that quickly became evident:\n\n1.",
"f4-5.",
"6 limited my use indoors or low light.",
"Plan to spend much time in Photoshop to save your pictures\n2.",
"Length of lens made it unusable with the dRebel pop-up flash (lens shadow).",
"Immediate purchase of a 420EX Speedlight ($177+ see my review) cured this problem\n3.",
"Front focus rotating lens element limited my filter choices to UV (haze) filter only\n4.",
"Annoyingly SLOW auto focus\n5.",
"Tripod is almost manditory with lower shutter speeds (see f4- 5.",
"6 limits).",
"The 1.",
"6x magnification factor when seated to the dRebel brings the focal length out to over 450mm making off tripod use risky\n\n* Use of a BGE-1 battery grip ($100+ see my review) with this lens - lowers camera center of gravity-extra counter-weight makes lens use less stressful.",
"Good price - fair optics - limited overall performance.",
"Limits for the serious photographer make one want to look elsewhere.",
"SIGMA has superior product in this price category, as well as the house brand at Ritz/Wolf Camera chains-while the discriminating photographer who has the resources should look seriously at Canon's \"L\" series (as I've done) or 'IS' series as suggested by other experienced reviewers."
] |
There may have been packaging problems in the past, but not now. Battery came in heavy cardboard with all corners protected. It arrived a day early. The size was exact, all brackets & cables fit. A lifting handle works fine and stays on the battery. A plastic elevating platform, about an inch thick, was included but not needed for my Corvette. Battery was fully charged, car started right up. I have another yellow-top in an old Blazer, that Optima has worked without incident for the last two years. Very pleased.
Update 10/10/2015: Battery died in an unusual way - it went from fully functioning, no problem or weakness, to totally dead (5 volts) overnight. Checked all car switches, etc, nothing left on. Checked resistance between = & - cables: megohms, like it should be. Impossible to recharge battery, overloaded charger, as if battery developed an internal short. Bought a regular battery to replace this. Reduced rating from 5 to 3 stars for weird failure. | 1 | neutral | [
"There may have been packaging problems in the past, but not now.",
"Battery came in heavy cardboard with all corners protected.",
"It arrived a day early.",
"The size was exact, all brackets & cables fit.",
"A lifting handle works fine and stays on the battery.",
"A plastic elevating platform, about an inch thick, was included but not needed for my Corvette.",
"Battery was fully charged, car started right up.",
"I have another yellow-top in an old Blazer, that Optima has worked without incident for the last two years.",
"Very pleased.",
"Update 10/10/2015: Battery died in an unusual way - it went from fully functioning, no problem or weakness, to totally dead (5 volts) overnight.",
"Checked all car switches, etc, nothing left on.",
"Checked resistance between = & - cables: megohms, like it should be.",
"Impossible to recharge battery, overloaded charger, as if battery developed an internal short.",
"Bought a regular battery to replace this.",
"Reduced rating from 5 to 3 stars for weird failure."
] |
Hamburger Helper is a quick fix dinner for our sons (ages 8 and 7) on nights when school activities and/or swimming or judo lessons push our family schedule into the night.
Chili Macaroni is one of the five Mexican flavors Hamburger Helper offers. Cheesy Enchilada, Cheesy Nacho, Crunchy Taco and Double Cheese Quesadilla are the others. Each package makes five one-cup servings. Our sons like the Old El Paso seasoning; <a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Hamburger-Helper-Lasagna/dp/B001EQ4JEC/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Hamburger Helper Lasagna</a> and <a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Hamburger-Helper-Beef-Pasta/dp/B001EQ4IQ6/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Hamburger Helper Beef Pasta</a> are too bland for their tastes. This flavor has just the right amount of spice and seasonings to appeal to the under-10-year-old crowd. The box suggests adding a 4.5 oz. can of Old El Paso chopped green chiles five minutes before the end of the simmer time.
A prepared serving (one cup) has 270 calories, 570 mg of sodium and 0.5 g of fat; it also provides a good carb load - 22 grams - and 3 g of protein.
Adding the cost of the ground hamburger and vegetables as a side dish, we are able to feed two boys for less than $5 and still have enough leftovers to prepare them a weekend lunch.
In summary, while this isn't Haute cuisine, <a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Betty-Crocker-Hamburger-Helper-Chili-Macaroni/dp/B00434KRHU/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Betty Crocker Hamburger Helper Chili Macaroni</a> is an inexpensive option when pressed for time. For price and convenience, I'd give the product a five-star rating. For taste, I give it two stars. Again, though, I'm not the target audience, so I'm settling on a three-star rating. The slogan on the box sums it up well, "One pound. One pan. One tasty meal." | 1 | neutral | [
"Hamburger Helper is a quick fix dinner for our sons (ages 8 and 7) on nights when school activities and/or swimming or judo lessons push our family schedule into the night.",
"Chili Macaroni is one of the five Mexican flavors Hamburger Helper offers.",
"Cheesy Enchilada, Cheesy Nacho, Crunchy Taco and Double Cheese Quesadilla are the others.",
"Each package makes five one-cup servings.",
"Our sons like the Old El Paso seasoning; <a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/Hamburger-Helper-Lasagna/dp/B001EQ4JEC/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">Hamburger Helper Lasagna</a> and <a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/Hamburger-Helper-Beef-Pasta/dp/B001EQ4IQ6/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">Hamburger Helper Beef Pasta</a> are too bland for their tastes.",
"This flavor has just the right amount of spice and seasonings to appeal to the under-10-year-old crowd.",
"The box suggests adding a 4.",
"5 oz.",
"can of Old El Paso chopped green chiles five minutes before the end of the simmer time.",
"A prepared serving (one cup) has 270 calories, 570 mg of sodium and 0.",
"5 g of fat; it also provides a good carb load - 22 grams - and 3 g of protein.",
"Adding the cost of the ground hamburger and vegetables as a side dish, we are able to feed two boys for less than $5 and still have enough leftovers to prepare them a weekend lunch.",
"In summary, while this isn't Haute cuisine, <a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/Betty-Crocker-Hamburger-Helper-Chili-Macaroni/dp/B00434KRHU/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">Betty Crocker Hamburger Helper Chili Macaroni</a> is an inexpensive option when pressed for time.",
"For price and convenience, I'd give the product a five-star rating.",
"For taste, I give it two stars.",
"Again, though, I'm not the target audience, so I'm settling on a three-star rating.",
"The slogan on the box sums it up well, \"One pound.",
"One pan.",
"One tasty meal.",
"\""
] |
Hello, this review is by a guy that's been playing pokemon since it came out. I use to bring it to school and play it behind my large backpack as my teacher preached her head off. Got a B by copying girls. Life. Anyways.
If you are new to pokemon, then this game should be great, why? A whole bunch of new pokemon. New stuff excites people, simple as that.
However, unlike most people, I also see the negitive part in a game. Thats what makes a review useful.
Bad Stuff:
-For those who have been playing pokemon since the old times, you SHOULD be really bored with its game play now. Why? Let me ask you this. Has the game really change? To me, all it really did was add a girl rival, some new pokemons, new objectives, journey and settings, and new version name. TA DA. The game play is practically the same old game play it was from the first game. You catch pokemon the same way, pokemon fight the same way, same o same o. Just a little bit of added items.
-Looking at some of the pokemons, you can tell they are getting desperate in creating them. Like they were in a rush. "Oh I know, a bear pokemon, lets see, lets make it a teddy bear with weird patterns and call it this and that. Man I'm on a roll!". You should look at Gold and Silver version, wow! Desperate?
-The pokemons are new but their stats and moves don't make them new. If you get my point. In fact, I think most of their lvl up moves are plain messed up and weak. Therefore making the game hard and even frustrating. The bug, plant, and poison pokemons are still stuck with extremely weak special attacks. The creators should play the game more before releasing stuff.
Don't you ever wonder why the people with little imaginations are running the world and the ones with it are stuck on a computer typing reviews? The pokemon show is dying and they do nothing about it other than simply adding on more episodes. | 1 | neutral | [
"Hello, this review is by a guy that's been playing pokemon since it came out.",
"I use to bring it to school and play it behind my large backpack as my teacher preached her head off.",
"Got a B by copying girls.",
"Life.",
"Anyways.",
"If you are new to pokemon, then this game should be great, why?",
"A whole bunch of new pokemon.",
"New stuff excites people, simple as that.",
"However, unlike most people, I also see the negitive part in a game.",
"Thats what makes a review useful.",
"Bad Stuff:\n-For those who have been playing pokemon since the old times, you SHOULD be really bored with its game play now.",
"Why?",
"Let me ask you this.",
"Has the game really change?",
"To me, all it really did was add a girl rival, some new pokemons, new objectives, journey and settings, and new version name.",
"TA DA.",
"The game play is practically the same old game play it was from the first game.",
"You catch pokemon the same way, pokemon fight the same way, same o same o.",
"Just a little bit of added items.",
"-Looking at some of the pokemons, you can tell they are getting desperate in creating them.",
"Like they were in a rush.",
"\"Oh I know, a bear pokemon, lets see, lets make it a teddy bear with weird patterns and call it this and that.",
"Man I'm on a roll!",
"\".",
"You should look at Gold and Silver version, wow!",
"Desperate?",
"-The pokemons are new but their stats and moves don't make them new.",
"If you get my point.",
"In fact, I think most of their lvl up moves are plain messed up and weak.",
"Therefore making the game hard and even frustrating.",
"The bug, plant, and poison pokemons are still stuck with extremely weak special attacks.",
"The creators should play the game more before releasing stuff.",
"Don't you ever wonder why the people with little imaginations are running the world and the ones with it are stuck on a computer typing reviews?",
"The pokemon show is dying and they do nothing about it other than simply adding on more episodes."
] |
I'm a metal head & most of my music perspective comes from that viewpoint. "Salisbury" rocked, "Look At Yourself" rocked, "Demons & Wizards" rocked (although a little less than "Look"). On this effort, however, other than the opening track "Sunrise", there is not one really hard rocking track to be found. Yes "Sweet Loraine" rocks minimally, but Hensley's screaming organ really overshadows nearly everything on this song. This album is far, far from "heavy".
If you like your music laced with keyboards, acoustic rhythm guitars & with no memorable guitar solos, you could maybe up this album to 3 1/2 stars. Don't get me wrong, this is not a bad album. It's a must have for any Uriah Heep fan. But newcomers would be better served to start with the twin purchase of "Look At Yourself" & "Demons & Wizards". Heck add the "Live In 1973" album to your cart if you have the extra cash. Soak in those purchases for awhile before you opt on this one to mellow out. | 1 | neutral | [
"I'm a metal head & most of my music perspective comes from that viewpoint.",
"\"Salisbury\" rocked, \"Look At Yourself\" rocked, \"Demons & Wizards\" rocked (although a little less than \"Look\").",
"On this effort, however, other than the opening track \"Sunrise\", there is not one really hard rocking track to be found.",
"Yes \"Sweet Loraine\" rocks minimally, but Hensley's screaming organ really overshadows nearly everything on this song.",
"This album is far, far from \"heavy\".",
"If you like your music laced with keyboards, acoustic rhythm guitars & with no memorable guitar solos, you could maybe up this album to 3 1/2 stars.",
"Don't get me wrong, this is not a bad album.",
"It's a must have for any Uriah Heep fan.",
"But newcomers would be better served to start with the twin purchase of \"Look At Yourself\" & \"Demons & Wizards\".",
"Heck add the \"Live In 1973\" album to your cart if you have the extra cash.",
"Soak in those purchases for awhile before you opt on this one to mellow out."
] |
Just a quick comment that the noise reduction of "up to 32 dB" is grossly overrated. They provide significantly less noise reduction compared to 23 dB ear plugs -- even when pressing them to my head to make sure the seal is good. I would estimate the actual noise reduction at around 15 dB. I did not expect Sennheiser to so grossly overrate their product like most modern trash electronic companies seem to do these days.
The spring fit of these headphones is very strong (presumably to create a better seal). The pressure makes my jaw sore very quickly (within just a few minutes). Not exactly what I was looking for to use in renovated industrial office space where the AC rivals the noise of a jet engine. Looking for 8 hours of comfort and not finding it here.
Other than that, I like these headphones very much for their durability and sound quality. I have a couple other pairs of Sennheisers and these do not disappoint in sound quality. There are plenty of reviews to that effect, however, and I see no reason to elaborate on it more. | 1 | neutral | [
"Just a quick comment that the noise reduction of \"up to 32 dB\" is grossly overrated.",
"They provide significantly less noise reduction compared to 23 dB ear plugs -- even when pressing them to my head to make sure the seal is good.",
"I would estimate the actual noise reduction at around 15 dB.",
"I did not expect Sennheiser to so grossly overrate their product like most modern trash electronic companies seem to do these days.",
"The spring fit of these headphones is very strong (presumably to create a better seal).",
"The pressure makes my jaw sore very quickly (within just a few minutes).",
"Not exactly what I was looking for to use in renovated industrial office space where the AC rivals the noise of a jet engine.",
"Looking for 8 hours of comfort and not finding it here.",
"Other than that, I like these headphones very much for their durability and sound quality.",
"I have a couple other pairs of Sennheisers and these do not disappoint in sound quality.",
"There are plenty of reviews to that effect, however, and I see no reason to elaborate on it more."
] |
Not the Nordic Ware your mother has... I was hoping the cheaper variety was still going to be the heavy forged aluminum pan I grew up with. i just weighed it, and it comes in at 7.75 ounces!! If you're like me and enjoy heavy cookware for its' durability, even heat, and frankly just build quality, then you should spend the extra money on the real deal. Maybe try <a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Nordic-Ware-Pro-Cast-Original-Bundt-Pan/dp/B000HM9UDO/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Nordic Ware Pro Cast Original Bundt Pan</a> or go even higher up. Either way, this is not the droid you're looking for....
UPDATE: This product has never, however failed me. Beautiful product every time. | 1 | neutral | [
"Not the Nordic Ware your mother has...",
"I was hoping the cheaper variety was still going to be the heavy forged aluminum pan I grew up with.",
"i just weighed it, and it comes in at 7.",
"75 ounces!!",
"If you're like me and enjoy heavy cookware for its' durability, even heat, and frankly just build quality, then you should spend the extra money on the real deal.",
"Maybe try <a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/Nordic-Ware-Pro-Cast-Original-Bundt-Pan/dp/B000HM9UDO/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">Nordic Ware Pro Cast Original Bundt Pan</a> or go even higher up.",
"Either way, this is not the droid you're looking for....",
"UPDATE: This product has never, however failed me.",
"Beautiful product every time."
] |
This case is very well made and designed. However, for the Canon S2 IS, the fit is too tight. Yes, the eyepiece gets in the way from easily sliding in, and once it's in, there is absolutely no room to spare. You need to use two hands to pry it back out. Also, if you have the strap attached to the camera, too much effort is needed to shove everything into the bag. An alternative I found is the Case Logic TBC4. It is a pretty compact camera bag with an outside pocket and 2 outside mesh pockets. Sears carries this bag for $14.99 and is a much better alternative for the Canon S2 IS. I am rating the bag 5 stars because it is one of the better bags on the market, but as rated in association with the Canon S2, it only gets 2 stars. | 1 | neutral | [
"This case is very well made and designed.",
"However, for the Canon S2 IS, the fit is too tight.",
"Yes, the eyepiece gets in the way from easily sliding in, and once it's in, there is absolutely no room to spare.",
"You need to use two hands to pry it back out.",
"Also, if you have the strap attached to the camera, too much effort is needed to shove everything into the bag.",
"An alternative I found is the Case Logic TBC4.",
"It is a pretty compact camera bag with an outside pocket and 2 outside mesh pockets.",
"Sears carries this bag for $14.",
"99 and is a much better alternative for the Canon S2 IS.",
"I am rating the bag 5 stars because it is one of the better bags on the market, but as rated in association with the Canon S2, it only gets 2 stars."
] |
Mexican president's visit to White House postponed after testy Trump call
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto postponed plans for the Mexican leaderâs first visit to the White House after a testy phone call involving Trumpâs push for a border wall a senior U.S. official said on Saturday.
Mexican officials had been talking about a summit between Trump and Pena Nieto in the next few weeks without specifying when.
The Washington Post which first reported the delay earlier on Saturday said the two leaders spoke for about 50 minutes on Tuesday. But the discussion led to an impasse when Trump would not agree to publicly affirm Mexicoâs position that it would not fund construction of the wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.
A Mexican official said Trump lost his temper during the conversation the newspaper reported. But it said U.S. officials described Trump as frustrated and exasperated because he believed it was unreasonable for Pena Nieto to want him to back off his campaign promise of forcing Mexico to pay for the wall.
Mexicoâs foreign ministry said it had nothing to say about the call other than a statement on Tuesday that said Trump had expressed condolences for a helicopter crash in Mexico and both sides had committed to advancing the bilateral agenda of trade migration and security.
The wall a key item for Trumpâs political base of supporters has become a sticking point in talks to keep alive a federal program that protects from deportation young people who were brought to the United States illegally as children.
In his latest budget proposal to Congress Trump requested $23 billion for border security most of it for building the wall.
Pena Nieto who met Trump in July on the sidelines of a G20 summit canceled an earlier meeting after Trump threatened to impose a tax on Mexican imports to pay for the wall. Trump also met the Mexican president once during the 2016 election campaign. | 1 | neutral | [
"Mexican president's visit to White House postponed after testy Trump call\nWASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.",
"S. President Donald Trump and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto postponed plans for the Mexican leaderâs first visit to the White House after a testy phone call involving Trumpâs push for a border wall a senior U.",
"S. official said on Saturday.",
"Mexican officials had been talking about a summit between Trump and Pena Nieto in the next few weeks without specifying when.",
"The Washington Post which first reported the delay earlier on Saturday said the two leaders spoke for about 50 minutes on Tuesday.",
"But the discussion led to an impasse when Trump would not agree to publicly affirm Mexicoâs position that it would not fund construction of the wall along the U.",
"S.-Mexico border.",
"A Mexican official said Trump lost his temper during the conversation the newspaper reported.",
"But it said U.",
"S. officials described Trump as frustrated and exasperated because he believed it was unreasonable for Pena Nieto to want him to back off his campaign promise of forcing Mexico to pay for the wall.",
"Mexicoâs foreign ministry said it had nothing to say about the call other than a statement on Tuesday that said Trump had expressed condolences for a helicopter crash in Mexico and both sides had committed to advancing the bilateral agenda of trade migration and security.",
"The wall a key item for Trumpâs political base of supporters has become a sticking point in talks to keep alive a federal program that protects from deportation young people who were brought to the United States illegally as children.",
"In his latest budget proposal to Congress Trump requested $23 billion for border security most of it for building the wall.",
"Pena Nieto who met Trump in July on the sidelines of a G20 summit canceled an earlier meeting after Trump threatened to impose a tax on Mexican imports to pay for the wall.",
"Trump also met the Mexican president once during the 2016 election campaign."
] |
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